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Peter Wilf is a Professor in the Department of Geosciences at Pennsylvania State University's College of Earth & Mineral Sciences. His research focuses on fossil plants as indicators of past climates, biodiversity, and environmental disturbances from the latest Cretaceous through middle Eocene (~67-45 million years ago). Wilf leads significant research projects including the Origins of Southeast Asian Rainforests from Paleobotany and Machine Learning and the Patagonia Paleofloras Project. His research interests span paleobotany, paleoclimatology, plant-insect interactions, and biogeography, with emphasis on how deep-time data illuminate modern ecosystems and their responses to anthropogenic change. Wilf's work primarily focuses on the latest Cretaceous through middle Eocene, examining global disturbances including warming and cooling events, the end-Cretaceous mass extinction, and recovery periods. His research has significant implications for understanding climate change, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem dynamics. Wilf's extensive publication record demonstrates consistent high-impact research across paleobotany, with recent work focusing on Southeast Asian rainforests, Patagonian paleofloras, and the connections between Gondwanan landmasses. His research integrates fieldwork in Patagonia and Southeast Asia with advanced analytical techniques, including machine learning applications for fossil leaf identification. Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) 2022 Wilson Award for Excellence in Research, Penn State College of Earth & Mineral Sciences 2022 Fellow, Paleontological Society 2017 Fellow, Geological Society of America 2016 Paul F. Robertson Research Breakthrough of the Year Award, Penn State College of Earth & Mineral Sciences 2016 George W. Atherton Award for Excellence in Teaching, Pennsylvania State University 2013 Wilf maintains an active research program with numerous NSF-funded projects and international collaborations. He leads a productive lab group conducting extensive fieldwork in Patagonia, Argentina, and Southeast Asia. His research has transformed understanding of Southern Hemisphere floras, the role of Patagonia in plant evolution, and connections between ancient and modern ecosystems across continents. Wilf's laboratory serves as a hub for paleobotanical research, bringing together students, postdocs, and international collaborators to study fossil plant collections from around the world. The lab integrates traditional paleobotanical methods with cutting-edge technologies including machine learning for fossil identification and advanced imaging techniques for detailed morphological analysis.

• Paleobotany
• Paleobiology
• Paleoclimatology
• +5 more

Geoffrey Cook is a Senior Lecturer at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego, within the VC Marine Sciences school and Geosciences Research Division. He holds a PhD in Geology from Washington State University (2009), an M.S. from Boise State University (2002), and a B.A. from Franklin and Marshall College (2000). His research focuses on physical volcanology, including the volcanic evolution of large calderas, petrogenesis of magmas, and geoscience education. Notable projects include studies on the Otowi Member of the Bandelier Tuff and crustal assimilation processes in Iceland’s Fagradalsfjall Fires (2021). He emphasizes innovative teaching methods, such as active learning and experiential education, to address student misconceptions in geoscience. Dr. Cook has received multiple teaching awards, including the 2023 Scripps Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award and the 2018 UCSD Panhellenic Chapters Outstanding Faculty Award. His publications span volcanology, geochemistry, and educational pedagogy, with recent work in Nature (2024) and active learning strategies in STEM education. His academic profile reflects a commitment to both advancing geoscience research and improving undergraduate education through evidence-based practices.

• Volcanology
• Petrogenesis
• Geoscience Education
• +3 more

Dr. Thanh-Son Pham is an ARC DECRA Research Fellow in the Geophysics Department at The Australian National University’s Research School of Earth Sciences. His research focuses on using seismic waves to study Earth’s interior structures, from polar ice sheets to the inner core. He has pioneered methods like teleseismic P-wave coda autocorrelation and coda correlation wavefield analysis, leading to breakthroughs such as detecting J-waves in the inner core and identifying an innermost inner core layer. His work has been featured in Science , Nature Communications , and international media. He holds a PhD from ANU (2019) and has supervised research projects on Antarctic seismology and earthquake source physics. Awards include the 2024 Zatman lectureship from SEDI. Current projects include probing Antarctic ice sheets via correlation seismology and advancing machine learning tools for deep Earth studies. Education: PhD in Geophysics (ANU, 2019), Graduate Diploma in Earth System Physics (ICTP, 2015), BSc in Applied Mathematics (Hanoi University, 2013) Research interests span seismic source inversion, Antarctic ice dynamics, and inner core anisotropy. His 2024 articles address Hunga Tonga eruption mechanics and PKIKP wave analysis using deep learning. Media highlights include BBC, NYT, and ANU press releases.

