Recruiting two students for interdisciplinary research in marine conservation and fisheries
Exciting news! I’ll be joining the School for Marine Science and Technology (SMAST) at UMass Dartmouth as an Assistant Professor starting Fall 2025. My lab focuses on conservation, fisheries equity, and human–environment dynamics. I’m actively recruiting M.S. and Ph.D. students to join ongoing research on manta ray bycatch mitigation and global fisheries conflict. If you're passionate about applied marine science, interdisciplinary science, and working with fishers and fishing communities, I’d love to hear from you.
Credit: TUNACONS
M.S. Research Assistantship in Manta Ray Conservation and Bycatch Mitigation
Position Title: M.S. track research assistantship through the UMass Intercampus Marine Science Graduate Program at the School for Marine Science and Technology at UMass Dartmouth.
Start Date: September 1, 2025
Compensation: Annual stipend plus tuition waiver.
Ph.D. Research Assistantship in Fisheries Conflict and Food Security
Position title: PhD track research assistantship through the UMass Intercampus Marine Science Graduate Program at the School for Marine Science and Technology at UMass Dartmouth.
Start Date: September 1, 2025 preferred; January 2026 possible
Compensation: Annual stipend plus tuition waiver.
Location: Based at the School for Marine Science and Technology (SMAST) at UMass Dartmouth. Located in New Bedford, Massachusetts, home to one of the most vibrant and historic working waterfronts in the United States and the nation's most economically valuable fishing port. SMAST is a modern research facility with direct access to the water. As a center for cutting-edge fisheries science, SMAST offers a collaborative and applied research environment with strong connections to regional, national, and international marine policy. Students benefit from access to a network of government agencies, NGOs, and fishing industry stakeholders, making it an ideal setting for interdisciplinary marine research.
To Apply: Please send the following materials to Dr. Melissa Cronin at melissar.cronin@gmail.com (don’t forget the r in between melissa and cronin!) with the subject line “MS Assistantship - Your Name” OR “PhD Assistantship - Your Name”:
Cover letter (one page maximum) detailing a short summary of your background, career goals, and why you want to join SMAST
CV
Unofficial transcripts
Writing sample (a publication, research proposal, term paper, or some other piece that you are proud of)
Name and contact info for two references (academic references preferred)
See this useful guide for emailing potential graduate advisors. Learn more about the UMass Intercampus Marine Science Graduate Program and its application process here: https://www.umassd.edu/ims/prospective-students/admissions-overview/
Review Timeline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning June 9, 2025 until the position is filled.