This position is associated with a new research project co-funded by the Earth Institute Frontiers seed funding and the UN Development Programme in Guinea. Its goal is to develop remote sensing technologies to track environmental impact from bauxite mining in rural communities and to help establish protocols for their use. We seek a research assistant who can (1) develop image classification to be applied to satellite imagery to determine extent and abundance of bauxite dust within specific communities in the Boké region (2) develop methods to make classified images available for download to smartphones in the field and (3) adapt existing application technologies to allow users in the field to upload field photographs and locations of potential impacts they identify. The resulting map would represent a composite of satellite imaged areas of impact verified in the field and documentation of other areas of impact not visible by satellite but already identified in the field.

Selected candidate(s) will receive a stipend directly from the faculty advisor. Amount is subject to available funding.

Faculty Advisor

  • Professor: Lynnette Widder, Chris Small, Lex van Geen
  • Department/School: Sustainability Management and Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory
  • Location: 2929 Broadway and LDEO
  • We are launching an interdisciplinary project across LDEO, CCSI and SUMA to develop remote sensing technologies to improve enforcement of environmental protection in Guinea for the country’s bauxite industry. Work is co-funded by The Earth Institute and the UN Development Programme.

Project Timeline

  • Earliest starting date: 3/2/2020
  • End date: 8/15/2020
  • Number of hours per week of research expected during Spring 2020: ~8
  • Number of hours per week of research expected during Summer 2020: ~20

Candidate requirements

  • Skill sets: Background in elementary physics and mathematics required. Programming experience required. Background in remote sensing and machine learning desirable
  • Student eligibility: freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, master’s
  • International students on F1 or J1 visa: eligible
  • Additional comments: French language skills are desirable but not required.