Graduate Assistantship in Waterfowl Behavioral Response to Drones (MS) – Eligibility, Benefits & How to Apply

🌟 About the Scholarship

Opens
Closes31 Jul, 2026

The Graduate Assistantship in Waterfowl Behavioral Response to Drones (MS) is a funded master’s research assistantship offered by Tennessee Technological University (Tennessee Tech) in the United States. The assistantship provides financial support throughout the master’s program. As a result, students can concentrate on research while gaining valuable professional experience. The program also offers hands-on training in wildlife behavior, waterfowl ecology, drone applications, image analysis, quantitative ecology, and collaborative scientific research. Furthermore, recipients receive opportunities to present their findings at regional and national scientific conferences while building professional and research skills through fieldwork and interdisciplinary collaboration.

🎓 Scholarship Snapshot

Here’s everything you need at a glance: the documents to prepare, what the award covers, and key dates so you don’t miss a beat. From transcripts and essays to tuition and living support, this gives you a clear picture of the Graduate Assistantship in Waterfowl Behavioral Response to Drones (MS) before you apply.

Eligible Countries

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Greenland, Grenada, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, North Korea, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Seirra Leone, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Korea, South Sudan, South-Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tokelau, Trinidad-Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, Wales, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Study Fields

Wildlife Biology and Ecology

GPA / Grade

GPA 2.5

Languages

IELTS 5.5, TOEFL iBT 61

Tests

Study Levels

Master's, MS

Total Scholarships

Transcripts

Yes

Degrees

Yes

Essay

Yes

Passport ID

Recommendation Letters

Yes (3)

Result Date

Program Start

August 2026

Tuition Fee

Covered

Living Allowance

Yes

$25,000/year

Travel Allowance

Research Grant

Health Insurance

Visa Assistance

📞 Contact Information

Call if you want a quick answer, send an email for detailed questions, or follow the university’s social channels to keep an eye on updates and reminders. Use whatever fits your style and timezone.

Scholarship Summary

Award Amount$25,000/year
Deadline31 Jul, 2026
LevelMaster's, MS
InstitutionTennessee Technological University
CountryUnited States
ModeOnline
TypeFully funded

Apply Now

The Graduate Assistantship in Waterfowl Behavioral Response to Drones (MS) is a funded master’s research assistantship offered by Tennessee Technological University (Tennessee Tech) in the United States. The assistantship supports one student pursuing a Master of Science degree while researching how wintering waterfowl respond to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly known as drones. The project is based at Tennessee Tech in Cookeville, Tennessee, with field research taking place on Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) Wildlife Management Areas throughout the Arkansas Delta. Moreover, the program provides advanced research training in wildlife ecology and drone-based monitoring technologies.

Background and Purpose

The assistantship aims to improve wildlife monitoring by developing drone-based technologies for waterfowl research and management. Therefore, the selected student investigates how ducks respond to different drone platforms across a variety of wetland habitats. The research also examines methods for identifying waterfowl species and sex from drone imagery while improving aerial survey techniques. In addition, the project forms the first of two graduate positions within a multi-institutional research initiative that combines wildlife ecology, behavioral science, remote sensing, and conservation technology to support more effective wildlife management.

Graduate Assistantship in Waterfowl Behavioral Response to Drones Benefits

The assistantship provides financial support throughout the master’s program. As a result, students can concentrate on research while gaining valuable professional experience. The program also offers hands-on training in wildlife behavior, waterfowl ecology, drone applications, image analysis, quantitative ecology, and collaborative scientific research. Furthermore, recipients receive opportunities to present their findings at regional and national scientific conferences while building professional and research skills through fieldwork and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the admission requirements for a Master of Science program at Tennessee Technological University. A background in wildlife biology, ecology, zoology, environmental science, natural resources, biology, or a closely related discipline is highly desirable. In addition, applicants should demonstrate strong academic performance, an interest in field research, and a willingness to work in outdoor environments and collaborative research settings.

Graduate Assistantship in Waterfowl Behavioral Response to Drones Application Process

Applicants must apply for admission to the relevant master’s program at Tennessee Technological University and submit all required academic documents and supporting materials during the application process. Afterwards, the selection committee evaluates candidates based on their academic achievements, research potential, field experience, and overall suitability for the assistantship.

Opportunities for Scholars

The assistantship enables students to work under the co-supervision of Dr. Allison Keever and Dr. Bradley Cohen while collaborating with researchers from Tennessee Technological University, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Clemson University’s James C. Kennedy Waterfowl and Wetlands Conservation Center, and the University of Missouri. Moreover, scholars gain practical experience in ecological field studies, wildlife monitoring, quantitative data analysis, and drone-based research technologies. Consequently, graduates prepare for successful careers in wildlife ecology, conservation biology, natural resource management, environmental consulting, government agencies, and academic research.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is eligible?

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Natural Resources, Biology, or a closely related field before enrollment and possess a valid driver’s license.

How do I apply?

Applicants should email a single PDF containing a cover letter, CV, unofficial transcripts, and contact information for three references to Dr. Bradley Cohen and Dr. Allison Keever.

Is prior research experience required?

No. Previous field research experience is preferred but not required, making the opportunity suitable for motivated recent graduates.

What skills are preferred for applicants?

Experience with GIS, R programming, drones (UAS), or quantitative ecology is advantageous but not mandatory.