UHCL Graduate Student Chosen for Prestigious Marine Policy Fellowship

July 23, 2012

Henry "Hank" Hodde

Former EIH student worker and UHCL graduate student in environmental management has been named finalist for prestigious 2013 John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship.

Henry "Hank" Busch Hodde III will travel to Washington, D.C., this fall to interview with representatives from potential host offices in the Executive and Legislative branches of the federal government. Once Hodde is placed with a host office, he will be formally accepted as a Knauss Fellow. Hodde will begin his fellowship in early 2013 and spend the rest of the year learning about marine policy issues through his work for his host office.

Hodde received a bachelor's degree in residential science from Florida State University and he is on track to receive his master's degree in environmental management from the University of Houston-Clear Lake by the end of this year. His graduate research focuses on coastal community resilience and sustainability—two areas that he wants to make the focus of his professional career.

While working at the Environmental Institute of Houston, Hodde assisted in various research projects where he gained experience on coastal issues and learned about the science that informs management. His genuine scientific curiosity, strong work ethic, and good nature made working with Hodde a great experience for fellow graduate students and EIH staff. His solid educational background in resource management and experience in scientific research provided by UHCL and EIH has prepared him for this next important step in his career.

"UHCL and the State of Texas are very fortunate to have Hank representing us in Washington, D.C.," said George Guillen, director of EIH. "We know the experience and knowledge he will gain will prepare him for a career in environmental management that will benefit both the State and our community."

Administered by the National Sea Grant Office, Knauss Fellowships provide a unique educational experience to students who have an interest in ocean, coastal and Great Lakes resources and in the national policy decisions affecting these resources. The program is open to students who are enrolled toward a degree in a graduate or professional program and they are required to apply through the nearest state Sea Grant Program. The fellowship is named in honor of one of Sea Grant's founders, former National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Administrator John A. Knauss.

Since the fellowship's inception in 1979, Texas Sea Grant has had 52 applicants accepted into the program. Texas Sea Grant has four 2012 Knauss Fellows — three from Texas universities and one from Oklahoma State University.