Steven Lundblad

Professor Steven Lundblad is a tenured geochemist in the Department of Geology at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, College of Arts and Sciences. With over two decades of Hawaiʻi-based research, he bridges volcanic geochemistry and cultural heritage preservation through pioneering non-destructive analytical techniques.

• B.S. (1985) - Harvard University
• M.S. (1988) - University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Ph.D. (1994) - University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill

His research focuses on two complementary domains: volcanic geochemistry through real-time lava flow analysis during eruptions, and geoarchaeology via EDXRF spectrometry of Polynesian stone tools. This dual expertise has led to:

• Development of rapid geochemical monitoring protocols during volcanic crises
• Revolutionizing artifact analysis by eliminating destructive sampling
• Identification of unprecedented andesitic lavas during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption
• Establishment of the interdepartmental Geoarchaeology Laboratory with Peter Mills

Recent publications demonstrate methodological advancements in Archaeometry (2006), Journal of Archaeological Science (2023), and Science (2019), alongside applied geologic studies in Bulletin of Volcanology (2024). These works span disciplines including:

• Volcanic hazard modeling
• Prehistoric trade network reconstruction
• Geochemical fingerprinting methodologies
• Cultural sensitivity in scientific practice

Awarded the 2019 Koichi and Taniyo Taniguchi Award for innovation in rapid lava analysis, his work directly informs emergency management decisions during volcanic events. The Geoarchaeology Laboratory serves as training ground for both geology and anthropology students, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration through hands-on scientific practice.