Project 26:
Our group of remote sensing scientists uses satellite images to map agriculture in the United States and around the world (https://croplands.org/). Generating these maps requires knowledge of where and when different crops are grown. The student will learn how to use high-resolution imagery and time-series graphs to make these determinations by carefully examining very high-resolution satellite imagery taken several times over a year and interpreting graphs that track the phenology of plants. This opportunity is perfect for a motivated and self-directed individual passionate about earth science. Applicants must have the ability to pass a basic background check in order to work in federal buildings and access secure computer networks.
This position requires looking at satellite images on computer monitors and identifying texture and color patterns of agricultural fields across the world at random locations. Training will occupy at least the first month when the student is expected to spend the majority of their work time in our office next to Buffalo Park in Flagstaff AZ. Afterwards, some of the work can be done remotely. Work is anticipated to take 10 hours a week; some flexibility is available to work more or less in a given week, based on the time the student has available. Student is also welcome to participate and contribute to various projects of the Western Geographic Science Center at Flagtaff Arizona such as the Global Food Security-support Analysis Data (GFSAD) project. https://www.usgs.gov/centers/western-geographic-science-center/science/global-food-and-water-security-support-analysis
The student will generate reference training and validation samples for a global remote sensing project and be mentored by 2-3 researchers. They will have access to computational resources and be able to network with other researchers within the US Geological Survey. The data generated by the student will be used in training models which will lead to publications in the coming years, on which the student could be a co-author. Assistance will be provided for the student to present aspects of their work as posters, presentations, or papers.