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

BSU M.S. Biological Sciences

BSU Graduate Apply

Related Opportunities on Opportunity Station

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.

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Bridgewater State University Scholarships 2026 in the USA | Fully Funded Master’s Scholarship