M.S. Teaching Assistantship — Nicholls State University
Effects of chronic environmental hypoxia in the Atchafalaya River Basin on crayfish oocyte development and gill surface area
A Teaching Assistantship is available beginning in the Spring 2026 semester for the Master of Science in Marine and Environmental Biology program at Nicholls State University in Dr. Chris Bonvillain’s Aquatic Ecology and Astacology Lab (https://labs.nicholls.edu/bonvillain/). The Teaching Assistantships include tuition and out of state fee waivers and a stipend of $20,000/yr. For more information about the graduate program visit https://www.nicholls.edu/biology/master-of-science-degree-program/.
Project Description
The Atchafalaya River Basin in south-central Louisiana is the largest bottomland hardwood river-floodplain and swamp in North America and provides over 90% of the wild crayfish harvest in Louisiana, the most valuable fishery in the state. The successful applicants will conduct a two-year field research project to examine crayfish population characteristics, oocyte maturation, and gill surface area in normoxic and hypoxic areas in the Atchafalaya River Basin. Specifically, the research will focus on the effects of chronic environmental hypoxia crayfish oocyte maturation and gill surface area.
This is a field intense project that includes crayfish trapping and handling, habitat assessments, and quantification of physiological biomarkers. Additionally, the student will work with research partners at The Nature Conservancy and participate in various project communication and reporting activities. Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license, have experience operating outboard engine boats, and able to tolerate harsh field conditions (hot, humid, rain, bugs, etc.).
The assistantship begins on 14 January 2026 and the project is scheduled to begin immediately. The M.S. stipend is $20,000/year and includes tuition and out-of-state fee waivers.
Qualifications
Applicants must:
- Possess a valid driver’s license
- Be able to tolerate harsh field conditions (cold, hot, humid, rain, bugs)
- Have experience operating outboard engine boats (preferred)
Admission requirements include:
- B.S. degree in a life science curriculum
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
- Combined GRE (verbal + quantitative) of 300 if GPA < 3.5 (GRE not required if GPA > 3.5)
Application procedure includes an online application and fee (http://www.nicholls.edu/apply/). A cover letter, CV, official GRE scores, academic transcripts, and departmental application package (under admission requirements & application information) (https://www.nicholls.edu/biology/master-of-science-degree-program/) including three letters of recommendation (forms included in departmental application) can be sent to Dr. Bonvillain (chris.bonvillain@nicholls.edu).
Deadline for applying is October 1, 2025 or until a suitable applicant is selected. Application materials and questions regarding the program should be sent to Dr. Chris Bonvillain, chris.bonvillain@nicholls.edu.