EPA Research Internship Assessing Carbon Sequestration Potential of Coastal Natural Infrastructure

EPA Office/Lab and Location: A research opportunity is available at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Research and Development (ORD), Center for Public Health Environmental Assessment (CPHEA), Health & Environmental Effects Assessment Division (HEEAD) located in Washington, D.C.

Research Project: The research participant will have the opportunity to participate in a research project focused on assessing the carbon sequestration (or "blue carbon") potential of coastal natural infrastructure that benefits coastal resiliency in the Chesapeake Bay. The project seeks to further current understanding of the adaptation and climate-mitigating properties of coastal natural infrastructure, including submerged aquatic vegetation and wetlands. The research project is part of a larger effort to work with coastal communities impacted by climate change, and help provide information for community decision making and coastal resilience planning.

The research participant will collaborate with a team of federal, state, and academic researchers, as well as local stakeholders. Results of this research project will inform ongoing community coastal adaptation and resiliency planning in the Chesapeake Bay, as well as address fundamental scientific questions on the current status and future scenarios of blue carbon resources. Research activities may include:

Learning Objectives: The research participant will have the opportunity to gain knowledge by collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of EPA, state, and academic researchers. Additionally, the research participant will engage with local and regional partners and stakeholders throughout the project in order to solicit feedback for research project design, as well as communicating the applicability and utility of research project results. The research participant will gain experience with community-driven science, gathering and synthesizing large datasets, preparing presentations and scientific papers, coastal resiliency planning, blue carbon research, and scientific communication with stakeholders. The research participant is encouraged to collaborate on writing of manuscripts for project reports and peer-reviewed publications.

Mentor(s): The mentor(s) for this opportunity are Stephen Pacella (pacella.stephen@epa.gov) and Lana Kashuba (Kashuba.Roxolana@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: December 1, 2022. All start dates are flexible and vary depending on numerous factors. Click here for detailed information about start dates.

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for one year and may be renewed up to three or four additional years upon EPA recommendation and subject to availability of funding.

Level of Participation: The appointment is full-time.

Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. Click here for detailed information about full-time stipends.

EPA Security Clearance: Completion of a successful background investigation by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is required for an applicant to be on-boarded at EPA.

ORISE Information: This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and EPA. Participants do not become employees of EPA, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.

ORISE offers all ORISE EPA graduate students and Postdocs a free 5 year membership to the National Postdoctoral Association (NPA).

The successful applicant(s) will be required to comply with Environmental, Safety and Health (ES&H) requirements of the hosting facility, including but not limited to, COVID-19 requirements (e.g. facial covering, physical distancing, testing, vaccination).

Questions: Please see the FAQ section of our website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process please email ORISE.EPA.ORD@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing or have received a bachelor's or master's degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.

Preferred skills: