GEN: Environmental Studies Summer Researcher (Holly Ewing) (S99910)

Summary

Student will do field, lab, and computer work as a part of a research project examining historical and modern water quality in a number of area lakes. The field and lab portions involve collecting water and biological samples in the field and analyzing them in the laboratory. Field work will entail visiting Lake Auburn and Sabattus Pond during the field season on a weekly basis to record current water quality metrics, maintain equipment in the lake, and collect samples for nutrient and phytoplankton analyses. There will also be field campaigns in which field collections at these and other lakes will be coordinated with those from drones, satellites, and robotic boats to understand phytoplankton blooms. Laboratory work will entail activities from dishwashing and maintenance of equipment and supplies to work with microscopes and other scientific equipment. There also will be opportunities to learn a broader array of field and laboratory methods for collection and analysis of environmental samples. Analytical work with data sets will involve work in Excel, JMP, R, and GIS, depending on the student’s area of expertise. Attention to detail, maintenance of careful notes, ease with Excel, ability to follow instructions and to act independently as needed, reliability, and willingness to ask questions are essential.

Basics

  • Department: General (Professor Specific Provided Position Descriptions)
  • Supervisor: Holly Ewing
  • Office Location: Hedge 109
  • Email: hewing@bates.edu

Responsibilities

Responsibilities are as described in the summary of the position. The work conditions provide a little more nuance about the situation:

ENVIRONMENT: Lab primarily with weekly field work on or near lakes

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: Necessary to drive weekly to Lake Auburn and Sabattus Pond to conduct sampling with longer trips to other lakes on a less frequent basis possibly also required

MACHINES & EQUIPMENT USED: Laboratory equipment including microscopes, computers, water purification system, fluorometer, balances, filters, and possibly others; field equipment for water and net samples as well as boats

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: For the lab work, the student must have the ability to stand or sit for several hours (with breaks) while performing tasks like washing dishes, analyzing data, or using a microscope. Good manual dexterity is particularly helpful. For field work, the student must be able to spend the greater part of a day outdoors in the summer, sometimes on or in a small boat. Equipment and water samples must be carried to and from sampling sites and may weigh ~10-50(+) lbs (4-25 kg). Opportunities to work in the water may occur, so ability to swim could be helpful.

Requirements

Attention to detail, patience, reliability, and willingness to ask questions are required characteristics. Ability to work effectively both with and without supervision and take careful and complete notes is required. Much of the work will be collaborative, so flexibility, creativity, and personal responsibility in collaborative activities will be essential. Experience and comfort with Excel is essential, and any experience with JMP, R (or other programming language), and GIS as well as previous course work involving labs in environmental science, chemistry, biology, or geology would be exceedingly helpful. Valid US drivers license with a good driving record is required, and access to a vehicle over the summer is desirable. Students who are work-study eligible and have an interest in science are particularly encouraged to apply.

Reporting

REPORTS TO: Holly Ewing
SUPERVISES: none
COORDINATES/WORKS CLOSELY WITH: other student researchers from both Bates and Colby, a postdoc, a data manager, and staff from the municipal water authorities