Part-Time Undergraduate Researcher in Soils and Water Laboratory

Penn State University - University Park, PA

- Intern

Hybrid - University Park, PA

Educational Services

About the position

Dr. Tyler Groh's laboratory in Ecosystem Science and Management is seeking a highly motivated, enthusiastic undergraduate researcher. There are three main research projects that will be of emphasis. The first research project will involve taking soil and water samples from riparian buffers of various ages throughout Centre County to assess water quality benefits. There will also be some work in helping establish a long-term riparian buffer near Hershey, PA. If you are interested in learning field and laboratory skills in a hands-on internship, this position is right for you. The second research project involves measuring greenhouse gases and nutrient dynamics in three sets of biochar plots within Centre and Mifflin Counties. Finally, we are starting a streambank erosion, stream sediment and phosphorus budget, and greenhouse gas analysis study of a local creek in Centre County. The undergraduate researcher will be assisting the graduate student involved with this study with all field, lab, and data analysis. Come learn the marketable skills of research project design, soil and water field sampling, soil and water laboratory work, data management, and data analysis and interpretation in a low stress, engaging atmosphere. Whether you are interested in going to graduate school or are planning on working at a state or federal agency, nonprofit, municipality, or private consulting company, you will gain the valuable expertise of how to start a research project, collect data for the project, and synthesize the results.

Responsibilities

• Taking soil and water samples from riparian buffers to assess water quality benefits.
• Assisting in establishing a long-term riparian buffer near Hershey, PA.
• Measuring greenhouse gases and nutrient dynamics in biochar plots.
• Assisting with field, lab, and data analysis for streambank erosion and greenhouse gas studies.

Requirements

• Must be an undergraduate student.
• Valid US driver's license required.
• Successful completion of a motor vehicle records check.

Nice-to-haves

• Interest in field and laboratory skills.
• Desire to learn about research project design and data management.

Benefits

• Hands-on internship experience.
• Opportunity to learn marketable research skills.
• Engaging and low-stress work environment.