Description for Noise Study Volunteers

 We are conducting a study of health impacts associated with potential increases in rail traffic in Washington State.  

 For the noise component, we are looking for three student volunteers in the greater Seattle area to assist with the field study by collecting noise data near the rail route in the Seattle area.   Data will be used to estimate potential health impacts of noise related to rail traffic.  Rajiv Bhatia, MD, PhD, HIA expert, is overseeing the study.  Participating students will attend a mandatory one‐day training on a Saturday in mid‐to‐late September (exact date to follow).  This training session will provide students with the skills, hardware, and software necessary to collect rail noise data.  The study will require measurements at three locations.  Students will work as a team. For each set of measurements, students will place sound collection equipment at the appropriate location; and will retrieve equipment

48 hours later when measurements are concluded.  Setup and removal of equipment should take about

2‐2.5 hours for each set of measurements, or 6‐8 hours total for all three measurements. We will establish the optimal locations and specifications for placement of monitors at the training session in

September.  Participating students will receive a $100 stipend.  Students will gain experience in collecting noise data, and may have additional related research opportunities.   This is an ideal research project for environmental science students interested in applying their knowledge to a real world environmental issue.   If interested, please contact M. Ahern at 509‐358‐7982 (ahernm@wsu.edu).