Pilar Madrigal

Pilar Madrigal is a Scientist at GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, affiliated with Topic 3 (Ocean Floor Dynamics) and the Magmatic and Hydrothermal Systems department. Her research focuses on geochemistry and petrology of ophiolites, mid-ocean ridge magmatism, and plume-ridge interactions. She holds a Ph.D. in Geosciences from Virginia Tech (2016) and a Bachelor's in Geology from the University of Costa Rica (2011). From 2016–2023, she served as Adjunct Professor and Researcher at the University of Costa Rica's Department of Geology.

Madrigal leads multiple grants, including the Marie Skłodowska Curie ISOSEA project (Horizon Europe 2023–2025). Her work explores mantle heterogeneity, seamount geochemistry, and tectonic processes. Recent fieldwork includes expeditions to the Santa Elena Ophiolite (Costa Rica) and the Madagascar Rise aboard RV SONNE. She teaches undergraduate courses in geochemistry and petrography, and her research integrates Raman spectroscopy and geochronology methods.

Her publications span volcanic arc petrogenesis, meteorite analysis, and subduction zone dynamics. Madrigal's research emphasizes understanding Earth's mantle evolution through magmatic processes and oceanic crust formation.