• Seismology
• Geophysics
• Antarctic Ice Sheet Dynamics
• +3 more

Keith D. Koper is a Professor in the Department of Geology & Geophysics at the University of Utah and serves as Director of the University of Utah Seismograph Stations (UUSS). He is also the editor-in-chief of The Seismic Record . His work integrates academic research with operational seismic monitoring and public safety initiatives across Utah and the Intermountain West. Education: PhD in Geophysics, Washington University, 1998 BA in Math, Geology, and ISP, Northwestern University, 1993 Dr. Koper's research focuses on array seismology, forensic seismology, deep Earth structure (especially the inner core), earthquake rupture imaging, ambient seismic noise, and seismic hazards in the Intermountain West, including mining-induced and urban earthquakes. His work combines observational seismology with advanced signal processing and machine learning techniques to improve detection, discrimination, and imaging capabilities. He has led or contributed to major projects involving the Wasatch Front, Yellowstone, and regional seismic networks. His recent research emphasizes machine learning for earthquake detection, high-resolution relocation of aftershock sequences (e.g., Magna 2020, Bluffdale 2019), microseism generation in lakes, and fine-scale imaging of the Earth's inner core using seismic reflections. His studies often involve interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly with mining engineering and geodesy. Dr. Koper's research has been consistently funded by federal and state agencies, including the National Science Foundation (NSF), U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Department of Energy (DOE), Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), and the Utah Department of Public Safety. His publications reflect a strong trend toward integrating computational methods with traditional seismological analysis to tackle complex problems in both natural and induced seismicity. Scientific Service and Leadership: Editor-in-Chief, The Seismic Record Director, University of Utah Seismograph Stations Secretary, U.S. Air Force Seismic Review Panel Former Chair and Vice-Chair, Utah Seismic Safety Commission Dr. Koper mentors graduate students in seismology and geophysics, including recent advisees Sean Hutchings and Alysha Armstrong. His research group actively engages in both fundamental and applied seismological research, with strong ties to national labs such as Sandia. The group is involved in deploying portable seismic arrays, analyzing large datasets, and developing new algorithms for event detection and classification. The University of Utah Seismograph Stations, under his leadership, plays a critical role in monitoring seismicity in Utah and Yellowstone, producing real-time earthquake information, ShakeMaps, and public outreach materials. The station also contributes to national and international efforts in nuclear test monitoring and volcanic hazard assessment.

• Geophysics
• Seismology
• Array Seismology
• +12 more

Brandon Schmandt is a Professor in the Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences at Rice University, where he leads research using seismology to investigate Earth systems. His work integrates interdisciplinary approaches, data science, and numerical modeling to study tectonic processes, magmatic systems, and environmental interactions. His educational background includes a PhD in Geological Sciences from the University of Oregon (2011) and a BA in Environmental Studies from Warren Wilson College (2006). Dr. Schmandt's research focuses on seismology, tectonics, volcanology, and surface processes , with emphasis on seismic imaging of subsurface structures. His group employs innovative time-series analysis and field projects to resolve geologic history and contemporary Earth dynamics, particularly examining fault zones, magmatic reservoirs, and deep convective processes. Key methodologies include dense seismic arrays and machine learning applications. Analysis of his recent publications (2023-2025) reveals dominant trends in seismic event discrimination (earthquakes vs. explosions), magmatic system imaging (Yellowstone, Cascades), and global mantle structure studies. There is strong emphasis on induced seismicity, machine learning applications, and high-resolution imaging of Earth's discontinuities using dense arrays. His distinguished honors include: Aki Award of the AGU Seismology Section GSA Donath Medal AGU Macelwane Medal Body Dr. Schmandt directs an active research group conducting field projects across diverse settings including the Raton Basin, Yellowstone, Antarctica, and the Caribbean. While specific student advisees and grant details aren't provided in available materials, his group's work involves collaborative data collection, advanced computational modeling, and development of novel seismic analysis techniques applicable to both natural and anthropogenic seismic sources. The research program maintains focus on magmatic systems beneath volcanic regions, induced seismicity mechanisms, and global mantle structure using dense node arrays and interdisciplinary approaches to address fundamental questions in Earth dynamics.

