David Muirhead

Professor David Muirhead is a geologist at the University of Aberdeen, serving as Head of the School of Geosciences since January 2020. He holds a Personal Chair and obtained his BSc in Earth Science from the University of Glasgow and PhD from the University of Aberdeen.

• Research Interests: Raman spectroscopy applications across geology, environmental wildfire studies, archaeological cremations, and biomedical cancer research
• Teaching Roles: Courses like GL1005 Earth Through Geological Time and GL4028 Petroleum Geology

Key Research Themes: Interdisciplinary use of spectroscopy techniques, thermal alteration of rocks in fold-thrust belts, igneous intrusion impacts on petroleum systems, and astrobiological applications in hot spring carbonates.

Publications: 10+ recent works (2023-2025) covering topics from lithium adsorption mechanisms to wildfire flux proxies and biosignature detection in travertines.

Laboratory & Facilities: Utilizes advanced geochemistry and microscopy laboratories at the School of Geosciences, including SeisLAB and SUERC facilities.