Award with a practical focus
Courtney Urbanek, a wildlife ecology student at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, has been selected for the NOAA Hollings Scholarship 2026. The award pairs financial support with a mentored research internship at the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), giving early-career researchers access to data, methods and professional networks.
Relevance of wildlife ecology in a changing climate
Wildlife ecology examines species distributions, habitats and interactions—factors that shift as temperatures, precipitation patterns and coastal dynamics change. The discipline provides decision-relevant evidence for the management of protected areas, fisheries and urban biodiversity, linking local observations to broader trends.
From fieldwork to application
The Hollings program emphasizes applied research. Scholars complete a paid internship at NOAA under professional supervision. In practice, field methods are integrated with large-scale datasets to identify indicators of ecological change and derive management recommendations—whether for monitoring, conservation measures or local adaptation strategies.
Networks and visibility
Participation raises visibility within federal agencies and opens career pathways in government, consulting, NGOs and academia. Broad experience profiles and perspectives improve the uptake of research findings in policy and society.
From local knowledge to regional planning
Habitat mapping and movement surveys provide building blocks for regional analyses. Changes in river systems and coastal ecosystems affect food webs for migratory birds and fish—with consequences for fisheries and protected areas. Insights from NOAA internships feed into long-term monitoring programs and refine spatial models for robust forecasts, for example when designating buffer zones or planning rescue operations.
Skills for a diverse job market
The program teaches field skills, data analysis, science communication and an understanding of policy processes. This combination reflects the reality of contemporary climate and marine research, where ecology, climate science and social sciences collaborate.
Significance for climate action
Effective climate action requires local data collection, reliable documentation of change and actionable solutions. Supporting early-career researchers in wildlife ecology ensures that expertise about local ecosystems informs decision-making and that measures gain acceptance more quickly.
Outlook
For Urbanek, the Hollings Scholarship links rigorous training with immediate practice at NOAA. Working at the interface of wildlife ecology, marine issues and climate adaptation strengthens knowledge transfer and delivers benefits for communities, agencies and research.