LOCATION: USA
The Department of Geology at Kansas State University is recruiting two fully funded M.S. students to join Dr. Jeeban Panthi’s Panthi HydroSystem Lab beginning Summer or Fall 2026. Their group works on numerical modeling, hydrogeophysics, remote sensing, and field observations to study groundwater–surface water interactions, water availability, and water quality in Kansas, the High Plains region, and beyond.
ELIGIBILITY:
Available Research Themes:
Theme 1 – Vadose Zone Modeling & Hydrogeophysics
This student will develop vadose zone models for western Kansas using soil moisture observations, geophysical data (ERI, NMR), and remote sensing (e.g., GRACE, SMAP). The project focuses on understanding unsaturated-zone processes and improving satellite-based hydrologic estimates.
Theme 2 – Groundwater Flow & Contaminant Transport Modeling
This student will build MODFLOW-based groundwater models for Kansas Groundwater Management Districts (GMDs) and couple them with contaminant transport simulations to study nitrate–uranium co-contamination. Field opportunities include groundwater sampling from private/public wells.
They welcome applicants in their final undergraduate year or recent graduates in geology, geoscience, or related fields.
Project assignments and study designs will be tailored to align with the student’s academic background, research interests, and long-term career goals.
Before submitting a formal application, interested students should complete the pre-application form and upload the following documents to https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0SrlLrzBdtjawBw (or Scan the QR code)
CV (max 2 pages)
Research statement (1 page)
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a Zoom interview and then encouraged to apply to the K-State Graduate School.
BENEFIT:
Funding: Students will be supported through Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA) or Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA) with competitive stipends and potential summer funding.
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