Find Academic Supervisors

• Geology
• Astrobiology
• Early Earth History
• +4 more

Professor Martin Van Kranendonk is the Head of School at the School of Earth and Planetary Sciences (EPS), part of Curtin University's Faculty of Science and Engineering. He holds a portfolio role in the Office of the Provost. His research focuses on early Earth history, astrobiology, and the geological processes that shaped microbial life. He leads investigations into ancient stromatolites, hydrothermal systems, and the environmental conditions conducive to life’s origins. Van Kranendonk’s work spans over four decades, with a strong emphasis on the Pilbara Craton and other Archaean-Proterozoic terrains. His studies integrate geochemistry, sedimentology, and geobiology to unravel the co-evolution of life and Earth’s systems. He collaborates globally, contributing to Mars sample return mission planning and astrobiological studies of extraterrestrial environments. Key research themes include: 1) Early Earth geochemical and tectonic evolution; 2) Microbial biosignatures in ancient rocks; 3) Hydrothermal systems as life’s incubators; and 4) Planetary habitability. His publications emphasize interdisciplinary approaches, linking field geology with cutting-edge analytical techniques. Recent articles highlight advancements in understanding prebiotic chemistry, mantle evolution, and microbial adaptation in extreme environments. While no awards are explicitly listed, his contributions have significantly impacted astrobiology and Archaean geology. He oversees research teams and advises projects at Curtin’s EPS, fostering collaborations across disciplines. Van Kranendonk’s work has implications for both Earth science and planetary exploration, bridging the gap between ancient terrestrial records and future space missions.

Colin JacksonView profile

Assistant Professor

• Solid Earth Geochemistry
• Petrology
• High-Pressure Synthesis
• +3 more

Colin Jackson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Tulane University's School of Science & Engineering. He leads the High Temperature and Pressure (HiTaP) Laboratory, researching chemical reactions governing planetary evolution under extreme conditions using experimental techniques. His work focuses on geochemical processes during planet formation and differentiation. Dr. Jackson holds a Ph.D. from Brown University (2014) and a B.S. from the University of California, Santa Cruz (2008). His primary research interests include: Solid Earth geochemistry and petrology High-pressure experimental techniques Planetary formation and evolution Magma ocean dynamics Volatile element distribution in terrestrial planets His recent publications demonstrate a focus on geochemical modeling of planetary formation processes, experimental studies of element partitioning under extreme conditions, and interpretation of lunar geological data. Research trends include magma ocean crystallization, core-mantle differentiation, volatile cycling, and noble gas systematics. The HiTaP Laboratory provides research opportunities for students interested in experimental planetary science. Dr. Jackson encourages student involvement in high-pressure synthesis experiments and geochemical analysis techniques.

Brandon SchmandtView profile

Professor

• Seismology
• Tectonics
• Volcanology
• +4 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.

Paul A KappView profile

Professor

• Continental Tectonics
• Regional Geology
• Structural-Stratigraphic Analysis
• +4 more

Paul A Kapp is a Professor in the Department of Geosciences at the University of Arizona. His expertise spans continental tectonics, regional geology, structural-stratigraphic analysis, and eolian processes, with a focus on Asia and Cordilleran orogenic systems. Fieldwork includes geologic mapping, kinematic analysis of structures, and stratigraphic section measurements across Precambrian to Quaternary rock types. University: University of Arizona Department: Geosciences Email: pkapp@arizona.edu Research interests emphasize quantifying timing and rates of tectonic processes via geochronology and thermochronology. Key themes include Tibetan Plateau uplift, lithospheric dynamics in collisional zones, and eolian-landscape interactions. His work integrates field observations with analytical methods to understand orogenic plateau formation and paleoelevation reconstruction. Recent publications highlight tectonic-climate feedbacks, mantle melting mechanisms in Tibet, and crustal deformation in the North American Cordillera. Articles often address geodynamic modeling, basin evolution, and isotopic dating applications, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach to orogenic and sedimentary systems.