• Seismology
• Tectonics
• Volcanology
• +4 more

Rex N Taylor is a Professor in the School of Ocean and Earth Science at the University of Southampton. With over 20 years of academic experience, he has developed both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in geology and environmental geoscience, specializing in volcanology, igneous systems, and analytical geochemistry. His research takes him on fieldwork and research cruises across the globe, including a notable 2019 submersible dive to 5700m in the Philippine Sea to explore the earliest volcanoes of the Western Pacific. Taylor's research focuses on volcanic geochemistry, particularly using high-resolution Pb isotope studies to investigate magma evolution and catastrophic volcanic eruptions across diverse tectonic settings including mantle plumes, island arcs, and mid-ocean ridges. His work spans multiple continents and ocean basins, with significant contributions to understanding the geochemical processes in the Afar triple junction, Ethiopian Rift, Tenerife volcanic system, and Western Pacific subduction zones. Analysis of Taylor's recent publications (2022-2025) reveals a strong focus on mantle dynamics, magma evolution processes, and the geochemical signatures of different tectonic settings. His research combines field observations with advanced geochemical techniques, particularly isotope studies, to unravel complex volcanic systems. A recurring theme is the investigation of how deep Earth processes manifest in surface volcanic activity across various geological timescales. Taylor actively supervises PhD students including Morgan George Alun Bugler and Daniel Christopher Howcroft through the INSPIRE program. He has developed a Virtual Fieldwork portal that provides multi-scale visualization of geological field localities, from satellite imagery down to microscopic views, demonstrating his commitment to innovative teaching methods in earth sciences.

• Volcanic geochemistry
• Isotope geochemistry
• Volcanology
• +5 more

Brandon Schmandt is a Professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at the University of New Mexico. His research focuses on geophysics, seismology, tectonics, structural geology, and volcanology. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Oregon (2011). His research group specializes in seismic imaging methods to study subsurface structures related to tectonic and magmatic processes. They analyze seismic data from both fieldwork and public archives, with applications to earthquake mechanics, magma storage, and explosion discrimination. Recent work emphasizes continental magmatic systems, induced seismicity in the Raton Basin, and Yellowstone's magmatic architecture. Collaborative projects include seismic array deployments and machine learning applications for signal analysis. No scientific awards are explicitly listed in the provided texts. His advising includes undergraduate and graduate students such as Wilgus, Stairs, and Maguire. No specific grants or labs are mentioned beyond his departmental affiliation.

• Geophysics
• Seismology
• Tectonics
• +2 more

Jiaxuan Li is an Assistant Professor of Geophysics in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Houston's College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. His research focuses on developing fiber-optic sensing technologies for seismic monitoring across diverse geological environments including volcanic, crustal, and glacial settings. Dr. Li's educational background includes a Ph.D. in Geophysics from the University of Houston (2015-2020) and a B.S. in Geophysics from Peking University (2011-2015). He previously held a postdoctoral position at Caltech Seismolab under Prof. Zhongwen Zhan. His research program centers on distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) applications, with major contributions in volcanic eruption forecasting through minute-scale magma migration imaging, earthquake rupture dynamics via high-frequency fault asperity analysis, and subsurface characterization for carbon sequestration and geothermal energy. Recent work demonstrates DAS capabilities as dense geodetic arrays for real-time volcanic monitoring systems deployed in Iceland through collaborations with the Icelandic Met Office and Reykjavik University. Analysis of Dr. Li's publication record reveals a strong emphasis on operationalizing fiber-optic networks for geophysical monitoring, with significant advancements in eruption early warning systems, earthquake source characterization, and subsurface imaging techniques. His work bridges fundamental seismological research with practical hazard mitigation applications. Dr. Li actively mentors graduate students and recently welcomed postdoc Dr. Tianfan Yan to his research team. His lab operates real-time DAS streaming systems for volcanic eruption monitoring in Iceland, developed through international collaborations involving the University of Houston, Caltech, Ljósleiðarann, and Reykjavik University. Current research directions include expanding DAS applications for carbon sequestration verification and deep geothermal reservoir characterization.

