Find Academic Supervisors

• Hydrogeology
• Environmental Geosciences
• Subsurface Hydrology
• +6 more

Olaf A. Cirpka is a Full Professor of Hydrogeology at the University of Tübingen, Germany, within the Faculty of Science's Department of Geosciences. He holds a Diploma in Geoecology (University of Karlsruhe, 1992) and a Doctor of Engineering in Civil Engineering (University of Stuttgart, 1997). His career includes postdoctoral research at Stanford University (1998–2000), adjunct roles there until 2009, and leadership roles such as Head of the Emmy-Noether Junior Research Group (2000–2004) and Subsurface Hydrology Workgroup at Eawag (2004–2008). He is a Fellow of the American Geophysical Union (2015) and served as Spokesperson for the Research Training Group 1829 (2012–2021). Research Interests: His work focuses on subsurface hydrology, reactive transport modeling, biogeochemical processes in aquifers, and climate impacts on groundwater systems. He integrates numerical modeling, field experiments, and geophysical methods to address challenges in contaminant fate, hyporheic zone dynamics, and sustainable groundwater management. Articles Trends: Recent publications emphasize innovative methods for quantifying subsurface processes (e.g., VTraFlux, electrical conductivity tracers), climate-driven groundwater changes, and microbial-driven biogeochemical reactions. His work bridges experimental hydrology with computational tools to advance understanding of complex environmental systems. Awards & Grants: AGU Fellowship (2015) highlights his scientific contributions. He has led numerous research initiatives, including the Advect As project on arsenic dynamics and the Research Training Group on integrated hydrosystem modeling. Grants and collaborations span interdisciplinary environmental research. Labs & Teams: Directs the Hydrogeology group at Tübingen and collaborates with international institutions like Stanford, ETH Zürich, and Eawag. His research integrates field campaigns, lab experiments, and numerical simulations to address real-world hydrogeological challenges.

• Paleoclimatology
• Tectonics
• Geochemistry
• +6 more

Guangsheng Zhuang is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geology & Geophysics at Louisiana State University (LSU), holding the Robey H. Clark Distinguished Professorship since 2022. His career includes roles as an Assistant Professor (2015–2022), Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellow at Lancaster University (2013–2015), and Bateman Fellow at Yale University (2011–2013). He earned his Ph.D. in Earth Science from UC Santa Cruz (2011) and a B.S. from Lanzhou University (2003). His research focuses on the tectonic evolution of the Tibetan Plateau and its climatic impacts, integrating biomarker analysis, stable isotope geochemistry, and sedimentary records. Key interests include paleoclimatology, continental collision dynamics, and environmental reconstruction through molecular proxies. He has pioneered methods in biomarker data processing and explored links between tectonics, climate, and vegetation shifts in regions like Patagonia, the Arabian Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico. Education: Ph.D., Earth Science, UC Santa Cruz (2008–2011) B.S., Lanzhou University (1999–2003) Awards: Robey H. Clark Distinguished Professorship (LSU, 2022–present) Key Research Themes: Tibetan Plateau uplift and paleoelevation Monsoon dynamics and paleohydrology Organic geochemical proxies for environmental change His lab develops innovative tools like the Chroma MATLAB package for biomarker analysis and collaborates on global projects examining sedimentary archives across onshore-offshore boundaries. Recent work highlights the role of tectonic activity in shaping long-term climate patterns and ecosystem evolution.

Daniel Layton-MatthewsView profile

Associate Professor

• Geochemistry
• Mineral Exploration
• Isotope Geochemistry
• +2 more

Daniel Layton-Matthews is an Associate Professor in Geological Science and Geological Engineering at Queen's University. His research program investigates chemical indicators in sedimentary rocks, post-depositional modification of minerals, and geochemical dispersion patterns for mineral exploration. Current research examines trace element signatures in ancient ore systems, with field sites including the Canadian Shield, Australian playa uranium deposits, and marine ferromanganese formations. His group develops analytical methods for in-situ geochemical analysis and isotopic tracing of element migration pathways. Research collaborations span industry partners and government geological surveys. Fieldwork integrates drone-based sampling techniques and advanced laboratory analysis including LA-ICP-MS and isotope ratio measurements.

