The Northeast Consortium for Hydrologic Synthesis represents a broad cross-section faculty, post-doctoral fellows and students in the hydro-sciences and affiliated water policy and management sectors, dedicated to addressing "The 500-Year Challenge" to understand the role of humans in shaping the character of hydrologic systems across the Northeast Corridor from year 1600 to 2100.
Following a successful 2008 Summer Synthesis Institute, we are now assembling a group of energetic and creative Summer Synthesis Scholars to participate in the 2009 Institute to be held from June 15 to July 25 in New York City. The central question for this year's Institute is: What was the nature of hydro-systems across the Northeastern U.S. during the 19th century, how did hydrologic dynamics shape human decision-making and, in turn, how did human decision-making shape the hydrologic cycle during this timeframe? The Summer Scholars will participate in a suite of fast-paced synthesis and integration research activities, guided by mentors, but largely self-directed by the Scholars themselves. The Institute is cast at a strategic level, with a primary aim being to help formulate the key elements, scientific questions, and hypotheses to be pursued by the Consortium at large. It is anticipated that the initial set of ideas and findings of the Institute will inspire further work by the Scholars at their home institutions, with the Consortium supporting follow-up communications and guidance to the group. Participants will benefit from a unique opportunity to: Engage in interdisciplinary, team-based research Interact with nationally and internationally recognized leaders in the field Gain important insights into generating hypotheses and asking integrative science questions Formulate potential M.S., PhD, and post-doctoral research topics Create a lasting network of professional relationships WHO CAN APPLY: The Summer Institute is open to all levels of graduate and exceptional undergraduate students. Applications are welcome with interests in all fields and sub-fields of hydrology, environmental sciences and engineering, ecology, geomorphology, climatology, watershed science, geology, economics (ecological, natural resource, environmental, agricultural), forest and wildlife sciences, natural resource/environmental policy and management, history, geography/human geography, urban planning and development Scholars will be chosen through a competitive process. Successful applicants will be awarded a $3500 stipend for the full six weeks, in addition to housing at Columbia University, plus travel expenses to the 2009 Fall Meeting of the American Geophysical Union in San Francisco, where they will present their findings. Shorter duration stays may be considered. Applications should include (i) a 1-page statement of expertise and research interests, (ii) 2-page resume, and (iii) two letters of reference. The research statement should summarize the applicant's scientific interests and what perspectives he/she could bring to the Summer Institute. Further information is available at http://hydrosynthesis.ccny.cuny.edu/ . Application materials should be emailed to [email protected] by March 31, 2009.
