MS/PhD Graduate Assistantship in Water Quality Engineering at Oklahoma State University
The Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering at Oklahoma State University (OSU) is seeking to recruit 1-2 graduate students (M.S. or Ph.D.) in the area of Water Quality Engineering, with anticipated start dates in Spring 2027 or Summer 2027. Research assistantships include a competitive stipend, tuition waiver, and health insurance benefits, subject to university policies and funding availability. Oklahoma State University, located in Stillwater, Oklahoma, is a modern land-grant institution with interdisciplinary academic programs and a diverse student body representing all 50 U.S. states and more than 120 countries. As Oklahoma's only university with a statewide presence, OSU improves the quality of life for people in Oklahoma, the nation, and the world through integrated excellence in teaching, research, and outreach.
Selected students will work under the supervision of Dr. Kiranmayi Mangalgiri on research projects focused on:
- Investigating the environmental occurrence, transport, and fate of trace organic contaminants and contaminants of emerging concern; and
- Developing oxidation-based treatment technologies for contaminated environmental systems impacted by point and nonpoint source pollution.
Current research activities in the laboratory include studies on antibiotic contaminants, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), UV-based advanced oxidation processes, manganese-based catalysis, and nano-ozonation. Ongoing projects are supported by funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
Graduate Research and Training
By the completion of the M.S. or Ph.D. program, students will have developed the ability to apply principles of engineering, science, technology, and mathematics to characterize environmental contamination and design solutions to complex water quality challenges. Students will receive training and be expected to:
- Conduct critical reviews of scientific literature;
- Design and perform bench-scale and pilot-scale experiments;
- Collect and analyze environmentally relevant field samples;
- Prepare, review, and publish scientific manuscripts;
- Present research findings at regional and national conferences; and
- Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams consisting of graduate students, undergraduate students, faculty, and research professionals.
Preferred Qualifications
Preference will be given to applicants with prior experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), particularly triple quadrupole instruments;
- Advanced oxidation processes for water and wastewater treatment; and/or
- Solid phase extraction for PFAS analysis
Applicants with undergraduate or graduate degrees in Environmental Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biosystems Engineering, Environmental Science, or closely related disciplines are encouraged to apply. Applicants without an engineering degree are encouraged to pursue or complete the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination. Previous research experience, such as an undergraduate research project, honors thesis, or master's thesis, is strongly preferred but not required.
Application Process
Interested applicants should contact Dr. Kiranmayi Mangalgiri at kiranmayi.mangalgiri@okstate.edu and submit the following materials:
- Current curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé;
- Unofficial academic transcripts; and
- A two-page statement describing research interests, relevant experience, and career goals.
Prospective students should contact Dr. Mangalgiri prior to submitting a formal application through the OSU Graduate College admissions portal. Additional application materials may be requested during the review process as needed.