Graduate School Panel at the University of Rhode Island

In September 2025, the URI SWMS chapter hosted a panel discussion for undergraduates interested in graduate school in marine sciences and marine affairs. The panel included current PhD and MS degree students from a range of marine science graduate programs at URI, including the Graduate School of Oceanography, Ocean Engineering, and Marine Affairs. Each panelist shared how their background impacted their choice to pursue graduate degrees. They also gave perspectives on the application process including helpful hints about securing funding. The goal of this event was to share knowledge about the marine science application process to undergraduates at URI.

Grad panel in the moment. Photo Credit: URI SWMS chapter

The most common piece of advice shared was to reach out to professors whose work interests you before submitting your application. Several of the panelists commented that this was how they found a mentor in their field. Another piece of repeated wisdom was to find an advisor who is enthusiastic about you and your academic journey. Some of the panels started their graduate degrees directly after finishing undergrad, and others went to work in industry before applying to graduate school, offering a range of perspectives and pathways to graduate school in marine science.

A PhD student in Ocean Engineering shared that during her application process she found a potential advisor who had differing research interests but was enthusiastic about both the project and the possibility of having her join the lab. After talking with the professor, she realized that an encouraging and supportive advisor was more important to her than pursuing a specific project. This story emphasized to the undergraduates that finding the right mentor is as critical as finding a research topic. 

Another panelist shared their story of switching advisors after their first year of graduate school. They spent their first year in the Ocean Engineering program but found that the program was not a good fit. They applied to the Graduate School of Oceanography and have found support from a great community in that program now. 

The audience included over a dozen University of Rhode Island undergraduate students in the fields of marine biology and marine affairs. Some of the questions from the audience included what daily life looks like as a graduate student and whether to apply for a MS or PhD degree. The goal was to share stories to create valuable connections across URI’s many marine science and policy programs and encourage students of underrepresented genders in marine sciences to consider graduate school.

This event was financially supported by the Fall Chapter Funding Call of 2025.