EPA Gulf of Mexico Program Student Research Opportunities

*Applications may be reviewed on a rolling-basis and this posting could close before the deadline. Click here for information about the selection process.

EPA Office/Lab and Location: Two research opportunities are currently available at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region 4, Gulf of Mexico Division located  in Houston, Texas. 

Research Project: The mission of EPA is to protect human health and the environment. EPA works to ensure that: Americans have clean air, land and water; National efforts to reduce environmental risks are based on the best available scientific information; Federal laws protecting human health and the environment are administered and enforced fairly, effectively and as Congress intended; Environmental stewardship is integral to U.S. policies concerning natural resources, human health, economic growth, energy, transportation, agriculture, industry, and international trade, and these factors are similarly considered in establishing environmental policy; All parts of society have access to accurate information sufficient to effectively participate in managing human health and environmental risks; Contaminated lands and toxic sites are cleaned up; and chemicals in the marketplace are reviewed for safety.

This project is to evaluate water quality pollutants and sources, including but not limited to: E. coli, Vibrio species, water quality parameters, microplastics and source tracking techniques. The participant will have the opportunity to collaborate on studies to understand processes that affect water quality pollutant and/or pathogen levels and correlations in fresh waterways, estuaries and marine environments. The research study project includes data collection, analysis, and report preparation.

Learning Objectives: Under the guidance of a mentor, the participants may have the opportunity to be involved in the following activities:

• Developing field and laboratory experiments,
• Applying bacterial detection methods to determine correlations and risks.
• Interacting directly with community members to solve water quality pollution issues in their watershed.

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Philip Lee ([email protected]). If you have questions about the nature of the research, please contact the mentor.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: October 1, 2024.  All start dates are flexible and vary depending on numerous factors. Click here for detailed information about start dates.

Appointment Length: The appointment may initially be for one year and may be renewed upon EPA recommendation and subject to availability of funding.

Level of Participation: The appointment is part-time (20 hours per week).

Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.

EPA Security Clearance: Completion of a successful background investigation by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is required for an applicant to be on-boarded at EPA.

ORISE Information: This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and EPA. Participants do not become employees of EPA, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.

The successful applicant(s) will be required to comply with Environmental, Safety and Health (ES&H) requirements of the hosting facility.

Questions: Please see the FAQ section of our website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process, please email ORISE[email protected] and include the reference code for this opportunity.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate should be currently pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in one of the relevant fields.

Preferred skills/experience:

• Experience with microbial source tracking methodology and analysis.
• General lab techniques focusing on water quality in fresh and marine systems.