• Seismology
• Distributed Acoustic Sensing
• Earthquake Rupture Dynamics
• +7 more

Eric Hetland is an Associate Professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Michigan. His research focuses on geophysical natural hazards, particularly earthquake dynamics from a geodetic perspective. He investigates fault loading processes during interseismic and postseismic periods, and collaborates on modeling volcanic eruption conditions with Prof. Becky Lange. His work integrates machine learning methods into geodetic data analysis, addressing climate studies and hazard vulnerability. Applied mathematics and computational science are central to his interdisciplinary approach. Education: PhD in Geophysics from MIT (2006), MA in Geology from SUNY Binghamton (2000), BS in Physics from UC Santa Cruz (1996) Research Interests: Seismology, Geodesy, Crustal Deformation, Geodynamics, Magmatism and Volcanism Lab/Teams: Active collaborations with interdisciplinary teams, leveraging geodetic and computational tools His recent publications emphasize coseismic slip distribution modeling, Bayesian stress inversion, and transient strain analysis using advanced statistical methods. He has no listed scientific awards but maintains an active research program funded through collaborative grants. Advising focuses on graduate student training in geophysical hazards and computational geophysics.

• Seismology
• Geodesy
• Crustal Deformation
• +3 more

Robin S. Matoza is a Professor in the Department of Earth Science at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). His research focuses on volcano seismology, acoustics, and infrasound, with particular emphasis on understanding volcanic processes through seismic and infrasound data. He leads studies on volcanic eruption dynamics, infrasound propagation, and the application of seismoacoustic methods for hazard mitigation. Roles: Professor, Principal Investigator Affiliations: Department of Earth Science, Earth Research Institute, UCSB Research interests include volcano acoustics, infrasound source characterization, and the development of infrasound monitoring tools. He has contributed to global volcanic eruption detection systems, such as the IMS_VASC software for automated volcanic infrasound cataloging. His work integrates field data from volcanoes like Tungurahua (Ecuador), Yasur (Vanuatu), and Kīlauea (Hawaii) with computational modeling. Key projects include studying infrasonic signals from explosive eruptions, submarine volcanic activity, and the interaction between volcanic processes and atmospheric dynamics. He collaborates on international initiatives like the International Monitoring System (IMS) for nuclear treaty verification and volcanic monitoring.

• Volcanology
• Seismology
• Infrasound
• +3 more

Mathias Burisch is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geology and Geological Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines. His research focuses on economic geology, hydrothermal mineral systems, and crustal fluid processes. He holds a Dr. rer. nat. from the University of Tübingen (2016) and an M.Sc. from the University of Freiburg (2012). His work emphasizes critical mineral resources (e.g., Li, Co, Ni, U) and precious/base metals, with field studies in Germany, Mexico, and Indonesia. Education: Dr. rer. nat., Geoscience, University of Tübingen (2016) Education: M.Sc., Geology, University of Freiburg (2012) Research interests include ore-forming processes in hydrothermal systems, fluid inclusion analysis, and the origin of mineral resources in magmatic-hydrothermal settings. He has extensively studied the Erzgebirge/Krušné Hory ore provinces and the Gorno MVT district in Italy. Recent studies focus on lithium enrichment in greisen deposits and the timing of skarn mineralization in Mexico and Germany. Publishing in Economic Geology and Mineralium Deposita, his work integrates field data with LA-ICP-MS geochronology and fluid inclusion studies. Notable contributions include linking Sadisdorf mineralization to caldera collapse and elucidating uranium-arsenide systems in Schlema-Alberoda.

