M.S. Graduate Research Assistantship- Assessing Climate-Driven Impacts on PFAS and Microplastic Contamination in Southeastern Wetlands through Alligator Biomonitoring
STARTING DATE: January 2025
CLOSING DATE: The position is open until filled. Applications will be evaluated starting in October.
DESCRIPTION: The James C. Kennedy Waterfowl and Wetlands Conservation Center at Clemson University is recruiting a highly motivated M.S. student interested in exploring environmental contaminants in wetlands and wildlife. Our overarching goal is to model how projected climate change impacts may influence contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) (i.e., perfluorinated chemicals (PFAS) and microplastic) in wetlands and waterways in coastal South Carolina. This position will work closely with a Ph.D. student integrating environmental CEC data with tissue concentrations in alligators. There is an opportunity to develop additional research objectives beyond modeling outputs, which could include alligator-derived data. Project activities will include laboratory sample analysis of alligator tissues, water, and sediment for PFAS and microplastic, assisting with sample collection in the field, data integration and analysis, and mentoring undergraduate students.
The prevalence of CECs in South Carolina’s surface waters and biota is poorly understood. While aquatic invertebrates, finfish, and shellfish are commonly used to monitor contaminants, top predators like alligators may better reflect the long-term fate of CECs due to their higher trophic level, longevity, and body size, making them effective sentinel species for human health risks. Concerns about CECs are heightened by climate change, which may alter contaminant distribution and exposure. By combining alligator CEC data with climate variables and habitat selection, we aim to assess how climate influences CEC discharges and microplastic deposition, identifying coastal wetlands most vulnerable to these threats. The student will 1) conduct an in-depth literature review, 2) collect necessary climate change data from various sources, and 3) model climate influence on discharges and deposition of CECs into coastal wetlands to identify systems most at risk through the integration of modeled CEC exposure and vulnerability of coastal wetlands to climate change.
The student will be working toward a graduate degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology at Clemson University (Wildlife and Fisheries Biology (MWFR, M.S., Ph.D.) (clemson.edu)). Clemson University (https://www.clemson.edu/about/ ) is a public land-grant Carnegie R1 Research University in a college town atmosphere on Lake Hartwell within view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Students will take classes on the main campus and conduct fieldwork along South Carolina’s coast near the Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science, located on the 16,000-acre Hobcaw Barony property, which is dedicated to research and education. Hobcaw Barony is 5 miles north of Georgetown, SC, and 35 miles south of Myrtle Beach, SC. Temporary housing in cottages is available on-site while you conduct research. Clemson University does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, pregnancy, national origin, age, or disability. We encourage applications from minorities, women, veterans, and all other qualified applicants.
QUALIFICATIONS: B.S. in wildlife, ecology, or a closely related field. Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00. A strong interest and/or experience in climate change, GIS, ecological modeling, and contaminants of concern. Interest in policy, wetlands, statistics, and publishing is a plus. This project is supported by many collaborators and engages undergraduate students who assist with sample analysis. Strong interpersonal skills and a willingness to work as part of a dynamic and diverse team is critical.
STIPEND: $23,000 plus tuition waiver.