Peter Shearer is a Professor of Geophysics at the Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics , affiliated with the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego. His research focuses on observational seismology, mantle discontinuities, earthquake location methods, source properties, and seismicity patterns. Education: B.S. in Geology and Geophysics, Yale University (1978) Ph.D. in Geophysics, UCSD Scripps Institution (1986) Research Interests Shearer's work uses large seismic datasets to study Earth's interior structure, particularly mantle transition zones, lithospheric discontinuities, and earthquake triggering mechanisms. His methods include waveform cross-correlation relocation, SS precursor analysis, and seismic wave scattering studies. Scientific Contributions His publications span 40+ years, with recent works analyzing aftershock migration, mantle discontinuities, and fault weakening. Key themes include Global mantle imaging using teleseismic data High-resolution fault zone seismicity Deep Earth structure from scattered waves Scientific Awards AGU Fellow (1999) SIO Outstanding Teaching Award (2003) Lehmann Medal (AGU, 2020) National Academy of Sciences member (2009)
Professor Saskia Goes is a Professor of Geophysics at Imperial College London's Department of Earth Science & Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering. She specializes in geodynamics, subduction dynamics, and seismic hazard analysis using numerical modeling and geophysical data interpretation. Her affiliations include the Dynamic Earth and Hazards groups at the Imperial Centre for Geohazards Dynamics. Education: PhD in Geophysics from UC Santa Cruz (1995), Drs (BSc/MSc equivalent) from Utrecht University (1990). Prior roles include SNF Professor of Tectonophysics at ETH Zurich (2003-2005), Visiting Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan (1995-1996), and postdoctoral research at Utrecht University (1996-1999). Research focuses on mantle dynamics, lithosphere structure, and subduction zone processes. Her work integrates seismic imaging, machine learning, and numerical simulations to study phenomena like slab dynamics, mantle plumes, and fluid migration. Key themes include the interplay between tectonic forces and geochemical processes in continental and oceanic settings. Publications emphasize subduction zone processes, seismic tomography, and induced seismicity. She has led projects like the VoiLA initiative studying volatile recycling in the Lesser Antilles. Awards and recognition include invited lectures at leading conferences (AGU, EGU) and universities worldwide. Teaching includes undergraduate geodynamics, geohazards courses, and advanced MSc modeling modules. Active in promoting geohazard research through interdisciplinary collaboration and public engagement.
John C. Doyle is the Jean-Lou Chameau Professor of Control and Dynamical Systems, Electrical Engineering, and BioEngineering at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), where he holds appointments in the Division of Engineering and Applied Science with primary affiliation in the Control and Dynamical Systems Department. His research bridges theoretical foundations with applications across biological, technological, medical, and ecological networks. He earned a BS and MS in Electrical Engineering from MIT (1977) and a PhD in Mathematics from UC Berkeley (1984), followed by consultancy at Honeywell Systems and Research Center (1976-1990). MIT: BS & MS in Electrical Engineering (1977) UC Berkeley: PhD in Mathematics (1984) Doyle's research centers on universal laws and architectures in complex systems, emphasizing robustness-efficiency tradeoffs, speed-accuracy tradeoffs (SATs), diversity-enabled sweet spots (DeSS), bowtie/hourglass structures, and evolvability. His work pioneers System Level Synthesis (SLS) for control systems with sparse, local, saturating, delayed, noisy, quantized, and distributed (SLSDNQD) components, integrating control theory, computation, communication, and machine learning to address challenges from neural networks to infrastructure resilience. Key concepts include virtualization, horizontal transfer, and virality in multiscale systems. Analysis of his publication trends reveals consistent interdisciplinary impact across neuroscience (brain connectivity modeling), systems biology (metabolic oscillations), network science (internet topology), and physics (turbulence, earthquakes), with recurring themes of robust-efficiency limits and architectural principles governing complex networks. His work demonstrates exceptional translation from abstract theory to practical tools like the Matlab Robust Control Toolbox and Systems Biology Markup Language (SBML). His scientific recognition includes: 1990 IEEE Baker Prize (ranked among top 10 most important mathematics papers 1981-1993) Three IEEE Automatic Control Transactions Awards (1998, 1999, 2021) ACM Sigcomm Paper Prize (2004) and Test of Time Award (2016) IEEE Control Systems Field Award (2004) Multiple early-career honors including IEEE Centennial Outstanding Young Engineer (1984) Doyle has mentored generations of students whose contributions include foundational software tools adopted globally. His research has secured sustained funding from NSF, NIH, and other agencies supporting theoretical advances in control frameworks and their applications to biomedical systems, network infrastructure, and environmental modeling. The SBML initiative exemplifies his group's impact in standardizing computational biology research. He leads a highly collaborative research ecosystem at Caltech that integrates engineers, biologists, neuroscientists, and computer scientists to develop universal principles for complex networks. Current efforts focus on translating theoretical insights into health technologies, resilient infrastructure, and climate-responsive systems through the application of robust-efficiency frameworks to emerging challenges in cyber-physical and biological domains.
