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EES NEWSLETTER

WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 12, 2023

EES 5010 Geoscience Seminar – 9/15/2023 – 3:30 – 5:00P, 125 Trowbridge Hall

Presenter: Dr. Charlie Paradis - Geosciences, University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee

Title: Enhanced Biogeochemical Flushing of Uranium in Groundwater

Abstract: The fate, transport, and remediation of redox-sensitive contaminants in freshwater aquifers is an important and evolving area of research. This research aims to better understand and manipulate the biogeochemical controls on the mobility of uranium in contaminated aquifers. Interestingly, the goal of this research is to increase the mobility of uranium, as opposed to conventional efforts at decreasing its mobility, to enhance the rate of uranium flushing and aquifer remediation. A series of single- and multi-well tracer, oxygen, and carbonate injection tests were recently conducted to enhance re-oxidation and de-sorption of uranium and preliminary data analysis suggested that it worked. However, three important questions remain unanswered: 1) What specific geochemical reactions were responsible for enhanced uranium flushing? 2) What role does the natural microbial community play in the mobility of uranium during such conditions? and 3) Can the same fundamental uranium-specific transport parameters be characterized from just a single-well, as opposed to a multi-well, test? These questions will be addressed by discussing the ongoing results of the following activities: 1) geochemical modeling of existing aqueous-phase uranium data for redox-sensitive equilibrium and kinetic reactions, 2) new field and lab efforts to determine the effects of microbial activity on the mobility of uranium during oxygen- and carbonate-rich conditions, and 3) finite-difference numerical modeling of existing single- versus multi-well tracer and uranium data for groundwater velocity, aquifer dispersivity, and uranium-specific transport parameters.

reminders:

  • Final exam schedule published - 9/18
  • Withdraw registration deadlines
    • 75% of tuition due: 9/17
    • 100% of tuition due: 9/18
  • Degree application deadline - 9/29
  • Degree application late fee in effect: 9/30
  • MyUI offerings available to view/schedule builder open:
    • Spring 2024: 10/2
    • Summer 2024: 10/2
  • Plans of Study - final exam Requests (defense), Graduate students: 10/10

STUDENT ASSOCIATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

The Student Association of Environmental Sciences (formerly EES Club) will begin meeting this this Wednesday, 9/13, in 125 TH at 6PM.

The group will meet every other week, unless otherwise announced. Please contact Henry Frederick (henry-frederick@uiowa.edu) for more information.

Dates are as follows: September 13th & 27th - October 11th & 25th - November 8th - December 6th

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

UNDERGRADUATE/ENTRY LEVEL

Univeristy of Iowa Student athletic services: tutor needed

Student Athletic Services is in need of tutors for the Fall ‘23 semester, in the following courses: GEOG 1020, 2910

No tutoring experience is needed, however, Student Athletic Services would prefer that applicants have completed the courses listed at a B level or higher.

If you are interested, please reach out to Tom Harder (thomas-harder@uiowa.edu) with your resume and transcript, as well as any questions you may have.

Gateway to Graduate Studies in Science, November 13-14, 2023, Jackson School of Geosciences

Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas Austin - Austin, Texas

The Jackson School of Geosciences (JSG) invites you to apply to attend G2S2: Gateway to Graduate Studies in Science, November 13- 14!

This opportunity is for finishing undergraduate students, postbaccalaureate and Masters students from all STEM majors to visit the University of Texas at Austin and learn about JSG graduate research opportunities, our degree programs, and applying to graduate school. This event is free, and the cost of your travel, lodging and meals while in Austin is covered!

Please find details here and apply here by October 2, 2023. In the application form, please select “Geosciences” and/or “Energy & Earth Resources” as an area of interest. If this event may be of interest to someone you know, please feel free to forward it on.

You are also invited to attend a virtual info session on JSG graduate programs on Wednesday, September 20 at 10 am CT. Please register here.

Please contact dthomas@jsg.utexas.edu or geograduateprograms@jsg.utexas.edu with any questions. We look forward to receiving your application!

PROFESSIONAL/POST-GRAD

Tenure-Track Faculty Position, Earth Sciences, Kent State University

Kent State University - Kent, Ohio

The Department of Earth Sciences at Kent State University invites applications for a tenure-track open rank faculty member whose research focuses on interactions between the hydrosphere and other aspects of the earth sciences (lithosphere, biosphere, cryosphere and/or atmosphere). The position starts August 2024. The successful candidate will hold a Ph.D. in the Earth or Marine Sciences, and be able to interface well with faculty working at the nexus of environmental and earth system sciences research. Specific research interests are open, but preference will be given to applicants who complement departmental faculty strengths. Examples of inter-related hydrology-earth system science disciplines include fluvial processes, watershed hydrology, process geomorphology, critical zone science, water resources, water quality, marine science, and paleoclimatology. Preference will be given to applicants using both field and laboratory methods.

Responsibilities will include developing a strong, externally funded research program, advising Ph.D. and M.S. students, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in their specialty, and an introductory course in physical or environmental earth sciences.

