Description
Dr. Edson Costa-Filho is seeking an extraordinary student to join his lab to pursue a M.Sc. degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, SD. The selected student will work on a cutting-edge project titled "Assessing Landscape-Scale Drought Resilience in Converted Croplands versus Native Grasslands in South Dakota Using OpenET Data." This will be a fantastic opportunity for anyone interested in ecohydrology, remote sensing, and ecosystem modeling.
Project Timeline and Benefits:
- Start Date: August/2026
- End Date: May/2028
- Benefits: Monthly stipend and tuition remission.
- Deadline for submission: June 22, 2026
Note: Review of applicants will happen on a rolling basis. Only top candidates will be contacted for a Zoom interview.
About South Dakota School of Mines and Technology: https://www.sdsmt.edu/index.html
Founded in 1885, South Dakota Mines is the premier destination for ambitious students seeking bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees at the intersection of innovation and tradition. Renowned for hands-on learning and pioneering research, Mines educates future leaders in STEM fields who will make a meaningful impact on the world. Our vibrant community of supportive faculty, tenacious students, and passionate alumni fosters a culture of ingenuity, collaboration, and lifelong success.
Nearly 2,500 students from every state and over 40 countries are represented on the Mines campus. The university is recognized for its rigorous curriculum and boasts a strong return on investment for its graduates. With an average class size of 24 and a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, Mines is committed to delivering an education that equips students with the skills and experience needed to thrive in their chosen fields.
About Dr. Edson Costa-Filho:
Dr. Edson Costa-Filho is an Assistant Professor of Water Resources Engineering at South Dakota Mines. He earned both his M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Colorado State University (CSU). Dr. Costa-Filho’s work is at the forefront of developing and applying cutting-edge modeling techniques in ecohydrology and remote sensing, aimed at enhancing sustainable water management practices across scales. His research interests include ecohydrology, where he explores the interactions between vegetation and the water cycle; environmental biophysics, where he investigates the physical processes that govern energy and water vapor exchanges in natural environments; and the remote sensing of water resources, using high spatial and temporal resolution satellite imagery to improve water management practices. His work provides new insights into the spatial dynamics of water resources under varying local and regional conditions.
Requirements
- Degree requirements: Students with a B.Sc. degree in Soil and Crop Sciences, Environmental Sciences, and Civil Engineering (or closely related fields) before Aug/2026. Students must have a strong interest and background in ecohydrology, high-resolution satellite remote sensing, and environmental sciences.
- Software skills required: Python, R, MATLAB, ArcGIS, and Google Earth Engine.
- Soft Skills required: Great communicator, proactive, problem-solver, resilient, and fluent in English.