Sanne Cottaar is a researcher at the Department of Earth Sciences, University of Cambridge, specializing in seismology and deep Earth structure. Her work integrates seismic waveform analysis, mineral physics, and geodynamic modeling to investigate mantle plumes, ultra-low velocity zones (ULVZs), and core-mantle boundary dynamics. Key research areas include: Seismic imaging of deep Earth heterogeneity Core-mantle boundary and mantle transition zone structure Multidisciplinary approaches with mineral physics and geodynamics Development of seismic tools like BurnMan for thermodynamic modeling Public engagement through educational initiatives such as Deep Earth Explorers Her recent publications focus on mapping ULVZs using Sdiff and Pdiff waves, resolving mantle plume origins, and benchmarking seismic methods against geodynamic constraints. She actively supervises doctoral projects in seismology and deep Earth dynamics.
Dr. Mark Hoggard is an ARC DECRA Research Fellow at the Research School of Earth Sciences, The Australian National University (ANU). His research focuses on geodynamics, sea-level modelling, nuclear test monitoring, and critical mineral systems. He holds a PhD from ANU and has studied at institutions including Cambridge University, Harvard, and Columbia. Hoggard’s work integrates geophysical data with numerical modelling to explore Earth’s dynamic processes, including mantle convection, glacial isostatic adjustment, and lithospheric evolution. Affiliations: Research School of Earth Sciences (ANU), Geoscience Australia (collaborative projects). Education: PhD (ANU), MA (Cambridge), BSc (ANU). Research Interests: Dynamic topography and its influence on sea-level records. Mantle structure and its relationship to mineral systems. Glacial cycles and ice sheet dynamics. Seismic monitoring of underground nuclear tests. Recent Article Trends: Recent work emphasizes geodynamic corrections to Pliocene sea-level estimates, mantle rheology influences on ice sheet models, and statistical methods for distinguishing seismic events from explosions. Key themes include linking deep Earth processes to surface observations and advancing methods for critical mineral exploration. Grants & Projects: Leads projects such as CoastRI GIA Modelling (2024–2027) and Next Generation Sea-Level Modelling (2022–2025). Collaborates with institutions like Los Alamos National Laboratory on nuclear test detection algorithms. Labs/Teams: Part of ANU’s Geodynamics group and the Exploring for the Future program at Geoscience Australia, focusing on Australia’s crustal structure and mineral potential.
Dr. Ernst Willingshofer is an Associate Professor of Tectonics in the Department of Earth Sciences at Utrecht University's Faculty of Geosciences. His research focuses on the coupling of deep crustal and upper mantle processes with surface deformation, particularly in collision zones and rift systems. He employs field studies and physical analogue modelling to investigate lithospheric rheology, strain localization, and tectonic evolution. Research Interests: Willingshofer's work spans tectonics, lithosphere deformation, and structural geology. Key themes include the influence of rheological stratification on strain partitioning, analogue modelling of orogenic systems, and dynamics of basins and orogens. His research has applications in understanding Alpine, Mediterranean, and global tectonic processes. Articles Trend: Recent publications (2021–2024) emphasize analogue modelling innovations, strain partitioning mechanisms, and tectonic evolution of collision zones. Subduction initiation, passive margin dynamics, and intracontinental deformation are recurring themes, with strong focus on Mediterranean and Alpine geology. Teaching & Advising: Coordinates BSc courses ( Deformation and Metamorphism of the Crust , Pyrenean Fieldwork ) and MSc courses ( Modelling Crust and Lithosphere Deformation , Dynamics of Basins and Orogens ). Supervises MSc, BSc, and guided research projects. Laboratory: Leads the Earth Simulation Lab, specializing in analogue modelling of tectonic processes.