• Oceanic plate tectonics and dynamics
• Mid-ocean ridges
• Hotspots
• +11 more

Jian Lin is a Chair Professor in the Department of Ocean Science and Engineering at the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) , China. He is an internationally renowned geophysicist, member of the European Academy of Sciences , Academia Europaea , and Russian Academy of Natural Sciences . He has held distinguished positions at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and MIT/WHOI Joint Program in Oceanography , and is a leading expert in global oceanic plate tectonics, earthquake mechanics, and marine geophysics. Education: Ph.D. in Geophysics (1988), Brown University M.S. in Geophysics (1984), Brown University B.S. in Geophysics (1982), University of Science and Technology of China Research Focus: Prof. Lin's work spans computational geodynamics , marine geophysics , earthquake mechanics , and oceanic lithospheric evolution . His studies include mid-ocean ridges, subduction zones, hydrothermal systems, and tsunami dynamics. He has led over 20 international oceanographic expeditions and contributed to major discoveries such as the first hydrothermal vents on the Southwest Indian Ridge and high-resolution seismic imaging of the Mariana Trench. Scientific Recognition: Fellow, American Geophysical Union (AGU) Fellow, Geological Society of America (GSA) Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Henry Bryant Bigelow Chair for Excellence in Oceanography Charles E. Culpeper Young Scientist Award Member (Academician), European Academy of Sciences Member (Academician), Russian Academy of Natural Sciences Member (Academician), Academia Europaea Advising & Mentorship: Prof. Lin has supervised numerous PhD and Master's students, including Shuqiao Zhong , Guanzhi Wang , and postdocs such as LaiYin Guo , Caicai Zha , and Yiming Luo . He has taught courses like Global Plate Tectonics , Intelligent Ocean Exploration , and Introduction to Oceanography . Laboratory & Leadership Roles: He has served as Chair of the InterRidge Program , an international initiative promoting deep-sea research. He has held editorial roles in top journals and served on advisory boards for major ocean science programs globally.

Rex N TaylorView profile

Professor

• Volcanic geochemistry
• Isotope geochemistry
• Volcanology
• +5 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.

Ana FerreiraView profile

Professor

• Geosciences
• Geophysics
• Seismology
• +5 more

Professor Ana Ferreira is a leading seismologist at University College London, focusing on deep Earth structure and earthquake source processes. Her research integrates seismic and geodetic data to understand planetary dynamics from the surface to the lowermost mantle. Her work includes pioneering seismic tomography, such as the SGLOBE-rani 3D anisotropy model, and earthquake source analysis using InSAR and normal mode data. She leads the Seismological Laboratory and teaches Seismology II and Field Geophysics. Recent projects include the UPFLOW experiment, which deployed 49 ocean bottom seismometers in the Atlantic, and studies on Greenland ice sheet evolution and Tonga volcanic eruptions. Her EU-funded research emphasizes multidisciplinary data integration and numerical modeling. Key article trends cover mantle anisotropy, global tomography, earthquake source inversion, cosmology-inspired machine learning, and ocean bottom seismology applications in geodynamics and cryospheric processes.

Brandon ShuckView profile

Assistant Professor

• Solid-Earth Geophysics
• Tectonic Processes
• Active-Source Seismic Imaging
• +5 more