Niels HartogView profile

Associate Professor

• Environmental Hydrogeology
• Groundwater Resources
• Geothermal Energy
• +5 more

Dr. Niels Hartog is a Guest Associate Professor in Environmental Hydrogeology at Utrecht University and Principal Scientist (Team Geohydrology) at KWR Water Research Institute. His expertise spans groundwater geochemistry, geothermal energy, managed aquifer recharge (MAR), subsurface thermal energy storage (ATES), and contaminant remediation. He leads research on sustainable groundwater use, energy systems integration, and subsurface engineering challenges. Research Interests: - Thermal energy storage in aquifers (ATES/HT-ATES) - Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) for water security - DNAPL source zone characterization and remediation - Geothermal energy systems and subsurface scalability - Coastal zone hydrology and variable-density flow Notable Contributions: - Pioneered use of multiple partially-penetrating wells (MPPW) to enhance ATES efficiency - Investigated methane migration risks from abandoned wells - Developed models for thermal recovery efficiency in heterogeneous aquifers - Co-authored over 110 publications on hydrogeology and environmental engineering Professional Roles: - KWR Water Research Institute: Leading geohydrology research for sustainable water solutions - Utrecht University: Teaching and supervising in environmental hydrogeology

• Magmatic Processes
• Hydrothermal Alteration
• Porphyry Systems
• +3 more

Shaun Barker is an Associate Professor in the Department of Earth, Ocean & Atmospheric Sciences at the University of British Columbia. His research focuses on magmatic processes, hydrothermal alteration, and porphyry systems, particularly studying postsubduction magmatism and its economic implications. He supervises postdoctoral researchers such as Maria Alejandra Rodriguez Mustafa and has advised graduate theses on topics like the Dawson Range district's Late Cretaceous magmatism. Research interests include tectonomagmatic frameworks, fluid-rock interaction, and exploration methodologies using geochemical datasets and advanced analytical techniques. His work integrates field observations, geochemical analyses, and isotopic studies to unravel the genesis of ore deposits and geothermal systems. Key contributions include defining trace-element haloes around deposits, developing mineral mapping via µXRF, and applying machine learning to geological modeling. His studies span global regions like the Yukon, British Columbia, Nevada, and Peru, with a focus on Carlin-type gold, porphyry copper, and skarn systems.

Marc W. SpiegelmanView profile

Professor

• Earth Sciences
• Magma Dynamics
• Geological Carbon Sequestration
• +4 more

Marc W. Spiegelman is the Arthur D. Storke Memorial Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences and Professor of Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics at Columbia University. He chairs the Department of Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics and is a member of the senior staff at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (LDEO). His work bridges theoretical and computational modeling with observational/experimental programs at LDEO. B.A. in Geology from Harvard University (1985) Ph.D. in Geology and Geophysics from the University of Cambridge (1989) His research focuses on fluid-solid interactions in Earth systems, including magma migration, geological carbon sequestration via reactive cracking, computational thermodynamics, earthquake fluid dynamics, and deformation in water-ice systems. He developed the TerraFERMA software for reproducible finite element modeling of multi-physics problems. Spiegelman's recent publications emphasize computational geodynamics, magma dynamics, and fluid mechanics. His work integrates advanced numerical methods with real-world geological applications. Scientific Awards Society of Columbia Graduates' Great Teacher Award (2022/2023) Fellow of the American Geophysical Union (2022) Columbia Engineering Alumni Association's Distinguished Faculty Teaching Award (2020) SEAS Alumni Teaching Award (2004) SEAS Kim Award (2004) DEES Outstanding Teaching Award (1998, 2002) Marshall Scholar (1985) As a Lamont staff member since 1989, Spiegelman has led collaborations between theoretical models and LDEO's observational/experimental programs in petrology, geochemistry, and mantle/cryosphere dynamics.

