Dr. Edwards, a professor in the Agricultural and Resource Economics Department and extension specialist focused on water quality economics, is seeking undergraduate research assistants from environmental and engineering disciplines to support a project he is leading that evaluates the role of eutrophication on commercial and recreational fisheries. The undergraduates who work on this project will perform independent research by reviewing scientific articles to determine:
- How does eutrophication (e.g. nitrogen loading) affect commercial and recreational fisheries in Pamlico Sound? What are known relationships between eutrophication and hypoxia in the Pamlico Sound?
- What other studies exist on the relationship between hypoxia and eutrophication and commercial and recreational fisheries elsewhere?
- What other environmental responses to eutrophication and nitrogen loading in Pamlico Sound are of concern? E.g., impacts to seagrass
- To what extent does commercial fishing occur in areas with known nitrogen pollution issues?
- What existing databases could be used to study relationships between water quality and fisheries in the Pamlico Sound?
Expectations: The positions are paid, entirely virtual (no on-campus work required), open immediately, and scheduled to end by mid-December. The undergraduate research assistants would be expected to work for 10 hours per week and search for scientific articles, read the articles, write article summaries, and then prepare final synthesis reports summarizing key findings. Each week, the research assistants would meet as a team with Dr. Edwards, who will be the primary supervisor. I (Dr. Nelson) will serve as a secondary advisor. Note that, although Dr. Edwards is an economist, this project is focused on water quality and fisheries, which is why environmental and engineering students are sought to fill these positions. The research assistants’ findings will later be used to inform economic and environmental policy research.
How to apply: Those who are interested should email Dr. Edwards (eric.edwards@ncsu.edu) with a resume or CV and a paragraph explaining their interest in the position. Applications will be reviewed as received.
This is an exciting opportunity!