Brandon Shuck is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Geology & Geophysics at Louisiana State University (LSU), part of the College of Science. His research focuses on solid-earth geophysics, particularly tectonic processes within plate boundaries and mature tectonic settings. He uses active-source seismic reflection and wide-angle ocean-bottom seismometer data to image subsurface lithospheric architecture and integrate interdisciplinary datasets including bathymetry, borehole logs, and geodynamic models. Education: Ph.D. in Geological Sciences (2021) from the University of Texas at Austin; B.S. in Geology (Petroleum Emphasis) and Mathematics (2015) from Western Colorado University. Previously served as a Postdoctoral Fellow at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia University (2021–2024). Research Interests: Tectonic evolution of the lithosphere at plate boundaries, feedbacks between lithospheric stress and fluid-rock interactions, geologic hazards related to subduction zones, and mantle dynamics during continental breakup. Active projects include studies of subduction initiation in the Tyrrhenian Sea, megathrust fault segmentation in Cascadia, and water content in the Cocos Plate offshore Mexico. Current opportunities include an NSF-funded PhD position (starting Fall 2025) investigating mantle dynamics during early Atlantic seafloor spreading, involving seismic data acquisition on the R/V Langseth. His group emphasizes collaborative, interdisciplinary approaches combining seismic imaging, field geology, and modeling. Awards: None explicitly listed, though his work has been supported through NSF funding and institutional grants. Lab/Team: Directs the LSU Solid-Earth Geophysics Research Group, which integrates geophysical data analysis with field observations to address tectonic questions at multiple scales.

Boris KausView profile

Professor

• Geodynamics
• Lithospheric Deformation
• Numerical Modeling
• +5 more

Boris Kaus is a Full Professor and Chair of Geophysics and Geodynamics at the Institute of Geosciences, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany. His research focuses on understanding geological processes from grain scale to planetary scale using mathematical and numerical models. Funded by the German Research Foundation, European Research Council, and BMBF, his work spans lithospheric deformation, melt migration, fold-and-thrust belts, and high-performance computing applications in geosciences. His research interests center on geodynamic modeling of lithospheric processes, including subduction zones, mantle convection, and crustal deformation. Kaus develops novel numerical approaches to simulate complex geological phenomena, with emphasis on coupling between erosion, lithosphere dynamics, and mantle flow. His group creates specialized software for high-performance computing systems to tackle multi-scale geophysical problems. His scientific awards include the Paul Niggli Medal, EGU Arne Richter Award, multiple ERC grants (Starting, Proof-of-Concept, Consolidator), and the Carl Friedrich Gauss Lecturer honor. He has received recognition for editorial contributions including G-Cubed's Excellence in Refereeing award. ERC Consolidator Grant MAGMA (2018-2023) ERC Proof of Concept Grant SALTED (2016-2017) ERC Starting Grant MODEL (2010-2015) John von Neumann Excellence Project for HPC ETH Medal for Ph.D. thesis Kaus actively supervises graduate students and leads research projects funded by major European and German agencies. His group develops open-source software like GeophysicalModelGenerator.jl and maintains strong collaborations with international institutions including ETH Zürich and USC. Current projects focus on magma dynamics, lithospheric shear localization, and the development of advanced numerical methods for geodynamic simulations. The research group operates within the Geodynamics & Geophysics team at JGU Mainz, utilizing high-performance computing resources and collaborating with multiple European research initiatives including IMPRS and FORTHEM networks. Their laboratory specializes in numerical modeling of Earth systems with applications to tectonics, volcanology, and crustal evolution.

Sergei LebedevView profile

Professor

• Seismology
• Geophysics
• Seismic Tomography
• +5 more

Sergei Lebedev is a Professor of Geophysics at the University of Cambridge's Department of Earth Sciences and holds an adjunct professorship at Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies. His primary affiliation is with the Bullard Laboratories. He specializes in seismology, seismic tomography, and the structural evolution of the Earth's crust and upper mantle, with a focus on regions like the North Atlantic, Africa, and Tibet. Lebedev leads major projects such as SEA-SEIS and Ireland Array, combining research with public engagement. His work integrates seismic data with geodynamic models to understand tectonic processes, volcanic systems, and resource exploration. PhD: Princeton University (2000) MSc: Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (1991) Research interests include seismic imaging methods, lithospheric dynamics, and the interplay between seismicity and tectonic evolution. He has contributed to studies on cratonic lithosphere structure, mantle plumes, and crustal deformation mechanisms.

