Marshall University, located in Huntington, West Virginia, is offering an extraordinary opportunity for motivated students to pursue a Master of Science (M.S.) in Biology through a fully funded Graduate Research Assistantship.
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This scholarship is hosted by the Herpetology and Applied Conservation Lab, where students will lead critical research on eastern hellbenders. Under the expert mentorship of Dr. Jayme Waldron, successful candidates will not only contribute to vital conservation efforts alongside state and federal stakeholders but also receive comprehensive financial support to cover their education and living expenses in the United States.
Herpetology and Applied Conservation Lab Master’s Scholarship 2026 in Marshall University Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Organization | Marshall University, USA |
| Degree Level | Postgraduate (Masters – M.S.) |
| Coverage | Full Tuition Waiver + $18,000 Annual Stipend |
| Eligible Countries | All Countries (International Students) |
| Application Deadline | April 30, 2026 |
About the Herpetology and Applied Conservation Lab Master’s Scholarship 2026 in Marshall University
The Herpetology and Applied Conservation Lab Master’s Scholarship 2026 in Marshall University is a research-intensive award focused on Herpetology and Applied Conservation. This program is specifically designed for students interested in population ecology and demographic modeling.
As a Graduate Teaching Assistant, you will be integrated into the Department of Biological Sciences, gaining valuable experience in both field research and academic instruction. This three-year commitment (starting August 2026) provides a unique platform to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical, high-stakes conservation fieldwork.
Benefits of Herpetology and Applied Conservation Lab Master’s Scholarship 2026 in Marshall University
- Tier 1 (Financial): Full tuition remission and a competitive stipend of $18,000 per year to cover living costs.
- Tier 2 (Academic): A complete tuition waiver (excluding minor university fees) for the duration of the program.
- Tier 3 (Professional): Hands-on experience in managing and training field technicians and teaching undergraduate biology labs.
- Tier 4 (Networking): Collaborative opportunities with state, federal, and NGO stakeholders in the energy and conservation sectors.
Eligibility & Requirements for Herpetology and Applied Conservation Lab Master’s Scholarship 2026 in Marshall University
- Academic Merit: A minimum GPA of 3.0 from an undergraduate institution is strongly preferred.
- Field Skills: Applicants must be able to swim, possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license, and have prior experience in field research.
- Interest Area: Demonstrated interest in hellbender ecology, population ecology, and demographic modeling.
- Soft Skills: Ability to work independently, maturity to work well with peers, and a commitment to strict safety protocols in uncomfortable field conditions.
- Assistantship Mandate: Candidates must be willing to teach biology labs as part of their Graduate Teaching Assistantship.
Step-by-Step Application Guide for Herpetology and Applied Conservation Lab Master’s Scholarship 2026 in Marshall University
- Verify Eligibility Criteria: Confirm you meet the preferred 3.0 GPA, have a valid driver’s license, and are capable of swimming.
- Prepare Resume/CV: Include detailed field research experience and contact information for three academic/professional references.
- Draft Statement of Interest: Compose a 1-page document detailing your motivation and interest in hellbender ecology and population modeling.
- Gather Academic Transcripts: Collect unofficial transcripts from all undergraduate institutions attended for initial review.
- Research Lab Collaborators: Familiarize yourself with the state, federal, and NGO stakeholders involved in the Eastern Hellbender project.
- Email the Lead Mentors: Send your resume, statement, and transcripts to
waldron3@marshall.edu,welchsh@marshall.edu, andemily.gray@marshall.edu. - Attend Technical Interview: Participate in the selection review process if shortlisted to discuss your background in population ecology.
- Submit Formal Graduate Application: Upon lab approval, officially apply to the Marshall University Graduate College online.
- Finalize Assistantship Paperwork: Coordinate with the Biology Department to finalize Graduate Research and Teaching Assistantship details.
- Enroll and Orientation: Finalize university enrollment and attend the mandatory research orientation in August 2026.
Expert Advice for Herpetology and Applied Conservation Lab Master’s Scholarship 2026 in Marshall University (STAR/SMART Methods)
To secure this research position, consider the following vertical advice:
- Use the SMART Method: Ensure your research goals are Specific about your interest in Herpetology, Measurable in past field experience, Achievable within three years, Relevant to Dr. Waldron’s lab, and Timely.
- Apply the STAR Technique: In your 1-page statement, describe a Situation where you conducted field research, the Task you were assigned, the Action you took to solve a problem, and the Result of your study.
- Showcase Resilience: Fieldwork on hellbenders is physically demanding; explicitly mention your ability to handle “uncomfortable field conditions” and your commitment to safety.
- Highlight Technical Interest: Specifically mention your interest in “demographic modeling” or “population ecology” as these are preferred skill sets for this lab.
- Proofread for Professionalism: As this is an email-based application, ensure your subject line is clear (e.g., “M.S. Graduate Application – Hellbender Research”) and your attachments are correctly named.
Application Deadline: April 30, 2026
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
FAQ Section for Herpetology and Applied Conservation Lab Master’s Scholarship 2026 in Marshall University
Is the scholarship fully funded? Yes, it includes full tuition remission and an $18,000 annual stipend.
Do I need IELTS or TOEFL? No, according to the current program details, IELTS is not required for this specific research position.
What is the duration of the commitment? There is a three-year minimum commitment starting in August 2026.
Is the scholarship open to international students? Yes, applicants from all countries are eligible to apply.
What degree will I earn? You will earn a Master of Science (M.S.) in Biology.
Are there teaching requirements? Yes, students are expected to teach biology labs as Graduate Teaching Assistants.
What are the physical requirements? You must be able to swim and be comfortable working in demanding field conditions.
Who should I contact for the application? Applications should be emailed to Dr. Jayme Waldron and the project collaborators.
Is a GRE score required? You should check the “Marshall University Degree Requirements” page for the latest departmental testing mandates.
Where can I get more updates? You can join the Scholarship Region WhatsApp groups for real-time alerts.
