MSU Listserv

From: Joles, Katherine <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 11:51 AM
To: Schneider, Jim <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Human Dimensions Master's Oppurtunity

Hey Jim,

Hope all is well in East Lansing!

I’m at Oregon State’s Human Dimensions Lab getting my master’s right now, and there’s 2 master’s opportunities opening up in the lab. I thought I’d pass on the position to you in case there’s any undergrads passionate about social science and looking for a grad school oppurtunity.

Any interested students can email me at [log in to unmask] to chat about whether this would be a good fit!

- Katie Joles


Position Summary:


MS Graduate Research Assistants

Human Wellbeing and Conservation Lab (part of Human Dimensions Lab)

Oregon State University Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Sciences

Corvallis, OR



The Conservation and Human Wellbeing Lab (part of the Human Dimensions Lab) at Oregon State University is seeking two MS students to contribute to research on socio-cultural impacts of harmful algal blooms (HABs) in Puget Sound, Washington State.  The students will be funded as a Graduate Research Assistants (4 terms/year) for up to two years.  One student will focus on the use of AI to analyze publicly available data, while the other student will use in-person data collection tools (encounter surveys and interviews).  Data will include the myriad direct and indirect pathways that HABs impact shoreline visitors, seafood harvesters, shoreline homeowners, and coastal residents.



Start date: September 15, 2026



Funding: Two years of GRA that covers tuition, benefits, stipend (@~$2400/month) and  research expenses. Funding is provided by the NOAA socio-economic impacts of harmful algal blooms program.



Duties:

•      Design and conduct original, empirical research on socio-cultural impacts of harmful algal blooms in the Puget Sound that fits within project scope

•      Participate in weekly lab meetings with peers

•      Assist in project tasks as needed, including supervising undergraduate research assistants

•      Attend at least one professional conference to present research

•      Co-author at least one manuscript for peer review with Dr. Biedenweg

•      Follow departmental guidelines to meet graduation requirements in about 2 years



Required Qualifications

•      B.S. in relevant field (sociology, anthropology, psychology, geography, environmental studies, etc.)

•      Growth mindset: curious, open to feedback, excited by challenges

•      Outstanding communication skills: able to communicate honestly about needs and professionally with diverse audiences

•      Team-oriented

•      Highly organized

•      Evidence of academic writing skills



To apply:

Please send a CV with the names of 3 references, a cover letter describing your interest in this project, specifying your preference for an AI-focused vs. field-based project, and a 3-4 page research proposal describing (in general) the research you could imagine conducting, including hypotheses/questions, methods, justification, and intended products to Dr. Kelly Biedenweg, [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>. The research project does not need to be exactly what you will implement; I use this as an opportunity to learn about your writing, interests, and understanding of research.  Please do not use AI to write (though you are welcome to use it to brainstorm).  Based on my experience, proposals written with AI are obvious.



Application reviews will begin May 1, 2026 and accepted until filled.



For more information on the Lab: https://kellybiedenweg.weebly.com<https://kellybiedenweg.weebly.com/>