Prospective Students
Join the Mitchell Aquatic Ecology Lab
The Mitchell Aquatic Ecology Lab at Texas A&M University-Kingsville is always looking for passionate and motivated students interested in aquatic ecology, fisheries science, and conservation biology. Our lab focuses on understanding how ecological communities change over space and time, with applications for species conservation and management.
We encourage both undergraduate and graduate students to develop independent research projects aligned with our lab’s focus areas, including freshwater and estuarine ecosystems, species distributions, and the effects of environmental change on aquatic organisms. Students in our lab gain experience in field ecology, data analysis, GIS, ecological modeling, and experimental design while working in a collaborative and supportive research environment.
If you are interested in joining the lab, please email Dr. Zachary Mitchell ([email protected]) with your CV, research interests, and relevant experience.
Available Positions
M.S. Graduate Research Assistantship – Crayfish Distribution & Ecological Modeling
We are currently seeking a Master’s student to join our lab for a fully funded research project on the distribution, habitat use, and ecological modeling of Texas crayfish species. This student will conduct extensive field surveys across South Texas and contribute to ecological niche modeling to assess habitat suitability.
Position Details:
Location: Texas A&M University-Kingsville
Start Date: Fall 2025
Funding: $15,000/year stipend + full tuition waiver
Key Responsibilities:
✅ Minimum: Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, fisheries, or a related field
✅ Preferred: Experience with crayfish or freshwater invertebrates, data analysis (R), and scientific writing
✅ Additional Requirements: Ability to conduct fieldwork in challenging conditions, including remote camping
How to Apply:Interested candidates should submit the following materials as a single PDF to Dr. Zachary Mitchell ([email protected]):
1️⃣ Cover letter detailing research interests and relevant experience
2️⃣ CV or résumé
3️⃣ Unofficial transcripts
4️⃣ Contact information for three references
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Join the Mitchell Aquatic Ecology Lab
The Mitchell Aquatic Ecology Lab at Texas A&M University-Kingsville is always looking for passionate and motivated students interested in aquatic ecology, fisheries science, and conservation biology. Our lab focuses on understanding how ecological communities change over space and time, with applications for species conservation and management.
We encourage both undergraduate and graduate students to develop independent research projects aligned with our lab’s focus areas, including freshwater and estuarine ecosystems, species distributions, and the effects of environmental change on aquatic organisms. Students in our lab gain experience in field ecology, data analysis, GIS, ecological modeling, and experimental design while working in a collaborative and supportive research environment.
If you are interested in joining the lab, please email Dr. Zachary Mitchell ([email protected]) with your CV, research interests, and relevant experience.
Available Positions
M.S. Graduate Research Assistantship – Crayfish Distribution & Ecological Modeling
We are currently seeking a Master’s student to join our lab for a fully funded research project on the distribution, habitat use, and ecological modeling of Texas crayfish species. This student will conduct extensive field surveys across South Texas and contribute to ecological niche modeling to assess habitat suitability.
Position Details:
Location: Texas A&M University-Kingsville
Start Date: Fall 2025
Funding: $15,000/year stipend + full tuition waiver
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct field surveys across South Texas to assess crayfish distributions and habitat associations
- Collect environmental and spatial data using standardized sampling methods
- Participate in ecological niche modeling using R and GIS-based tools
- Present research findings at scientific conferences and contribute to manuscript preparation
✅ Minimum: Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, fisheries, or a related field
✅ Preferred: Experience with crayfish or freshwater invertebrates, data analysis (R), and scientific writing
✅ Additional Requirements: Ability to conduct fieldwork in challenging conditions, including remote camping
How to Apply:Interested candidates should submit the following materials as a single PDF to Dr. Zachary Mitchell ([email protected]):
1️⃣ Cover letter detailing research interests and relevant experience
2️⃣ CV or résumé
3️⃣ Unofficial transcripts
4️⃣ Contact information for three references
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.