M.S. project on the spatial ecology of desert wetlands

Starting Fall 2026; application deadline 1 January 2026

We are seeking a highly motivated applicant to join our labs to conduct M.S. research on geospatial dynamics of desert wetlands across environmental gradients, co-advised by Dr. Nancy McIntyre (Biological Sciences) and Dr. Kerry Griffis-Kyle (Natural Resources Management), Texas Tech University.

Prospective students will be funded for three years by a 9-month/year departmental Teaching Assistantship and possibly by additional graduate school fellowships (with awards ranging from $2500 for 1 year to $30,000/yr for 3 years).

Applicants must be US citizens and be able to pass a military background check. Preference will be given to students with experience/coursework in landscape ecology,  remote sensing, and GIS and with experience in hot desert field conditions.

Skills that will be acquired:

• Experience with ArcGIS

• Experience with R

• Curation of spatial datasets

• Scientific communication

Applications are due by 1 January 2026 but space is limited, so early applications are encouraged.

Interested applicants should email both Dr. McIntyre (nancy.mcintyre@ttu.edu) and Dr. Griffis-Kyle (kerry.griffis-kyle@ttu.edu) with “Graduate application – desert wetlands” in the subject line. Please include

all of the following in your email:

1. A statement of your research interests

2. How this position will help you fulfill your career goals

3. Resume/CV with a summary of your research experiences and skills and your contact info

4. Unofficial transcripts

5. GRE scores (optional but encouraged)

6. Contact information (names, addresses, phone numbers, emails) of three references

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