Research interests: Water quality, stream pollutant transport, watershed management, nutrient biogeochemistry, conservation practices, ecohydrological modeling
The Valappil Research Lab in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering (University Park) primarily works on integrating field and modeling-based research to study stream water quality, pollutant transport and cycling, and the impact of conservation practices on stream health. Our field-based projects involve testing for pollutant concentrations (nutrients and sediments) in various locations around Centre County, PA, as well as conducting tracer studies (injecting salts in streams and tracking their transport) to estimate nutrient uptake and its variability. Our projects also have a key Extension component, which allows us to closely work with farmers, landowners, and other stakeholders, as well as to develop outreach programs to dissipate our findings.
The student will have the opportunity to work closely with a graduate student in the lab to conduct field-scale water quality monitoring and laboratory analysis of water samples. Appropriate training will be provided to get familiar with the instruments and fieldwork protocols. Students with interest and/or experience in water-related lab or field research are encouraged to apply. There will also be additional opportunities to engage with farmers and facilitate educational and outreach programs as part of your project.
- Currently enrolled undergraduate student with a background in Agricultural Sciences, Natural Resources Engineering, Ecology, Environmental Sciences, or related fields.
- Available for 20-30 hrs/week (flexible)
- Willing to travel to field sites in Center County (applicants with a driving license are preferred but not required)
Interested students, please send your CV to femeena@psu.edu with the approximate timeline and hrs/week that you are available to work