Effects of Fine Particle Sediments on Scleractinian Corals of Florida
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.
A research opportunity is currently available at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development (ORD), Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling (CEMM), located in Gulf Breeze, Florida, at the Gulf Ecosystem Measurement and Modeling Division (GEMMD). EPA ORD recently reorganized and this is the newly named Center. This was formerly NHEERL/GED.
Coral reefs across the state of Florida have declined dramatically in the last 30 years. Because of recent coral losses linked to dredging activities in Florida, there is an urgent need for better characterization and understanding of sediment effects. This research project will examine, in a laboratory setting, the effects of fine-grain sediments, such as those suspended through dredging activities, on scleractinian coral. The research participant will collaborate with EPA and Florida Department of Environmental Protection personnel to better guide coral monitoring and mitigation in the upcoming dredging activities in Florida and other coastal zones world-wide.
Under EPA mentorship, the research participant may be involved in any or all of the following training activities:
- Receive training in coral husbandry for research use
- Compiling literature pertaining to effects of sediment on coral
- Exploring and evaluating new experimental methodology
- Conducting laboratory experiments on scleractinian coral using fine-grain sediment
- Collecting and analyzing research data
The research participant may give oral presentations and have the opportunity to give a technical presentation at a scientific conference. The research participant may contribute to a manuscript, to be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal.
The mentor for this opportunity is Cheryl Hankins (hankins.cheryl@epa.gov).
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: June 1, 2020
Qualifications
The qualified candidate should have received a bachelor's or master's degree in one of the relevant fields, or be currently pursuing one of the degrees and will reach completion by the appointment start date. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.
Preferred skills:
- Knowledge of biology and/or physiology of scleractinian coral
- Exceptional skill in data management, documenting activities, adhering to operating procedures, writing reports and scientific manuscripts, verbal and written communication
This opportunity is available to US citizens only.
If you have questions, send an email to EPArpp@orau.org. Please include the reference code for this opportunity (EPA-ORD-NERL-IO-2020-04) in your email.