We are looking for hands-on assistance in a field research project which begins with growing mushrooms in biosolids. This project is conducting cutting-edge research in the development of natural methods for processing wastewater and biosolids to remove all contaminants and toxins. We are beginning with the use of mushrooms to destroy harmful bacteria in solids and will be looking at everything from appropriate soil amendments for growth; planting and harvesting mushrooms for testing; data collection; and possibly literature reviews of related research. The project is to grow and test mushrooms and the soil in which they're growing over the course of one growing season.

The student will need to check on the mushroom growth weekly, take pictures, and give a short update on the health of the test beds. Depending on the results as well as the student's level of expertise in mushroom farming, the student may participate in the consideration of soil amendments to improve growth, field work (of adding amendments, promoting mushroom fruiting, harvesting samples, gathering soil samples, etc.), and/or of researching any related topics which might be of use during this process, whether it is topics of farming methods, mycological research, or contaminant/toxin research. The expectations will be customized to the student's skills/experience. The project is to grow and test mushrooms and the soil in which they grow.

The student will be given an orientation to the company and the field research site, and detailed information on the project including contact information for outside subject matter experts and interested academics. They will also be given a list of relevant book topics which they may choose to read if they are interested in increasing their expertise in mushroom farming, bioremediation, broader mycology research, wastewater processing, and/or research regarding the lifecycle fate of contaminants. They will have access to the project manager as well as to outside experts but will be expected to be self-motivated in solving problems and thoughtful in using others' time responsibly. The student can choose whether to look at this as a straightforward mushroom farming project, or a deeper study of mycoremediation, and they will be supported appropriately depending on their choice. We do not have expertise in mycology or bioremediation at our company; we are all learning this as we go.