Scholarship in Dynamics of Oil-Contaminated
Soils Subject to Freeze-Thaw
Applications are invited for a project-specific
scholarship (stipend) for research leading towards a Master
of Engineering (ME) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree,
on the project "Dynamics of Oil-Contaminated Soils
Subject to Freeze-Thaw". The project is offered by
the School of Civil Engineering, The University of New South
Wales at the Australian Defence Force Academy (UNSW@ADFA),
Canberra, Australia, supervised by Dr Robert Niven.
It is well known that freeze-thaw cycles,
due to cycles in temperature below and above 0oC, can dramatically
alter the fabric, stratigraphy, moisture content and many
other properties of natural soils. However, the impact of
freeze-thaw processes on oil-contaminated soils, especially
when the oil is present as a non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL),
has not been widely studied. In spite of its environmental
significance - especially to the oil-fields of Alaska, Canada
and Siberia, and to sensitive Antarctic environments - very
little research has been conducted in this field to date.
Bright, enthusiastic applicants with high
Honours grades or equivalent are encouraged to apply. Applicants
should have completed, or be nearing completion of, a four-year
undergraduate degree in Civil, Environmental or Chemical
Engineering, Chemistry, Geology or Soil Science.
The successful applicant will need to have
a good understanding of soil mechanics, fluid mechanics,
thermodynamics and/or physical chemistry, and of experimental
investigation techniques.
The successful applicant will receive an annual
stipend of $18,000 tax free, for three years for a PhD and
two years for a Masters by research (subject to the scholarship
conditions). He/she will also be granted an RTS place (exemption
from HECS liability). Only one scholarship is available,
to an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
Further details of the project and scholarship,
including application forms, are available under http://www.ce.adfa.edu.au/research/freezethaw/index.htm.
Applications close 15 November 2002. Prospective
applicants should make contact with Dr Niven as soon as
possible.
Further information can be obtained from
Dr Robert Niven
Ph: +61-2-6268-8330
Fax: +61-2-6268-8337
Email: r.niven@adfa.edu.au
Web Page: http://www.ce.adfa.edu.au/staff/niven.htm
