Institute For Environmental Studies

Graduate Student Funding Opportunity

A Geomorphic and Ecological Analysis of Using Mosses for Controlling Stream Bank Erosion

Funding for one student position is available for a Ph.D. student to conduct research on the impacts of mosses (Division Byrophyta) on low order alluvial stream banks in Virginia and Illinois. The project is a suite of fluvial geomorphology, plant biology, environmental statistics, and geo-spatial modeling. It is the first elaborate geomorphic investigation on bryophytes. It also involves intensive field work with both traditional as well as innovative geo-spatial modeling tools with a 3d laser sensor. The project is funded by the National Science Foundation through a research grant. The student will be provided with a monthly stipend, a tuition waiver, and health insurance along with office space and necessary supplies.

The successful applicant will join a collaborative research group at Western Illinois University. The successful applicant should: i) have excellent skills in GIS analysis and earth science; ii) and possess a strong work ethic. A student with strong writing and statistical skills is highly desirable.

Please contact Dr. Ranbir Kang (rs-kang@wiu.edu) with questions. Application evaluations begin June 1, 2015.  Information about Ranbir Kang is available at: http://faculty.wiu.edu/RS-Kang/. Application instructions for the Environmental Science Ph.D. Program can be found at: http://www.wiu.edu/cas/ies/esphd.php.