Planning efforts are currently under way to open a permanent swimming location on the Charles River. A solid database of water quality observations is needed to support the management of the site. This position is for a Masters student to perform water quality monitoring and assessment. Specific tasks include sample collection and analysis for E. coli and total cyanobacteria cell counts in the laboratory, analysis and interpretation of the results, and summary and communication to stakeholders. Sampling and analysis will need to be performed on a daily basis during the swimming season (Memorial Day to Labor Day), with other times dedicated to data analysis and communication and coursework. This research project is a collaboration of the Charles River Conservancy (www.thecharles.org) and Northeastern University (www.neu.edu). The dates of the position are May 1, 2017 through April 31, 2019. The student is expected to enroll in the Masters program at Northeastern University in the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering or Marine & Environmental Sciences, advised by Prof. Ferdi Hellweger. The position provides a stipend, benefits and tuition. For more information see the Charles River Conservancy’s swimming site at http://www.thecharles.org/projects-and-programs/swim-park/ or contact Ferdi Hellweger at ferdi@coe.neu.edu.
This is an exciting project. We are looking for a student that is enthusiastic about the idea of swimming in the Charles River and a desire to do research in the urban environmental arena.
Image credit: Charles River Conservancy
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