PhD Student opportunity in groundwater seismology

PhD Research in Groundwater Seismology

NSF-EPSCoR Funded Research – CLIMBS (Climate Resilience through Multidisciplinary Big Data Learning, Prediction and Building Response Systems)

N. Seth Carpenter^1,2 (seth.carpenter@uky.edu) and Edward W. Woolery² (woolery@uky.edu)

University of Kentucky: ¹Kentucky Geological Survey and ²Dept. of Earth and Environmental Sciences

Project Purpose and Overview

In the Jackson Purchase Region (JPR) of western Kentucky, large aquifers support a growing agro-economy and other increasing cultural demands. Yet, these resources may be susceptible to drought and are poorly characterized and inadequately monitored. This research will use an array of nodal seismometers and recent developments in passive-source seismology to investigate groundwater resources and their fluctuations in the complex aquifer architecture beneath the JPR.

PhD Student Research

Starting summer 2025 (possibly earlier), we seek a student interested in funded—four years, including summers—doctoral studies to join our team and help conduct this exciting, important, and novel research. This research project is part of the NSF EPSCoR Track 1 CLIMBS project (https://kynsfepscor.uky.edu/climbs). 

The student will participate in the major components of this applied geophysical investigation including fieldwork—using new nodal sensor technology—big-data processing, physics-based wave modeling, and inversion to develop a 4-D hydro-geophysical characterization of the aquifer system. The student will also publish research findings and give presentations at conferences, and collaborate with other seismologists, geophysicists, and hydrogeologists.

Qualifications and Application

Interested students should have experience with handling big data, seismology or physics (wave mechanics and statistics), mathematics (time-series analysis, linear algebra, partial differential equations), and inverse theory and computation (e.g., Python or Matlab).

• Preference will be given to MS degree-holders in seismology, geophysics, or physics.
• The successful applicant should also demonstrate
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • The ability to effectively collaborate as well as work independently.
• Students should have or obtain a valid U.S. driver’s license and be able to conduct field work.
• Students should anticipate starting the position in Spring or Summer of 2025. International applicants should consider logistical requirements of obtaining a visa when applying.

Applicants are asked to submit the following material to Drs. Carpenter and Woolery in a single email:

1. A one-page personal statement describing interest in this research, career goals, and qualifications.
2. A resume or CV detailing previous experience and relevant skills including any publications, if applicable.
3. An unofficial transcript that highlights relevant classes taken.

Review for applications will begin on Fall semester 2024 and will continue until the position is filled. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. Please direct questions to Drs. Carpenter and Woolery.

If chosen for the assistantship, you will then need to submit an official application through the University of Kentucky Graduate School (information can be found at https://gradschool.uky.edu/application-process). A formal offer for the position cannot be extended until you have received acceptance through the University of Kentucky Graduate School.

For more information on degree requirements and required qualifications for admission to the University of Louisville, prospective students are encouraged to visit the University of Kentucky’s Earth and Environmental Science PhD program overview at https://ees.as.uky.edu/grad-admission-ees.

Key Words

Geophysics, Seismology, Hydrology, Big data, Nodal geophone, Interferometry, Fourier analysis, Time series analysis, Wave equation, Ambient seismic noise, Seismic coda waves, Inverse theory.