MSc Opportunity: The Bimiizii Project — Indigenous Relationships with Sea Lamprey in the Great Lakes

Hosted within the Ndaakendaaswen Gamig (Lab) at the University of Guelph and supervised by Dr. Susan Chiblow

The Ndaakendaaswen Gamig, led by Dr. Susan Chiblow, is inviting applications for a Master’s student to join an Indigenous-led research initiative that focuses on Indigenous relationships with sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) — known as Bimiizii (and Ginebigomeg — in Anishinaabemowin, across the Great Lakes. This work responds to a recognized need for Indigenous-led research on sea lamprey in the region and centers Indigenous rights, perspectives, and priorities in relation to sea lamprey.

Project overview:

The Bimiizii Project: Indigenous Relationships with Sea Lamprey in the Great Lakes aims to bring attention to, and build interconnections among, Tribes and First Nations affected by both the arrival of and control over sea lamprey | Bimiizii in their waters. The project has two overarching objectives: (i) enhance collective understanding of Indigenous relationships with Bimiizii and their control, and (ii) identify priorities and support emerging initiatives to strengthen Bimiizii research, management, and communications. Partnership-building is foundational to the project and is governed by co-signed research protocol agreements with partnering communities across the basin.

The MSc will involve:

Relationship building and community-engaged research with Tribes and First Nations across the Great Lakes basin, aligned with community guidance and research protocol agreements.
Supporting qualitative research, such as: Knowledge holder interviews, focus groups, and participation in community dialogue sessions.
Ethical research practice grounded in consent and Indigenous data governance and stewardship.
Document and policy review related to sea lamprey control.
Qualitative data analysis (e.g., transcription workflows and thematic analysis using NVivo), and contributing to clear, community-respectful summaries of results.
Language and communications work, including exploring how language choices differ across contexts and supporting work to improve communications between state organizations and Indigenous communities.
Supporting community-driven priorities related to Bimiizii and/or sea lamprey control (e.g., monitoring, education materials, Elder–youth knowledge sharing), as guided by community partners and the project’s Indigenous advisory structures.

Qualified candidates will have:

Demonstrated respect for and commitment to Indigenous-led, ethical, and relational research.
Experience and/or strong interest in community-engaged research and Indigenous research methodologies.
Interest in (or experience with) qualitative methods (interviews, facilitation, thematic analysis; NVivo is an asset).
Undergraduate degree in a relevant field (e.g., Indigenous studies, environmental studies/science, geography, sociology/anthropology, policy/governance, or related disciplines).
Strong communication and writing skills (community-facing and academic).
Minimum GPA of 3.0 (B average) or higher.Willingness to travel for relationship-building and research activities as guided by community protocols.

Anticipated start date:

Fall, 2026

Location:

University of Guelph, with research activities and travel as appropriate across the Great Lakes basin in accordance with community protocols and project plans.

Stipend:

Stipend available.

To apply:

Email a statement of interest, CV, and unofficial transcripts to:

Preference will be given to applications received by April 30, 2026, but the position will remain open until filled.

We especially encourage applications from Indigenous candidates. The research is Indigenous-led and driven, and seeks to train Indigenous students in land- and water-based science approaches. We also welcome applicants from communities historically excluded from academic science, including 2SLGBTQIA+, Black, racialized, and disabled students.

MSc Opportunity: The Bimiizii Project — Indigenous Relationships with Sea Lamprey in the Great Lakes