• Thermo-tectonic evolution
• Continental crust
• Thermochronology
• +3 more

Associate Professor Stijn Glorie is an academic at the University of Adelaide, affiliated with the School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences under the Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology. He holds the rank of Associate Professor since 2021 and is an ARC Future Fellow (2022–2025). His research focuses on the thermo-tectonic evolution of continental crust using multi-method thermochronology, including apatite U-Pb, fission track, Lu-Hf, and Re-Os dating. He has led the development of novel in situ dating techniques and applied these methods to regions like Central Asia, Australia, Antarctica, and India. Glorie teaches courses in Tectonics and Sedimentary Geology and coordinates research projects involving geochronology and continental evolution. His work spans from fundamental geochronological method development to applied studies addressing mountain-building, basin formation, and mineralization processes. He has contributed to major infrastructure initiatives like the AuScope EarthBank and GPlates projects, supporting industry-academia collaboration in resource geoscience. Education: PhD in Geology, Ghent University, Belgium (2012) Postdoctoral Researcher, Ghent University (2012–2013) Research Interests: Continental crust evolution and tectonic history Innovative thermochronology methods (LA-ICP-MS/MS, beta-decay dating) Fluid-assisted metamorphic processes Provenance analysis of sediments and detrital minerals Awards: ARC Future Fellowship (2022–2025) Grants/Supervision: Eligible to supervise Masters and PhD students Coordinates industry-academia partnerships through AuScope initiatives Labs/Teams: Advances in laser ablation geochronology techniques Collaborations on global thermochronology datasets (e.g., AusGeochem platform)

Robert SternView profile

Professor

• Volcanism at convergent plate margins
• Continental crust evolution
• Sedimentary basin geology
• +4 more

Robert Stern is a Professor of Geosciences at The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD), affiliated with the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. He serves as the Geosciences Graduate Advisor and has held roles such as Department Head (1997–2005). His research focuses on continental crust evolution, convergent margin volcanism, and sedimentary basins, with fieldwork in regions like the Izu-Bonin-Mariana arc, Arabian-Nubian Shield, and Gulf of Mexico. Educated at UC San Diego (Ph.D., 1979) and UC Davis (B.Sc., 1974), Stern has a prolific record of academic service, including roles at the Tectonics Observatory (Caltech) and Stanford University. He has supervised over 30 graduate students and authored numerous peer-reviewed articles. Awards include the 2019 Geological Society of Japan Prize and fellowships from AGU, GSA, and AAAS. Key research areas include plate tectonic evolution, subduction zone dynamics, and geoscience education. His work bridges field studies, geochemical analyses (Sr, Nd, Pb isotopes), and educational outreach via videos (e.g., Geoscience Studios YouTube channel). Current projects involve Mariana Arc volcanology and the biogeodynamic interplay between tectonics and life evolution.

• Geochemistry
• Petrology
• Mantle Dynamics
• +6 more

Dr. Carl Spandler is an Adjunct Associate Professor at James Cook University, specializing in geochemistry and petrology. His research focuses on Earth’s mantle evolution, basaltic magma formation, subduction zone processes, and the tectonic significance of rare earth element (REE) deposits. Current projects include studies on REE mobility in the crust, crustal evolution of NE Australia, and high-pressure metamorphic rocks. Key research themes include: Geochemical cycling of REEs and critical minerals Magmatic processes in continental arcs and ophiolites Ore genesis in volcanic and carbonatite systems He has led projects such as the 'Jurassic Arc' reconstruction of eastern Gondwana and investigations into the Rukwa Rift Basin’s magmatic history. His work combines field studies, isotopic analysis (U-Pb, Nd), and experimental petrology. Teaching involvement includes mentorship in geology, particularly in analytical techniques and mineral systems. Collaborations span institutions globally, including studies in Tanzania, Peru, and China. His publications emphasize methodological advancements in laser ablation ICP-MS and the application of detrital zircon data to tectonic reconstructions. Laboratory contributions include work on the Gifford Creek Carbonatite Complex and the Tommy Creek Domain, highlighting his focus on interdisciplinary approaches to crustal evolution and mineral resource exploration.