Xiaozhuo Wei is a Postdoctoral Scholar Research Associate in Geophysics at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), affiliated with the Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences and the Department of Geophysics. His research focuses on geophysical monitoring of volcanic and tectonic processes, employing advanced techniques like fiber-optic geodesy, seismic tomography, and machine learning. He specializes in studying seismicity associated with volcanic eruptions, magma dynamics, and slow slip events in subduction zones, with significant contributions to understanding the 2018 Kīlauea eruption and Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula eruptions. Key affiliations: Caltech’s Geophysics Department, Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences Research tools: Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS), ambient noise tomography, and offshore seismic arrays Field areas: Kīlauea Volcano (Hawaii), Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula, and Alaska’s subduction zones Wei’s work integrates multidisciplinary approaches to investigate crustal deformation, magma storage, and seismic hazard assessment. He has contributed to improving earthquake catalogs using offshore data and analyzing post-eruption seismicity patterns. His recent studies explore the spatial-temporal evolution of volcanic systems and the mechanics of dike intrusions using high-resolution geophysical methods. His research emphasizes real-time monitoring of volcanic processes and has advanced understanding of how seismic velocity changes reflect magma movement. Collaborations involve deploying ocean-bottom seismometers and machine learning algorithms to detect slow slip events in subduction zones, enhancing earthquake prediction capabilities. Notable projects include the 2023–2024 Reykjanes eruptions study and the analysis of the 2018 Kīlauea eruption’s seismic aftermath. His work bridges observational seismology with theoretical models of volcanic and tectonic systems, contributing to both fundamental science and practical hazard mitigation strategies.
Allen Husker is a Research Professor of Geophysics at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), affiliated with the Seismological Laboratory. He manages the Southern California Seismic Network (SCSN) and the Southern California Earthquake Data Center. Previously, he was a professor at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), chairing the Seismology Department, and served as Station Manager for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) seismic stations in Mexico. His academic journey includes a B.S. from the University of Washington (1998), an M.S. from UCLA (2003), and a Ph.D. from Caltech (2008). Research Interests : Husker focuses on geophysical observations of crustal structure, slow-slip events, and seismic network analysis. His work bridges subduction zones (e.g., Mexico) and transform boundaries (e.g., Southern California). He explores planetary seismology, comparing Earth with the Moon and Mars. Recent studies include DAS technology for moonquake detection and seismic monitoring in the Guerrero seismic gap. Publications Trends : His 2024 work emphasizes DAS applications, Mexico’s San Andreas Fault dynamics, and socio-technical aspects of earthquake early warning (EEW) in Mexico. Earlier research (2020s) delves into slow-slip mechanisms, crustal anisotropy, and fault system dynamics in Mexico. He also investigates moonquake behavior and lunar regolith effects. Awards : No explicit scientific awards listed. Advising & Grants : Advises graduate students like Guillermo González (UNAM) and Yuri Tamama (Caltech). Former students include Francesco Civilini (Research Space Scientist) and Jiuxun Yin (Research Geophysicist). Collaborates widely, including with Jennifer Jackson on lunar seismology. Labs/Teams : Leads the SCSN and collaborates with UNAM’s Seismology Department. Engaged with the CTBTO and international seismological networks.
Dr. Moritz Ziegler is a geomechanics researcher affiliated with the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and the Assistant Professorship of Geothermal Technologies . He previously worked at GFZ Potsdam (2017–2023) and earned his PhD in Geophysics from the University of Potsdam (2014–2017). His research focuses on geomechanical numerical modeling , uncertainty quantification , and 3D stress field analysis , with applications to geothermal energy, seismic hazard, and rock mechanics. Education: Bachelor of Science in Geosciences (2008–2011), Freie Universität Berlin Master of Science in Geophysics (2011–2014), University of Potsdam PhD in Geophysics (2014–2017), University of Potsdam & GFZ Potsdam His work integrates advanced computational methods ( Altair Hypermesh , Dassault Systèmes Abaqus , Python , Matlab ) to address complex geomechanical problems. Recent publications analyze stress gradients in the North Alpine Foreland Basin, fault-stress interactions, and physics-based machine learning in geomechanics. He has contributed to software development (DOuGLAS v1.0) and calibration tools (FAST Calibration v2.4). Scientific awards or honors are not explicitly mentioned in the provided text. However, his research has been published in leading journals such as Geophysical Journal International , Solid Earth , and Pure and Applied Geophysics .
