Armin E. Elsaesser Fellowship

The Fellowship program, established in 1987, is in memory of Armin E. Elsaesser III – sailor, educator, and adventurer – who sailed on several Westward cruises and taught Maritime Studies on shore. With his strong curiosity and sense of adventure, Armin inspired SEA students and staff alike.

Purpose: The goal of the Armin E. Elsaesser Fellowship is to help one person each year follow a dream that has been elusive because of the demands of work or study. The successful project will involve active investigation into an area of personal interest (excluding work or study subjects) that is marine-related and reflects a creative and independent approach to the pursuit of knowledge. At the conclusion, the Fellow will create a final product that might be a publication, video, curated exhibition, or artwork. The Fellow might also be asked to give a presentation on his or her project at Sea Education Association.

Eligibility: SEA alumni, faculty, staff, and past employees are eligible for the Fellowship. The award is between $6,000 – $12,000 for projects that are at least one month in duration and involve any marine or maritime field that is not directly related to the applicant’s current professional or academic activities. Winners will be chosen by a competitive selection.

To Apply: Preliminary proposals for the 2023 Elsaesser Fellowship are accepted on a rolling basis until February 15, 2024. Preliminary proposals should be no more than two pages, with a project outline, preliminary budget, and short biographical sketch of the applicant.

Email Fellowship proposals to elsaesser@sea.edu or mail to Elsaesser Committee, SEA, PO Box 6, Woods Hole, MA 02543.