The Department of Earth Sciences has 10 full-time faculty members, 55 undergraduates and 25 graduate students. Current faculty research includes the areas of paleoceanography, biogeochemistry, sedimentary geology, paleontology, critical zone science, environmental remote sensing, water-mineral surface interactions, flow and transport in porous media, and tectonics and landform development. The successful applicant will be able to contribute to and benefit from Kent State’s Environmental Science and Design Research Initiative (ESDRI), which includes recent hires in Earth Sciences, Geography, and Biological Sciences. The ESCI department at Kent State University houses a broad array of analytical instruments (www.kent.edu/earth-sciences/facilities).

Kent State University, an R1 doctoral university, is dedicated to faculty and student success. It has been named as a “Great College to Work For” by the Chronicle of Higher Education 11 times, and was one of only six schools nationwide to receive the 2018 Healthy Campus Award. Nestled in the Cuyahoga River Valley in NE Ohio, Kent State is less than 50 miles from Cleveland, 20 miles from Akron, and 10 miles from the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Applicants should upload a cover letter, current CV, statements of research and teaching interests, and contact information for three references to http://jobs.kent.edu/(986882). For more information please contact the Chair of the search committee at earthsci@kent.edu. Review of applications will begin October 1, 2023 and continue until the position is filled. Kent State University is an AA/EOO Employer and encourages applications from candidates committed to working with diverse populations and who would enhance the diversity of the University’s faculty.

Program Chief, Coastal and Environmental Geology, Maryland Geological Survey

Maryland Geological Survey - Baltimore, Maryland

The Maryland Geological Survey seeks a Program Chief to lead and supervise a dynamic 14-person team that focuses on marine geology and environmental geology. The role of the Program Chief includes leadership, mentorship, budgeting, scientific expertise, team development, grant management, and project management. The team is a dynamic team that currently focuses heavily on sediment transport and mapping including sidescan sonar, multibeam bathymetry, marine magnetometer, shallow seismic, shoreline erosion, sediment quantity and quality. Additionally and equally important, this team also performs geologic mapping in all of Maryland's geophysical provinces, critical mineral studies, geohazards, and data preservation. The balance of these items is dependent on grants and state-provided funding. This is an exciting position for an experienced geologist who is looking to expand their role but still desires to remain deeply embedded in the science. The Program Chief will also be expected to work closely with stakeholders, other state, local, and federal agencies, and academia in many projects.

The program chief will have an office at the Maryland Geological Survey located in Baltimore, Maryland; however, travel throughout the State will occasionally be needed.

Additional information and the application for this position is here: https://www.jobapscloud.com/MD/sup/bulpreview.asp?R1=23&R2=001055&R3=0001

Lecturers, Earth Observation Science, University of British Columbia, Okanagan

University of British Columbia, Okanagan - Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada

The Department of Earth, Environmental and Geographic Sciences, Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science at the University of British Columbia (UBC) Okanagan campus is recruiting outstanding educators for one or more full-time Lecturers in the area of Earth Observation Science. The position is expected to start on January 1, 2024, or soon thereafter. For more information and to apply, please visit Job ID#JR14482 at https://ubc.wd10.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/ubcfacultyjobs/details/Lecturer-2_JR14482-1?q=jr14482

Closing date is October 15, 2023.

Curator of Paleontology, Museum of Texas Tech University

Museum of Texas Tech University - Lubbock, Texas

The Museum of Texas Tech University (MoTTU) seeks applications for the position Curator of Paleontology. Candidates will require an interest in, and with research goals towards one of the following foci: (1) the Triassic or Permian geologic periods, (2) using the fossil record to elucidate mammalian evolution and systematics, or (3) terrestrial community paleoecology. Imagination, forward thinking, and collaboration for collection acquisition and care, research methodology and public programming is required.

The Paleontology Division at MoTTU houses nearly 25,000 paleontological and geological specimens. This collection is particularly strong in North American Triassic vertebrate material, Paleogene and Neogene mammals, and Antarctic Cretaceous vertebrates and rock samples. In addition, the Museum’s Natural Science Research Laboratory contains one of the largest mammalian collections in North America that can be used for comparative work and research.

The Curator leads the Museum’s Paleontology Division, reports to the Executive Director, and has close collaborations with the other Museum divisions and campus departments (e.g. Geosciences, Biological Sciences, etc.). The successful candidate will (1) grow and enhance the collection through fieldwork, grants, and building relationships with private landowners and government entities; (2) develop strong, extramurally-funded research, graduate research programs, and produce peer-reviewed publications that elevate both their field of study and the research mission of the Museum and University; (3) develop public programming initiatives in collaboration with the Museum’s Exhibition and Education Divisions towards broadening our impact in the community as an academic resource, cultural attraction, and stimulator of humanity’s ideals; and (4) assist the further flourishing of the Museum of Texas Tech by building advocacy within the community, cultivating relationships with potential donors, and assisting the Executive Director in projects that provide the division and institution sustainability and support.

