Undergraduate Student Research Assistants x1

Undergraduate Student Research Assistants x1

School of STEM

Tuba City Campus

Duty Schedule:

20 hours/week; Monday to Friday

*Look after and coordinate with the student interns during the Undergraduate Student Internship Program (USIP).

Summary/Objective of Position:

Students will be introduced to the cutting-edge science of Water analysis and re-use, they will develop a through understanding of experimental design and scientific inquiry, complete a scientific experience to be presented virtually at the end of the training, and learn the dialogue skills for use in the communication of their science to their community. All student interns will have the opportunity to work directly with Dine' College and University of Arizona researchers.

This unique opportunity provides an excellent learning experience where students come to grasp their education by the roots. A total of two (01) Undergraduate Student Research assistant (Dine College students) will receive financial support and technical training in water reclamation and reuse in agriculture over the course of Academic Year (AY) i.e. fall semester during each year of the project (2021-2024). Success in mentoring will be evaluated by tracking the Student's progress toward research and career goals, based on periodic student evaluations by mentors (project leads).

Description of Essential Functions of the Position

Disclaimer: This in not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements or working conditions associated with the job. While this list is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The student interns will be trained in a number of technical activities including:

1. Effluent sampling and conventional analysis at wastewater treatment plants across the Navajo Nation.

2. Determination of effluent microbiological quality via MPN, API, cell culturing and PCR/RT-PCR.

3. Screening for trace organic contaminants in effluents using LCMS/MS.

4. Virtual field demonstrations in communities (chapters) of the Navajo Nation.

5. Community outreach, and

6. STEM education in water and agriculture.

They will develop a well rounded understanding of scientific procedures and experimental design surrounding the water re-use, reclamation, and management. These Student Research Assistants will serve as a master trainer for next generation of water scientists to work with the project team.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

Minimum:

-Current undergrad students of Dine College, School of STEM with minimum GPA 2.5.

Preferred:

-Junior or senior year students who are interested in water Science, water analysis (chemical/microbial), water management, and understands the water scarcity and drought issues with Navajo Reservation.

Knowledge:

-Students must have love for science with background in biology, chemistry, Basic math and laboratory skills.

-Willing to work odd hours (weekends), outreach and public speaking/presentations activities.

-Students must be physically capable of conducting labor intensive work.

Skills:

-Coordinates and participates in planned activities designed to complete water sample collection, processing, analysis.

-Promote social interaction and intellectual stimulation about management of water through selective strategies.

-Clerical duties such as answering phones, writing memos, running errands, word documents, xeroxing, faxing, etc.

-Assist with creation of flyers, special events notice and help publicize events, presentations, outreach workshops.

-Other task as assigned by the project leads. Also, help manage activities for student interns, and keep them involved.

Abilities:

-Students must display interpersonal communication skills through this day to day interaction with his fellow colleagues and team members.

-Show interest, self motivation and leadership qualities to help move planning discussion and training toward, and be able to work with peers in difficult/strenuous activities.

-Persistence, commitment to work and urge to learn are the key players.

Physical Requirements, Work Environment & Travel:

-Student must be able to lift over 50lbs and willing to work flexible hours such as evening and weekends. -Following appropriate work ethics, student intern must communicate with the project leads on event planning, project planning and implementation.

Other requirement(s):

-Navajo speaking preferred but not required, AZ/NM driving license is a plus.