Graduate Students

One Ph.D. position is available beginning in Fall 2026. Candidates with interests in water quality monitoring, biogeochemistry, and soil chemistry are strongly encouraged to apply. Student will engage in applied research in aquaculture systems, with a focus on water quality monitoring, biogeochemistry, and environmental data analysis. Prospective students interested in pursuing graduate research (M.S. or Ph.D.) are encouraged to visit the publications section and read few articles. 

Preferred Qualifications for Ph.D. Applicants:
1.Water Quality Monitoring: Skilled in calibrating and using probes and conducting field-based water quality assessments.
2.Soil Chemistry: Experience with total digestion and sequential extraction techniques.
3.Field Work: Demonstrated interest in fieldwork and ability to generate high-quality environmental monitoring datasets. 
4.Laboratory Skills: Familiarity with bottle preparation for water sampling and laboratory analysis of nutrients, dissolved organic matter, and cations.
5.Data Analysis: Proficiency in statistical computing (R or Python, and MATLAB), with demonstrated skills in geospatial analysis using tools such as ArcGIS Pro or QGIS.
6.Equipment and Safety Management: Ensures proper care in the use and maintenance of equipment and supplies; promotes continuous improvement of workplace safety and environmental practices.
7.Scientific Communication: Demonstrates strong written communication skills for preparing technical reports, peer-reviewed manuscripts, and research proposals. Capable of effectively presenting research findings at scientific conferences and to diverse audiences.
8.Personal Attributes: Self-motivated, well-organized team player with resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to learn from challenges.
9.Driving Record: Must have a clean driving record. 

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: MS degree in Soil Science, Marine Biology, Wildlife and Fisheries, Agronomy, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Civil/Environmental/Water Resources Engineering, or a closely related field is required for admission to the Ph.D. program. Applicants should also have relevant internship or work experience that demonstrates hands-on laboratory skills. Direct entry Ph.D. applicants without an MS degree will not be considered.

SALARY: Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) is available through the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES): $22,000/year, tuition and health covered, plus conference travel funds. Assistantship is competitive based on qualifications and funding availability. Please visit https://www.wildlifefisheries.msstate.edu/students/graduate-programs.php  for more information on or graduate programs. Admission details for both domestic and international applicants are available at https://www.grad.msstate.edu/apply

LOCATION: The lab is located at the Thad Cochran National Warmwater Aquaculture Center (NWAC), www.tcnwac.msstate.edu, DREC, Stoneville, MS-38776. Stoneville is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes from the main campus (Starkville, MS).

Application Instructions
Prospective candidates should email Dr. Sankar M S at sm3317@msstate.edu using the subject line “Graduate Student Interest.” The email should include the following materials:
1. Current CV
2. Contact information for three references
3. A writing sample
4. Unofficial academic transcripts
5. GRE scores (if available)
Note: International applicants without degrees from U.S. institutions must also provide TOEFL or IELTS scores.