Dr. William Ford is seeking a Ph.D. student interested in studying source, fate and transport of sediment bound contaminants in agroecosystems at the University of Kentucky starting in Spring/Summer 2022. The position will be partially supported by a recently funded NSF project. A summary of the project can be found here. The student supported in this position will have a unique opportunity to perform extended site visits (up to 6 months over 2 years) collaborating with scientists at the USDA-ARS National Soil Erosion Research Laboratory in West Lafayette Indiana, located on Purdue University’s campus.
Applicants will need a degree in engineering from an ABET accredited institution and background in one or more of the following areas: agricultural, biological, civil, and/or environmental engineering. Candidates with strong hydrologic and water quality modeling skills spanning field to watershed-scales, strong technical writing records, and enthusiasm for research are encouraged to apply. Ability and interest to work in both field and laboratory settings will also be an important aspect of the position.
Dr. Ford and his team are committed to an inclusive lab environment and highly encourage students from underrepresented groups to apply. The University of Kentucky has numerous resources to create a welcoming environment for all people (e.g., CAFE Office of Diversity, UK Counseling Center, Behavioral Health at University Health Services). Further, the city of Lexington has several exciting and unique social settings including an expansive microbrew and food scene, miles of bike trails, Keenland Horse Track, Red River Gorge, and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
Students will join the Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Department. Information on the graduate programs and admission can be found at: https://www.engr.uky.edu/research-faculty/departments/biosystems-agricultural-engineering/graduate.
Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Dr. William Ford directly at bill.ford@uky.edu with their resume or CV and research interests.