Freya Morris is a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Geosciences at Hamilton College, appointed in 2025. Previously, she served as a Visiting Assistant Professor at Whitman College during the 2023-2024 academic year following her Ph.D. defense in summer 2023, and took a gap year for solo global travel. Her research integrates field-based sedimentology and structural geology to reconstruct paleoenvironments and basin evolution, focusing on climate-tectonics interactions and life's evolution through Earth history. Dr. Morris holds a Ph.D. and M.S. from the California Institute of Technology and a B.S. from Lafayette College. She employs geochemical methods and glacial isostatic adjustment modeling to support lithostratigraphic correlations and sea-level history reconstructions during deglaciation events. Her recent publications examine Ediacaran cap carbonates in Namibia and Marinoan Snowball Earth deglaciation dynamics, advancing understanding of ancient climate systems and extreme climate change records. These works demonstrate interdisciplinary approaches combining field geology with quantitative modeling. Scientific Awards: National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship (2017-2022) Supported by the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship during doctoral studies, Dr. Morris now develops her research program at Hamilton College while mentoring undergraduate students in geoscience through field-based courses like Principles of Geoscience: Our Interconnected Earth.
Sally Gibson is a researcher at the Department of Earth Sciences, University of Cambridge, specializing in mantle geodynamics and volatile cycling processes. Her work integrates field observations, geochemical analysis, and numerical modeling to investigate how deep Earth processes influence surface environments over 3.5 billion years of planetary evolution. Research focuses on volatile cycling (CO₂, H₂O, F, Cl, S) in mantle systems Key projects include mantle plume-ridge interactions with collaborators in the US and Ecuador Operates a LA-ICP-MS laboratory for high-resolution geochemical analyses Supervises PhD students in petrology, geochemistry, and numerical modeling Her research addresses fundamental questions about Earth's habitability through studies of mantle-derived volatiles critical for climate regulation and energy transition metal deposits. Fieldwork in remote regions like Antarctica, Lesotho, and the Galápagos Islands provides empirical data for her interdisciplinary approach. Recent publications highlight her expertise in mantle xenolith analysis, plume dynamics, and volatile quantification in large igneous provinces. Her group's work combines 3He/4He isotopic analysis with seismic tomography to constrain lithospheric evolution and mineral deposit formation. Students under her supervision develop expertise in petrology and geochemical modeling while engaging with environmental and societal impacts of geological research. She actively promotes scientific outreach and community engagement, fostering connections between academia and broader society.
Neal Driscoll is a Professor of Geology and Geophysics at the Geosciences Research Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego. He specializes in tectonic deformation, landscape evolution, and seafloor imaging, with a focus on understanding Earth's processes through sediment records. Driscoll co-directs UC San Diego’s Center for Public Preparedness (CP2) and leads ALERTCalifornia, a critical infrastructure network monitoring wildfires, floods, and earthquakes via over 1,000 cameras. His work bridges geohazard mitigation, climate impacts, and disaster response. Education: B.S., Geology, University of New Hampshire M.S., Oceanography, University of Rhode Island Ph.D., Columbia University (Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory) Research Interests: Driscoll investigates tectonic deformation’s role in shaping landscapes and seascapes, particularly in response to climate and sea-level changes. His fieldwork includes high-resolution seafloor imaging and seismic data analysis in regions like Iceland and California. He also studies neotectonics, geohazards, and coastal processes, with recent focus on the San Andreas Fault system and Salton Trough rift dynamics. ALERTCalifornia: This program uses advanced camera networks to monitor natural disasters, providing real-time data for first responders and researchers. Its infrastructure, originally for earthquake monitoring, now supports multi-hazard tracking, including wildfires and landslides, enhancing public safety and environmental understanding. Awards: Office of Naval Research Young Investigator Award Heezen Award and Storke Award (Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory) Scripps Undergraduate Teaching Award MIT Distinguished Crosby Lecturer Advising & Grants: Driscoll has mentored students in geology and geophysics, with grants supporting his research on fault systems, climate impacts, and disaster preparedness. His collaborative projects include the Salton Seismic Imaging Project and Arctic Ocean sediment studies. Labs & Teams: Leads ALERTCalifornia and CP2 teams, collaborates with Scripps’ Geosciences Research Division on marine geophysics and tectonic studies, and partners with global institutions like WHOI and Icelandic research groups.
