Rachel Lauer

Rachel Lauer is an Associate Professor in the Department of Earth, Energy and Environment at the University of Calgary, holding PhD and MS degrees in Geoscience and Environmental Engineering. Her research examines fluid-rock interactions in subduction zones and their relationship to geohazards like earthquakes and landslides.

Research focuses on:

• Subduction zone hydrogeology and earthquake mechanics
• Seafloor observatories for monitoring fluid pressure and temperature
• Numerical modeling of fluid flow in oceanic crust
• Carbon mineralization in basaltic aquifers

Lauer uses deep-sea submersibles like Alvin to study hydrothermal systems and has conducted fieldwork in Costa Rica, New Zealand, and Japan. Her Solid Carbon project develops ocean basalt carbon storage for gigaton-scale CO2 removal.

She received the Faculty of Science Team Teaching Award (2021) and teaches courses on climate change science and physical properties of earth materials. Research contributes to understanding how fluid pressures influence seismic activity along megathrust faults.