Seeking grad students

I am seeking a MS or PhD student to conduct research focusing on urban hydrology at the watershed or stream-reach scale. Research will likely involve a significant field component, but may also include stable isotope and water quality lab work, GIS analyses, watershed modeling, or use of historical data. A specific project will be chosen based on mutual interests, but examples of possible projects include:

  • Investigating effects of land vacancy and demolition on urban watershed hydrology;
  • Quantifying effects of green infrastructure on water budgets;
  • Using stable isotopes and water chemistry to quantify spatial variability in urban stream water sources;
  • Quantifying groundwater-stream exchanges in urban and restored streams; and
  • Understanding the effects of urbanization patterns on stream network extent and hydrological permanence.

The student will be part of the Department of Geology at Kent State University. The department has over 30 active graduate students and a wide variety of analytical facilities including a Picarro water isotope analyzer, wet chemistry lab suitable for a wide range of water chemistry analyses, and soils, sedimentology, and engineering geology labs. We have vigorous ties with faculty in Biological Sciences, Geography, and Architecture, and access to the Cleveland Urban Design Collaboratory. More information on the Department of Geology can be found at: http://www.kent.edu/geology/index.cfm

The position will begin August 2013 (Fall Semester) and support will be a combination of teaching and research assistantships (including tuition and health insurance). Support is available for 2 years for a MS student and 4 years for a PhD student. Interested students should have a background in geology, earth science, geography, hydrology/water resources, or civil and environmental engineering. Strong applicants will have a solid academic record (>3.5/4.0 GPA, >70th percentile on GRE) and previous research experience. Applicants not meeting these criteria will also be considered based on a compelling letter of interest.

Interested students should contact Dr. Anne Jefferson (ajeffer9@kent.edu) by December 1st, 2012. Please send a letter of interest (including your academic and research background and specific research interests), unofficial transcripts and GRE scores, and contact information for 3 references. Completion of a formal application through the Graduate School is required by January 15th, 2013, and information on this process can be found at http://www.kent.edu/geology/graduate/gradapplication.cfm.

More information on my research can be found at https://all-geo.org/jefferson.