MS Assistantship in Water Quality, and Coupled Human – Environmental systems Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation Virginia Tech Blacksburg, VA 24061-0321
Water-restricted environments that experience strong seasonal changes are extremely vulnerable to human landscape alteration and pollution. Increasingly, pollution of limited water resources is identified as an important and urgent problem facing much of the world and, in particular, Africa. This NSF supported project will evaluate coupled human and ecological drivers influencing water quality and the health of human and animal populations in the Chobe River Region of Botswana, a location where human health is seriously impacted. Using predictive models calibrated with field samples, existing and potential long-term effects of climatic changes, seasonal variation in hydrology, increases in human populations and landscape modification on human and animal health will be investigated. Project outcomes will contribute to theory and methods for assessing the effects of coupled socioecological systems on water quality and environmental health. Project and Responsibilities: Support is available for an academically outstanding and professionally motivated student to pursue a MS in the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation at Virginia Tech. The student will be funded through the above multidisciplinary National Science Foundation (NSF)-sponsored project. The student will contribute to the development of hydrological models designed to contribute to our understanding of system dynamics and the impact of water quality on human and animal health in the system. . The incumbent will work with hydrological models, manage and analyze data, prepare reports and manuscripts, present research at professional meetings, help with other projects in the lab, and complete coursework pursuant to the MS degree. Required qualifications: BS in engineering or mathematics or a closely related discipline or similar skill base as the incumbent will need to have strong mathematical skills to successfully complete the project. The candidate should also have an interest in water quality, public health and the environment; expertise in statistical computing and geographic information systems is desired. Stipend: $19,177 per year plus tuition Closing date: Candidate selection will begin immediately and will continue until position is filled. We recommend applying as quickly as possible. Starting date: January, 2011 or earlier Contact: Email letter of interest, academic resume (with names and contacts of three references, GRE scores, unofficial transcripts to: Dr. Kathleen Alexander, Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0321; Phone: 540-231-5059; email: [email protected]
