M.Sc. Thesis Opportunity: Use of satellite imagery to map seagrass beds in shallow coastal waters across Atlantic Canada

A two year M. Sc. thesis scholarship is available at UNB Fredericton to take part in a research program on seagrass (Zostera marina) across Atlantic Canada. The main activities will involve the development of image processing methods as well as participation over the field season in ground-truth data collection with community groups. The student will be co-supervised by Dr. Brigitte Leblon (UNB), Dr. Armand LaRocque (UNB) and Dr. Marc Skinner (Stantec Consulting Ltd., Dalhousie University). Besides working with Stantec Consulting Ltd., a major international environmental consulting company, the student will work with regional community watershed organizations, as well as universities and government agencies throughout Atlantic Canada.
QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will have completed their undergraduate degree in biology, geography, or environmental science, be self-motivated, have strong communication skills, and have the ability to manage multiple tasks. Knowledge of optical image processing, geographic information systems (GIS) and/or seagrass ecosystems is an asset. SCUBA diving certification will also be considered an asset, but funding will be available for diving certification for the chosen candidate.
BENEFITS
The work will expose the student to state-of-the-art remote sensing technology and practice. Students involved in the research will work with Stantec Consulting Ltd., with community groups involved in environmental monitoring, with a world renowned expert in seagrass monitoring (Dr. Fred Short, U. New Hampshire, USA), as well as with DFO and Environment Canada scientists. The student will have the opportunity to develop working relationships with these potential future employers. He/she will also be able to get his/her SCUBA diving certification, if not already possessed.
TO APPLY
The position should be filled as soon as possible. Please send your CV, transcripts, list of publications, and reference names as a single pdf file to Dr. Brigitte Leblon(bleblon-AT-unb.ca).