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Graduate Position Studying Plant Root in Agriculture
Dr. Cameron Proctor is looking for a student to work on a project focusing on studying roots in farms of the Windsor-Essex Region using a combination of drones, field sampling, and laboratory methods to make the process of growing crops more efficient and sustainable. Working with corn, soybean, and sugarbeet farmers, we will apply new recently patented minirhizotrons (belowground cameras) to improve disease detection and fertilizer efficiency. The applicant will have the opportunity to work with a start-up company commercializing the minirhizotrons technology. There is room for the applicant to move the project in the direction of their own interests, within the framework of the study of agricultural root system and image processing.
Field research will involve the installation and collection of root imagery, drone surveying, and measurement of plant physiology and morphology from partner farms which may include: 1) Saginaw Valley Research and Extension Center (Michigan) to study sugar beet disease detection, 2) Vineland Tree Culture Research Park (Vineland) to study how to make trees planted in urban areas a more important part of storm water management, 3) Trent Experimental Farm (Peterborough) to study regenerative agriculture and improve carbon sequestration on farms, 4) Essex county farms to study corn-soybean rotations 6) Koffler Scientific Reserve (King City) to study how aboveground microclimates affect belowground systems. Some of these sites may require the applicant to live in shared cabin like conditions surrounded by natural beauty. The applicant must have strong interpersonal skills to interact with partners with diverse backgrounds and be ready to work as part of a small research team. Drone flying experience is an asset.
Laboratory research will involve plant and soil sampling from living plants grown in a custom growth facility with customizable lighting, watering, and temperature and plants grown in rhizoboxes (for root imaging) or pots. Lab grown plants will be harvested at the end of the experiment to determine biomass growth rates and soil health using the MicroRESP system which measures the amount of carbon dioxide produced from soil under varying environmental conditions or supplied with different nutrient recipes.
The position is funded by the Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative. Competitive funding will be provided through teaching assistantships, stipends, and summer research internships. Expenses associated with field research, travel, and accommodations will be covered.
Qualifications: Applicants must be Canadian or a Canadian resident and have a bachelor’s degree or MSc. by the start of the position. Background or experience with agricultural practices is a strong asset. Must have experience or interest in image processing and drones and have good critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Depending on the research direction, experience with machine learning/deep learning, computer science, plant biology, soil ecology, or engineering is an asset.
Starting dates: Start date is open to Fall or Winter intakes, but early applications prior to May 1, 2025, are preferred to be eligible for entrance scholarships. Field work takes place from April to August each year. Applicants who start in summer 2025 will be offered summer research assistantships. Applications will be considered until the position is filled.
Contact: If you’re interested, please email cameron.proctor@uwindsor.ca to introduce yourself. Please describe yourself and why you believe you are a good fit for the position. Please include any supporting documents such (but not limited to) a CV, and expression of interest, an unofficial transcript, a portfolio, or a list of references.
Find out More: http://drproctorlab.com/