Dr. Stephanie Lansing at the University of Maryland (UMD)’s Bioenergy and Bioprocessing Technology Laboratory is recruiting a PhD student to research municipal solid waste characterization starting in January 2022. Please note that applications to the UMD graduate school are due September 22, 2021 for a 2022 Spring semester start date. Application materials will include GRE scores, TOEFL (if applicable), transcripts, recommendation letters, and a research statement. A prior B.S. and a M.S. degree in a relevant field, such as ecological engineering, environmental engineering, or environmental science, is required.
The PhD student research will center on understanding the characteristics critical to turning municipal solid waste (MSW) into biofuels. This project will build a comprehensive MSW characteristic database using standardized methods to provide nationwide geographic mapping information to inform conversion readiness of MSW feedstocks for fuel production. The selected candidate will develop MSW sampling and characterization standard operating procedures (SOPs). The candidate will perform field and lab MSW characterization, assess biofuel potential from food waste and paper feedstocks in MSW through anaerobic digestion batch studies, and assist in mathematical, statistical, life cycle assessment, and machine learning models to produce spatial and temporal MSW information to inform energy values and sustainability of various downstream biofuel conversion technologies. In short, the research will include field sampling, experimental testing, modeling, and life cycle assessment components with year-round support (including salary, health benefits & tuition) through a 12-month research assistantship for up to three years. Interested individuals should contact Dr. Stephanie Lansing via email (slansing@umd.edu) to discuss their background and research interests.