Invaluable Research Opportunities

SRC provides a platform for students to conduct graduate-level research at the University of Miami. Graduate students interested in getting involved with SRC projects should read Dr. Hammerschlag’s letter to prospective students.

 SRC’s interdisciplinary research interests sit at the cross section of natural and social science and are applied to produce high-quality research in support of important conservation and management goals. Our sampling sites in the Florida Keys, the Everglades, the Dry Tortugas, South Africa, and the Bahamas are home to a diverse assemblage of shark species including nurse sharks, blacktips, blacknoses, great and scalloped hammerheads, tiger sharks, Caribbean reef sharks, and a suite of endemic species.

Graduate students working on SRC projects have the opportunity to mentor undergraduate interns, lead shark research trips, and engage with our research and educational partners. SRC’s graduate students have the unique opportunity to explore their research interests, gain leadership skills, and define their career objectives as a part of a supportive, tight-knit lab atmosphere. Many SRC Graduate alumni have proceeded to successful careers in marine science and have gained notoriety through published research papers. Graduate students join SRC through the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science’s Masters of Professional Science and the Master of Science programs, as well as the Environmental Science and Policy Ph.D. program. 

MPS

The University of Miami’s Master of Professional Science program is an accelerated graduate degree that prepares students for careers in industry, government, and nonprofit organizations. Prospective students interested in attending the University of Miami as Masters of Professional Science at the Rosenstiel  School of Marine & Atmospheric Science, click HERE for more information. Part of the MPS program requirements include an internship with an organization of your interest. SRC opportunistically accepts MPS students for internships to fill gaps within our lab’s work. When these positions become available, we will post them online and announcements will be made to the RSMAS community before applications open.

Guidelines for MPS Internship Applicants: 

  • Students should be in the first year of their degree program to apply
  • Prospective students may apply for open positions advertised by SRC or submit applications for internship projects related to SRC’s work until September 15th each Fall semester
  • All MPS tracks are welcome to apply

Students who identify with any of the following are encouraged to apply: socio-economically disadvantaged students, students from historically underrepresented groups, students in underserved communities, students who have overcome substantial economic/educational obstacles, and/or first-generation college students.

M.S. Program

Through the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, students can pursue a Master of Science (M.S.) degree within the Marine Ecosystems and Society department with Dr. Hammerschlag as primary advisor. These opportunities are limited and interested students should familiarize themselves with the requirements of the program before making contact. This degree track is research-based and students are expected to write and defend a thesis on their research topic. 

Prospective students interested in working with Dr. Neil Hammerschlag should read his letter to prospective students.

Students who identify with any of the following are encouraged to apply: socio-economically disadvantaged students, students from historically underrepresented groups, students in underserved communities, students who have overcome substantial economic/educational obstacles, and/or first-generation college students.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Prospective students interested in the Ph.D program in Marine & Atmospheric Science, click HERE for more information. Prospective students interested in the Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Policy, click HERE for more information. Students interested in working with Dr. Hammerschlag should read his letter to prospective students.

Students who identify with any of the following are encouraged to apply: socio-economically disadvantaged students, students from historically underrepresented groups, students in underserved communities, students who have overcome substantial economic/educational obstacles, and/or first-generation college students.

“My masters program at Northeastern University included a research and internship requirement, and I was lucky enough to do both with the Shark Research & Conservation Program. The chance to be out in the sun and working with sharks was an amazing opportunity, it’s exciting to be a part of such important research and conservation efforts.”

— Piper Wallingford Masters Student ’11

“The Ph.D. experience with SRC is a mixture of rigorous scientific training coupled with extensive field time. Being a member of Dr. Hammerschlag’s Lab has helped me realize that spending time with sharks in their natural environment is key. I have gained a deeper, more instinctual understanding of these species, better preparing me to navigate my doctoral degree.”

— Austin Gallagher, Ph.D.

Interested in graduate scholarships? Click here for a list of financial assistance