[ES_JOBS_NET] multiple MS/PhD opportunities available at Kent State University

[Jefferson, Anne]

MS or PhD student opportunities in Earth Science

Department of Geology, Kent State University

Four enthusiastic faculty are seeking MS or PhD students to conduct research focused on hydrology/geomorphology, biogeochemistry, environmental geochemistry and mineralogy, and tectonics/geophysics. Available projects and faculty mentors are described below.

Successful applicants will join the Department of Geology at Kent State University in August 2015 (Fall Semester). Support will be a combination of teaching and research assistantships (including tuition and health insurance) and is available for 2 years for MS students and 4 years for PhD students. The Department of Geology has over 30 active graduate students and a wide variety of analytical facilities. We have vigorous ties with faculty in Biological Sciences, Geography, and Architecture. More information on the Department of Geology can be found at: http://www.kent.edu/geology/index.cfm.

Hydrology/Geomorphology:  Opportunities are available working with Dr. Anne Jefferson (ajeffer9 at kent.edu<mailto:ajeffer9 at kent.edu>) in the Watershed Hydrology Lab (http://all-geo.org/jefferson).  Research will involve a significant field component, but may also include stable isotope and water quality lab work and GIS analyses. A specific project will be chosen based on mutual interests from, the following possible projects:

•       Quantifying effects of green infrastructure on water and nutrient budgets;

•       Isotopic variability of surface waters in northeastern Ohio, as a function of urban land uses and groundwater-surface water interaction; and

•       Controls on stream morphology and sediment export within Cuyahoga Valley National Park at Holocene, multi-century, and modern timescales.

 Environmental Geochemistry/Biogeochemistry: Dr. Elizabeth Herndon (eherndo1 at kent.edu<mailto:eherndo1 at kent.edu>) is seeking graduate students to conduct research related to environmental geochemistry and biogeochemistry (elizabethherndon.weebly.com<http://elizabethherndon.weebly.com>). Projects will include a combination of field work, laboratory experiments, and spectroscopy. Students will learn to operate analytical instruments to characterize soil and water chemistry. Recent projects include:


  *   •       Human impacts on soil geochemistry and mineral weathering
  *   •       Influence of vegetation on element transport through watersheds
  *   •       Geochemical drivers of organic matter decomposition in anoxic tundra soils


Environmental Mineralogy and Geochemistry: Opportunities are available to work with Dr. David Singer (dsinger4 at kent.edu<mailto:dsinger4 at kent.edu>) in the Environmental Mineralogy and Geochemistry Lab (https://sites.google.com/a/kent.edu/dsinger/).  Research involves laboratory and field experiments on the fate and transport of trace metal in the environment, with a focus on water-energy systems.  Experimental work includes Synchrotron-based X-ray experiments.  Recent projects include:


  *   •       Metal speciation and distribution in the Marcellus shale
  *   •       Transformations of iron (oxy)hydroxides in acid mine drainage settings
  *   •       Soil development on coal mine tailings
  *   •       Ion sorption and diffusion into mesoporous materials


Tectonics/Geophysics: Dr. Chris Rowan (crowan5 at kent.edu<mailto:crowan5 at kent.edu>) is seeking graduate students with interests in tectonic processes and/or paleo- and rock magnetism (http://all-geo.org/chris_rowan/). Research will focus on unravelling global and regional patterns of  tectonic deformation by integrating field data with laboratory and modelling studies. Potential projects include:

•   Reconstructing strain evolution at collisional plate boundaries;

•   Studying the history and drivers of global plate motions;

•   Analogue modelling of complex deforming regions.

Interested students should have a background in geology, earth science, chemistry, 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 their prospective advisor by December 15th, 2014. 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, 2015, and information on this process can be found at http://www.kent.edu/geology/graduate/gradapplication.cfm.

Anne Jefferson
ajeffer9 at kent.edu<mailto:ajeffer9 at kent.edu>



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