Study how soil contamination affects vegetation dynamics in the Indiana Dunes — one of North America's most ecologically diverse coastal systems. Combines field ecology, soil chemistry, remote sensing, and ecological modeling with collaborators at USGS Great Lakes Science Center and Indiana Dunes National Park.
Jo Lab, Department of Forestry & Natural Resources at Purdue University. Hands-on training in field sampling, LiDAR, soil analysis, ecological modeling. Collaboration with Dr. Lori Hoagland (Horticulture) and Institute for Digital Forestry. Email Dr. Insu Jo with cover letter, CV, and unofficial transcripts as a single PDF.
Bachelor's degree in biology, forestry, ecology, environmental science, soil science, or related field. Strong interest in plant-soil interactions and restoration ecology. Familiarity with R, Python, or GIS preferred but not required.
Heads up: eligibility rules and deadlines change each cycle. Always cross-check the official application portal before you submit.
Confirm eligibility — Bachelor's degree in biology, forestry, ecology, environmental science, soil science, or related discipline.
Prepare academic transcripts (unofficial transcripts accepted for initial inquiry).
Write a focused cover letter describing research interests, relevant experience, and career goals — keep to 1 page.
Update your CV to highlight any field work, lab experience, or quantitative skills (R, Python, GIS).
Combine cover letter + CV + unofficial transcripts into a single PDF.
Email the PDF to Dr. Insu Jo at insujo@purdue.edu with subject 'M.S. Application — Indiana Dunes Project'.
Wait for follow-up. Strong-fit candidates are contacted for discussion and invited to formally apply to Purdue's graduate program.
Most rejected applications fail on test scores, not credentials. Get a PBridge tutor to prepare you for the exams required for this scholarship.
Yes. International applicants including Nigerian citizens are eligible. Bachelor's degree in a relevant field plus interest in plant-soil interactions required. Email insujo@purdue.edu with your application package.
A 2-year Research Assistantship through Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant, which typically covers tuition waiver, monthly stipend, and health insurance for graduate students at Purdue.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Start date can be Fall 2026 or Spring 2027. Earlier applications have a stronger chance.
Email a single PDF with cover letter, CV, and unofficial transcripts to Dr. Insu Jo at insujo@purdue.edu. Strong fit candidates will be invited to formally apply through Purdue's graduate program.
Strong academic record in biology/ecology/environmental science, demonstrated interest in plant-soil systems, and experience with field surveys or data analysis (R/Python/GIS) strengthen applications.
Deadline: Rolling — Fall 2026 or Spring 2027
Apply on Official Site →