The application period for
funded fellowships has closed.
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Tamamta Mission
The Tamamta (a Sugpiaq and Yup’ik word meaning ‘all of us’) program will transform graduate education programs in the STEM fields of fisheries and marine sciences at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) with National Science Foundation support [Award No. 2022190]. This program provides funded graduate fellowships to Indigenous and allied M.S. and Ph.D. students, who will become the next generation of scientists and managers ethically bridging Western and Indigenous knowledge systems. The Tamamta program engages Indigenous approaches to reach widely across the university and partner organizations toward larger systems change in fisheries and marine sciences and management.
Fellowship description
Tamamta is a National Science Foundation Research Traineeship program that provides a comprehensive and culturally appropriate mentoring approach for fisheries and marine sciences M.S. and Ph.D. fellows at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Applicants can be prospective students (who would apply to a graduate degree program for admission after being notified if they are offered a Tamamta fellowship) or current students at UAF. The mentorship team will work with fellows to reach their academic and research goals with their chosen advisor. Innovative new classes that center Indigenous knowledge systems will form the foundation for the Tamamta fellowship experience. All Tamamta fellows and participating faculty will be hosted in a rural village or fishcamp for a retreat each year. Tamamta will also offer optional internship opportunities with a diverse range of tribal, federal, and state partners to benefit professional development.
Who should apply during an open application period?
Tamamta centers Indigenous students at its core. Indigenous and allied applicants interested in applying to graduate school as well as current graduate students enrolled in programs at UAF are encouraged to apply for a Tamamta fellowship. While we prioritize Alaska Native and Indigenous applicants, we also encourage allies committed to this work to apply.
Only U.S. citizens are eligible for this fellowship.
Our selection committee will evaluate:
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-Interest and commitment to place-based research in Alaska
-Interest and commitment to Indigenous knowledge systems
-Evidence of experiences in and/or commitment to transforming fisheries and marine sciences
-Demonstration of commitment to bridging Indigenous and Western sciences
What does a Tamamta fellowship include?
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Fellowship stipends of $34,000 per year.
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Graduate student health insurance.
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Full tuition + fees (6-9 credits/academic semester).
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Expenses are covered for participation in the rural village/fishcamp immersion experience.
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Expenses are covered for participation in Tamamta fall retreats.
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Tamamta will fully fund fellows for 2 years and assist our students in pursuing additional funding as needed.