John PallisterView profile
Adjunct Professor
John Pallister is a Research Geologist at the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory and leader of the Next-Generation Volcano Hazard Assessment project. He previously served as Chief of the USGS-USAID Volcano Disaster Assistance Program (VDAP) from 2004-2018 and has held adjunct professor positions at multiple universities worldwide including University of Colorado, University of Arizona, Portland State University, Nanyang Technical University, Université Blaise Pascal, University of Pittsburgh, and University of Hawaii Center for the Study of Active Volcanism. Ph.D., 1980, Geology - University of California, Santa Barbara, CA B.Sc., 1974, Geology - Emory University, Atlanta, GA Federal Executive Institute, U.S. Federal Executive Qualification, 1996 Dr. Pallister's research spans volcanology, volcanic emergency response, monitoring techniques, forecasting methodologies, and petrology. His work focuses on improving volcano hazard assessment and early warning systems through innovative monitoring approaches and international collaboration. He has been instrumental in developing best practices for volcano observatories worldwide and has contributed significantly to understanding volcanic processes during major eruptions including Mount St. Helens, Pinatubo, Merapi, and Chaitén. His expertise bridges scientific research with practical disaster risk reduction strategies. His publication record demonstrates consistent contributions to volcanic hazard assessment, eruption forecasting, and monitoring technologies. The articles show an evolution from fundamental petrologic studies of ophiolites and magma chambers to applied research on eruption forecasting, satellite monitoring techniques, and volcano observatory best practices. A clear trend emerges toward increasingly collaborative, interdisciplinary research focused on practical applications for volcanic risk reduction. U.S. Geological Survey: G.K. Gilbert fellowships for research on Precambrian Ophiolites (1984-1986) U.S. Geological Survey: G.K. Gilbert fellowships for petrologic studies of Mount Pinatubo (1994-1995) 1992 University of Arizona: Lowell Distinguished Field Geologist 1999 U.S. Vice Presidential Hammer Award for work on the National Atlas 2000 U.S. Geological Survey Customer Service Award University of California, Santa Barbara: Distinguished Alumnus Award 2006 U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) Distinguished Service Award 2016 Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medal, Finalist Dr. Pallister has advised numerous graduate students across multiple institutions, serving on PhD committees for research on mantle xenoliths, caldera petrology, geomorphology, and remote sensing applications in volcanology. His policy contributions include serving on Science and Program Committees for USGS-INGV-IAVCEI Volcano Observatory Best Practices Workshops, providing external advisory services for the DOMERAPI project on Merapi Volcano, and delivering briefings to high-level officials including the Indonesian Vice President and Chilean President Michelle Bachelet during volcanic crises. He has testified before U.S. Congress on geologic hazards and mapping. As leader of the Next-Generation Volcano Hazard Assessment project and former Chief of VDAP, Dr. Pallister directs teams focused on improving volcanic crisis response capabilities worldwide. His work with the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory involves monitoring active volcanoes in the Pacific Northwest, while his international collaborations through VDAP have strengthened volcano monitoring capabilities in numerous countries facing volcanic threats.
