The MS Assistantship in Hellbender Ecology 2026 at Marshall University offers a funded graduate opportunity for students interested in herpetology, wildlife conservation, and aquatic ecology. The program allows students to complete a Master of Science degree while conducting field-based research on the endangered hellbender salamander.
The assistantship supports students through research funding and teaching responsibilities, enabling them to gain both academic training and practical conservation experience.
About the MS Assistantship in Hellbender Ecology
Marshall University offers this M.S. assistantship in Biological Sciences through the Herpetology and Applied Conservation Lab.
The research focuses on eastern hellbender ecology in West Virginia, where students work on population monitoring, habitat assessment, and conservation strategies.
Students conduct fieldwork such as:
- Snorkeling-based visual surveys
- Mark-recapture studies
- Nest monitoring
- Environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling
- Image and video data processing
The assistantship integrates coursework, thesis development, and collaborative research with state and federal conservation agencies.
Why Choose The MS Assistantship in Hellbender Ecology?
This assistantship provides students with direct experience in endangered species conservation while completing a funded MS degree in the USA.
At Marshall University, students:
- Work on real-world conservation challenges
- Build expertise in field ecology and wildlife monitoring
- Collaborate with government and NGO partners
- Develop research, analytical, and scientific writing skills
The program prepares graduates for careers in wildlife conservation, environmental agencies, and PhD research programs.
MS Assistantship in Hellbender Ecology Summary
- Host Country: United States (USA)
- Host University: Marshall University
- Program Name: MS Assistantship in Hellbender Ecology
- Study Level: Master of Science (Biological Sciences)
- Funding Type: Graduate Assistantship
- Stipend: Approximately $18,000 per year
- Tuition Support: Tuition waiver (excluding some fees)
- Duration: Minimum 3-year commitment
- Start Date: After August 2026
- Location: Huntington, West Virginia, USA
- Application Deadline: April 30, 2026
- Workload: 20–38 hours per week (research + teaching)
Scholarship Benefits
The assistantship provides:
- Annual stipend of approximately $18,000
- Tuition waiver support
- Hands-on field research in hellbender conservation
- Experience in ecological data collection and analysis
- Training in grant writing and scientific reporting
- Teaching assistant experience (4–6 semesters)
- Collaboration with conservation agencies and researchers
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, or a related field
- Have at least one year of field research experience
- Demonstrate interest in herpetology or wildlife ecology
- Be able to swim (required for field surveys)
- Hold a valid driver’s license
- Show ability to work in challenging field conditions
- Demonstrate teamwork, independence, and research commitment
- Meet Marshall University’s graduate admission requirements
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare:
- One-page statement of interest
- Updated CV or resume
- Unofficial academic transcripts
- Contact information for three references
- Combined single PDF application file
Application Process & Timeline
Follow these steps to apply:
- Prepare your CV, statement of interest, and transcripts.
- Combine all documents into a single PDF file.
- Email the application to the supervising professors (Dr. Jayme Waldron and team).
- Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until positions are filled.
- Selected candidates receive admission and assistantship offers.
