Lydian Boschman

Dr. Lydian Boschman is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Earth Sciences at Utrecht University's Faculty of Geosciences, specializing in Mantle dynamics & theoretical geophysics. Her research spans geological and biological disciplines, focusing on the relationship between Earth's evolution and biodiversity patterns.

Dr. Boschman's primary research interests include plate tectonics, paleogeography, paleoclimate, and their influence on biodiversity evolution. Her current work centers on a Veni-funded project studying New Caledonia as a biodiversity hotspot in the Pacific Ocean, where she reconstructs paleogeography and paleoclimate to correlate with biological evolution using phylogenetic and biodiversity datasets.

Her publication record reveals a strong focus on the interplay between geological processes and biological evolution, particularly examining how Andean mountain building, Panthalassa Ocean dynamics, and paleoenvironmental changes have shaped biodiversity across South America, the Pacific region, and globally. Her research integrates geological, paleontological, and biological approaches to understand long-term Earth system evolution.

Among her scientific contributions are studies on Wallace's Line biogeography, Amazonian flora history, Andean orogeny effects on species radiation, and the reconstruction of ancient plate motions in the Panthalassa Ocean. Her work demonstrates how geological processes operating over millions of years have fundamentally shaped modern biodiversity patterns.

Dr. Boschman has mentored numerous students and collaborated extensively with international researchers across Earth sciences and biodiversity disciplines. Her work has received significant attention, with multiple publications featured in high-impact journals and covered by various media outlets.