Seahawks Selected as ’25-’27 NOAA Hollings Scholars

Out of 820 applications from 85 campuses, three undergraduate Seahawks have been recognized in the 2025-2027 class of NOAA Hollings Scholars.  

The NOAA Office of Education selected 130 Ernest F. Hollings undergraduate scholars for the class of 2025. The internship provides scholars with hands-on, practical experience in NOAA-related science, research, technology, policy, management and education activities. Scholars receive a two-year academic scholarship for their junior and senior years, a paid summer internship opportunity, and funding to participate in two national scientific conferences. 

"We've watched the Hollings Scholarship Program launch great careers, and I can't wait to see where it takes these women. This program not only offers financial support and an internship but, in some ways more importantly, instills a sense of confidence that plays an important role in their development,” said Katherine Liu, associate director of undergraduate research and fellowships in the Center for the Support of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (CSURF). “As our scholars engage in orientation, internships, and conferences, they learn they can and should be with the best. We are re-establishing UNCW's legacy of success with the Hollings Scholarship Program, and it's opening lots of exciting doors for our students—current and future." 

The Seahawk scholars are Megan Broome, Brennah Lee-Pawlak and Grace Davis. Through mentorship from the 2024-26 Hollings Scholars set up by Liu, this year’s applicants were set up for success. UNCW is tied with Duke University for the most Hollings Scholars in North Carolina. 

Broome is studying marine biology and environmental sciences with concentrations in marine conservation and biological sciences. She plans to study anthropogenic threats to coral reefs and how to rebuild reef resiliency.  

Lee-Pawlak is majoring in marine biology and she hopes to make impactful changes that benefit people, as well as the planet, through policies and decision-making around coastal and marine ecosystems.  

Davis is majoring in oceanography and minoring in geospatial technologies, physics and climate change sciences. Her career goals include working for NOAA forecasting and public outreach for earth and ocean sciences.  

”The Hollings Scholarship program is one of the most prestigious in undergraduate research,” said Jeanne Persuit, high impact pathways director. “Katherine Liu fosters a culture of mentorship and collaboration by pairing a faculty mentor with interested applicants and facilitating peer mentoring and feedback from the previous year’s UNCW Hollings Scholars.” 

The awards include travel funds to attend a mandatory NOAA Scholarship Program orientation and the annual Science and Education Symposium, scientific conferences where students present their research, and a housing subsidy for scholars who do not reside at home during the summer internship. 

Hollings alumni report that the experience influenced their academic and career paths, expanded their professional networks and improved their skills for working in NOAA mission fields. 100% of Hollings Scholars surveyed said that they would recommend this opportunity to other students.