Ogden Honors, biological sciences sophomore nabs prestigious Hollings Scholarship from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Ria Salway, an Ogden Honors College sophomore and Louisiana Service and Leadership (LASAL) Scholar, is a 2022 recipient of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship, the most prestigious scholarship awarded to undergraduates in marine sciences. Salway is a sophomore from Katy, Tx., studying biological sciences with a concentration in marine biology at LSU’s College of Science. 

The nationally competitive scholarship will provide Salway with up to $9,000 in academic assistance and a 10-week, full-time paid internship at a NOAA facility during the summer.

“Environmental justice and combating the climate crisis are important to me and I wanted to participate in summer research opportunities that would provide me with an immersive experience,” said Salway.

“I love the work they are doing and I’d be interested to see how I can make an impact there. They do anything from daily weather forecasts, severe storm warnings, and climate monitoring to fisheries management, coastal restoration, and supporting marine commerce.” 

National scholarship competitions are highly competitive, and Salway wrote about her unique and diverse experiences as an Ogden Honors student to set herself apart in this competition. 

As a freshman, she helped make a documentary about the CMA CGM Group nurdle spill that took place in New Orleans in August 2020, a project that aligns with one of NOAA's broader focuses on fostering healthy ecosystems in the ocean.

Salway is currently working on an interdisciplinary project with another student on Louisiana’s infamous Cancer Alley. The finished product will be a documentary to raise awareness of the issue via film festivals, a screening at LSU, and by providing it for use in classrooms around Louisiana.

Salway is also an undergraduate researcher in Dr. Morgan Kelly’s lab where she is studying the behavioral effects of rising water temperatures on sea snails.

 “I am hopeful that participating in this program will help me cement my future career goal, which may lead me back to the NOAA in the future, which will allow me to pursue my passions and continue the necessary and important work they are already doing,” said Salway.