A fully-funded MS position is available with Dr. Kevin Orner in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at West Virginia University (https://kevinorner.faculty.wvu.edu/). The student will work on a project funded by the Water Research Foundation (5368). The overall goal of the project is to develop a standardized framework for evaluating the social, environmental, and economic impacts, trade-offs, and benefits of alternative water systems, including municipal water reuse, desalination, and stormwater management.
The selected MS student’s primary responsibilities will be two literature reviews on the financing methods and non-monetized benefits of alternative water supplies. They will also contribute to the holistic alternative water system framework via data collection, data analysis, impact analysis, framework development, stakeholder engagement, and content development.
I seek a highly motivated student with some or all of the following qualifications:
- Experience in conducting literature reviews using the PRISMA framework
- Experience in water reuse, stormwater capture, and desalination
- Experience in life cycle assessment and life cycle cost analysis
- Experience engaging with water utilities
- Experience in quantifying non-monetized benefits such as improved public health, enhanced ecosystem services, and increased community well-being
I especially seek applications from qualified women and members of underrepresented groups. The successful applicant will have a BS degree in Civil & Environmental Engineering (or equivalent), have an excellent academic record (GPA 3.5 or higher, GRE at least 163 (Q) / 150 (V) / 4 (W)), and work well in a collaborative research environment. The successful applicant will have excellent scientific writing skills and the ability to organize and analyze data and clearly disseminate your findings. Interested students submit an application found here by August 29, 2026.
West Virginia University is the comprehensive Land Grant University of the State of West Virginia with a main campus enrollment of over 29,000 students, and a Carnegie Classification of Highest Research Activity (i.e., R1 University). Morgantown and its vicinity have a population of about 137,000 residents and are ranked among the most livable small cities in the country. The city is located within reasonable driving distances from Pittsburgh, PA and Washington, DC. Additional details on the area and the university are available at http://www.morgantownwv.gov and http://www.wvu.edu. The funded MS student would start on January 1, 2027. The selected candidate will receive competitive monthly stipend along with full tuition waiver and health insurance. If you have any additional questions, please contact Dr. Orner (kevin.orner@mail.wvu.edu).
Kevin Orner
Assistant Professor
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
West Virginia University
Morgantown, WV 26505
kevin.orner@mail.wvu.edu
Phone: 304-2923-9944
Web page: https://kevinorner.faculty.wvu.edu/