• Sedimentology
• Geochemistry
• Environmental Change
• +12 more

Brenda Bowen is a Professor in the Department of Geology & Geophysics at the University of Utah, where she also serves as Chair of Atmospheric Sciences. She previously directed the Global Change and Sustainability Center from 2015 to 2024, reflecting her leadership in interdisciplinary environmental research. Her academic home is within the College of Mines and Earth Sciences. She earned a PhD from the University of Utah, an MS from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a BS from the same institution. Her research focuses on sedimentology, geochemistry, and environmental change, aiming to understand landscape evolution across geological and human timescales. She employs field observations, remote sensing, and advanced laboratory techniques to study systems like the Bonneville Salt Flats and Great Salt Lake. Her work emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, integrating natural and social sciences to address sustainability challenges in water and energy. She actively promotes applied research in partnership with communities, government, and industry. Her recent publications reveal a strong trend in studying evaporite systems, hydrological dynamics, microbial ecology, and human-environment interactions using remote sensing, geochemical analysis, and social science methods. She explores both natural processes and anthropogenic impacts, such as mining and climate change, on fragile saline landscapes. Fellow of the Geological Society of America (2023) Outstanding Faculty Research Award, Department of Geology and Geophysics (2022) Outstanding Teaching Award, College of Mines and Earth Sciences (2021) Top Researcher Honoree, University of Utah (2017) Career Services Award, University of Utah (2016) Dr. Bowen mentors graduate students through thesis research and leads major externally funded projects, including an NSF ENGINES grant for sustainability innovation in the Southwest. She is deeply involved in institutional change, workforce development, and public engagement. Her work with the Wasatch Environmental Observatory highlights her commitment to long-term environmental monitoring and education. She also explores innovative science communication through art-science collaborations, such as the 'Evaporated' exhibition.

Martina PreinerView profile

Research Professor

• Origin of Life
• Prebiotic Chemistry
• Geochemistry
• +3 more

Dr. Martina Preiner serves as a Max Planck Research Group Leader at the Microcosm Earth Center (MEC) within the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology in Marburg, Germany. She leads an interdisciplinary research team investigating the chemical origins of life, focusing on the critical interface between geochemistry and biochemistry. Her laboratory employs various imaging techniques alongside chemical, biochemical, and geochemical methods to examine how life might have emerged from non-living matter. Dr. Preiner's research centers on fundamental questions about life's emergence: How did life originate from non-life? How did cellular structures develop from geochemical environments? Her primary interests include Origin of Life studies , Prebiotic Chemistry , Geochemical-Biochemical Transitions , and Mineral Catalysis . A significant focus examines how mineral surfaces function as protoenzymes ('geozymes') in primordial metabolism, particularly investigating specific abiotic hydride transfer to biological redox cofactors like NAD+. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on hydrothermal vent systems, mineral-catalyzed reactions, and the chemical properties of biological cofactors in prebiotic contexts. Her work consistently explores how mineral surfaces facilitate specific biochemical reactions essential to life, with particular attention to energy transfer mechanisms and carbon fixation pathways. This research bridges geochemistry, biochemistry, and systems chemistry to develop testable models for life's emergence. Major Research Themes: Geochemical protoenzymes (geozymes) in primordial metabolism NAD+ reduction on mineral surfaces Hydrothermal vent chemistry and life's origins Serpentinization processes and early metabolism Autotrophic core metabolic networks Dr. Preiner leads a dynamic research group comprising postdoctoral researcher Delfina Patricia Henriques Pereira, doctoral researchers Manavika Khanna, Oskari Lehtinen, and Giuseppe Peyroche, along with master's students Rafael Pollinger and Zinab Yadallah. Her laboratory at the Microcosm Earth Center features specialized equipment for creating experimental setups that simulate early Earth conditions, enabling direct testing of hypotheses about life's chemical origins.

Walter ProchaskaView profile

Associate Professor

• Archaeometry
• Geochemistry
• Marble Provenance Analysis
• +2 more

Walter Prochaska is an Associate Professor affiliated with the Austrian Archaeological Institute at the Austrian Academy of Sciences. His research focuses on archaeometric analysis of white marble provenance in Roman contexts, utilizing geochemical and petrographic methods. Key projects include marble sourcing in Roman Thrace, Corinth, and Ephesos, with significant contributions to establishing provenance databases. Position: Associate Professor Institution: Austrian Academy of Sciences Institute: Austrian Archaeological Institute His work intersects Archaeometry and Material Science , examining marble trade networks across the Roman Empire . Recent publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches combining geoarchaeology with database development to trace marble origins. Scientific awards and honors are not explicitly mentioned in the available data. His expertise in marble provenance analysis has been applied to sites in Bulgaria, Turkey, Greece, and North Africa, revealing patterns of material circulation and workshop dynamics.

