The H.T. Odum Center for Wetlands at the University of Florida is recruiting a motivated and intellectually curious PhD student to work with Drs. Mark Brown and David Kaplan on a project at the intersection of systems ecology, emergy analysis, and environmental management. The student will help advance the Landscape Development Intensity (LDI) Index, an emergy-based framework for quantifying human disturbance across landscapes that is widely used in Florida’s environmental assessment and water resource management programs.
Research focus
The research will apply principles of systems ecology and emergy accounting to evaluate how energy, materials, and human activities shape landscape development intensity. In collaboration with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the student will:
- Update emergy coefficients for major land uses.
- Investigate spatial variation in renewable environmental contributions.
- Refine land-use classifications.
- Evaluate how these changes affect understanding of human impacts on ecosystems.
The project offers an opportunity to contribute to both the theoretical foundations and practical applications of emergy analysis, building on the pioneering systems ecology work of H.T. Odum. It also provides substantial opportunities for independent research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and scientific publication.
Applicant qualifications
Applicants with backgrounds in environmental engineering, ecology, environmental science, geography, ecological economics, or related fields are encouraged to apply. Strong quantitative, analytical, and communication skills are important. The research team particularly welcomes creative, independent thinkers who enjoy working across disciplines and connecting fundamental science with real-world environmental challenges.
How to apply
Interested candidates should email Dr. David Kaplan (dkaplan@ufl.edu) and Dr. Mark Brown (mtb@ufl.edu) with the following materials:
- A brief statement of research interests
- A CV
- A writing sample
Please share widely with promising students and colleagues!
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