.S. Graduate Research Assistantship
Center/Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

Coastal Urban Development Stress and Watershed-Aquatic Ecosystem Health

About 50% of the worlds human population resides within 100 km of the coast, and this percentage is expected to increase in the foreseeable future (National Research Council 2000). Urban development of coastal watersheds has deteriorated estuarine ecosystems and caused ecological and environmental problems (e.g., eutrophication and
hypoxia) in the northern Gulf of Mexico, USA. The current project is funded by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA). The M.S.
student will start
in the year of 2010 and work with researchers in the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Coastal Data Development Center.

Objectives of the project include:
1. Field investigation of point and non point pollution sources in the coastal watersheds (Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida); 2. Biotic (e.g., fish, oyster, SAV, marshes) and abiotic (e.g., water
quality) monitoring
in coastal ecosystems;
3. Watershed nutrient budget estimation; 4. Quantitative links from watershed human stress and aquatic ecosystem indicators; 5. Modeling ecosystem health to future urban development.
The student will get training in biotic and abiotic field monitoring, laboratory instrument analysis, and quantitative computer software modeling.
Research results will
be presented in national or international academic conferences and published in peer reviewed journals.

Minimum qualifications: B.S. in aquatic ecology, marine sciences, fisheries/aquaculture, environmental sciences or related field with GPA of 3.0 and GRE score of 1,000+ (verbal
+quantitative). A TOEFL score of 550 (paper) or 213 (computer) is
required for
international candidates. Strong English communication and writing skills and computer proficiency are preferred. The potential student must meet eligibility requirements for admission into the graduate program in the Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries, UAPB.

Stipend: (Year 1 $ 17, 800; Year 2+ $18,800).
Pre-Application: A current resume, research interest, and name and email contact information of at least three references are needed to be sent to Dr.
Yushun Chen at
ychen@uaex.edu

Closing Date: Open until filled.

Descriptions of application procedures and necessary forms can be found at the UAPB Aquaculture/Fisheries Center website, http://www.uaex.edu/aqfi/

Contact:
Dr. Yushun Chen
Assistant Professor
Water Quality Research Laboratory
Center/Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff 1200 N. University Drive, Mail Slot 4912 Pine Bluff, AR 71601, U.S.A.
Phone: 870-575-8136
Fax: 870-575-4639
E-mail: ychen@uaex.edu
Web site : http://www.uaex.edu/aqfi/

Michael A. Eggleton, Ph.D.
Associate Professor/Undergraduate Coordinator Aquaculture/Fisheries Center
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
1200 N. University, Box 4912
Pine Bluff, AR 71601
Phone: 870-575-8100; Fax: 870-575-4637
Email: meggleton@uaex.edu
www.uaex.edu/aqfi/