The Minnesota State University Masters Scholarship 2026 is now open for applications. This is a specialized Graduate Research Assistantship within the Department of Biological Sciences, offering a unique opportunity to work on an impactful aquatic plant ecology project.
Scholarship Overview
| Host | Minnesota State University, Mankato |
| Institution | Minnesota State University (Department of Biological Sciences) |
| Study Location | Study in USA |
| Eligible Countries | All Countries |
| Scholarship Category | Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships (Research) |
| Reward | Full Tuition Coverage | $20,000 Annual Stipend |
| Application Closing Date | 30th June, 2026 |
| Application Portal Link | https://jobs.rwfm.tamu.edu/view-job/?id=115509 |
Under the supervision of Dr. Ryan Wersal, the selected candidate will conduct field research across six lakes in southern Minnesota to evaluate the effects of herbicide applications on plant communities. This role is ideal for students who enjoy hands-on, year-round field work, including sampling from boats and through lake ice during the winter months.
Additionally, the position start date is schedule for August 2026.
Benefits of Minnesota State University Scholarship 2026
The graduate assistantship provides a comprehensive funding package for the duration of the research:
- 100% coverage of academic tuition fees.
- Annual stipend of $20,000 to cover personal expenses and maintenance.
- Professional training in aquatic biology, invasive species management, and statistical modeling.
Related Scholarship Opportunities:
- AIMS MMST Scholarship 2026
- UCL IMPACT Scholarship 2026
- University of Sheffield Sanctuary Scholarship 2026
- Erasmus Mundus WOP-P Scholarship 2026
Research Focus & Responsibilities
The Master of Science (MS) position focuses on a specific ecological study:
- Assessing the response of curlyleaf pondweed and native plant communities to late-season herbicide applications.
- Extensive aquatic sampling in southern Minnesota lakes.
- Using point-intercept surveys, water quality sampling, and spatial data analysis.
- Includes rigorous winter sampling (working through ice) and boat-based summer data collection.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for this research assistantship, applicants must:
- Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Environmental Science, Ecology, or a closely related field.
- Experience with point-intercept surveys and water sampling is highly advantageous.
- Familiarity with ArcGIS PRO is preferred for spatial analysis.
- A valid driver’s license is mandatory.
- Experience trailering a boat is strongly preferred due to the nature of the field work.
- Meet the general graduate entrance requirements for Minnesota State University, Mankato.
Required Documents
Interested candidates should prepare the following for the initial screening:
- Cover Letter.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Unofficial Transcripts.
- References.
How to Apply for Minnesota State University Scholarship 2026
Suitably and interested candidates are proceed as instructed below to forward their applications:
- Go to the scholarship page with the link below.
- Send your required documents (Cover letter, CV, transcripts, and references) directly to Dr. Ryan M. Wersal at ryan.wersal@mnsu.edu.
- Top candidates will be contacted for an interview to discuss their research capabilities and fit for the lab.
- After the initial interview and recommendation from Dr. Wersal, you will be required to submit a formal application to the Minnesota State University, Mankato graduate school.
- Please note the position is contingent upon final grant funding, which will be confirmed by July 2026.
Important Information: This is not a job-linked research position, hence your application should emphasize your physical readiness for field work in varied weather conditions and your technical proficiency in aquatic biology.
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