Opportunity Title:

Modeling Water Quantity in Narragansett Bay Watershed

Research Area:

Water

EPA Lab/Center/Office:

National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory (NHEERL)

Location:

Narragansett, RI

Duration:

6 months (or 3 to 12 months)

Brief Summary:

The Intern will learn and apply watershed models to calculate the quantity of the water that proceeds from the Narragansett Bay watershed to the Bay.

Opportunity Description:

At the Environmental Protection Agency-Atlantic Ecology Division, three-dimensional numerical models are being developed to predict hydrodynamics, water quality and ecology in Narragansett Bay. These models need reliable loading estimates of sediment, nitrogen and phosphorus from the watershed surrounding the Bay, which encompasses nine sub-watersheds.

The proposed opportunity is for using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to simulate water quantity for the nine sub-watersheds, to provide input to the Bay models. The candidate will set up SWAT and develop all required information and data for all sub-watersheds. Published information about SWAT application to six sub-watersheds (Tem Mile, Blackstone, Taunton, Woonasquatucket, Moshassuck, and Pawtuxet rivers) can be used to guide the setup for these sub-watersheds at EPA. Information for the remaining two sub-watersheds (Hunt and Warren rivers) and the riparian area (surrounding the Bay) have to be developed for SWAT applications.  The setups with SWAT will be calibrated for water quantity, likely using a daily time step. Further calibrations of nutrient loads may not materialize during the term offered by the NSF. An end-of-term brief draft report from the candidate will help continue and expand this work.

The professional experience to be earned by the candidate includes learning and applying SWAT to Narragansett Bay watershed; data mining and usage; training on computer models, software, and integrated modeling; building skills in writing research and technical documents; presenting scientific seminars at the EPA or at a local conference; and interacting with scientists in various areas including physical, ecological, and economical endeavors. In addition to a workstation, various resources will be available to the candidate including: GIS center, IT support, data base support, and library support.

The expected term for this opportunity is 6 months but negotiable (EPA internships must be at least 3 months but no longer than 12 months). Depending on the duration of the internship, the EPA mentor and candidate will work together to develop a project plan that is doable within the timeframe. Working in a government facility, the candidate will adhere to all relevant regulations and policies, including for health, safety and environmental compliance, security, ethics and conduct. At the end of the term, the candidate will make available all documents, computer files and data that relate to the project with enough information on how to access and use such information.

For more information about the EPA-Atlantic Ecology Division, please visit /aboutepa/about-atlantic-ecology-division-aed-epas-national-health-and-environmental-effects-research.

Opportunities for Professional Development:

The candidate will develop professionally in areas related to data mining and usage, training on computer models and software, skills in writing research and technical documents, and interacting with scientists in various areas including physical, chemical, and biological endeavors.

Point of Contact or Mentor:

Mohamed A. Abdelrhman (abdelrhman.mohamed@epa.gov)