Department of Forestry PhD Research AssistantshipRole of landuse and BMPs in reducing the effect of extreme magnitude events on sediment and pollutant transport in the SE US Coastal Plain and Mississippi Alluvial Valley
The Department of Forestry, College of Forest Resources, Mississippi State University, is seeking a PhD student and research assistant to examine the role of best management practices (BMPs) and land use decisions in affecting water quality in the face of extreme events and climate change. The objectives of this research are to #1) Determine the capacity of BMPs to reduce large event caused delivery of sediment in lakes with small agricultural watersheds in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley (MAV) and #2) Determine the role that BMP development and landuse decisions have had on event associated sedimentation rates in a lake with a large watershed. The candidate for this position will have the opportunity to work with soil scientists, hydrologists, sedimentologists, and watershed modelers in the Departments of Forestry, Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, US Forest Service, and USDA National Sedimentation Lab. Responsibilities: Candidate will work with a team of that includes the PI, a Research Associate, a scientist from the USDA National Sedimentation Lab, and several undergraduate researchers. The PhD student will direct sample collection, analysis, and reporting. Sediment cores will be collected from lakes in Mississippi and surface water samples will be collected on a monthly basis. Laboratory work will include geochemical analyses that will allow for detailed chronologies to be developed for each core (e.g. radio- isotopes, stable isotopes, particulate organic carbon and nitrogen, CuO oxidation biomarkers, etc.). Additionally, standard water quality analyses will also be conducted (e.g. suspended sediment, nitrogen, and phosphorous). Many of these analyses will take place in the Department of Forestrys fully equipped soil laboratory (link). The student will be responsible for completing course work, analyzing samples in the laboratory, data analyses, preparing progress reports, presenting results at national conferences, preparing and presenting a dissertation, and preparing and submitting manuscripts for publication. The student will also be expected to be involved in other projects within the Forest Soils and Hydrology Lab thereby providing them with a broad range of experience and opportunities to collaborate. MSU is located in Starkville in east-central Mississippi and has many intellectual, cultural, and recreational opportunities on and off campus. The temperate climate of Starkville allows residents to enjoy many year- round outdoor recreation options including mountain biking, road cycling, hiking, canoeing, golfing, hunting, fishing, and bird watching. Nearby venues include the John W. Starr Memorial Forest, Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), and the Tombigbee National Forest. More information on MSU and Starkville can be found at: http://www.msstate.edu/web/about_us2.php Potential Starting Dates: August 2012-January 2013 Students with a Masters degree in hydrology, soil science, biogeochemistry, geosciences, environmental science, chemistry, biology, or other related fields are encouraged to apply. Research assistantships include a full tuition waiver, a competitive annual stipend including summer support, health insurance, and thesis research funding for two years. Application: Please send 1)copies of transcripts, 2) CV or resume, 3) contact information for 3 references, and 4) a letter of application which (i) describes your interest in the position, (ii) describes your career goals, and (iii) details your work or educational experience that is most relevant to this position Dr. Jeff Hatten Assistant Professor Forest Soils and Hydrology Lab Department of Forestry Mississippi State University MS State, MS 39762 Phone: 662-325-7481 Email: [email protected]