Laura Rodriguez GarciaView profile

Professor

• Paleoanthropology
• Physical Anthropology
• Evolutionary Biology
• +7 more

Laura Rodríguez García is a full Professor at the University of Leon in the Department of Biodiversity and Environmental Management , affiliated with the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences . She specializes in Physical Anthropology and is a member of the Q-GEO Environmental Geology, Quaternary and Geodiversity research group. Her research focuses on: Hominin skeletal morphology (femora, tibiae, fibulae, clavicles) Biomechanical analysis of Middle Pleistocene human remains Evolutionary implications of bone volume and skeletal weight Dental microwear and isotope analysis for dietary reconstruction Neanderthal symbolic behavior and social complexity 3D geometric morphometrics in skeletal studies Recent publications highlight trends in: Neanderthal postcranial anatomy Human evolution in Iberia Technical innovations in skeletal maturity assessment Interdisciplinary collaborations across Europe Integration of archaeological and paleontological contexts Application of computational methods to bone analysis She collaborates with institutions like: University of Burgos Universidad Isabel I Complutense University of Madrid National Research Center on Human Evolution Melka Kunture (Ethiopia) expeditions Oldowan horizon studies

Gaboury BenoitView profile

Professor

• Environmental Chemistry
• Water Quality
• Trace Metals Biogeochemistry
• +5 more

Professor Gaboury Benoit holds the Grinstein Class of 1954 Professorship in Environmental Chemistry at Yale University's School of the Environment (YSE). He is a Fellow of Trumbull College and focuses on trace metals biogeochemistry, nonpoint source pollution, and watershed dynamics. His research integrates field studies with advanced analytical methods to address environmental challenges in aquatic ecosystems and urban areas. Education: B.S. Yale University; M.S. and Ph.D. from MIT-Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Research emphasizes metal speciation, watershed management, and sustainable land development. Key projects include investigating caffeine as a sewage tracer, sediment phosphorus immobilization, and trace metal cycling in freshwater systems. His work has been published in over 50 peer-reviewed articles and a book on sustainable land practices (2007). Awards include the Trumbull College Fellowship. Teaching includes courses on biogeochemistry, aquatic chemistry, and environmental policy. Lab locations: Kroon Hall (office) and Class of 1954 Environmental Science Center (lab).

Andrew HarrisView profile

Professor

• Volcanology
• Lava Flow Dynamics
• Thermal Remote Sensing
• +4 more

Andrew Harris is a Professor at Université Clermont Auvergne (UCA) specializing in volcanology. He is part of the Volcanology Team based at LMV Cezeaux, with research focusing on regional geology, lava flow dynamics, and volcanic hazard assessment. His work bridges field observations with advanced remote sensing techniques to understand volcanic processes and improve risk management strategies for communities living near active volcanoes. Professor Harris's research spans multiple areas of volcanology with particular emphasis on lava flow dynamics , thermal remote sensing of volcanic activity , and volcanic hazard assessment . His work integrates field measurements with satellite data to track and model volcanic processes. He has made significant contributions to understanding lava rheology, volcanic plume dynamics, and the development of early warning systems for volcanic hazards. His research often focuses on European volcanoes like Stromboli, Etna, and Piton de la Fournaise, but also extends to volcanic systems worldwide. Analysis of Professor Harris's recent publications reveals a strong trend toward integrating machine learning techniques with traditional volcanological methods. His work increasingly combines field observations, satellite data, and computational modeling to create more accurate hazard assessments. Recent research shows particular focus on volcanic risk communication, the dynamics of lava-sea interactions, and the application of deep learning for detecting subtle thermal anomalies that might indicate volcanic unrest. Professor Harris maintains extensive international collaborations across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. His work involves significant fieldwork at active volcanoes and has contributed to the development of several important methodologies for volcanic monitoring. He has been involved in multiple effusive crisis response efforts, particularly at Piton de la Fournaise, where he has helped implement real-time monitoring systems that integrate satellite data with ground-based observations for improved hazard assessment.

