Deadline: Tuesday, July 9, 2024 for Fall 2024 Admissions
The Commonwealth of Kentucky has been awarded a $20 million National Science Foundation EPSCoR grant to advance research in climate science, geohazards engineering, and disaster management. This initiative, named Climate Resilience through Multidisciplinary Big Data Learning, Prediction & Building Response Systems, involves eight universities in Kentucky and over 50 faculty and staff members. This program will support seven research projects over the next five years.
Under the supervision and mentorship of Dr. Crystal Felima a PhD student in Anthropology will support Project 6: An Approach to Map Interdependencies and Quantify Community Resilience to Climate-Driven Disasters in Appalachia. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to community resilience and interdisciplinary climate knowledge in Kentucky.
Research Tasks
Conduct literature reviews, collect ethnographic data through participant observation and interviews, and assist in data analysis using qualitative methods
Contribute to writing reports and research papers
Provide logistical support and project management for the research study
Conduct ethnographic fieldwork, interviews, and data analysis. This includes learning and utilizing applicable research methodology for participant observation, geospatial mapping, and community engagement (e.g., photovoice, surveys, and focus groups)
Benefits
Obtain a fully funded Ph.D. degree in Anthropology at the University of Kentucky
12-month stipend with health insurance and full tuition for five years (FY 2024-2029)
Access to necessary research equipment and software
Participation in collaborative research projects
Targeted graduate mentoring and support
Prospective Candidates
Interested in anthropology, disaster studies, and climate change
Willingness and ability to conduct fieldwork in rural environments, particularly in Appalachia
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Highly motivated with a commitment to professional development and continuous learning in disaster anthropology and climate ethnography
Critical thinker with a proactive approach to anthropological research
Strong understanding of ethical considerations in disaster and climate research
Experience in collaborating with others, community outreach, or engagement with stakeholders
Application requirements: CV, Statement of Purpose (max. two pages single-space), Writing Sample, and Three Letters of Recommendation.
Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to contact
Dr. Crystal Felima at crystal.felima@uky.edu to discuss their interest in this opportunity.
Feature photo credit: Wikipedia
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