How to Apply for the Ricker Fellowship

The Quantitative Fisheries Center (QFC) of the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Michigan State University is inviting applications for the William E. Ricker Distinguished Fellowship in Quantitative Fisheries Sciences. The selected fellow will conduct research leading to a PhD degree in an area related to QFC activities. The QFC conducts research on fish population dynamics and assessment, and works closely with fishery management agencies to apply our findings. Most projects emphasize computer modeling and data analysis rather than field work. The successful candidate will be fully supported for four years and can apply for a fifth year of funding. Fellows will receive a 12 month stipend of $23,000. In addition, tuition and related fees will be waived within some limits.

Qualifications

Undergraduate degree in fisheries, biology, or a related quantitative science, and aptitude and interest in modeling of population dynamics and application of statistics to natural resource issues. Strongest applicants will have high GPA and GRE scores, and some combination of peer-reviewed publications and MS degree or work experience in areas related to quantitative fisheries or natural resource management.

Fellowship Application Instructions

To be considered for the fellowship you must submit a formal application for graduate studies in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, including all supporting materials (see Graduate Application). You must also submit a letter of application detailing your background, accomplishments, talents, skills, and career aspirations. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact QFC Co-Directors Drs. Mike Jones and Jim Bence prior to formal application through the following e-mail address (qfc@msu.edu). Individuals should include background information as electronic attachments when contacting Drs. Bence and Jones, including a letter of interest, CV, GRE scores (if available), GPA, and a summary of relevant course work. Interested individuals who have been in contact with other MSU Department of Fisheries and Wildlife faculty members as possible advisors can request that the faculty member nominate them for the Fellowship.

Submission

Formal application for graduate studies in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife can be submitted online. The letter of application for the Fellowship should be sent to the following address.

The William E. Ricker Distinguished Fellowship
c/o Travis Brenden, Associate Director
Quantitative Fisheries Center
Department of Fisheries and Wildlife
Michigan State University
13 Natural Resources Building
East Lansing , MI 48824-1222

The William E. Ricker Distinguished Fellowship in Quantitative Fisheries Science is funded through the MSU Graduate School. Dr. William E. Ricker was a prominent fisheries scientist and a pioneer in development and application of quantitative methods in fisheries science and management.

Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Quantitative Fisheries Center