Eastern Illinois University Scholarships in USA 2026 | Fully Funded

Are you a motivated graduate student with a passion for fisheries ecology, aquatic conservation, or wildlife science? The MS Graduate Research Assistantship in Fisheries Ecology and Management offers a fully funded research position designed to support your master’s degree while providing real-world experience in ecological research.

This assistantship is hosted through the Center for Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences at Eastern Illinois University (EIU) and represents an outstanding opportunity to delve into fisheries research, gain hands-on field and lab experience, and prepare for a career in conservation science, resource management, or academic research.

What Is the MS Graduate Research Assistantship?

The MS Graduate Research Assistantship in Fisheries Ecology and Management is a funded graduate research position based in Charleston, Illinois with responsibilities spanning fieldwork, laboratory analysis, data interpretation, and scientific communication. The assistantship is linked with EIU’s Center for Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, a research hub that focuses on understanding and solving challenges in aquatic ecosystems.

Overview

• Position: MS Graduate Research Assistant — Fisheries Ecology and Management
• Location: Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, IL, USA
• Department / Host: Center for Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
• Employment Type: Graduate Research Assistantship
• Application Deadline: Review begins November 25, 2025 and continues until the position is filled
• Start Date: Flexible between January 7 and August 19, 2026
• Workload: 20–40 hours per week
• Salary / Support: $1,600 per month stipend plus tuition waiver
• Minimum Education Required: Bachelor’s degree (no prior experience required)
• Contact: Dr. Daniel Roth, Fisheries Researcher and Laboratory Manager

Research Focus Areas

Selected candidates will have the chance to develop an MS thesis project in one of several active research topics relevant to fisheries science and aquatic ecology. These may include:

• Wabash River fish community assessment
• Demographics and spawning box evaluation of channel catfish in small impoundments
• Invasive carp reproduction and recruitment dynamics in the Wabash River
• Movement ecology of invasive carp

These research themes offer valuable experience addressing contemporary issues in freshwater ecology, such as invasive species impacts, fish population dynamics, and habitat-specific wildlife management — all central to effective fisheries conservation.

Responsibilities and Learning Experience

As a Graduate Research Assistant, you will:

Field and Laboratory Work

• Participate in field sampling in rivers, lakes, and other aquatic systems.
• Conduct lab analyses on collected biological and environmental data.
• Operate study-specific sampling gear and ensure data quality.

Data Management and Analysis

• Process and analyze datasets using appropriate statistical and ecological tools.
• Interpret results to inform ongoing research and conservation decisions.

Scientific Reporting

• Contribute to report and manuscript writing for conferences and peer-reviewed publications.
• Present findings within academic and professional forums.

Professional Development

• Collaborate with faculty advisors and fellow students to develop leadership and communication skills.
• Attend scientific meetings and workshops to expand professional networks.

Qualifications

To be a competitive applicant for this assistantship, you should have:

Academic Preparedness

• A Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, ecology, environmental science, wildlife management, biology, or a related field.
• A solid academic record (typically a minimum 3.0 GPA or equivalent).

Field and Lab Readiness

• While previous fisheries experience is preferred, it is not required — motivated candidates with basic science skills and willingness to learn are encouraged to apply.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to handle field activities, such as lifting sampling equipment and working in variable weather conditions.

Soft Skills

• Strong teamwork and independent work capability.
• Effective communication and scientific writing skills.

Funding and Benefits

This assistantship positions you to study without financial burden, offering:

• Tuition Waiver: Your graduate tuition for the MS program is fully waived, meaning your degree costs are substantially reduced or even eliminated through the assistantship.
• Monthly Stipend: You’ll receive a $1,600 monthly stipend, which helps cover living expenses such as housing, food, transportation, and fieldwork costs.
• Professional Experience: Work under expert faculty, sharpen field research skills, and attend conferences to present your research.

Important Dates and Application Tips

Deadlines

• Application Review Begins: November 25, 2025
• Start Window: Between January 7 and August 19, 2026
• Review Continues Until Filled: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis starting after November 25, 2025.

How to Apply

Prepare and send the following materials to  drroth@eiu.edu using subject line “2025 MS Application, EIU Fisheries”:

• Cover letter tailored to your interest in the position
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume detailing your academic and research background
• Academic transcripts (unofficial copies are usually acceptable initially)
• List of three professional references with contact information

Ensure your cover letter clearly explains your academic goals, relevant experience (even if limited), and motivation for pursuing fisheries ecology as a graduate researcher.

Why This Assistantship Matters

This opportunity is perfectly suited for students who are:

• Passionate about natural resource conservation, aquatic sciences, or environmental research.
• Seeking a fully funded graduate experience, combining financial support with professional growth.
• Interested in real-world problem solving in aquatic ecosystems and fisheries management.

Beyond earning a graduate degree, you will work directly on research that contributes to understanding fish communities, invasive species ecology, and aquatic ecosystem dynamics — all critical areas for sustainable resource management.

Conclusion

The MS Graduate Research Assistantship (Job ID 109553) is an exceptional fully funded research opportunity for students committed to advancing their career in fisheries ecology and management. With tuition support, a monthly stipend, hands-on research experience, and broad professional development, it stands out as a prime pathway for emerging environmental scientists.

If you’re interested in aquatic research, conservation, or ecological data analysis and want to make a lasting impact in natural resource sciences, this position at Eastern Illinois University, accessed through the Texas A&M Natural Resources Job Board, could be the perfect launchpad for your future.