Ridge to Reefs’ Nature Based Solutions Research Project with LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station

Start Date: Spring 2024 (March, April or May Start Date) (3-month position)

Base Location: Hammond, LA, USA 70403

This research opportunity is designed for undergraduate students, graduate students, and recent grads across a range of disciplines to gain experience solving real-world problems with regards to water quality, nature based wastewater treatment, environmental resilience, and sustainable agriculture. This project would be conducted in coordination with the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center Hammond Research Station under the supervision of Dr. Damon Abdi. This project focuses on researching biochar and nature based treatment systems to reduce point and nonpoint source water pollution. This position will develop the candidate’s practical and applied skills in-water quality research including laboratory and monitoring techniques, research protocol, and project management. Opportunities to work in instrument analysis, bacterial assessments, and journal publication may be provided to further the candidate’s skillset.

Nature Based Treatment Solutions (NBS): Utilizing natural processes (such as bioremediation, phytoremediation and biofiltration) and ecosystems to remove contaminants from water.

Current Knowledge:

• NBS are an effective, low cost, sustainable solution to water management
• Nature based solutions provide a sustainable alternative to traditional wastewater and septic systems; however, need to be further optimized, value engineered, and developed at scale to provide sufficient treatment

Advancing the Research:

• How can NBS be further optimized to enhance treatment and affordability?
• What kinds of readily available biomass can be utilized as treatment media?
• What options are there for containerizing the system to provide commercial/scalable implementation? Cost effective engineering, how can these systems be developed to reduce capital investments?

TIMELINE:

• Research → Finalize research design with PI’s
• Acquire materials – hardwood/bamboo woodchips and biochar.
• Perform testing and performance evaluation of materials of interest.
• Summarize findings in report and presentation.
• Assist with literature review and drafting a scientific publication.

Expectations:

The location of the position will be the Hammond Research Station in Hammond, Louisiana https://www.lsuagcenter.com/portals/our_offices/research_stations/hammond and the person in the position will come to Ridge to Reefs in Sykesville, MD at least 1 time during the course of the project or at the end and present the work to RTR staff.

1) Goal is to optimize the bioreactor garden (BG) system (size and weight)

2) Determine an on or off the shelf product to house the BG

3) Evaluate methods to ensure adequate oxygenation for the effluent

4) Learn lab analysis methods for nutrients and bacteria

5) Work on at least one proposal to help fund continued work

6) ID site conditions for reduce liner height, coverage

The official Fellowship will begin as soon as March 15th and not later than May 15th (depending on the best candidate’s availability). RTR will provide a $2,500 monthly stipend for a total of $7,500. Candidates located within commuting distance of Hammond, LA, are encouraged to apply. The fellowship will end 3 months after the initial start date.

Application:

Please send applications to both:

Dr. Damon Abdi (LSU AgCenter) dabdi@agcenter.lsu.edu

Paul Sturm (Ridge to Reefs) paul@ridgetoreefs.org

In your application, include a résumé and a one-page cover letter indicating qualifications for this research opportunity, what you hope to learn in the program, and any insights towards your professional goals.

The LSU AgCenter is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $2,500.00 per month

Work Location: In person