• Physical Geography
• Soil Geography
• Geoecology
• +5 more

Robert Peticzka serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography and Regional Research at the University of Vienna, where he also directs geography studies. His research integrates physical geography, soil science, and geoecology with specialized focus on loess regions of Lower Austria. His primary research domains include: Loess-paleosol stratigraphy and quaternary landscape evolution Soil hydrology and microdialysis techniques in dry soils Geoarchaeological investigations of anthropogenic landforms Peatland carbon cycling and root exudate dynamics Environmental monitoring in urban and agricultural settings Recent publications reveal methodological innovation in soil solution analysis and paleoenvironmental reconstruction, with strong emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches combining geological, archaeological, and hydrological perspectives. His work frequently examines human-environment interactions in Central European landscapes. Professor Peticzka supervises bachelor and master students through dedicated preparatory seminars while teaching core courses in soil geography, geoecology, and field methods. He maintains active affiliation with the Physiogeographical Laboratory (http://www.univie.ac.at/physiogeographisches_labor/), conducting field research in the Vienna Basin and Lower Austrian loess regions.

Jordan AbellView profile

Assistant Professor

• Paleoclimatology
• Geochemistry
• Paleoceanography
• +5 more

Jordan Abell serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Lehigh University. His research integrates geochemical methods with Earth system modeling to investigate past climate dynamics, atmospheric circulation, and marine sediment processes. Education: Ph.D., Earth and Environmental Sciences, Columbia University (2021) M.Phil., Earth and Environmental Sciences, Columbia University (2020) M.A., Earth and Environmental Sciences, Columbia University (2018) B.S., Geosciences, University of Arizona (2016) Abell's research focuses on paleoclimatology and paleoceanography using noble gas mass spectrometry and elemental geochemistry applied to marine sediments and geological archives. His interdisciplinary work examines atmospheric-ocean circulation responses to warm climates, dust-climate interactions, marine sediment accumulation processes, and archaeology-climate linkages. The GP3 Laboratory (Geochemical Perspectives on Paleoclimatology & Paleoceanography) employs geochemical tracers across the Cenozoic to address fundamental Earth system questions. His publication record shows strong emphasis on Pliocene climate dynamics, North Pacific sedimentation processes, Asian dust systems, and novel proxy development. Recent work combines sediment geochemistry with climate models to investigate westerly wind behavior, dust flux mechanisms, and paleoproductivity patterns during past warm periods. Scientific Recruitment: Ph.D. candidates studying Earth System history Lehigh undergraduates seeking 2025-2026 research experience Abell maintains active research programs investigating climate-geomorphology interactions in Asian desert basins, Southern Ocean biogeochemistry, and archaeological applications of geochemistry. His laboratory combines field sampling, advanced geochemical analysis, and climate modeling to reconstruct past environmental conditions and test Earth system hypotheses.

Thomas SheldrakeView profile

Assistant Professor

• Volcanology
• Geochemistry
• Geochronology
• +3 more

Thomas Sheldrake is an SNSF Eccellenza Professorial Fellow (Assistant Professor) at the Department of Earth Sciences, University of Geneva. His research focuses on magmatic processes, volcanic systems, and geochronological methods with applications to understanding eruption dynamics and tectonic interactions. He specializes in integrating geochemical, petrological, and computational approaches to study magma evolution and volcanic hazards. Research interests include: Magmatic system evolution and eruption triggers Zircon-based geochronology and petrochronology Volcanic crystal records of magma storage and degassing Remote sensing of volcanic structures using micro-CT Statistical modeling of volcanic eruption data His work spans field-based studies in the Caribbean, Iceland, and Italy, alongside computational methods for mineral analysis. Notable contributions include linking sea-level changes to magmatic pulses during the Messinian crisis and developing zircon age spectra techniques for magma evolution quantification. His recent 2025 study on Caribbean coral porosity demonstrates interdisciplinary approaches bridging geology and environmental science. Scientific Awards: SNSF Eccellenza Professorial Fellowship Research collaborations involve institutions globally, with frequent co-authorship on topics ranging from Holuhraun eruption geochemistry to Saint Kitts volcanic stratigraphy. His work emphasizes bridging fundamental geoscience with applied volcanic hazard assessment.