Inducing Resilience for Water-Subsidized Systems

The University of Florida Water Institute is seeking 6 highly motivated doctoral-degree students for Fellowships that provide an annual stipend, tuition waiver and health insurance for 4 years starting fall term 2017. 

 These PhD students will work collaboratively within this interdisciplinary team of Fellows and their faculty advisors. The focus project takes a comprehensive systems approach to analysis of interbasin transfer of surface water into the Tempisque River watershed in Costa Rica. This water transfer has altered hydrology, land use, economic structure, and health of the downstream Palo Verde wetland in the Tempisque watershed. 

 Each student will develop a selected disciplinary expertise on the system while becoming well-rounded and knowledgeable in all other disciplinary aspects of the project. While pursuing a PhD in their respective department, all students will be located together in the same office in order to encourage interdisciplinary research discussions. As such, beyond the usual criteria of academic excellence, we will look especially for open-minded candidates eager to work across disciplines and willing to become proficient in Spanish in order to gain a deeper appreciation of the issues.

 Applicants should have a strong demonstrated interest in water issues and either a Master’s degree in natural sciences, social sciences, or engineering, or a JD degree. Exceptional students with a Bachelor’s degree plus research experience in an appropriate discipline will also be considered. Persons from groups under-represented in science and engineering professions are encouraged to apply.

 For more information and to apply for a Fellowship, go to http://waterinstitute.ufl.edu/WIGF/2017Cohort/Overview_2017.html.
·         Fellowship applications are due to the UF Water Institute by January 16, 2017.
·         Promising candidates will be invited to University of Florida for a 2-day visit in February 2017.
For additional questions, contact Carol Lippincott, Water Institute Research Coordinator, at calippincott@ufl.edu or 352-294-7744.