Physical Processes driving Estuarine Heat Waves in New Zealand

TOPIC  We are seeking a student to join a team of 3 students, studying the physical processes around estuarine heat waves in Aotearoa New Zealand at the University of Auckland.  We are interested in understanding the mechanisms that drive heat waves in our 350 estuaries, which range from fjords in the South Island, to barrier-enclosed/drown river in the North Island. The study techniques include hydrodynamic modelling (ROMS), supported by field deployments, and could also use remote sensing (drones and satellite).

TEAM  The project is lead by Karin Bryan (UoA) and Varvara Vetrova (UoC), and supported by Ross Vennell (Cawthron Inst), John Wilkin (Rutgers) and Cédric Fichot, Boston University. Please see our respective Google Scholar pages, or staff profile pages:

https://profiles.auckland.ac.nz/karin-bryan

https://profiles.canterbury.ac.nz/Varvara-Vetrova

https://www.cawthron.org.nz/our-people/ross-vennell/

https://marine.rutgers.edu/team/john-wilkin/

https://www.bu.edu/earth/profiles/cedric-g-fichot/

SKILLS needed: Students will need to have demonstrated technical skills, including the ability to programme (e.g. in Python or Matlab) and a familiarity with remote sensing/hydrodynamic modelling. The topic would be well suited to someone from an engineering/mathematics/physics/datascience background, with demonstrated experience in coastal modelling.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please apply for the funding opportunity by sending your CV, grades, English language evidence and the names of 2 references to Karin Bryan as soon as possible, but we will make a decision by the end of March, 2025, although will hold it open until the end of April if we have not found anyone. Note, after confirming funding, you will need to apply to and be accepted into the university doctoral programme. https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/applications-and-admissions/how-to-apply/postgraduate-admission/doctoral-applications.html