Student Opportunities
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M.S. - Ornamental Aquaculture
We are currently seeking prospective students for a two-year M.S. research assistantship investigating production methods for marine ornamental fish species in Florida.
Start: August 10, 2026 (Fall semester) pending successful funding
Application Deadline: January 4, 2026, or as soon as a suitable candidate is identifiedDescription:
Domestic aquaculture production of ornamental species is dominated by Florida growers with a reported farm gate value of $172 million in 2021. However, pressures from fluctuating market demand, competition with foreign importation, and increasing regulatory compliance threaten the continued growth and resiliency of this valuable segment of agriculture. Optimization of production protocols and diversification of culture species are of great interest to stakeholders in the freshwater and marine ornamental industries. The successful applicant will investigate critical gaps in knowledge regarding captive reproduction, larval culture, and production techniques for economically valuable species.Location:
This position will be located at the University of Florida’s Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory, a fully equipped research and extension center located in Ruskin, Florida. The facility includes 5 greenhouses, 50 earthen ponds, a climate-controlled hatchery, and a full-service disease diagnostic laboratory. The degree will be awarded through the Program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences in the School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences.Qualifications:
- B.S. degree in biology, zoology, marine sciences, aquaculture or related discipline
- Demonstrated research experience and familiarity with marine aquaculture is highly desirable
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Salary/Benefits:
Annual stipend plus tuition remission and GatorGradCare health insurance pending successful fundingApplication:
Interested applicants should submit the following documents as a single PDF or Word file via email to Dr. Matthew DiMaggio (mdimaggi@ufl.edu) and Dr. Casey Murray (casey.murray@ufl.edu) by the January 4, 2026 deadline.- Cover letter summarizing interest in the position, qualifications and experience, as well as research and career aspirations
- Curriculum Vitae
- Unofficial academic transcripts
- Names and contact information for three professional references
Final candidates will be contacted and required to submit formal applications to the UF Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Department by January 31st.
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Ph.D. - Ornamental Aquaculture
We are currently seeking expressions of interest from prospective Ph.D. students to compete for a four-year research fellowship provided by the University of Florida.
Start: August 10, 2026 (Fall semester) pending successful funding
Application Deadline: January 4, 2026 - Review begins immediately and continues until a suitable candidate is identified.Description:
Domestic aquaculture production of ornamental species is dominated by Florida growers with a reported farm gate value of $172 million in 2021. However, pressures from fluctuating market demand, competition with foreign importation, and increasing regulatory compliance threaten the continued growth and resiliency of this valuable segment of agriculture. Optimization of production protocols and diversification of culture species are of great interest to stakeholders in the freshwater and marine ornamental industries. The successful applicant will investigate critical gaps in knowledge regarding captive reproduction, larval culture, and production techniques for economically valuable species.Location:
This position will be located at the University of Florida’s Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory, a fully equipped research and extension center located in Ruskin, Florida. The facility includes 5 greenhouses, 50 earthen ponds, a climate-controlled hatchery, and a full-service disease diagnostic laboratory. The degree will be awarded through the Program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences in the School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences.Qualifications:
- M.S. degree in aquaculture or related discipline
- Demonstrated research experience and peer-reviewed publication history
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, familiarity with biochemical assays and molecular techniques is desirable but not required
Application:
Interested applicants should submit the following documents as a single PDF or Word file via email to Dr. Matthew DiMaggio (mdimaggi@ufl.edu) and Dr. Casey Murray (casey.murray@ufl.edu) by the January 4, 2026 deadline.- Cover letter summarizing interest in the position, qualifications and experience, as well as research and career aspirations
- Curriculum Vitae
- Unofficial academic transcripts
- Names and contact information for three professional references
Final candidates will be contacted and required to submit formal applications to the UF Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Department by January 31st.
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Master of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (MFAS)
WE ARE ALWAYS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR SELF-FUNDED MFAS (NON-THESIS) STUDENTS.
Aquatic resources harbor a large share of the earth’s biodiversity and provide crucial ecosystem services including production of food, maintenance of water and environmental quality, and provision of recreational opportunities. Yet these resources and the services they provide face unprecedented threats from overfishing, habitat loss degradation and global environmental change. The Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Program in the School of Forest Resources and Conservation (SFRC) conducts cutting-edge research, training, and extension for the sustainable development and conservation of aquatic biological resources in Florida, the Nation, and worldwide. Among our educational programs, the Master of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (MFAS) specifically addresses the need for high-quality professional training in the field.
The online Master of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences is offered by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) in the School of Forest Resources and Conservation. This program is designed for working professionals in environmental sciences, fisheries, aquatic sciences, and natural resources, and marine biology fields who are interested in advancing their careers by earning a graduate degree. The availability of this program entirely online means that students will not have to sacrifice their commitments to career and family in order to earn the degree.
Program Requirements
The MFAS program consists of 32 credits, of which at least 16 must be Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (FAS) courses. The remaining credits may be chosen from any graduate-level courses in the SFRC or at UF, with the approval of your advisor. For information on the application process, visit the How to Apply page at SFRC..
Part of the application process involves identifying a faculty member to serve as your advisor. Direct inquiries in areas of aquaculture production to Dr Matt DiMaggio, non-native species to Dr. Jeff Hill, aquatic ecology to Dr. Quenton Tuckett and aquatic animal health to Dr. Roy Yanong.
Course Options
As noted above, any FAS courses may be used to fulfill the 16 major credits required for this degree, but students may choose to take more FAS credits if desired. During the degree, students register for a maximum of 6 credits of FAS 6905 for credit towards their technical paper, usually split between the first semester and the final semester.
Technical Paper
The online MFAS is a non-thesis degree and therefore does not require a research thesis for completion. The degree does require the student to write a technical paper/final project based on extension/outreach or research on a topic of their choosing in an appropriate professional area. The technical paper/final project must be approved by the Supervisory Committee.
Final Examination
Academic programs are required to give a final examination to students as part of their MS graduation requirements. The examination format (e.g., written or oral), length, breadth, location, and subject matter will be determined by the Major Advisor plus an additional SFRC faculty member in concert with the student. The content will be centered on subject matter drawn from the student’s coursework. A second SFRC faculty member, to be identified by the Advisor and student working together, will be required to participate in the student’s examination. The examination should be taken during the last semester of enrollment, but no later than one month prior to the end of the term. See Graduate School deadlines for specific dates.