2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2 From: Taryn Lopez <tarynmlopez@xxxxxxxxx> The University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute is seeking a PhD student interested in joining the Earth System Science PhD program to work on a National Science Foundation-funded project to constrain the sources and fate of volcanically sourced mercury along the Aleutian-Alaska Arc. In this project the student will work with an interdisciplinary team of project mentors, Alaska Volcano Observatory scientists, and undergraduate and high school student researchers to expand our knowledge of volcanic mercury emissions and their impact in Alaska. The successful PhD student will lead a 3-part, lab-focused project that will combine new analyses on archived volcanic ash samples collected from volcanoes along the Aleutian-Alaska Arc with existing constraints on potential mercury sources to: (1) Validate a method to estimate eruptive mercury emissions using particulate-bound mercury concentrations on ash and eruptive ash masses, (2) Confirm the existence of â??lowâ?? and â??highâ?? mercury-emitting volcanoes (see Kushner et al., 2023), and (3) Constrain the source and environmental fate of volcanic mercury. Through this work the student will gain experience in ash sample collection, laboratory analysis, statistical analysis, data processing and analysis, and scientific writing. Successful applicants will have a background in geology, chemistry, or biology; prior research experience; and strong interest in environmental sciences. The application deadline for admissions to the UAF Earth System Science PhD program is January 15 (with application fee waived using code #UAFR1). Please find more information at: https://catalog.uaf.edu/phd/earth-system-science/#admissionrequirementstext <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://catalog.uaf.edu/phd/earth-system-science/*admissionrequirementstext__;Iw!!IKRxdwAv5BmarQ!dtqaJgiR2V4dBDaPpPWc9IdSeBW6unnzO6ATOqeyU8hCfPMDummo2ZFTcrFREggFBatqgFOtNzsNB5926evlJjAa_g$>. The selected student will receive total financial support of up to ~$67,000 per year, including a stipend of up to ~$42,000, and tuition, fees and health insurance waivers up to ~$25,000 (non-resident rate) for at least 3 years through Research Assistantship (RA) support, contingent on satisfactory progress. Continued support may be possible through a combination of RA or teaching assistantships. Interested students should contact Dr. Taryn Lopez at tmlopez@xxxxxxxxxx before submitting a final application and should mention this project in their graduate application cover letter. We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds and life experiences. Sincerely, Taryn Lopez (Primary Mentor, University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute, Alaska Volcano Observatory) Skye Kushner (Co-Mentor, University of Alaska Anchorage) Ben Barst (Mentor, University of Calgary) Kristi Wallace (Mentor, USGS Alaska Volcano Observatory) David Damby (Mentor, USGS California Volcano Observatory) 2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2 ------------------------------
