Two M.S. Assistantships-Fish Community Ecology and Fish Population Dynamics (Arkansas Tech University): The Hecke lab in the Department of Biology at Arkansas Tech University is recruiting two students to purse a Master of Science in Fisheries and Wildlife Science (MSFWS) beginning in the summer of 2023 (July). Arkansas Tech University is located in Russellville, AR and located 80 miles northwest/west of Little Rock.
First Project: Headwater streams in the south-central plains ecoregion are widely understudied. Specifically, their importance in these south-central plains watershed. This project will assess the importance of headwater streams by assessing seasonal changes in fish communities and seasonal movement of fishes. This student will work to in the upper Moro Creek watershed to answer questions related to the importance of headwater streams in south-central ecoregion watersheds.
Second Project: Pickerel (Esox) species have been widely understudied in small tributary systems of the south-central plains ecoregion. This project aims to assess population size, diet, growth, and age-structure of Chain Pickerel and Grass Pickerel along a longitudinal gradient in the Moro Creek watershed.
The student will work with these two species of fish to answer questions related to spatial variation in the biology and ecology of these species in small tributaries of the south-central plains ecoregion. These positions are fully funded for 2.5 years through teaching assistantships ($13,200 + tuition waiver).
Qualifications
A B.S. in a fisheries or environmental science related degree and courses in fisheries management, and a statistics. with a minimum cumulative gpa of 3.0 and GRE scores.
Previous experience with standard fisheries sampling gears is required. Must be willing to go on sampling trips over the weekend. Anlysis/modeling experience in R is preffered, but not required.
To apply, please send me 1) a cover letter explaining your research interests, career goals, relevant research/work experience, 2) cv/resume, 3) GRE scores, and 4) contact information for two references. Contact Person: Dr. Kyler Hecke: Contact Phone: 501-520-8623; Contact eMail: khecke@atu.edu
Please email all materials to me by May 1, 2023. I will review applications as they come in and interviews will be conducted at the beginning of May and the selected students will apply for admission to the MSFWS by late May.
To learn more about the Hecke lab, please visit: https://khecke.weebly.com/