Kilius J.D. '13 Begins Work on Capitol Hill as 2014 Knauss Marine Policy Fellow
On February 1, three recent graduates of law, conservation, and marine science programs in Virginia began their placements in the U.S. government as recipients of 2014 Knauss Marine Policy Fellowships. Samantha Bickel of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Anna Killius, a 2013 graduate of William & Law School, and Bonnie Myers of Virginia Tech will spend a year in Washington, D.C., with government agencies.
Killius will serve as a Natural Resources Committee Fellow for U.S. Representative Carol Shea-Porter, who represents the First Congressional District of New Hampshire. In this role, she will work with legislative staff on issues related to the congresswoman's position on the Natural Resources Committee and her two subcommittees, the Public Lands and Environmental Regulations Subcommittee and the Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans, and Insular Affairs Subcommittee. Killius expects to research policy issues that arise during hearings and briefings, which can potentially be used to develop legislation.
She sees her Knauss Fellowship as a way to gain experience with the legislative process as well as an opportunity to connect the fields of science and law.
"I think I would like to work on environmental policy in a state agency or non-profit organization. Having experience with the legislative process, specifically how environmental policy can become law, will help me, as a lawyer, identify the obligations and opportunities for local government action," Killius says.
Killius earned her bachelor's degree in history with an applied mathematics concentration from the University of Dallas, and J.D. from William & Mary Law School. She was among the first students to participate in the Law School's Virginia Coastal Policy Clinic.
Read the press release for more information about all three 2014 Knauss Fellowship recipients.
The Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship program places students with host offices in the legislative or executive branches of government located in Washington, D.C. Fellows learn more about the national policy decisions that affect ocean, coastal, and the Great Lakes resources while getting the opportunity to contribute their knowledge to current issues facing our nation. The National Sea Grant College Program established the fellowship program in 1979.
About Virginia Sea Grant
Virginia Sea Grant (VASG) advances the resilience and sustainability of Virginia's coastal and marine ecosystems and the communities that depend upon them. As a broker of scientific information, VASG works with resource managers, businesses, communities, and other stakeholders to provide and apply the best science available.
About William & Mary Law School
Thomas Jefferson founded William & Mary Law School in 1779 to train leaders for the new nation. Now in its third century, America's oldest law school continues its historic mission of educating citizen lawyers who are prepared both to lead and to serve.