Research opportunities
The groundwater group has abundant opportunities for students to get involved. The nature and number of these opportunities depends mainly on whether you’re at the undergraduate or graduate level, so check out the info below and let us know if you’re interested.
For graduate students or Post-docs
Any research opportunities that have open positions or positions that will be open in time for the next semester with research assistantship support. Unless otherwise stated, these are intended for prospective PhD students that will have completed a master’s degree before beginning on the project, though highly motivated and exceptionally qualified students without a master’s might be considered for select projects. For post-docs positions, applicants should ensure they will hold a PhD by the start date.
Developing quantum-like models for hydrologic systems
For Spring or Fall 2027, the group currently has openings for a post-doc, PhD student, or a highly qualified and highly motivated Master’s student in a rather unusual area: leveraging quantum-like math to do not literally quantum things in environmental water resources. Primarily, this focuses on solute transport processes but the general question is motivated by the anticipation of fault tolerant quantum computers in the next few years. This NSF sponsored project aims to get ahead of the curve by developing quantum-native frameworks that will be efficient on quantum computers. Don’t be intimidated by the topic, it’s just a slightly different looking math; it’s probably one of the most exciting developments in all of water resources today and a unique opportunity to influence, if not define, an emerging field. Interested persons should contact Professor Engdahl to arrange a meeting to discuss their qualifications for the project.
Candidates should also read and be familiar with Dr. Engdahl’s motivating paper on this idea.
As of October 2026 there is one position remaining open in this area and strong Master’s candidates or strong prospective post-doctoral research fellows are encouraged to reach out. If you are interested, or have expressed interest in the past and not heard back, please reach out to Dr. Engdahl for more information regardless of whatever deadlines you might see on WSU’s graduate studies website.
For undergraduate students
Groundwater modeling of beaver dam analogs
As of Fall 2026, we have several opportunities on a project involving field data collection and numerical simulation of how the addition of a Beaver Dam Analog (BDA) impacts alters the hydrologic and ecological balance of a site. Prevailing wisdom has always been the BDAs are always a good thing, but what if they are causing more harm than good in some places? These projects investigate how installing BDAs in different climate regions and hydraulic regimes affects overall water balance. Prospective applicants should be highly motivated with excellent organizational and collaborative skills. Contact Professor Engdahl to arrange a preliminary introduction and interview.
General undergraduate research
If you’re interested in padding that resume with some research experience and have any interest in water resources, hydrology, groundwater, or watershed processes then please consider contacting Professor Engdahl so we can find something for you to work on. Some of these projects may come with limited financial support, but even if they don’t it’s well worth your time to dig into contemporary issues. The goal is to match you with a project that actually interests you and find you opportunities to share what you’ve learned with others. Some contemporary topics the group is investigating include microplastics in the environment, contaminant transport in the environment, next-generation water resources simulation platforms, and long-term aquifer management.