Student Opportunity Announcements
Graduate Assistantship, Hydrologic Sciences / Hydroecology
Two positions are available in the Biological Systems
Engineering Department at Virginia Tech. Our group focusses
on the fate and transport of water, carbon, and nutrients
through watersheds. We examine the interactions between the
dominant physical and biogeochemical processes that alter
transport, from determining reaction rates at the pore-scale
to quantifying landscape components that influence
hydrologic retention at the watershed scale. Currently, we
have two opportunities for outstanding students/postdoctoral
researchers.
The first project’s objective is to develop a hydrologic tracer
approach to distinguish surface versus subsurface storage
zones within streams. Current tracer approaches do not
distinguish where zones with increased hydrologic residence
exist, but rather quantify the size and exchange between
these ‘storage’ zones and the main water column. Because
surface water ‘storage’ zones receive sunlight, solutes within
these zones are prone to photochemical reactions (e.g.
photolysis). Here, we are using H2O2 as a reactive tracer to
distinguish between subsurface and surface storage zones.
The project involves a combination of fieldwork, laboratory
assays, and modeling.
The second project’s focus is on the hydrologic connectivity of
river - floodplain systems, and subsequent floodplain nutrient
retention. Floods deliver the majority of material to coastal
zones, where excess nutrients result in hypoxic conditions.
We are using a combination of field based experimentation
with regional modeling, seeking to quantify the change in
material transport in response to (1) climate forcings and (2)
restoration of river-floodplain connectivity. Our primary
objective in this current project is to develop a metric
representing the annual exchange in a stream reach between
the stream and floodplain. The metric will then be applied to
a digital stream network to examine N and P riverine loads
within a spatial water quality model (e.g. SPARROW). This
project requires some experience with ArcGIS and spatial
databases.
The BSE faculty and students work closely with one another,
fostering a productive and collegial environment. Our
students are encouraged to take advantage of expertise
across the entire campus, from Civil Engineering to Natural
Resources. Student applicants that demonstrate motivation,
writing skills, and a strong quantitative background will be
highly considered. We will accept applicants until the
positions are filled. To learn more about our group and these
positions, please contact Durelle Scott. Blacksburg, Virginia is
a small college town, providing a unique environment for
learning, and offers ample outdoor activities.