Category: Graduate Programs

2026 MS Graduate Student Assistantship – Cal Poly Humboldt

Funded Opportunity for Master of Science Degree in Natural Resources at Cal Poly Humboldt, beginning Fall 2026

Drs. Erin Kelly (https://fwr.humboldt.edu/people/erin-kelly) at Cal Poly Humboldt and Jeff Martin (https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jeff-Martin-12) at the USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Research Station are seeking applications for Master of Science (MS) student in the Cal Poly Humboldt Natural Resources program. The student will conduct social science research regarding sense of place and social acceptability of fuels reduction and silvicultural treatments in northern California.

 PROJECT

This case study research is situated in Truckee, California, a community in the wildland-urban interface with high fire risk and active forest management, including fuels reduction and other silvicultural treatments. The graduate student will work with community partners to document the response of residents to different types of forest management, and how forest management fits with their sense of place. Methods will be primarily qualitative, including interviews and participant observation.

This research assistantship provides the student with funding for two years at $23.00/hour, 20 hours/ week during the school year (September through May) and 40 hours/week during the summer. Travel and research funds will also be provided. The student will develop and implement their thesis project in coordination with co-supervisors Dr. Kelly and Dr. Martin, as well as community partners.

POSITION DUTIES

• Coordinate with supervisors and community partners to refine thesis project
• Synthesize existing literature related to research topic
• Lead data collection and data management
• Process and analyze data to address research objectives
• Write publication-quality thesis and associated management briefs
• Complete all other university requirements for completion of the MS degree
• Present research at conference(s)
• Assist with other projects and efforts as needed

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants for this opportunity should have:

• A background in social science (undergraduate degree, substantial coursework, and/or research experience);
• Experience with qualitative research methods, and/or an interest in building qualitative research skills;
• Interest in natural resource issues, especially forestry and/or fire ecology; and,
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication (written, verbal) skills

TO APPLY FOR FALL 2026 ACADEMIC YEAR

For consideration, send an email to Dr. Erin Kelly, Professor in Forest Policy and Economics at: erin.kelly@humboldt.edu. Include the subject line “Forest Management graduate student application” and the following attachments (as .docx or .pdf files):

1. CV/resume (including GPA and complete contact information)
2. letter of interest (clearly stated research interests and background, no more than 2 pages)
3. names and contact information for three (3) references

Review of applications will begin February 1, 2026.

Note: Applicants need not apply to the Cal Poly Humboldt Graduate Studies Program for consideration. The selected candidate will be asked to apply to the program once the application review process is completed.

M.S. in Environmental Metrology & Policy (EMAP)

EMAP is a two-year interdisciplinary research intensive master’s program that is open to any undergraduate majors and integrates environmental measurement science, data analytics/AI, toxicology/risk assessment, and policymaking & regulation. Students learn how environmental decision-making and governance in government, industry, and NGOs etc. should be informed by high-quality environmental measurements & monitoring and rigorous human health and ecological risk assessment. Our graduates pursue careers in environmental monitoring & compliance, product safety/regulatory affairs, risk assessment, consulting, and data-driven policy analysis, in both public and private sectors.

Here are a few reasons why the program may be of interest to your students:

• Rigorous interdisciplinary curriculum links analytical measurement, statistics/AI for environment, toxicology & risk assessment, and U.S./international policy & compliance
• Unique partnerships with EPA, NIST, NOAA, & FDA and DC location offer rich professional networking and development opportunities.
• It emphasizes on environmental measurement & monitoring based year-long authentic independent research aiming at scholarly publications. The extensive research training also makes it a perfect segway to PhD studies.
• The program is a strong fit for students aiming for evidence-based environmental careers in the private or public sector or to continue for PhD studies.

Please note that applications for the School of Marine & Environmental Affairs graduate program are considered only once each year and the application deadline is December 15^th. The application process is entirely online and you will find all of the steps required to apply listed here as well as additional information regarding our Master’ program on our web page: https://smea.uw.edu

Please do not hesitate to contact me at tlcdion@uw.edu if you have any questions. We hope you consider applying!

Warm wishes,

Tiffany

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Tiffany L. Comtois-Dion, M.Ed.

(Pronouns: She/Her/Hers)

Graduate Program Advisor

School of Marine and Environmental Affairs

University of Washington

tlcdion@uw.edu  • 206.543.0106

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Tracy Lab_Graduate Research Assistant_Advertisement

LSU research assistant position (MS or PhD) in the School of Renewable Natural Resources, Forest Ecology and Management Lab under the supervision of Dr. John Tracy.

Please see the above link to learn more!