Positions Available Fall 2025: Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA) are available within the School of Health and Human Sciences.

• GRAs are charged with assistance on research led by faculty within the School of Health and Human Sciences. GRAs are trained by the faculty in which they are employed to assist in data collection, data management, literature reviews, referencing, and duties as assigned. Opportunities may exist in which students collaborate with other organizations. Students interested in GRA positions should reach out to individual faculty to indicate their interest in joining their lab.

Position Duration: Approximately 19 hours/week with a 9- or 12-month contract depending on the position type, with the option of renewal if the student is returning for a subsequent year.

Stipend/Salary: Approximately $14,300 -19,100 (MS Student) and $18,400 – 24,500 (PhD Student)

Tuition Waiver: Full tuition waiver for all graduate assistants both in- and out-in-state. Students are responsible for paying ~$43.75/credit hour for fees.

Graduate Program: https://www.sdstate.edu/school-health-human-sciences/nutrition-exercise-sciences-program

Our Nutrition and Exercise Science program houses a masters’ program with specializations in both nutrition and exercise science, as well as a PhD program

Deadline: June 15, 2025   

GRA Contact information: Marni Shoemaker, PhD, RD (marni.shoemaker@sdstate.edu) or Allison Barry, PhD (allison.barry@sdstate.edu)

GRA Positions:

Dr. Allison Barry: Her research focuses on improving cardiorespiratory fitness through increased levels of physical activity in different tactical populations. Additionally, she uses this information to create Wellness Fitness Initiatives in fire and law enforcement departments. She currently is the Tactical Representative for the South Dakota National Strength and Conditioning Association. She was recently awarded a grant from FEMA to investigate ways to increase physical activity and nutrition in volunteer fire departments in South Dakota. 

https://www.sdstate.edu/news/2024/09/wellness-firefighters

Contact information: allison.barry@sdstate.edu

Dr. Marni Shoemaker: Her research examines nutrition and exercise strategies to promote health and performance across the lifespan, with a focus on promoting skeletal muscle health for healthier aging, metabolic health, and athletic performance. Much of her work aims to find effective strategies to reduce the risk of sarcopenia in order to better enhance an individual’s healthspan. She currently serves as Research Chair for the Diabetics DPG, Networking Events Director for the Sports and Human Performance Nutrition (SHPN) DPG, and a member of the Healthy Aging DPG within the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She was recently awarded a grant from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to examine strategies to improve sarcopenia and cardiovascular outcomes in older adults through nutrition education and physical activity.

Contact information: marni.shoemaker@sdstate.edu

Qualifications: For GRA positions, research experience is preferred. GRAs must be simultaneously enrolled in a graduate degree program. Preference will be given to students earning a MS or PhD in Nutrition and Exercise Science.