The MS Assistantship in Turtle Research 2026 at Nicholls State University offers a funded graduate opportunity for students interested in coastal ecology, herpetology, and wildlife conservation. The program allows students to complete a Master of Science degree while actively participating in field-based turtle conservation research in Louisiana.
The Coastal Ecology Lab at Nicholls State University supports this assistantship through research funding and teaching assistance roles, enabling students to gain both academic training and hands-on ecological experience.
About the MS Assistantship in Turtle Research
Nicholls State University offers this Master of Science assistantship in Marine and Environmental Biology through the Coastal Ecology Lab under the supervision of Dr. Timothy Clay.
The research focuses on Diamondback Terrapin conservation, where students study population ecology, morphometrics, and skeletochronology of hatchlings and adult turtles.
Students also contribute to the lab’s Head-Start Program, which improves survival rates of hatchlings through controlled incubation and rearing before release into natural habitats.
The assistantship combines academic coursework with active field research, including nesting surveys, road mortality tracking, and hatchling care.
Why Choose The MS Assistantship in Turtle Research?
This assistantship allows students to gain direct experience in wildlife conservation and coastal ecology research while completing a funded MS degree.
Nicholls State University provides access to Gulf Coast ecosystems, where students work on real conservation challenges affecting turtle populations.
Students also build strong research skills in field ecology, data analysis, and conservation biology, which prepare them for careers in wildlife agencies, environmental NGOs, and PhD research programs.
MS Assistantship in Turtle Research Summary
- Host Country: United States (USA)
- Host University: Nicholls State University
- Program Name: MS Assistantship in Turtle Research
- Study Level: Master of Science (MS in Marine and Environmental Biology)
- Funding Type: Graduate Assistantship
- Stipend: Approximately $18,000 per year
- Tuition Support: Tuition waiver included
- Application Deadline: April 30, 2026
- Start Date: After August 2026
- Location: Thibodaux, Louisiana, USA
- Research Focus: Turtle ecology, conservation, and coastal field research
Scholarship Benefits
The assistantship provides the following benefits:
- Annual stipend of approximately $18,000
- Full or partial tuition waiver support
- Hands-on training in turtle ecology and conservation biology
- Field experience in nesting surveys and hatchling monitoring
- Participation in long-term Diamondback Terrapin conservation projects
- Opportunity to work in coastal Louisiana ecosystems
- Research experience for future PhD or conservation careers
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field
- Demonstrate interest in ecology, herpetology, or conservation biology
- Have at least one year of relevant field or research experience
- Show ability to work in field conditions and data collection environments
- Meet Nicholls State University’s graduate admission requirements
- Demonstrate strong academic and communication skills
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following:
- Cover letter explaining research interests and career goals
- Updated CV or resume
- Unofficial academic transcripts
- Contact information for professional references (as requested)
- Any additional documents required by the Coastal Ecology Lab
- Single PDF application submission (as required by the supervisor)
Application Process & Timeline
Follow these steps to apply for the assistantship:
- Prepare a CV, cover letter, and academic transcripts.
- Contact Dr. Timothy Clay to express interest in the position.
- Combine all application materials into a single PDF file.
- Email the application directly to the faculty supervisor.
- Applications remain open until the position is filled.
- Selected candidates receive admission and assistantship confirmation from Nicholls State University
