Cal Poly Humboldt · California · posted today
Dr. Alison O’Dowd (https://www.humboldt.edu/environmental-science-and-management/alison-odowd) at Cal Poly Humboldt seeks applications for highly motivated students interested in pursuing graduate school in the Environmental Science & Management option of the Natural Resources Graduate Program (https://www.humboldt.edu/cnrs/graduate-programs/natural-resources). Students with an interest in estuarine invertebrates, aquatic food webs, bioenergetics models, and invertebrates as food resources for juvenile salmonids are particularly encouraged to apply. Project Summary The objective of this research is to understand the impact of a restoration project in the Eel River Estuary (at Cannibal Island in Northern California) on rearing habitat and landscape-scale growth potential for juvenile salmonids and other native fish species that inhabit the site. To do this, we will quantify the changes in rearing habitat (i.e., area, water quality characteristics, and invertebrate biomass availability) and potential bioenergetic differences (derived from observed differences in invertebrate biomass) for juvenile salmonids (Chinook, Coho) and other fish in the assemblage. The proposed approach is to collect pre- and post- restoration food web, water quality, and physical habitat data, stage and velocity at monthly intervals, in the restoration area and a nearby control site, during periods of key estuary rearing for juvenile salmonids (e.g. December-August). These data can be evaluated as meaningful stand-alone metrics (e.g. changes in invertebrate density and biomass, water quality and physical habitat) and integrated into a bioenergetics model to predict changes on landscape scale productivity (e.g. joules of fish growth potential per area per time). We will also explore the role of Cannibal Island as a producer and exporter of food to adjacent foraging habitat in the North Bay of the Eel River Estuary pre- and post-restoration construction. This graduate research project will seek to understand the invertebrate responses post-restoration to assess food resources for out-migrating juvenile salmonids and other fish. Collection and identification of estuarine invertebrates, building a bioenergetics model, and interpretation of data will be the primary tasks associated with this project. Assistantship · Compensation for two years to cover living expenses and tuition ($24,000/year) · Project-related expenses (travel to field sites, equipment, etc.) will be covered · Funding to present graduate research at a professional conference The second year of funding is conditional based on student academic standing and project progress. Program start date is August 2027. Teaching Assistant (TA) positions with a tuition waiver may be available to qualified candidates. Requirements Strong applicants will have: - An undergraduate degree in Entomology, Zoology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Biology, Fisheries, Watershed Science, or related field - An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above - University-level courses in disciplines such as: ecology, fisheries, entomology, aquatic ecology, ecological restoration, and/or statistics - Demonstrated experience working in aquatic habitats (such as tidal sloughs, estuaries, rivers, streams, lakes) and with associated field equipment - Demonstrated experience sorting and identifying aquatic invertebrates - Demonstrated experience managing others in a laboratory setting - Ability to drive to field sites - An interest in publishing research findings in a scientific journal To Apply: Send a single PDF to Alison.ODowd@humboldt.edu that includes: (1) A brief letter of interest including your background and research interests. Describe your specific experience: a. Conducting field work in aquatic habitats (particularly tidal sloughs or estuaries); b. Sorting and identification of aquatic invertebrates; c. Managing others in a laboratory setting; and d. Whether you are (or will be by August 2027) a California resident. (2) A resume/CV (including undergraduate GPA) (3) Transcripts (unofficial is fine) (4) Names, emails and phone numbers for three references The priority application deadline is November 10, 2026. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until a student is selected for the position. After initial screening, the candidate will be asked to submit a formal application for the fall 2027 semester through CalState apply (https://www2.calstate.edu/apply/graduate). Applications will be considered until position is filled. Applicants from diverse backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply. Cal Poly Humboldt is a comprehensive public university with world-class graduate programs in natural resource management, located on the North Coast of California; with access to mountains, beaches, and the largest old growth redwood forests in the world all nearby. Visit www.humboldt.edu for more information. For more information about the Environmental Science & Management option in the Natural Resources Masters Program go to: https://www.humboldt.edu/academics/programs/natural-resources
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