The Department of Atmospheric Science at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology announces the availability of a new Graduate Assistantship for a Ph.D. candidate interested in research and study in biogeochemistry and global environmental change.  The student will have access to the newly-established state-of-the-art Biogeochemistry Core Facility with capabilities to conduct monitoring as well as mechanistic biogeochemical studies. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop independent thesis research in biogeochemical cycling of major elements in a variety of ecosystems within South Dakota and elsewhere. Some of the ongoing and future projects include nutrient biogeochemistry of streams in the Black Hills, as well as carbon and nutrient cycling in wetland ecosystems. The student will also have the opportunity to gain international experience by participating in a multi-million dollar initiative in India to establish an environmental observation network.

Interested students are strongly encouraged to contact Dr. P.V. Sundareshwar to discuss this opportunity further. Admission into the Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences Ph.D. degree program at SDSM&T is required. Stipends for entry level Ph.D. students for the coming fall (2007) are $23,893 and include summer support and an additional substantial reduction in tuition.  The South Dakota School of Mines is located in Rapid City, the gateway to the beautiful Black Hills.