Kraskura Lab, Towson University · Maryland · assistantship · posted 12 days ago
Program Title & Department: Biological Sciences Program or Environmental Science and Studies Program (ENVS), Thesis Track, Towson University. Program details and admission requirements for each program: Biological Sciences and ENVS. Project Description: The Kraskura Lab in the Fischer College of Natural Sciences at Towson University is leading an innovative new study funded by the Chesapeake Bay Trust on the impacts of stream restoration in the Chesapeake Bay on fish performance, habitat suitability, and distributions. Data collection prior to the student’s start date will include in situ sampling of fish and stream conditions at sites with different restoration levels, followed by laboratory experiments to assess fish aerobic scope and swimming capacity. A highly motivated student is sought to utilize this data to create a mechanistic habitat suitability model, with results relayed in maps and provided to collaborators and stakeholders in an interactive format (e.g., R Shiny Application). The student is also expected to publish their thesis work in a reputable and appropriate journal within a timely manner of thesis completion. Financial Support, Funding, and Mentorship: This project is fully funded as a Research Assistantship, including full tuition remission and a stipend (avg $21.5 K per year, benefits not included) for 2 years. If needed, support may possibly be extended with a Teaching Assistantship. Because the student is expected to present preliminary results and final findings at scientific conferences, travel will be supported through internal funding or project funds. The student will be primarily mentored by PI Dr Krista Kraskura, a fish physiologist who will provide training on integrative methods (e.g., field, lab, and quantitative) for studying fish physiology, and will have co-mentorship from Dr Nicki Barbour, a spatial and movement ecologist with expertise in statistical modeling and mapping in R. Both the Kraskura and Barbour labs value an encouraging and safe environment, where everyone deserves to learn and participate in full. You can read more about Dr. Kaskura’s lab here and about Dr. Barbour’s work here. Essential Skills: The competitive candidate for this position will have strong skills in statistical modeling of ecological data, preferably with explicit experience in habitat suitability modeling and creating maps in R. The ideal candidate is also expected to have foundational understandings of fish ecology, physiology, and aquatic environments and to have excellent written and oral communication skills. Application Details: 1. Email application to Dr. Barbour: October 15, 2026. 2. The application deadline, if applying to the ENVS program: January 15, 2027. 3. The application deadline, if applying to the Biological Sciences program: November 15, 2026. 4. Start of the program: Fall 2027 Required Materials: Interested applicants should submit a one-page cover letter describing their relevant past experience, motivation to pursue a graduate degree, and reasons for applying to this position, as well as a CV or resume, and contact information for three professional references via e-mail to Dr Nicki Barbour (nbarbour@towson.edu). Qualified and competitive applicants will be invited to conduct video interviews with Dr. Kraskura and Dr Barbour, and competitive applicants will be invited to submit their applications to the best fitting Master’s program.
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