Developing Technologies for Satellite Water Quality Monitoring

**EPA Office of Research and Development**

**EPA National Science Foundation Graduate Research Internship Program (GRIP) & Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) Opportunities**

**Research Opportunity at the United States Environmental Protection Agency**

To be eligible, graduate students must have completed at least one academic year in their graduate programs (master's or doctoral) and be making satisfactory progress towards the completion of their degrees.
This opportunity is open to PIs (and co-PIs) who are supporting graduate students through an active NSF award. A PI for an active GRFP fellowship (not the GRFP fellow) should contact GRFP regarding specific GRFP requirements before submitting a supplemental funding request on behalf of a GRFP fellow.
Opportunity Title:	Developing Technologies for Satellite Water Quality Monitoring
Research Area:	Water
EPA Lab/Center/Office:	Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Office of Research and Development
Location:	Durham, NC
Duration:	National Science Foundation Graduate Research Internship Program (GRIP) & Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) Opportunities (up to 1 year)
Project Description:	We are seeking motivated students to join our pioneering research team focused on the satellite remote sensing for water quality assessment and forecasting. Our work leverages advanced satellite data, both commercial and public, to monitor changes in water quality and connections to human, animal, and environmental health. The project integrates state-of-the-art spatiotemporal modeling, statistical analysis, visualizations, and communication to revolutionize environmental monitoring and management. Examples areas include freshwater harmful algal blooms, estuarine seagrass, ocean and inland oil spills, water temperature and turbidity. Successful candidates will gain hands-on experience with satellite imagery and contribute to vital research with significant implications for water resource management. There is ample flexibility to pursue your own innovative ideas, such as creating science videos for training, developing applications to inform the public, conducting field and lab research, geospatial analysis, or exploring other groundbreaking concepts. Join us in advancing water quality monitoring and making significant real-world impact.
Fellowship Goal and Learning Objectives:	Goal: The goal of this project is to utilize satellite remote sensing and cutting-edge modeling techniques to advance water quality monitoring and forecasting, offering students the opportunity to develop innovative solutions and contribute to critical environmental management efforts. Learning Objectives: Master the analysis and interpretation of satellite imagery and environmental data using advanced techniques, gaining skills highly valued in environmental science. Develop and implement practical applications that utilize research findings to inform and engage communities, enhancing communication and outreach skills. Engage in hands-on field and lab research to validate satellite data and improve predictions, gaining experience in both theoretical and applied research methods.
Preferred Skills and Qualifications:	Preferred Skills: Capacity to develop and pursue innovative ideas and solutions within the scope of the project, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills. Strong teamwork and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary research environment, preparing students for collaborative projects in government, academia, and industry. Qualifications: Student in one of the relevant fields (e.g., Communications, Computer Science, Earth and Geosciences, Engineering, Environmental and Marine Sciences, Health Science, Mathematics and Statistics, Physical Science).
Point of Contact or Mentor:	Blake Schaeffer (Schaeffer.Blake@epa.gov) (NC)

For more information about EPA Research Fellowship opportunities, visit: https://www.epa.gov/research-fellowships/nsf-graduate-research-internship-program-grip-graduate-research-fellowship-0

Developing Technologies for Satellite Water Quality Monitoring

Research Fellowships