Laramie, WY

Position Title: Graduate Research Assistant

Organization: Wyoming Geographic Information Science Center (WyGISC)/School of Computing

Location: Laramie, WY

Organization Overview: WyGISC is focused on the development and education of geospatial information and technologies and their applications. The center’s mission is to advance the knowledge and application of geographic information science and technology through research, education, and service. WyGISC aspires to become a premier interdisciplinary academic center in geographic information science research and education while strengthening their unique leadership role in service and outreach to the university, state, and region.

Position Overview: 

WyGISC is seeking a motivated MS student to work on an exciting applied remote sensing research project examining land use and land cover change in the Shoshone River watershed (near Cody, WY) at the University of Wyoming. This project utilizes cutting-edge uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) and high-resolution satellite remote sensing data to derive land cover and detect geomorphic changes over time. The student will be involved in remote sensing data acquisition and processing, land cover classification, change detection analysis, accuracy assessment, and presenting results to project partners. This is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art remote sensing platforms and analytical techniques while addressing environmental issues.

The successful applicant will work under the guidance of Drs. Di Yang and Austin Madson and collaborate with state/federal agencies to inform best management practices in the watershed. This project is funded through the USGS and the Wyoming Water Research Program.

Qualifications: 

• Background in remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and/or environmental science
• Experience with image classification, change detection, and accuracy assessment.
• Proficiency in remote sensing software such as ENVI, ERDAS Imagine, Google Earth Engine, or other coding-based tools (e.g., Python, R)
• Strong quantitative skills
• Ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively.

Start Date: The position start date is flexible, ideally spring or fall 2024.

Pay: Competitive graduate stipend, tuition, and health insurance will be provided.

Application Deadline: November 15, reviewed on a rolling basis

How to Apply: Please send the following materials as a single PDF document in an email to Dr. Di Yang (dyang1@uwyo.edu) and Dr. Austin Madson (amadson@uwyo.edu) with the subject line “USGS/WRP GRA”. The PDF should contain 1) a CV (including contact information for at least three references), 2) a cover letter outlining research interests and how they align with this project, and 3) unofficial transcripts.