Two PhD Positions in Integrated Coastal Sciences at
East Carolina University
Two PhD student assistantships are available starting Fall 2022 in the areas of ecological engineering and wastewater treatment technology at East Carolina University (ECU). The students will work with an interdisciplinary group of researchers at ECU and the Coastal Studies Institute, in collaboration with NC State University, on a project to increase the resiliency of municipal and aquaculture wastewater treatment methods. Approaches include the use of integrated, adaptive, and sustainable ecological engineered treatment technologies (EETTs), development of novel biosensors and automated control systems, assessment of barriers to adoption of EETTs via engagement with relevant stakeholders, and technoeconomic analyses.
Ecological Engineering (advisor: Dr. Natasha Bell, Dept. of Engineering & Water Resources Center): The student will monitor on-site pilot installations of EETTs at the local wastewater treatment plant and NC State University’s Marine Aquaculture Research Center. Monitoring activities will include deployment of water quality sondes, collection of water samples, and analysis of nutrient concentrations using a high-throughput flow injection analysis (FIA) system. Correlations between EETT remediation efficacy, physicochemical characteristics, hydrologic conditions, and microbial communities will be modeled to aid in EETT installation and maintenance decision-making processes.
Smart Ecological Engineered Treatment Technology (advisor: Dr. Randall Etheridge, Dept. of Engineering & Center for Sustainable Energy and Environmental Engineering): The student will test and install control systems at on-site pilot installations of EETTs that will allow for remote manual control by the research team and automatic control using machine learning models. The student will also integrate and maintain a multipoint high-temporal-resolution sampling system to monitor nutrient concentrations within EETTs. Multipoint sampling systems include ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrometers and sondes to measure nutrient concentrations, pH, temperature, conductivity, and turbidity.
Qualified candidates will have strong undergraduate or graduate training in ecological/environmental engineering, hydrology, water quality, and/or automated control systems. Candidates with an interest in interdisciplinary research and a familiarity with constructed wetlands and other EETTs are strongly encouraged to apply.
The PhD students will have a primary program focus on coastal natural sciences with a secondary focus on coastal health and social sciences. More details on the Integrated Coastal Sciences (ICS) PhD program can be found on the program’s website.
If interested in applying, please contact Dr. Natasha Bell (bellna19@ecu.edu) or Dr. Randall Etheridge (etheridgej15@ecu.edu) by November 30, 2021, with your CV, unofficial transcript(s), and a short introduction describing prior research experience and interests. Review of full applications to the ICS PhD Program will begin on January 15, 2022, and will continue until the positions are filled.
East Carolina University takes pride in the diversity of our students, faculty, and staff, and strives to increase that diversity. We encourage applications and inquiries from members of groups underrepresented in engineering or the natural sciences.
