Marshall University Scholarship in USA

The Palmquist Lab at Marshall University is recruiting for a funded MS position at Marshall University in climate change and fire effects on coastal vegetation.

The research focuses on quantifying vegetation dynamics over space and time and identifying how the relative importance of ecological processes structuring plant communities changes with spatial and temporal scale. In addition, a key goal of our research is to understand how pattern and process in plant communities will be altered in the face of global environmental change.

The successful candidate will explore the interacting effects of sea-level rise and increased storm surge on coastal vegetation and the effects of prescribed fire on pine-dominated vegetation on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island (MCRDPI), a sea-island in South Carolina.

To be considered for the Marshall University Scholarship, you must meet the following requirements:

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• A background, including relevant course work and/or research experience in plant ecology and fire ecology, strong communication skills, and strong quantitative skills.

• Experience with remote sensing and GIS, and knowledge of the flora of the southeastern US are highly desirable.

EXPECTATIONS: 

• The successful candidate will be expected to conduct high-quality research, serve as a teaching assistant within the Department of Biological Sciences, present their research to the scientific community at regional and national meetings, and publish in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

The Marshall University Masters Scholarship includes;

• $21,000/year

• a tuition waiver (excluding fees)

• The position is available starting August 2026 or January 2027.

Funding will consist of a combination of research and teaching assistantships for two years. 

To apply, candidates must be ready to submit the following documents;

• short statement of research interests and career goals (no longer than 1 page),

• CV, 

• unofficial transcripts, and

• contact information for three professional references. 

To apply for the Marshall University Scholarship, interested and qualified candidates should;

• 1

  Click the button below to go to the scholarship webpage.

• 2

  Send the required documents to Dr. Kyle Palmquist (palmquist@marshall.edu).

• 3

  Please include: “MS position – coastal vegetation” and your name in the email subject.

• 4

  Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a candidate is selected.

• 5

  If selected, a full application must be submitted to the Department of Biological Sciences at Marshall University, Huntington, WV. 

• 6

  Review of applications will begin immediately, and the positions will remain open until filled.