For more information about the Museum of Texas Tech University please go to

This opportunity is for finishing undergraduate students, postbaccalaureate and Masters students from all STEM majors to visit the University of Texas at Austin and learn about JSG graduate research opportunities, our degree programs, and applying to graduate school. This event is free, and the cost of your travel, lodging and meals while in Austin is covered!

Required Qualifications: Master’s degree in area of specialization and three years’ experience in a closely related field.

Preferred Qualifications: Doctorate (PhD) in vertebrate paleontology or paleobotany. Two or more years’ experience in a museum or non-profit cultural institution, preferably with at least 1 year experience in a collections or director leadership role. Strong record of research and peer-reviewed publications and attaining external research grant support as a PI or CoPI.

To apply for this position please go to https://www.depts.ttu.edu/hr/workattexastech/, select ‘STAFF’ (in red), search for the position, and follow the instructions on the listing.

INTERNSHIP, RESEARCH, SCHOLARSHIP, & GRANT OPPORTUNITIES

RESEARCH

2024 NASA Heliophysics Mission Design School Applications Due October 13, 2023

Enhance Your Early Career! NASA’s Heliophysics Mission Design School (HMDS) is a 3-month-long career development experience for Doctoral candidates (requires advancement to candidacy), Post-Docs or early career researched within 10 years of receiving their Ph.D., Junior faculty within 10 years of receiving their Ph.D. and with a continuous teaching faculty role in that period, and Non-research Engineering Master-level students within six to nine months of graduation who are not planning to pursue a Ph.D. will be considered on a space-available basis. U.S. Citizens or legal permanent residents (and a limited number of Foreign Nationals from non-designated countries) are eligible. Applicants from diverse backgrounds are particularly encouraged to apply. Diversity, equity and inclusion are important to us, and we strive to create a welcoming environment where participants’ contributions and unique perspectives are valued.

Learn the process of developing a science hypothesis-driven robotic space mission in a concurrent engineering environment, while getting an in-depth, first-hand look at mission design, life cycle, costs, schedule & the trade-offs inherent in each. A NASA Science Mission Design School, HMDS is led by Jet Propulsion Laboratory in collaboration with Goddard Space Flight Center & Applied Physics Laboratory.

2024 HMDS: Preparatory Sessions February 12 – April 19.

Culminating Week with JPL’s Team X April 22 – April 26.

Roughly equivalent in workload to a rigorous 3-hour graduate-level course, participants spend 11-12 weeks in preparatory webinars acting as a science mission team, prior to spending the final culminating week being mentored by JPL’s Advance Project Design Team, or “Team-X” to refine their planetary science mission concept design, then present it to a mock expert review board.

An informational webinar and Q&A about HMDS will be held on Thursday, September 14, 2023, at 9:30 am PDT. We’ll describe the HMDS program, discuss tips, and learn best practices for submitting an application to this competitively-selected experience. Registration is required.

A recording will be made available for those who were unable to attend live.

To learn more & apply, visit http://go.nasa.gov/missiondesignschools

Spring 2024 U.S. Department of Energy Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI) Program

Applications for the Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI) Program are now open for the 2023 Fall Term.

Are you an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) or recent graduate who completed an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree in STEM? Do you want to develop and hone your research skills at a national laboratory while learning from some of our nation’s best scientists and engineers?

Then the Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI) program is for you. As a SULI participant, you’ll gain valuable hands-on research experience and build your professional network while collaborating on an exciting project under the guidance of a mentor. You will also have opportunities to present your research to your mentors and peers, join in social activities, and engage in a variety of professional development activities to enhance your career skills.

Learn more about SULI and get your questions answered by program managers and lab representatives! A total of two informational workshops will be held for SULI. One workshop will provide an overview of the program’s application process and requirements. The second workshop will include a panel discussion featuring SULI and other DOE internship program alumni. Note: attendance at the first workshop is not required to attend the second workshop.

1st workshop: August 10, 2023 from 3:00 – 4:00 pm EDT (register here: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJIsd-ugqjwrE1yMv9Qi0bw2Sd4czil7QO8)

2nd workshop: September 6, 2023 from 2:00 - 3:00 pm EDT (register here: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItcu2gqT8oEkyzGwWVk1dzwCcbsQg6WT0)

The SULI program is sponsored and managed by the Department of Energy (DOE) / Office of Science’s Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists (WDTS) program in collaboration with 17 DOE national laboratories and facilities across the U.S.

Application deadline is October 4, 2023m at 5:00PM EDT.

WANT TO SHARE SOMETHING IN THE WEEKLY EES NEWSLETTER?

The EES Department newsletter is published every Tuesday during the academic year, outside of semester breaks. If you would like to add an event, club meeting, or other item of interest, please submit an email to geology@uiowa.edu, with the subject heading "Newsletter item," on Fridays by noon, and your submission will be added to the following Tuesday's newsletter.