PhD/MS Opportunities at the University at Buffalo

The State University of New York at Buffalo, a premier research institution located in Buffalo, New York, is pleased to announce several PhD and MS opportunities within the Department of Geology’s newly established Actionable & Computational Terrestrial Hydrology Lab (a.c.t. hydro lab). This lab, led by Dr. Yifan Cheng, specializes in computational hydrology, focusing on developing innovative numerical modeling methods to assess the resilience of water-related sectors under climate change. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the available opportunities, qualifications, and application procedures for prospective students interested in advancing their academic and research careers in this crucial field.

Research Focus

The a.c.t. hydro lab at the University at Buffalo is dedicated to enhancing our understanding of water systems and their interactions with environmental and societal factors. The lab’s research primarily revolves around:

• Advanced Numerical Modeling: Developing and refining models that simulate the behavior of water systems under various climatic and environmental conditions. This includes understanding how extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and floods, impact water resources and infrastructure.
• Cold Region Hydrology: Specializing in hydrological processes in cold regions, where unique challenges and dynamics influence water behavior and availability.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Working alongside social scientists and experts from various sectors, such as power and ecosystems, to ensure that research outcomes are actionable and relevant to real-world issues.
• Community Engagement: Collaborating with local communities to ensure that research findings are applicable and beneficial for enhancing community resilience to water-related hazards.

For further details about the lab’s research and publications, prospective students can visit the a.c.t. hydro lab’s website.

Available Positions

The Department of Geology at the University at Buffalo is offering positions for both PhD and MS students within the a.c.t. hydro lab. These positions provide an excellent opportunity for students to engage in cutting-edge research and contribute to advancements in the field of computational hydrology.

PhD Opportunities

• Research Areas: PhD students will work on projects related to advanced numerical modeling, cold region hydrology, and interdisciplinary research involving water-related sectors and community engagement.
• Duration: The PhD program typically takes around 5 to 6 years to complete, during which students will conduct extensive research, contribute to publications, and participate in academic and professional development activities.
• Funding: PhD positions are fully funded, covering tuition fees, a living stipend, and research expenses. Details on funding packages will be provided upon acceptance.

MS Opportunities

• Research Areas: MS students will focus on similar research areas as PhD students, with opportunities to contribute to ongoing projects and develop expertise in computational hydrology.
• Duration: The MS program generally takes 2 to 3 years to complete, including coursework and a research thesis.
• Funding: MS positions may include funding for tuition and research expenses, with additional opportunities for research assistantships and fellowships.

Qualifications

To be considered for these positions, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Basic Qualifications:

• Educational Background: A Bachelor’s degree in Hydrology, Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Earth and Atmospheric Science, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related field is required. For MS positions, a Master’s degree in a related field is preferred.
• Academic Performance: A strong academic record with a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale is expected. For PhD candidates, a GPA of 3.3 or higher is preferred.
• Technical Skills: Experience in coding (e.g., Python, Fortran, C++) and data analysis is essential. Proficiency in GIS or other geospatial software is highly desirable.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required for effective collaboration and dissemination of research findings.
• Research Experience: Prior research experience in hydrology or a related field, including experience with physically based hydrologic models, is highly desirable.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced Degree: A Master’s degree in a related field is preferred for PhD applicants, and experience with physically based hydrologic models is advantageous.
• Research Enthusiasm: A strong interest in actionable science and interdisciplinary research involving hydrology and water-related sectors is valued.
• Programming and Research Experience: Proficiency in programming languages and prior research experience in relevant fields are highly desirable attributes.

Application Process

Interested candidates should follow these steps to apply for the PhD or MS positions:

1. Contact Dr. Yifan Cheng: Prospective applicants should reach out to Dr. Yifan Cheng via email (ycheng46@buffalo.edu) with a brief description of their background and research interests, along with a CV.
2. Online Application: Applicants must complete the online application process through the graduate admission website. The deadline for online applications, including submission of recommendation letters, is December 15, 2024.
3. Required Documents:Applications should include the following documents:
   • CV/Resume
   • Brief letter of interest describing research interests and previous experience
   • Academic transcripts
   • Representative publications (if applicable)
   • TOEFL/GRE scores (if applicable)

About Dr. Yifan Cheng

Dr. Yifan Cheng is an incoming Assistant Professor at the University at Buffalo. She completed her PhD at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and is an interdisciplinary-trained civil/structural engineer. Her research integrates structural reliability and probabilistic methods with community-engaged social science approaches to address infrastructure equity.

About the University at Buffalo

The University at Buffalo is a leading research institution located in Buffalo, New York, with over 45,000 enrolled students. It is renowned for its research excellence and is situated in the fourth-largest city in the U.S., known as the “energy capital of the world.” The university offers a dynamic environment for academic and research pursuits, with proximity to significant landmarks such as NASA, the Port of Buffalo, and the world’s largest medical center.

The PhD and MS opportunities at the University at Buffalo’s Department of Geology offer a unique chance for motivated students to engage in impactful research in computational hydrology. With a focus on advancing numerical modeling methods and collaborating with various stakeholders, students will contribute to important research that addresses water-related challenges and enhances community resilience. 

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by the December 15, 2024, deadline and take the next step toward a rewarding academic and research career in hydrology.