Graduate Students
Interested in graduate work with the Center for Sportfish Science and Conservation?
The CSSC encourages applications from highly-motivated students with a passion for research on topics closely matching those investigated by us (see Research Projects). Competition for limited positions is intense, so applicants are expected to provide concrete evidence of academic achievement, technical training/research involvement, and especially dedication to scientific inquiry and professional development. Funding opportunities for new graduate students depend on availability of research assistantships. History reveals that the most successful graduate students are those that enter the program with a natural sense of curiosity and a strong desire to conduct research, publish findings, and obtain a position in a science-related profession. If interested, please contact Dr. Stunz directly at greg.stunz@tamucc.edu. For Dr. Stunz's philosophy on the graduate student experience, read:
-Greg Stunz, Ph.D., Director, CSSC
Shark Tagging
Deploying a receiver at artificial reef MU-A-85
Rinsing out a sample from Cedar Bayou
Analyzing samples in the laboratory
Undergraduate Students and Interns
Interested in gaining undergraduate research experience with the Center for Sportfish Science and Conservation?
The CSSC encourages undergraduate students who are interested in gaining fisheries experience in the lab or field to contact us. We seek highly-motivated undergraduate students who are enthusiastic and willing to learn. Most of this work occurs through volunteer, paid student-worker positions, or internships, and is often the first opportunity for students to gain necessary experience for their future career. Our philosophy for undergraduates working in the CSSC is that students should try and gain as much experience as possible and have the willingness and enthusiasm to help with numerous tasks in the field and laboratory. We involve undergraduates in real-world research experiences; thus, we expect high quality work and dedication. Additionally, students will gain a better understanding of how to become a scientist and are better prepared to be successful in their academic programs. However, we recognize that a student’s undergraduate coursework is their main priority, and we typically accommodate work schedules to not impede academic success. For more information about available opportunities, please contact us at sportfish@tamucc.edu.
Scholarships
Our endowments, scholarships and internships enable us to educate the next generation of researchers whose work will ensure sustainable management of Gulf of Mexico fisheries.
Scholarship applications are now coordinated through
the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Scholarship Office:
Scholarship Application Portal
Shimano-CCA National Marine Science Scholarship
Shimano and the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) have partnered to fund scholarships for two dedicated students committed to advancing their education in marine fisheries conservation. Preference will be given to those applicants whose research will contribute to the understanding of Gulf of Mexico marine fisheries and management and those that have a passion for recreational fishing that are in line with the missions of Shimano, CCA, and the Center for Sportfish Science and Conservation at the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies. This scholarship will reward two positions.
Coastal Conservation Association - Texas Graduate Scholarship
The purpose of this scholarship is to assist a deserving graduate student at the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies. Preference will be given to students conducting graduate-level research that will contribute to the understanding of marine fisheries science and management in the Gulf of Mexico region with emphasis on recreational fishing that are in line with the mission of the Center for Sportfish Science and Conservation.
R.N. "Dick" Conolly Endowed Graduate Scholarship in Fisheries Conservation and Sportfish Research
The purpose of the scholarship is to assist deserving full-time graduate students pursuing a Master of Science or Doctor of Philosophy at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. The scholarship funding will be available for graduate students affiliated with the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies that are pursuing a program of study within the following research focus area within the: Fisheries Conservation, particularly those in the Center for Sportfish Science and Conservation.
Erin Caroline Donalson Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Erin Caroline Donalson was a native of Silsbee, Texas and proud student in Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s wildlife and fisheries program. Outside of her studies, she enjoyed saltwater fishing and paddle boarding on the Texas coast. Following her passing in May 2018, Erin’s parents, Drew and Alyson Donalson, created the Erin Caroline Donalson Memorial Endowed Scholarship in celebration of their daughter’s passion for her school and the outdoors. The scholarship assists graduate students whose studies and/or research align with the mission of the Center for Sportfish Science and Conservation.
Dan and Carolyn Pedrotti Endowment for the Center for Sportfish Science and Conservation
The Center for Sportfish Science and Conservation at the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies offers the Dan and Carolyn Pedrotti Endowment for Sportfish Science and Conservation. The purpose of the scholarship is to support a top-tier graduate student through tuition and research support in sportfish conservation.