Position Title: PhD Student in Agricultural and Biological Engineering
Project Title: Reclaiming Legacy Phosphorus from Lake Okeechobee for Sustainable Agriculture and Ecosystem Restoration
Location: Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering (ABE), University of Florida
Supervisors: Dr. Young Gu Her (Hydrology) and Dr. Dengjun Wang (Contaminant Fate and Transport)
Position Overview
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to join a research project funded by the ABE Pathfinder Fellowship. The selected student will contribute to an innovative study focused on reclaiming legacy phosphorus from Lake Okeechobee’s sediments and repurposing it as a sustainable fertilizer for agricultural use. This interdisciplinary research addresses environmental and agricultural challenges, with broader implications for nutrient management, water quality and resource management, ecosystem restoration, and resource reuse.
Project Summary
Lake Okeechobee, Florida’s largest freshwater lake, faces severe nutrient pollution due to accumulated phosphorus from agricultural runoff and other sources. Legacy phosphorus stored in lake sediments continues to fuel eutrophication and harmful algal blooms, posing significant threats to water quality and aquatic ecosystems. This research aims to develop a cost-effective engineering method to extract legacy phosphorus from lake sediments and repurpose it as an agricultural fertilizer. By integrating sustainable nutrient management with ecological restoration, the project seeks to reduce external fertilizer dependence and support sustainable farming practices.
Key Objectives
1. Develop a scalable, cost-effective method for phosphorus extraction from sediments.
2. Assess the quality and viability of the recovered phosphorus as a fertilizer.
3. Conduct a techno-economic analysis (TEA) to evaluate the environmental and economic impacts of using recycled phosphorus in agriculture.
Key Responsibilities
The PhD student will:
1. Identify strategic sampling locations within Lake Okeechobee using historical water quality data and hydrodynamic modeling.
2. Collect and analyze sediment samples to assess phosphorus concentrations and speciation.
3. Conduct laboratory experiments to test and optimize phosphorus extraction using engineered materials (e.g., biochar with high phosphorus affinity).
4. Evaluate the effectiveness of the recovered phosphorus as a fertilizer in lab, greenhouse, and field trials.
5. Perform a TEA comparing recycled phosphorus to commercial fertilizers.
6. Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present results at national and international conferences.
Required Qualifications
1. Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Soil Science, Hydrology, or related areas.
2. Strong background and expertise in phosphorus extraction and speciation identification.
3. Experience with laboratory instruments such as digesters, UV-Vis spectrophotometers, Inductively coupled plasma (ICP), and related instruments for phosphorus quantification.
4. Knowledge and experience with material synthesis and characterization techniques.
5. Background in TEA and related methodologies.
Preferred Qualifications
1. Experience with hydrodynamic or water quality numerical modeling.
2. Familiarity with nutrient cycling, water sampling, and analytical chemistry.
3. Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, or MATLAB.
4. Strong publication record or experience presenting research at scientific conferences.
Key Benefits
1. Full funding through the ABE Pathfinder Fellowship for 4 years, including a competitive stipend, tuition waiver, health insurance, and research support.
2. Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and field equipment.
3. Mentorship and collaboration with experts in hydrology, contaminant transport, and environmental restoration.
4. Opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research with potential national and global impacts.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit the following documents:
1. Cover Letter outlining your research interests, relevant experience, and motivation for applying.
2. Curriculum Vitae detailing academic achievements, research experience, and publications (if applicable).
3. Transcripts (official or unofficial) from all degree programs.
4. Contact Information for three professional references.
Submission Deadline: February 28, 2025
Start Date: Fall 2025
Contact Information
For inquiries about the position, please contact:
Dr. Young Gu Her: yher@ufl.edu
Dr. Dengjun Wang: dengjun.wang@ufl.edu
Why Join This Research Team?
1. Interdisciplinary expertise: Collaborate with experts in contaminant fate and transport, hydrology, water quality, and sustainable agriculture.
2. Innovative research: Be part of a novel study that bridges the gap between nutrient removal and agricultural reuse.
3. Broader impacts: Contribute to ecological restoration and resource conservation efforts with real-world applications.
Join us in advancing sustainable nutrient management practices and contributing to the health of aquatic ecosystems and agricultural productivity. We look forward to welcoming an enthusiastic and driven PhD student to our team!
