Ocean Acidification

GCOOS and Gulf of America Coastal Acidification Network (GCAN) are seeking to support the next generation of leaders in ocean and coastal acidification in the Gulf states by inviting applications to a dedicated workshop on ocean and coastal acidification (OA/COA). The workshop will focus on teaching students how to transform ocean and coastal acidification science into management and policy solutions.

Through this award, GCOOS will welcome a cohort of Gulf-region graduate students to attend the GCOOS Spring Meeting, the GCOOS 20th Anniversary celebration and allow them to participate in the workshop. Students will engage with scientists, managers, industry and educators during this event.

The full program of activities will be shared with the awardees prior to the meeting, but the workshop will include technical skills training, GCOOS Board Members’ panel and campus tour.

During the workshop, students will present at a poster session during the GCOOS Spring Members’ meeting & anniversary celebration on April 14, 2026, then join the GCAN workshop April 15 and 16. The workshop’s first day will focus on a technical core with applied tools in ocean acidification led by the GCAN steering committee chair, followed by a panel with GCOOS Board Members and then a working session designed to help students translate posters into a two-minute briefing for resource managers, stakeholders and general audiences using plain-language messaging. The final day will conclude with recording video summaries of the students’/postdoctoral researchers’ experience and tour of the Texas A&M campus.

Student Eligibility Requirements

• Currently enrolled in a graduate program or working as a year 1-3 postdoctoral researcher at institutions in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana or Texas;
• Be authorized to fly to College Station, Texas, to attend the meeting in person (i.e., visa is up to date);
• Have an interest in management, policy and/or research related to ocean and coastal acidification issues.

Student Responsibilities

• Attend full meeting in person (April 14-18, 2026);
• Present a poster on current work relevant to OA/COA or closely linked stressors (e.g., hypoxia, eutrophication, HABs, carbonate chemistry variability);
• Participate actively in the GCAN workshop and contribute to a short cohort deliverable (manager-ready synthesis, shared resource list, or student priority questions).

Application Deadline

• 11:59 p.m. CT Friday, Feb. 27, 2026

Application

Submit one combined PDF via THIS FORM with:

• Letter of intent (max 2 pages) that describes your interest in attending the GCOOS Spring Members’ Meeting and GCAN Workshop, how your interest fits with Gulf of America Ocean and Coastal Acidification needs, learning goals, and how you will apply outcomes;
• Poster abstract (max 300 words) with title, authors/affiliations, and summary;
• CV (max 2 pages);
• Advisor support letter (1 page recommended) that confirms good standing and availability to travel.

Notification

• Accepted students will be notified Monday, March 16, and attend a virtual meet & greet on April 6.

Evaluation Criteria

• Relevance and applied fit to OA/COA in the Gulf and GCOOS mission;
• Motivation and expected benefit (letter of intent);
• Poster abstract quality and clarity for mixed audiences
• Engagement experience (collaboration, outreach, communication)
• Feasibility and commitment (in-person attendance, advisor support)

GCOOS, 29 January 2026. More information.