[ES_JOBS_NET] summer fellowship at EPA for advanced undergrad / early grad student

[Pinder, Rob]

Candidates are sought for a summer fellowship based at EPA Office of Research and Development in North Carolina. We are looking for an undergrad / early grad student to work with us as part of the Southeast Oxidant and Aerosol Study (SOAS), examining the formation of atmospheric aerosols in the Southeast US (http://soas2013.rutgers.edu). This project combines both ambient measurements and atmospheric modeling and hence would provide a variety of experiences for a dedicated participant.

Here is the website and a description is below. Potential candidates should feel free to contact me (pinder.rob at epa.gov<mailto:pinder.rob at epa.gov>) with any questions. Review of applications will begin on May 10.

http://orise.orau.gov/epa/description.aspx?JobId=14016




Project Description: During the summer months, the Southeast US is frequently blanketed in a polluted haze so intense it is visible from space. This haze comes from atmospheric aerosols - particles less than a few microns in diameter. These particles are a product of complex chemistry between human-made pollution and natural emissions of organic compounds from trees and plants. This summer, a host of universities and government science agencies are working together to untangle the complexities of this chemistry to answer this question - to what extent does human-made pollution contribute to atmospheric aerosols in the Southeast US? This study, the Southern Oxidant and Aerosol Study (http://soas2013.rutgers.edu/), consists of atmospheric measurements at three surface sites, from two aircraft, orbiting satellites, and state-of-the-art computational modeling.

This project is to participate in SOAS in collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Exposure Research Laboratory (NERL) in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. The participant will work in a multi-disciplinary team with specialists in atmospheric measurements as well as computational modeling and data analysts.
At the EPA measurement super-site in Research Triangle Park, NC, the participant will have the opportunity to explore atmospheric particles through several techniques and sources of information including daily filter-based measurements of particles. Several other scientists will also be making measurements at this site, and the participant will have an opportunity to learn about a wide range of measurement techniques in collaboration with EPA's Human Exposure and Atmospheric Sciences Division (HEASD). The participant will have an opportunity to be actively involved in discovering new information by analyzing the filters for water soluble organic carbon. The daily measurements described above will proceed for the first half of the summer.

For the second half of the summer, in collaboration with the EPA's Atmospheric Modeling and Analysis Division, the participant will explore the link between atmospheric water soluble organic carbon in atmospheric particles to emission sources using their measurements and advanced computational modeling tools. It is anticipated that atmospheric particles are substantially enhanced by human-based pollution, so the participant will use back-trajectory analysis to determine the history of the air masses that are observed at the measurement site, and compare the measurements of water soluble organic carbon with state-of-the-art chemical transport modeling to understand the chemical conditions which give rise to organic carbon in aerosols.

The efforts described above include making filter-based atmospheric particle measurements, chemical analysis of the filters to quantify water soluble organic carbon, employing back-trajectory computational models to understand the history of the air masses, and analyzing results from the CMAQ atmospheric chemistry model to understand the chemical conditions that give rise to water soluble organic carbon. At the conclusion of the summer, the participant will have the opportunity to present the research results to EPA scientists, policy analysts, and SOAS collaborators. The participant can publish a journal article based on the measurements and modeling analysis.

The participant will be mentored by an AMAD scientist, Dr. Rob Pinder (pinder.rob at epa.gov<mailto:pinder.rob at epa.gov>).  The participant will benefit by having an opportunity to learn atmospheric particle measurement techniques, chemical analysis, and data analysis of computational models. In addition, the experience will expose the participant to a range of scientific disciplines in the field of environmental science, providing the participant with substantial insights and abilities in pursuing future degree work and career interests.

Qualifications and Skills:  The participant will be at least 18 years of age, a student in good standing enrolled in a recognized college/university degree program, and pursuing a degree in science or engineering at said institution. The participant must have completed at least 2 years of college, with some course work in atmospheric sciences, chemistry, or related studies.  Students currently enrolled in a U.S. college or university who are pursuing a graduate degree are also eligible to apply. The preferred candidate will have training, experience, and/or high level of enthusiasm for chemistry and environmental science.



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Rob Pinder | 919.541.3731 | website<http://www.epa.gov/AMD/bios/pinder.html> | publications<http://www.researcherid.com/rid/F-8252-2011>
US EPA Office of Research and Development
Projects: GLIMPSE<http://www.glimpse-project.org/> | SOAS<http://soas2013.rutgers.edu/>

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