I welcome inquiries from motivated prospective MS and PhD students who are interested in the intersections of social-ecological systems, fisheries, marine conservation, and interdisciplinary research. If you’re interested in joining the Shared Seas Lab, please reach out. When emailing me, please include:

• Cover letter (one page maximum) detailing a short summary of your background, career goals, and why you want to join SMAST

• CV 

• PhD students only: Research proposal stating proposed research interests (max 3 pages)

• 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/

Students who bring external funding (e.g., through fellowships, scholarships, or other sources) will have a stronger chance of joining the lab. I’m happy to work with strong applicants to co-develop a competitive funding proposal to support their studies and research. See the list of potential funding sources below.

I read all inquiries but may not be able to respond to each one individually. Students whose interests and funding align with the lab’s priorities will be contacted to discuss potential opportunities further.

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.