Dr. Derek Keir is an Associate Professor in Earth Science within the Ocean and Earth Science department at the University of Southampton. He specializes in passive seismology, remote sensing, geochemistry, and field geology to study earthquakes and volcanoes in Africa, Arabia, the Caribbean, and Italy. He leads the Geology and Geophysics research group and serves as Chief Editor of the Structural Geology and Tectonics section in Frontiers in Earth Science , and holds editorial roles in Volcanology and Structural Geology. Education: MSci Geology and Geophysics (Imperial College London, 1998-2002), PhD in Tectonics and Seismology (Royal Holloway University of London, 2002-2006). Previous roles include NERC Research Fellow (University of Leeds, 2007-2011) and Lecturer (University of Southampton, 2011-2015). Research focuses on continental rifting, magmatic systems, and geothermal resources. Notable projects include the South Tanganyika Active Rift Seismicity study (sponsored by Beach Energy) and investigations into the lithospheric structure of the Ontong Java Plateau (NERC-funded). His work combines seismology, InSAR, and geochemical analyses to understand tectonic processes. Publications highlight contributions to understanding volcanic subsidence (Dallol), rift-scale magmatic inflation in Afar, and seismic hazard in the Apennines. Awards include the 2024 Nature Paper (Coevolution of craton margins), Jason Morgan Early Career Award (2011), and Bullerwell Award (2013). Supervises PhD students in INSPIRE programs and collaborates on international projects like the Afar Dallol Drilling initiative. His research bridges field observations with advanced geophysical modeling to advance continental dynamics understanding.
Prof. Dr. Johan Robertsson is a Full Professor of Applied Geophysics and Head of the Exploration and Environmental Geophysics (EEG) Group at ETH Zürich's Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences. He holds a MSc from Uppsala University (1991) and a PhD in Geophysics from Rice University (1994). Before joining ETH in 2012, he spent 15 years at Schlumberger in R&D roles, leading projects that revolutionized marine seismic data acquisition. His research focuses on wave propagation physics, seismic data inversion, and applications in exploration and environmental geophysics. He pioneered the use of Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) for landslide monitoring and contributed to Mars seismology via the InSight mission. Education: MSc in Engineering Physics, Uppsala University (1991) PhD in Geophysics, Rice University (1994) Research Interests: Seismic wavefield modeling and inversion Planetary seismology (Mars, Moon) Acoustic metamaterials and wave control Environmental geohazard monitoring Marine seismic acquisition techniques His work on the Martian soil properties using InSight data and lunar exploration instrumentation (ALGEP) reflects his cross-disciplinary approach. He holds 90+ patents and has secured prestigious grants like the ERC Advanced Grant. Awards: EAGE Guido Bonarelli Award (2020) ERC Advanced Grant MATRIX (2017) EAGE Conrad Schlumberger Award (2018) Grants & Advising: Led the MATRIX ERC project advancing seismic imaging algorithms Advised over 20 PhD/MS students (names not listed) Secured Schlumberger's largest R&D project in marine seismic sampling His EEG Group operates cutting-edge labs for immersive wave experimentation and planetary geophysical instrumentation. Current initiatives include lunar subsurface exploration and acoustic invisibility experiments.
Mihye Won is an Associate Professor at Monash University’s Faculty of Education, specializing in innovative science education strategies. Her research integrates dialogic teaching, student-generated diagrams, immersive Virtual Reality (VR), and generative AI to enhance scientific understanding and creativity. She has secured Australian Research Council (ARC) funding for projects like Using Immersive Virtual Reality to Enhance Science Visualisation (2019–2025) and Drawing Science Diagrams to Enhance Scientific Creativity (2018–2025). Her work supports students, teachers, and early-career researchers, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goal for Education. PhD, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: Inquiry-based science education via Dewey’s theory of inquiry Her research focuses on: Dialogic teaching to foster student reasoning Student-generated diagrams for conceptual understanding VR for visualizing complex science topics Generative AI in science learning Creative and critical thinking in science education Recent articles span VR applications, AI in physics education, collaborative drawing techniques, and curriculum-aligned creative pedagogy. Awards include the Most Valuable Paper Award 2024 for her work on enzyme-substrate interactions in VR. She serves on the advisory board for Chemistry Education Research and Practice and the editorial board of the International Journal of Science Education .
