Kelly Russell

Kelly Russell is a Professor in the Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of British Columbia (Vancouver Campus), affiliated with the Faculty of Science. Their research focuses on volcanology, igneous petrology, and glaciovolcanism, with an emphasis on magma transport, mantle dynamics, and paleoenvironmental reconstructions through volcanic systems. Russell leads the Volcanology & Petrology Laboratory at EOS-South 253.

• Education:
  • Ph.D. in Earth Sciences, University of Calgary, 1984
  • M.Sc. in Earth Sciences, University of Calgary, 1980
  • B.Sc. (Honours) in Earth Science, University of Manitoba, 1976

Research Interests: Russell’s work spans three core themes: (1) glaciovolcanism as a paleoenvironmental proxy, (2) melt viscosity modeling for planetary and magmatic systems, and (3) mantle xenolith transport dynamics. Their studies integrate field observations, experimental petrology, and computational models to understand volcanic processes and Earth’s interior.

Publication Trends: Recent work explores particle dynamics in magma systems, carbonated mantle lithosphere interactions, and glaciovolcanic reconstruction. Key contributions include the GRD viscosity model and studies on kimberlite volcanism.

• Awards/Honors:
  • 2023 Alexander von Humboldt Research Award
  • 2022 Elected Member, Academia Europaea
  • 2016 Fellow, Mineralogical Society of America

Advising: Russell mentors graduate and undergraduate students on volcanology projects, including glaciovolcanic field studies and magma dynamics modeling. Their team includes postdoctoral fellows and students exploring volcanic hazards and mantle processes.

Lab & Collaborations: The Volcanology & Petrology Lab collaborates internationally on projects like glaciovolcanic mapping in the Garibaldi Belt and kimberlite ascent mechanisms. Russell also contributes to the GeoSentinel Program and UBC’s Climate Crisis initiatives.