Christy Till

Dr. Christy Till is an Associate Professor in the School of Earth and Space Exploration (SESE) at Arizona State University (ASU). She leads the Experimental Petrology & Igneous processes Center (EPIC), focusing on magma dynamics, planetary evolution, and volcanic hazards. Her research integrates fieldwork, high-pressure experiments, and geochemical modeling to study Earth and exoplanets. Till earned her PhD from MIT and joined ASU in 2014. She holds leadership roles in the American Geophysical Union (AGU), including Board membership, and advocates for inclusive academic practices. Notable awards include the NSF CAREER Grant and the AGU Reginald Daly Lecture (2024). Her work has been featured in major media outlets like the New York Times and PBS.

Education:

• Ph.D. Geology/Geochemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2011)
• M.S. Geological Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara (2005)
• B.S. Geological Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara (2004)

Research Interests: Till’s work spans igneous petrology, magma formation timescales, exoplanet magma systems, and subduction zone processes. She uses experimental methods to simulate mantle melting and employs isotopic geochemistry to trace volcanic histories. Recent projects include studying Yellowstone’s post-caldera evolution and the role of aqueous fluids in subduction zone oxidation.

Key Contributions:

• Developed the Thermobar Python tool for thermobarometry.
• Advanced understanding of magma storage and eruption triggers via diffusion chronometry.
• Explored exoplanet crust compositions through high-pressure experiments.
• Advocated for equitable doctoral qualifying exams via the AGU LANDInG Fellowship.

Labs/Teams: The EPIC lab collaborates across disciplines, combining geophysics, geochemistry, and field studies. Till’s team includes students and postdocs focused on volcanic systems, planetary science, and analytical methods.