Graduate Studies Info

Dr. Schwarz and I plan take two MSc students for academic year 2027-2028.

We are interested in students who are responsible, committed, congenial, and can close the deal (finish their thesis and publish at least one scientific paper). Good communication and quantitative skills are also valued. Dr. Schwarz and I are looking for people who can continue current work using harbor seal eDNA and photographic identification of seals. As such, we appreciate candidates who have experience using molecular techniques and/or identifying individual animals via photographs, and who are orgnaized, meticulous and attentive to detail.

If you are interested in being part of the lab, please email me at aceveda@wwu.edu the following information before November 20th of 2026:

• Unofficial copy of undergraduate transcript (a scanned copy is fine).
• Copy of either a curriculum vitae or a resume summarizing your work and academic experience.
• A 1-2 page statement of purpose outlining a) your short- and long-term career goals, b) why you want to be part of this lab, and c) how your experience and qualifications make you a good fit to work with us (see blurb of Victoria Vinecke in the page on current MSc students).
• Names, addresses, telephone, and email of three references, whom we will contact if needed.

We routinely receive many applications that we only have time to acknowledge the receipt of the application. During December, we will contact serious applicants (those who email all the information required) to let them know whether we are unable to take them as students or whether we would like to get to know more about them by meeting them in December or early January. We have learned that it is extremely important to meet promising students in person, whenever possible. This contact not only provides us with an opportunity to get to know you better, but also allows you to learn about the laboratory and Western Washington University. We also encourage you to meet with our current graduate students and with other graduate students to see what the Western graduate experience is like. Finally, you should explore in detail the website of the Department of Biology at Western to learn more about the Department, the University, and the application procedures.

After we meet with applicants, we will let them know our decision towards the end of January, before the deadline to officially apply to WWU.

Do keep in mind that this is our unofficial way of getting to know you, and that you will have to go through the formal process of applying through the University, regardless of my response to you. The Department of Biology gives priority consideration to students that apply by February 1st. Make sure you apply through the Marine and Estuarine Science Program of the Department of Biology.

Thanks for your interest in the laboratory! I am looking forward to hearing from you.