Fully Funded Graduate Research Assistantships at Tennessee State University

Fully Funded Graduate Research Assistantships at Tennessee State University – Fall 2026

Tennessee State University (TSU), a leading Tennessee Board of Regents institution and an AA/EEO employer, is now accepting applications for two fully funded Graduate Research Assistantships in the Department of Food and Animal Sciences for Fall 2026. These assistantships are designed for highly motivated students pursuing a Master of Science (MS) degree who have a strong interest in food science, animal science, meat safety, and applied agricultural research.

Selected students will join the research program of Dr. Siyuan “Steven” Sheng, Ph.D., whose work focuses on food safety, meat quality improvement, sensory science, and workforce development in the agricultural and food processing sectors. This opportunity offers hands-on research experience combined with strong academic mentorship and industry exposure.

Research Focus Areas

Graduate Research Assistants will participate in a broad range of research activities, gaining experience across both fundamental and applied aspects of food and animal sciences.

One major research area is chemical safety in meat products, where students will investigate chemical contaminants that may form during meat manufacturing, processing, and storage. This work contributes to improving consumer safety and supporting evidence-based regulatory strategies within the food industry.

Another focus area is meat quality enhancement, examining factors that influence fresh and processed meat characteristics such as color stability, texture, water-holding capacity, and nutritional value. Students will also engage in sensory science and consumer evaluation, designing sensory panels, collecting consumer preference data, and analyzing results to inform product development and quality improvement.

In addition, research will extend to industry applications and workforce development, including automation, labor training, and meat science extension education. This component prepares students for careers that bridge academic research and real-world industry needs.

Research Locations

The assistantship offers a unique dual-location research experience. Initial research activities will take place at the University of Wisconsin–Madison Meat Processing Laboratory, providing access to advanced equipment and nationally recognized facilities. Beginning in December 2026, all research activities will transition to Tennessee State University’s Food and Animal Sciences Building, a modern, state-of-the-art research facility.

This structure allows students to build a strong professional network while gaining exposure to diverse research environments.

Assistantship Benefits

Tennessee State University provides a competitive funding package that allows students to focus fully on their academic and research training. Benefits include a monthly stipend of USD 2,400 for two years, full health insurance coverage, and in-state tuition support.

Additional benefits include mentorship and internship placement assistance, funding to attend national and international conferences, and the possibility of a one-semester stipend-supported extension based on performance and project needs.

Eligibility and Required Documents

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Agricultural Sciences, Food Science, Animal Science, Biological Sciences, or a closely related field. Prior laboratory experience, particularly with instrumental analysis techniques such as HPLC, GC, or MALDI, is required.

The application package must include official academic transcripts, GRE scores, and TOEFL or IELTS scores for international applicants.

How to Apply

Applicants should begin by submitting an online application through the TSU Program Explorer:

Program: Food and Animal Science (MS)
College: Agriculture
Degree: Master of Science

Applicants must also indicate their preferred academic advisor during the application process.

Prospective candidates are strongly encouraged to contact Dr. Siyuan “Steven” Sheng at ssheng@tnstate.edu before applying. Emails should use the subject line “Prospective Graduate Student” to receive guidance and program-specific advice.

Application portal:
https://apply.tnstate.edu/portal/program-explorer

Why Apply for This Assistantship?

This graduate assistantship offers the opportunity to gain hands-on research experience in food safety, meat quality, and agricultural sustainability while working on projects with direct industry and public health relevance. Graduates of the program are well prepared for careers in food manufacturing, quality control, research laboratories, government and regulatory agencies, consulting, doctoral studies, and agricultural extension services.

With strong mentorship, competitive funding, and exposure to both academic and industry-driven research, this assistantship provides an excellent foundation for long-term professional success in food and animal sciences.

Applications are encouraged from qualified candidates interested in contributing to impactful research and advancing their careers in agricultural and food systems.