Apply for the Bridgewater State University Scholarships 2026 in the USA | Fully Funded Master’s Scholarship - a funded M.S. Graduate Assistantship in Urban Wildlife Ecology in the Surasinghe Lab, Department of Biological Sciences, Bridgewater State University (BSU), Massachusetts.
The assistantship supports a thesis-based Master of Science in Biology student on an NSF Ecology and Evolution of Infectious Diseases (EEID) project studying how urbanization shapes wildlife communities and tick-borne disease risk across the Greater Boston region. The expected start is January 2027, with two years of funding through December 2028 (subject to admission, progress, and continued grant support).
This Opportunity Station guide covers research focus, benefits, eligibility, documents, timeline, and how to contact the lab before applying to BSU graduate admissions.
Quick Facts - Bridgewater State University Master’s Scholarship 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Host country | United States |
| Host state / region | Massachusetts (Greater Boston / southeastern MA field sites) |
| University | Bridgewater State University (BSU) |
| Department | Biological Sciences - Surasinghe Lab |
| Degree | M.S. in Biology (thesis / research track) |
| Position | Funded Graduate Assistantship - Urban Wildlife Ecology |
| Funding source | NSF EEID project (multi-institution collaboration) |
| Duration | 2 years (January 2027 - December 2028) |
| Nationality | Open to eligible domestic and international applicants |
| Review begins | Early October 2026 |
| Materials deadline | 30 November 2026 (review continues until filled) |
| Lab contact | tsurasinghe@bridgew.edu |
| Official lab page | Surasinghe Lab opportunities |
Why Apply for the Bridgewater State University Scholarship 2026?
- Funded two-year master’s research assistantship in the USA
- NSF-backed project at the intersection of wildlife ecology, landscape change, and disease risk
- Hands-on training with camera traps, AudioMoths, GIS, and R modeling
- Collaboration with partners including Columbia, Boston University, Tufts, and UK universities
- Field sites across urban - peri-urban gradients in the Greater Boston region
- Strong preparation for PhD programmes, wildlife agencies, NGOs, or consulting roles
Research Focus
As the M.S. student you will develop an independent thesis on urban wildlife ecology - typically using mammals and birds as focal taxa - to study occurrence, habitat use, community composition, and responses to urbanization. Core methods include:
- Camera-trap surveys across urban green spaces
- Passive acoustic monitoring (AudioMoths)
- Environmental and landscape covariates with GIS
- Quantitative / hierarchical ecological modeling in R
- Integration with broader tick, landscape, and disease-risk datasets
Scholarship / Assistantship Benefits
The position is a funded graduate assistantship for two years. Exact stipend and tuition terms are confirmed with the lab and university offer; typical support for this type of NSF-linked GA includes:
- Financial support for the two-year M.S. period (Jan 2027 - Dec 2028)
- Graduate assistantship salary commensurate with experience and responsibilities
- Research training, mentorship, and access to project equipment and datasets
- Opportunities to co-author manuscripts and present at conferences
- Collaboration with a postdoctoral researcher and multi-institution team
Confirm tuition remission, fees, and health-insurance details directly with Dr. Surasinghe and BSU Graduate Admissions when you receive an offer.
Eligibility Requirements
- Hold (or complete before enrollment) a B.S. in Biology, Ecology, Wildlife Biology, Environmental Science, Geography, or a closely related field
- Be eligible for admission to the BSU M.S. in Biology programme
- Strong interest in wildlife ecology, urban ecology, landscape ecology, or quantitative ecology
- Willingness to conduct fieldwork under variable New England conditions
- Desirable: experience with camera traps, acoustic monitoring, GIS, R, ecological statistics, or field ecology
- International applicants: meet BSU English proficiency and visa requirements
Required Documents
Email one PDF to tsurasinghe@bridgew.edu containing:
- Statement of interest (research interests, relevant experience, career goals - tied to urban wildlife / disease ecology)
- Current CV
- Unofficial transcripts
- Contact information for two or three references
After lab interest, submit a formal application to the BSU Graduate Admissions portal for the Biology M.S. programme.
How to Apply
- Read the official posting on the Surasinghe Lab opportunities page.
- Prepare a tailored statement linking your background to camera traps, acoustics, GIS/R, and urban wildlife questions.
- Email your single PDF packet to tsurasinghe@bridgew.edu (preferred first step).
- Expect review from early October 2026; submit materials by 30 November 2026 for strongest consideration (position remains open until filled).
- If invited, apply formally to the M.S. in Biological Sciences via BSU graduate admissions.
Official Links
Surasinghe Lab - M.S. Assistantship posting
Natural Resources Job Board listing
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FAQs - Bridgewater State University Scholarships 2026
Is this a fully funded master’s scholarship?
It is a funded two-year M.S. graduate assistantship on an NSF EEID project. Confirm stipend, tuition coverage, and benefits in your offer letter with the lab and BSU.
What is the application deadline?
Review begins in early October 2026. Aim to submit materials by 30 November 2026; the lab continues reviewing until the position is filled.
When does the programme start?
The assistantship is expected to begin in January 2027 and run through December 2028.
Can international students apply?
Yes, if you meet BSU graduate admission and visa requirements. Contact Dr. Surasinghe early to discuss timing and eligibility.
Do I apply to the university first or email the professor first?
Email Dr. Surasinghe with your PDF packet first. Formal BSU Biology M.S. admission is still required for the assistantship.
