Dr Nathan Pelletier
Applications accepted all year round
About the Project
Irrigation can contribute a significant share of the total life cycle (i.e. supply chain) greenhouse gas emissions associated with food products from irrigated production systems. Irrigation water in the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, Canada is predominately derived from either upland (gravity flow) or valley lake (pumped) sources. Delivery infrastructure varies with source and, depending on target crop and management strategy, irrigation water may ultimately be applied using a range of irrigation technologies (for example, drip line, rain gun, spray boom, etc.). Net energy requirements and greenhouse gas emissions will therefore vary with source and technology. This two year funded MSc research project will focus on characterizing the comparative life cycle greenhouse gas emissions associated with the predominant irrigation water delivery and application patterns in the Okanagan Valley. The outcomes will support future development of best management practice guidelines for reducing the carbon footprint of the Okanagan irrigation water systems.
This two year, funded Master of Science project will be undertaken in the Food Systems PRISM Lab (www.prismlab.weebly.com) at the University of British Columbia – Okanagan Campus. Project outputs will include: (1) An MSc thesis; (2) life cycle inventories for predominant irrigation water delivery systems and application technologies in the Okanagan Valley (these inventories will be contributed to the forthcoming Canadian Agri-food Life Cycle Data Centre); (3) peer-reviewed journal articles describing the life cycle assessment study methods and results; and (4) presentation of findings at academic conferences and industry meetings.
Interested students should e-mail me a description of research interests (referring, in particular, to how your interests and experience relate to the specific project you wish to work on), a CV (including two academic and/or professional references), and copies of unofficial transcripts. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. Please also indicate your interest in particular degree programs at UBCO, including in Biology or through the Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies Program. Visit the UBC Okanagan College of Graduate Studies website for more information about graduate studies at UBC Okanagan, including information on how to apply.
If you are an international student, please also self-assess your transcripts against the published requirements for admission to the UBC College of Graduate Studies (https://gradstudies.ok.ubc.ca/prospective/application-admission/admission-requirements/min-academic-requirements-international.html) and similarly self-assess your TOEFL test scores. Candidates not meeting these requirements will not be further considered.
Top ranked prospective students satisfying ALL of the above stated criteria may be contacted to schedule a Skype interview.
This project will begin in September 2018. Application deadline to the UBCO College of Graduate Studies is June 2 for January admission, October 1 for May admission and January 31 for September admission. Prospective students are advised to correspond with Dr. Pelletier well in advance of this date in order to discuss their candidacy.
Funding Notes
The successful candidate will be awarded a stipend of $20,000 annually over two years. All candidates are strongly encouraged to seek opportunities to supplement their stipends through TAships and scholarships. For more details, visit the Prospective Students page at www.prismlab.weebly.com.
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