Natural Resources Job Board

 The James C. Kennedy Waterfowl and Wetlands Conservation Center at Clemson University is seeking a highly motivated Ph.D. or M.S. candidate to conduct research on materials for tidal trunks and other water control structures with the goal of developing alternative, cost-effective solutions for water level management in waterfowl impoundments in coastal South Carolina. 

 

Water control structures are critical for effective wetland management. Historically, wooden tidal trunks had a life span of 25–30 years, but the discontinuation of chromate copper arsenate and creosote-treated lumber has reduced this to 8–10 years due to the use of pressure-treated lumber with alkaline copper quaternary preservatives. These trunks lose tensile strength from cyclic wetting and drying, salt crystal formation, decomposition, and insect colonization, with replacement costs reaching $20,000 to $25,000 each. Research is required to evaluate new materials and designs for tidal trunks while considering traditional design significance. The objectives of this study are to 1) inventory the number and characteristics of tidal trunks and other water control structures in South Carolina's coastal counties, 2) interview land managers and owners to evaluate critical and desirable design features of tidal trunks, 3) conduct a comprehensive literature review evaluating potential materials and designs, 4) document wildlife and invertebrate use of tidal trunks, 5) evaluate material performance, and 6) work with experienced tidal trunk builders to design, build, and install new prototypes.  

 

The student will be working toward a graduate degree in Forest Resources, Biosystems Engineering, Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, or Civil Engineering at Clemson University. Clemson University (http://www.clemson.edu/about/) is a public land-grant Carnegie R1 Research University in a college town atmosphere on Lake Hartwell within view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Students will take classes on the main campus and conduct fieldwork along South Carolina's coast at the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center, the Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science, located on the 16,000-acre Hobcaw Barony property, and other coastal locations. 
 

The student will be advised by a multidisciplinary team comprised of Dr. Christophe Darnault (Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences), Dr. Brunela Rodrigues (Wood Utilization and Biomaterials), Dr. Michael Stoner (Civil Engineering), and Dr. Jim Anderson (James C. Kennedy Waterfowl and Wetlands Conservation Center).  

QUALIFICATIONS: B.S. (for M.S.) and M.S. (for Ph.D.) in Environmental or Civil Engineering, Materials Science, Wood Science, Forest Engineering, Environmental Science, or a closely related field. Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00. A strong interest and experience in engineering design, material science, and design software is crucial. Interest in environmental sustainability, historic preservation, wetlands, statistics, and publishing is a plus. A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation is required. Due to current visa restrictions imposed by the United States government, you must be a United States citizen to apply for this position. 

 

Clemson University does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, pregnancy, national origin, age, or disability. We encourage applications from minorities, women, veterans, and all other qualified applicants. 

 

STIPEND: $25,000 (Ph.D.) or $22,000 (M.S.) plus tuition waiver. 

 

CONTACT: Interested individuals should email a letter of interest, resume, a <1,000-word statement of purpose (why do you want to work on this project, your research interests, and long-term career goals), unofficial copy of transcripts, GRE/TOEFL scores (if available), proof of valid drivers license, examples of published papers, and contact information for 3 references to Ms. Crystal Anderson at crhode2@clemson.edu.