OpenFieldAdams State Graduate STEM Research Assistantship (GRA) in Alpine Ecology
Funded research assistantship at the School of STEM supporting master's scholars conducting ecological research in the San Luis Valley and Sangre de Cristo Mountain range.
Adams State University: Cellular Biology, Wildlife Management & STEM Guide
Established in 1921 in the majestic San Luis Valley of southern Colorado, Adams State University (ASU Colorado) is an accredited public Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). Renowned for high-altitude exercise physiology, wildlife conservation biology, alpine wetland ecology, and clinical mental health counselling, Adams State combines expansive natural field laboratories with personal faculty mentorship.
Verified degree programs and opportunities
Review checked academic pathways and funding options below:
Master of Science in Kinesiology and High-Altitude Exercise Physiology
Two-year specialized graduate curriculum situated at 7,544 feet elevation examining hypoxia adaptation, metabolic efficiency, and elite endurance athletic performance.
Doctoral Research Fellowship in Rio Grande Riparian Ecology & Hydrogeology
Doctoral research appointment investigating aquifer depletion, groundwater recharge dynamics, and endangered wetland vegetation in the upper Rio Grande river basin.
Great Sand Dunes National Park & San Luis Valley Wildlife Survey
Collaborative field investigation deploying camera traps, radio telemetry, and genetic sequencing to monitor mountain lion and bighorn sheep populations around Great Sand Dunes National Park.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Aquatic Fisheries Management Internship
Fourteen-week field internship assisting state wildlife biologists with Rio Grande cutthroat trout broodstock management, electrofishing surveys, and stream temperature monitoring.
ASU Postdoctoral Fellowship in High-Altitude Cellular Hypoxia Adaptation
Two-year postdoctoral position in the Human Performance Laboratory investigating molecular adaptations of human skeletal muscle mitochondria to chronic moderate-altitude exposure.
Adams State University Mountain Vista Graduate Merit Scholarship
Institutional merit award providing direct tuition assistance to incoming graduate scholars demonstrating high scholastic excellence in STEM, mathematics, and environmental disciplines.
Admissions, language requirements & application process
- Master's admission eligibility
- Accredited baccalaureate degree from a recognized college or university with a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 to 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Doctoral admission eligibility
- Collaborative doctoral research and doctoral education transfers in conjunction with Colorado state university consortia.
- Language proficiency
- TOEFL iBT 79, IELTS Academic 6.5, or Duolingo English Test 105+ for non-native English international applicants.
- Research statement / Proposal
- Required for science and counselling graduate programs: 1,000-word statement of academic purpose defining research goals in high-altitude biology or community psychology.
- Application fee
- $30 USD domestic application fee; $50 USD for international applicants.
- Required documentation
- Official post-secondary transcripts from all institutions attended, two academic or professional recommendation letters, statement of intent, and resume/CV.
Tuition fees and verified scholarship systems
In-state graduate tuition is approximately $435 USD per credit hour ($8,700 USD/year for full-time study); out-of-state and international graduate tuition is approximately $695 USD per credit hour ($13,900 USD/year). Graduate Assistantships (GA) provide full tuition remissions and annual living stipends ranging from $9,000 to $14,000 USD.
Verified faculty profiles and research leaders
Distinguished researchers and laboratory heads at Adams State University:
Dr. Benita Brink
Professor of Biology & Department Chair of STEM · Microbial Ecology, Bacterial Genetics, San Luis Valley Soil Microbiome, Biological Efficacy
Dr. Tracey Robinson
Professor of Kinesiology & Director of Human Performance Laboratory · High-Altitude Physiology, Exercise Metabolism, Cardiovascular Endurance, Hypoxic Conditioning
Dr. Jared Beeton
Professor of Earth Sciences & Quaternary Geomorphology · Quaternary Geomorphology, Paleoenvironmental Reconstruction, Geoarchaeology, Fluvial Hydrology
Important verification note
Facts reflect official Adams State University documentation reviewed 2026-10-15. Degree admissions, scholarship awards, and employment positions are subject to formal university review. OpenField does not charge students application fees.
Reviewed 2026-10-15 · Editorial standards · Report an issue