• Economic Geology
• Hydrothermal Mineral Systems
• Critical Mineral Resources
• +3 more

Dr. Maria Giuditta Fellin is a Lecturer at the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at ETH Zurich, affiliated with the Institute of Geochemistry and Petrology. She is part of the Earth Surface Dynamics Group and specializes in low-temperature thermochronology, using fission-track and (U-Th)/He dating techniques on zircon and apatite to study mountain belt exhumation and erosion processes. Her work focuses on linking tectonic activity, erosion patterns, and long-term landscape evolution. Her research spans global tectonic regions including the Pamir, Alps, Apennines, and Andes. She teaches courses on sedimentary petrography, microscopy, geochronology, and climate-soil-water interactions. No specific scientific awards are listed in the provided information. Her technical expertise includes advanced geochronological methods and quantitative modeling of tectonic-erosional systems.

• Low-temperature thermochronology
• Mountain-building processes
• Landscape evolution
• +3 more

Rebecca Lange is the Alexander N Halliday Collegiate Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Michigan, affiliated with the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. She holds roles in the International Institute and Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies. Her research focuses on magmatic processes, including olivine-melt thermometry, Martian magmas, carbonate melt behavior, and volcanic system dynamics. Lange earned a PhD in Geology from UC Berkeley (1989). Her work bridges experimental geochemistry and field-based studies, addressing questions about magma ascent rates, crust-mantle interactions, and volatile transport. Notable contributions include refining olivine-melt thermometers/hygrometers and elucidating mechanisms of high-silica rhyolite formation. She investigates planetary-scale processes, such as deep Earth carbon cycles and early ocean oxygenation, using multi-analytical approaches (e.g., Mössbauer spectroscopy, XANES). Research Themes : Magmatic volatile budgets, crystallization kinetics, crustal melt generation, planetary geochemistry. Key Techniques : Experimental petrology, high-pressure melting experiments, microanalytical methods, numerical modeling. Lange's recent studies highlight rapid phenocryst growth during magma ascent, degassing-induced oxidation in magmas, and the role of basalt emplacement in forming silicic melts. Her interdisciplinary approach spans terrestrial and extraterrestrial systems, with active projects on Martian magmas and alkaline lake geochemistry. Professional service includes roles in academic administration and steering committees. Her lab contributes to the International Institute's interdisciplinary initiatives, fostering collaborations between geosciences and global studies.

• Geochemistry
• Volcanology
• Magmatic Processes
• +3 more

Tiziana Vanorio is an Associate Professor in the Earth and Planetary Sciences Department at Stanford University, affiliated with the School of Sustainability. She leads the Rock Physics and Geomaterials Laboratory, focusing on integrating laboratory experiments with analytical techniques to study rock and geomaterial properties across scales. Her research emphasizes composite structures' influence on mechanical behavior, with applications in CO2 mineralization, sustainable cement, and energy transition technologies. She holds a courtesy appointment in Civil and Environmental Engineering. Her work explores novel processes for subsurface engineering, including enhancing CO2 reuse through accelerated mineralization and replicating natural cementation processes. Recent projects investigate hydrogen production mechanisms and fibrous nanostructures' role in material reinforcement. Vanorio's interdisciplinary approach bridges geophysics, materials science, and environmental engineering to address global challenges like resource efficiency and decarbonization. Her lab employs advanced methods such as deep-learning for seismic analysis, micro-CT imaging, and 3D printing of rock microstructures. Key contributions include studies on Campi Flegrei caldera dynamics, Chicxulub impact hydrothermal systems, and THCM processes in low-porosity rocks. These efforts aim to improve subsurface monitoring, carbon storage safety, and sustainable construction materials.

• Rock Physics
• Geomaterials Engineering
• CO2 Mineralization
• +5 more

Professor Victoria C. Smith is a leading volcanologist at the School of Archaeology, University of Oxford. Her research focuses on tephrochronology, using volcanic ash layers to date and correlate sedimentary and archaeological records. She manages Oxford's electron microprobe facilities and cryptotephra laboratory, supporting global research on explosive volcanism. Research Interests : Volcanology, tephrostratigraphy, magmatic processes, and paleoenvironmental reconstruction. Geographic Focus : Italy, Mexico, Japan, Azores, Canary Islands, Ethiopian Rift, Antarctica. Her recent publications highlight collaborations in geochronology, magma evolution modeling, and tephra applications in synchronizing climate-human records. She supervises MSc and doctoral students in Archaeological Science, focusing on volcanic ash as chronological tools.

• Tephrochronology
• Geochronology
• Volcanology
• +3 more