International students interested in pursuing a Master’s degree in the United States are invited to apply for two fully funded Graduate Research Assistantships in the Environmental Science Graduate Program at Oklahoma State University (OSU) for Summer 2026.
These positions offer excellent financial support, including a competitive stipend, full tuition waiver, and health insurance, while contributing to meaningful conservation work in a unique watershed.
About the Project
The successful candidates will join an interdisciplinary watershed conservation project in the Neosho River Watershed of northeastern Oklahoma. The project combines ecology, rangeland science, watershed hydrology, and nature-based solutions to support conservation planning.
The study area includes tallgrass prairie ecosystems and the Tar Creek Superfund Site, one of the most historically significant mining-impacted landscapes in the United States.
Two complementary assistantships are available:
- Ecology / Rangeland Focus: Assessment of wildlife habitat, rangeland ecosystems, and species of greatest conservation need.
- Hydrology / Nature-Based Solutions Focus: Watershed hydrology, site suitability modelling, and conservation planning.
Students will gain hands-on experience in applied watershed science, ecological restoration, GIS analysis, and interdisciplinary research.
Key Responsibilities
Graduate research assistants will contribute to:
- Creating an inventory of completed, in-progress, and proposed conservation projects in the watershed.
- Confirming locations of species of greatest conservation need.
- Developing hydrological analyses to support conservation project selection and siting.
- Conducting site suitability analyses (SSA) to identify optimal locations for conservation efforts.
- Supporting restoration planning for woodland and tallgrass prairie ecosystems.
- Identifying strategies to mitigate impacts of legacy mining waste from the Tar Creek Superfund Site.
- Evaluating approaches to reduce flooding and improve watershed resiliency.
- Helping develop a comprehensive watershed conservation and resiliency plan.
Benefits of the Oklahoma State University Assistantship
Selected students will receive a research graduate assistantship with the following benefits:
- Annual stipend of $21,924 ($1,827 per month)
- Full health insurance
- Tuition waiver
Tentative start date: Summer 2026 (between 27 May and 5 June 2026) Duration: Approximately two years (ending between May and June 2028) Location: Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
Eligibility Requirements
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) in Environmental Science, Ecology, Rangeland Ecology, Hydrology, Geography, Environmental Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
- Successful admission to the OSU Environmental Science M.S. programme.
- Ability to work outdoors and conduct field assessments.
- Valid driver’s licence.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with GIS software (ArcGIS or QGIS).
- Background in watershed analysis, ecological assessment, or hydrologic modelling.
- Experience with environmental data analysis.
How to Apply – Step by Step
- Prepare your documents:
- A letter of interest (explaining your background, why you are interested in this project, and which focus area appeals to you most).
- An up-to-date resume or CV.
- Unofficial transcripts from your undergraduate studies.
- Email your application materials to Dr. Karen R. Hickman at [email protected].
- Apply for admission to the Oklahoma State University Environmental Science M.S. programme (if not already done). More information about the programme is available on the official website.
- Deadline: 15 May 2026 (applications will be reviewed as they are received).