Research Assistantship Available

Research assistantships (M.Sc. and/or Ph.D) are available starting fall
2009/spring 2010, under the supervision of Dr. Brenda Ortiz working in
the Department of Agronomy and Soils at Auburn University. The projects
available are related with the study of: (1) impact of climate
variability on grain crop production, and (2) identification of areas at
risk for aflatoxin contamination in corn fields. These two projects
involve research related to: crop growth modeling, remote sensing, plant
physiology, soil science, geostatistics, GIS, and precision agriculture.
Current primary research areas by Dr. Ortiz include: (1) Modeling of
crop growth and yield for different cropping systems under various
environmental conditions, (2) Use of remote sensing technology for
improved agriculture management. Emphasis is placed on “on-the-go
sensors” for variable rate application of inputs, hyperspectral remote
sensing and its application in agriculture, and evaluation of new
methods for remote assessment of crop growth and yield, (3) Study of the
impact of weather and climate on agriculture, (4) Use of precision
agriculture tools to improve agricultural management toward production
improvement.

The ideal candidate should have a solid background in agriculture,
agricultural engineering, and/or crop and soils sciences. Strong written
and oral communication skills are required. Previous experience in
precision agriculture, remote sensing and/or crop growth modeling are
highly desirable, though not required. These research projects will
expose the students to field work and the use of several plant sensing
instruments. Travel to various farms and research stations in Alabama
may be necessary. In addition, the students will have the opportunity to
present research results at professional and farmers meetings and to
publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Students with background in crop science, agronomy, agricultural
engineering, soil science,agrometeorology, remote sensing, or related
field are preferred.

Contact:

Brenda Ortiz, PhD
Assistant Professor & Extension Specialist
Grain Crops and Precision Agriculture
204 Extension Hall
Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849
Email: [log in to unmask]
Web: http://www.ag.auburn.edu/agrn/faculty/ortiz.php