Utah State University Graduate Research Scholarship offers an excellent fully funded opportunity for motivated students to pursue advanced studies in wildlife biology, movement ecology, and spatial ecology. Hosted by the College of Veterinary Medicine at Utah State University, this program is led by Dr. Jessica Sanchez in collaboration with Dr. Julie Young. The scholarship provides unique research exposure into cougar movement ecology, using advanced spatial modeling and behavioral analysis to generate impactful scientific insights.
Through this graduate research position, students will examine how female cougar movement patterns evolve as kittens grow, while also exploring links between maternal behavior and litter survival. Additional areas of study include den site selection and behavior across predator-dominated habitats. This flexible opportunity can be pursued as an MS or PhD program, with the option to transition from MS to PhD after the first year. Since the project is based on existing datasets, students can focus on analysis and research without a fieldwork requirement.
Benefits
This is a fully funded graduate research position at Utah State University, covering tuition, fees, and health insurance:
- MS students: $22,000/year stipend for 2 years.
- PhD students: $26,000/year stipend for 3 years (with an option to extend via TA opportunities).
Eligibility Criteria
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, biological sciences, or a related field.
- Strong skills in communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and organization.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Research experience in wildlife biology, quantitative ecology, or movement ecology.
- Strong background in spatial analysis and animal tracking data.
- Experience in research publication and professional dissemination.
Responsibilities
- Designing spatial models to identify behavioral states and resource use.
- Contributing to a collaborative lab environment.
- Publishing in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at conferences.
- Engaging with stakeholders and professional organizations to share research findings.
Available Subjects
- Wildlife Biology
- Ecology
- Veterinary Medicine
How to Apply?
- Send an email to Dr. Jessica Sanchez with the subject line: “Cougar student application”.
- Attach the following documents to your email:
- A cover letter (no more than 2 pages) explaining your interest and fit for the position.
- Your most recent CV.
- A writing sample (this can be a thesis chapter, manuscript, or a strong class paper).
- Transcripts (unofficial copies are accepted).
- Contact details for three professional references.
- Applications will be reviewed as they come in, so early submission is strongly encouraged.
- The successful candidate will begin in Spring or Fall Semester 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Utah State University Graduate Research Scholarship is a fully funded MS/PhD program in wildlife biology, movement, and spatial ecology. Students gain hands-on research experience, analyze cougar behavior, receive competitive stipends, and start in Spring or Fall 2026.
What is the Utah State University Graduate Research Scholarship?
The Utah State University Graduate Research Scholarship is a fully funded program for motivated students interested in wildlife biology, movement ecology, and spatial ecology. It offers hands-on research experience in cougar movement and maternal behavior analysis.
Who is eligible for the Utah State University Graduate Research Scholarship?
Applicants should have a Bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, biological sciences, or a related field. Strong communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and organizational skills are required. Preferred candidates have experience in research, spatial analysis, and animal tracking data.
Which study levels are offered under the Utah State University Graduate Research Scholarship?
The scholarship is flexible, allowing students to pursue either a Master’s (MS) or Doctoral (PhD) program. MS students can transition into a PhD after the first year, providing continuity for advanced research and long-term academic growth in ecology and wildlife studies.
What benefits does the Utah State University Graduate Research Scholarship provide?
This graduate research position is fully funded, covering tuition, fees, and health insurance. MS students receive a $22,000 annual stipend for 2 years, while PhD students receive $26,000 per year for 3 years, with optional teaching assistant opportunities for further support.
What research areas does the scholarship focus on?
Students will study cougar movement ecology, focusing on female movement patterns as kittens grow. The research explores maternal behavior, litter survival, den site selection, and behavioral adaptation across predator-dominated habitats using spatial modeling techniques.
Does the Utah State University Graduate Research Scholarship require fieldwork?
No fieldwork is required for this position. The research is based on existing datasets, allowing students to concentrate on data analysis, spatial modeling, and behavioral interpretation without traveling for field studies, while still gaining extensive ecological research experience.
What application materials are required for the Utah State University Graduate Research Scholarship?
Applicants must email Dr. Jessica Sanchez with a cover letter (max 2 pages), CV, a writing sample such as a thesis or manuscript, transcripts (unofficial accepted), and contact information for three professional references. Early submissions are encouraged.
When does the Utah State University Graduate Research Scholarship start?
The graduate research position starts in either Spring or Fall Semester 2026. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so submitting early increases the chance of selection. Students should plan their application timeline accordingly to meet the program’s intake.
What are the responsibilities of selected students?
Students will design spatial models, contribute to collaborative lab work, publish in peer-reviewed journals, present at conferences, and engage with stakeholders. Responsibilities emphasize both research rigor and professional development in wildlife ecology and conservation.
Which subjects are covered under this scholarship?
The scholarship supports research in Wildlife Biology, Ecology, and Veterinary Medicine. Students can engage in interdisciplinary studies, combining ecological modeling, animal behavior analysis, and applied veterinary insights to address conservation and wildlife management challenges.
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