Position Description: Since late 2019, widespread desert locust infestation in the Horn of Africa, Middle East, and India has devastated crop production, threatening acute food insecurity for over 40 million people. Abnormal rainfall favors breeding conditions for locusts, which are migratory pests that can quickly multiply, eat their own body weight, and travel long distances.
The student will conduct a literature review (e.g. scientific papers, Food and Agriculture Organization reports, investigative news articles) of the current outbreak, as well as of historical locust outbreaks, such as the Malagasy locust plague in Madagascar in the early 2010s. The literature review will focus on the meteorological conditions that spur outbreaks, the impacts of locust outbreaks on crop production, and how outbreaks are controlled (e.g., fire, pesticides).
The student will also have the opportunity to learn basic coding and mapping skills during the project.
Duration: 2 weeks
Work Hours: 10 hours/week
Pay Rate: $15/hour
Qualifications/Requirements:
no prior experience in the field is preferred/necessary
computer
internet
complete a survey at the end of the project
All instructions will be provided.
Opportunities to Explore the EPS Department:
The student will be invited to the Atmospheric Chemistry Modeling Group's weekly Wednesday group meetings. The student will have the opportunity to do a short presentation on their research findings and learn about EPS from Jacob group members.
The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences (EPS) welcomes everyone and aims for a diverse and inclusive community. Preferences will be given to rising sophomores and incoming first year students, but we encourage all interested students to apply. Students who are already working with members of the EPS community and non-Harvard students are not eligible for this position.
Application: closed (July 29-31)
Number of Applicants: 19
Number of Positions Available: 1
Student Hired: Catherine Liang (incoming first year)