M.S./Ph.D. Graduate Student Assistantship. I am seeking an individual with experience in coastal habitats, benthic communities, tidal wetlands or soil science to work on a study aimed at investigating relationships between subaqueous soil properties and the classification, use, and management of shallow-subtidal habitats. The goal of the study is to develop a soil-based interpretive tool that can be used to assess the condition of the shallow-subtidal habitats for use, management, and conservation. In our previous research, we determined that shallow-subtidal habitats can be mapped using soil and landscape analysis. In addition, we found that subaqueous soils properties can be used as determining factors for coastal management decisions such as locations for submerged aquatic vegetation restoration. In this study, we will continue to develop a soil-based coastal management and conservation tool by examining relationships between subaqueous soils and a number of uses (and associated habitats) in shallow subtidal ecosystems. Responsibilities of the graduate assistant will be to inventory the soils and habitat of a range of shallow subtidal environments, to sample and characterize the soils in these settings, to evaluate these soil properties relative to use and management of the habitats. Critical questions may include but are not restricted to: What effect does dredging have on these habitats? What effect do docks, piers, and similar structures have on habitats? Can these soils be managed for carbon sequestration? How does water quality attributes effect soils and habitats? Are certain subtidal soil/landscapes important sink for groundwater nitrate through denitrification? What subtidal soil/landscapes can be used for shellfish aquaculture? How should these habitats be classified? Please send résumé, college transcripts, and statement of interest to: Dr. Mark Stolt, Department of Natural Resources Science, One Greenhouse Road, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, 02881, phone 401-874-2915, fax 401-874-4561, [EMAIL PROTECTED] URIs Department of Natural Resources Science conducts research in soil-environmental science, soil ecology, wetland and watershed science, landscape ecology, GIS, and wildlife and environmental management.
Mark H. Stolt Associate Professor of Pedology and Soil-Environmental Science Department of Natural Resources Science 112 Kingston Coastal Institute 1 Greenhouse Road University of Rhode Island Kingston, RI 02881 voice 401-874-2915 fax 401-874-4561 [EMAIL PROTECTED]
