David K. Muirhead

Professor David K. Muirhead is Head of School of Geosciences at the University of Aberdeen, holding a Personal Chair as a full Professor. He leads the School of Geosciences since January 2020, following his role as Director of PGT Programmes from 2016-2019. His academic career is deeply rooted at the University of Aberdeen, where he completed his PhD after obtaining his BSc in Earth Science from the University of Glasgow.

Professor Muirhead's educational background includes:

• BSc (Hons) in Earth Science from the University of Glasgow
• PhD from the University of Aberdeen
• PGCert (Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education)

Professor Muirhead is a geologist with extensive expertise in mineralogy and geochemistry, particularly known for his innovative application of Raman spectroscopy across multiple disciplines. His research spans geological processes, environmental sciences (particularly wildfire studies), archaeology (including cremation analysis), and medical applications in cancer research. He has developed interdisciplinary approaches that bridge traditional geological methods with applications in diverse fields.

His scholarly output demonstrates a consistent focus on thermal processes in geological systems, with particular emphasis on Raman spectroscopy as a tool for understanding carbon materials, thermal maturity, and geothermometry. His recent work shows increasing interdisciplinary reach, connecting geological methods to environmental science, archaeology, and medical diagnostics. The trend in his publications reveals growing collaboration across disciplines and expanding applications of his core expertise in spectroscopic analysis of geological materials.

Professor Muirhead holds several professional distinctions:

• Fellow of the Geological Society (FGS)
• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)

As an educator and academic leader, Professor Muirhead has significant teaching responsibilities across multiple geology courses, from introductory Earth Science to specialized Petroleum Geology. He has served on various university committees including the College of Physical Sciences College Council and Teaching and Learning Committee. His leadership extends to mentoring students through his role as Personal Tutor and through research supervision.

His research activities are centered around several key areas including Raman spectroscopy of carbon, geofluids, contact metamorphism, intrusion and petroleum system interactions, astrobiology, and the geology of Scotland. His laboratory work focuses on applying advanced spectroscopic techniques to understand thermal histories in geological systems, with applications ranging from petroleum exploration to understanding ancient wildfire events.