• Organizer: University of Illinois Springfield (UIS).
• Degree Level: Master’s Degree (MS).
• Research Focus: Graduate Research Assistantship (MS-level) focusing on the application of GeoAI to ecological research and environmental monitoring.
• Program Duration: 02 years (Starting August 16, 2026).
• Target Audience: Global applicants (including Vietnamese students) aged 18–25 with relevant academic backgrounds.
• Application Deadline: April 12, 2026 (Review begins immediately).

To be a strong candidate for this assistantship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Educational background in Computer Science, Ecology, Conservation, or Environmental Science.
• Excellent writing and math abilities.
• Coursework and practical experience in GIS and Statistics.
• A track record of strong academic achievement.
• Capacity to carry out long-term fieldwork.
• Outstanding attention to detail and a strong work ethic.
• Note: According to the official announcement, IELTS is not explicitly listed as a mandatory requirement for the initial contact with the Professor (IELTS is not necessary).

Selected students will conduct research under the supervision of Dr. Yun Zhao and Dr. Tih-Fen Ting. The primary research themes include:

• Wildlife conservation and habitat restoration.
• Invasive species monitoring using advanced technologies.
• Application of Geospatial Artificial Intelligence (GeoAI) to ecological challenges.
• Data analysis and field-based environmental monitoring.

This is a Fully Funded opportunity providing comprehensive financial support:

• 100% Tuition Waiver: Full tuition coverage for the duration of the program.
• Annual Stipend: $20,250 for the fall and spring semesters to support living expenses.
• Additional Income: Opportunities to earn money during the summer as a field technician.
• Professional Support: Research support to aid academic endeavors and professional growth opportunities in the USA.

Interested applicants should send their application materials via email directly to Dr. Tih-Fen Ting at tting1@uis.edu as soon as possible.

Required Application Documents (In English):

1. Cover Letter: Addressing your background, qualifications, and specific research interests.
2. Resume/CV: Including contact information for three references.
3. Transcripts: Unofficial or scanned copies are acceptable for the initial review.

More infomation about UIS: HERE.