Earth and Planetary Surface Processes

PhD Positions in hydrology, engineering, and big data at the University of Vermont 

Interested in the application of big data and complex systems tools to solve pressing water resources and environmental challenges while earning a degree in civil & environmental engineering at the University of Vermont?

We are recruiting Ph.D. and M.S. candidates for multiple projects with a start date of fall 2021 (or potentially summer 2021). Prospective students would work with professors Dr. Donna Rizzo, Dr. Kristen Underwood, and Dr. Scott Hamshaw. Four opportunities with graduate research assistantships include:

1. Using Big Data approaches to assess ecohydrological resilience across scales - This project brings together researchers from across the country in a Critical Zone Network, combining data science, ecology, hydrology, and biogeochemistry. Students, researchers, and outreach partners will work in dynamic teams to create new knowledge through field and lab work, and improve education, policy, and participation in STEM fields. Ph.D. candidate to be advised by Kristen Underwood and Scott Hamshaw.
2. Multi-scale analysis of watershed monitoring data – This exploratory project funded by the NSF 2026 Idea Machine aims to identify linkages in watershed function across temporal and spatial scales by leveraging watershed monitoring data and integrated human-machine learning (combining AI with watershed science expertise). M.S. or Ph.D. students will be considered for this opportunity to start Summer 2021 or Fall 2021 and will be advised by Scott Hamshaw.
3. Precision Agriculture and the Future of Work - This project seeks to leverage data from advanced remote sensing (drone based lidar, hyperspectral sensing, and imaging) with field monitoring to design AI-inspired tools to improve the sustainability of farms. This project includes study sites within Vermont and South Dakota. Ph.D. candidate to be co-advised by Scott Hamshaw and Donna Rizzo.
4. Gund Barrett PhD Fellowships - We encourage PhD candidates broadly interested in the application of data-driven approaches for advancing watershed science to apply for a Gund Barrett Ph.D. fellowship. These four-year fellowships through the Gund Institute for Environment are available specifically for students interested in pursuing an engineering degree at UVM. We are happy to work with prospective students on putting together an application (due Jan. 14, 2021). Students would be advised by Donna Rizzo and co-advised by Scott Hamshaw or Kristen Underwood depending on project interests.

Interested students should reach out using below email contacts and see UVM Civil & Environmental Engineering admissions information at uvm.edu/cems/cee/graduate_programs

Donna Rizzo | drizzo@uvm.edu

Kristen Underwood | klunderw@uvm.edu

Scott Hamshaw | shamshaw@uvm.edu | Research group: www.vthydro.net