Dr. Sara McMillan is seeking two PhD students to study drivers of biogeochemical processes related to changing climate and hydrologic regimes at Purdue University starting Summer/Fall 2018. Our research team focuses on integrating larger scale hydrologic patterns in human-modified landscapes with fundamental, process-based measurements of biogeochemical transformations. I anticipate that student research will focus on nitrogen and phosphorus biogeochemistry in two key areas (1) restored riverine floodplains and (2) agricultural fields with tile drainage and conservation practices. More information about the McMillan Lab can be found at http://saramcmillan.weebly.com/.
Funding from the NSF and USDA will support students through two collaborative projects between USDA National Soil Erosion Research Lab (Dr. Mark Williams), US Geological Survey Hydrological- Ecological Interactions Branch (Dr. Greg Noe), and Purdue University. Ability and willingness to work in both field and laboratory settings is vital. A strong quantitative background and familiarity with computer programming is beneficial. Students should also have excellent written and oral communication skills, and an enthusiasm for research. Students will join the Agricultural & Biological Engineering (ABE) Department (https://engineering.purdue.edu/ABE), which is recognized nationally and internationally for excellence in water resources research, education, and outreach, and has been consistently ranked as a top graduate program (#1-2 by US News and World Reports for the past 10 years). I also accept students through the Ecological Science and Engineering (ESE) Program (http://www.purdue.edu/gradschool/ese/), an interdisciplinary program focused on understanding complex processes that link human activity and ecological systems to more sustainably manage our natural resources. We are committed to a productive, diverse, and inclusive lab environment and encourage students from underrepresented groups to apply. In addition, Purdue University has several initiatives to help foster a welcoming environment for all (e.g. M@P – Mentoring at Purdue, Office of Diversity and Inclusion). For more information about program requirements, please visit the ABE and ESE websites. Application deadline is December 1, 2017. Interested candidates are encouraged to contact me at [email protected] before the application deadline with any questions and to share information on their research experiences, interests, and motivations to pursue a PhD. I am also happy to consider exceptional masters students if that is the degree program that best fits the student’s future plans.
