Luke Milan

Dr Luke Milan is a Senior Lecturer in Earth Sciences at the University of New England (UNE), specifically within the School of Environmental and Rural Science, which falls under the Faculty of Science, Agriculture, Business and Law. His academic career focuses on field-based geological research, integrating multiple analytical techniques to understand ancient tectonic processes.

• Institution: University of New England (Australia)
• School: School of Environmental and Rural Science
• Position: Senior Lecturer in Earth Sciences
• Contact: lmilan@une.edu.au

Dr Milan's research centers on elucidating records of past tectonic events from ancient dynamic plate boundaries. He employs a multidisciplinary approach combining field mapping, structural analysis, geochronology, geochemistry and petrology to unravel processes occurring at ancient plate boundaries. His primary research areas include geology, tectonics, petrology and geochemistry, and geochronology, with particular expertise in understanding silicic arc magmatism and its relationship to major extinction events.

Analysis of Dr Milan's publication record reveals a strong focus on tectonic processes, particularly concerning Gondwana margin evolution, Permian-Triassic boundary events, and Mesozoic arc systems. His most significant recent work examines how pulses of intense volcanic eruptions along convergent margins emit substantial volatiles that drive climatic excursions leading to major extinction events, with particular attention to the end-Permian mass extinction. His research demonstrates expertise in high-precision dating techniques, particularly CA-TIMS U-Pb zircon dating, to establish precise chronological frameworks for geological events.

Dr Milan has supervised numerous research students, including current PhD candidates Damien Wilkinson and Steven Doherty (as co-supervisor), along with several honours students. His past supervision includes Dr Zaman Ahaduzzaman's PhD work and multiple honours projects. He is an active member of several professional geological societies including the Geological Society of Australia, AUSIMM, Geological Society of America, and The Geochemical Society, demonstrating strong engagement with the international geoscience community.

• Current PhD students: Damien Wilkinson, Steven Doherty (co-supervisor)
• Current honours students: Serena Chandler-Ho, Adam Banister, Thomas Leckie
• Past PhD: Dr Zaman Ahaduzzaman (co-supervisor)
• Past Honours: Jonathan Van Roest, Gabby Kassulke, Chris Slominski, Thomas Walters, Dale Vrenegoor

Dr Milan teaches several undergraduate geology courses at UNE including GEOL110 (Our Blue Planet), GEOL120 (Dynamic Earth), GEOL208 (Structural and Metamorphic Geology), and GEOL313 (Environmental Geology), covering fundamental to advanced geological concepts with emphasis on practical field applications.