Sami MikhailView profile

Academic

• Planetary Science
• Geochemistry
• Volcanology
• +5 more

Dr. Sami Mikhail is a Reader in Earth Sciences at the University of St Andrews, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences. His research focuses on understanding the interplay between planetary interiors and surface composition, particularly how volcanic degassing influences long-term habitability. He holds roles such as Treasurer of the Volcanic and Magmatic Studies Group and Board Member of the St Andrews Centre for Exoplanet Science. He completed his PhD at University College London (2011) and has held positions including Postdoctoral Researcher at the Carnegie Institution of Washington (2011–2013). His expertise spans geochemistry, petrology, and planetary science, contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to climate action and sustainable cities. Key research interests include the deep carbon and nitrogen cycles, mantle metasomatism, diamond formation, and planetary habitability. His work has been recognized with awards such as the Distinguished Lecturer from the Mineralogical Society (2020) and the Murchison Fund (2017). Dr. Mikhail supervises PhD students (e.g., Fawn Holland, Frederik Märker) and has led major grants like the NERC-funded project on Earth’s nitrogen flux. His lab focuses on experimental and theoretical approaches to trace volatile elements in Earth’s history.

Dibakar GhosalView profile

Associate Professor

• Seismology
• Tomography
• Subduction tectonics
• +7 more

Dr. Dibakar Ghosal is an Associate Professor in the Department of Earth Sciences at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur). He leads the Crustal Imaging Laboratory (CIL) which is equipped with state-of-the-art seismic data acquisition setup and processing software for both land and marine seismic datasets. His research spans exploration seismology, tectonic studies, and algorithm development for subsurface imaging across diverse geological settings. Dr. Ghosal's educational background includes: PhD in Geophysics (2008-2013) from Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris (IPGP), France M.Sc. in Geophysics (2004-2006) from Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, India B.Sc. in Geology, Mathematics and Physics (2001-2004) from Jadavpur University, India His research focuses on three major themes: (1) Tectonic studies across Himalaya, Sumatra-Andaman, and Bay of Bengal using high-resolution seismic datasets; (2) Development of algorithms for petrophysical parameter estimation of hydrocarbon and ore reserves; and (3) Ambient Noise and earthquake data analysis. His work integrates field data acquisition, computational modeling, and advanced algorithm development to address fundamental questions in Earth sciences, with particular emphasis on crustal architecture and resource exploration. His recent publications demonstrate expertise in crustal imaging techniques, tectonic analysis of subduction zones, and algorithm development for seismic data processing. The research spans diverse geographical regions including the Himalayas, Sumatra-Andaman region, Bay of Bengal, and Southern Indian Ocean, with applications to hydrocarbon exploration, tectonic studies, and crustal architecture analysis. Dr. Ghosal has received several prestigious fellowships and awards: 2023: Scientific High Level Visiting Fellowship (SSHN) from French Institute in India (IFI) 2022: INSA visiting scientist fellowship 2019: Visiting Faculty at IPG Paris, France 2019: Visiting Faculty at NTU Singapore 2014-2015: Postdoctoral fellowship, Geocentrum, Uppsala University, Sweden 2008-2012: PhD fellowship, IPG Paris, France Dr. Ghosal actively mentors students and has supervised numerous PhD, MTech, and BS-MS students. His research is supported by multiple sponsored projects from DST-SERB, MoES, ONGC, and other funding agencies. He has successfully completed projects on topics including seismic imaging of the Himalayan foothills, gas hydrate reservoir modeling, and petrophysical property estimation. He leads the Crustal Imaging Laboratory (CIL) at IIT Kanpur, which conducts field work across various regions of India including the Himalayas and offshore areas. The laboratory is equipped with RAUs, 3C Tromino sensors, seismic thumpers, and advanced processing servers. He collaborates with national institutions including NIO Goa, IISER Pune, and NGRI, as well as international institutions such as IPG Paris, Uppsala University, and Texas A&M University.