Federico Lanza is a Research Fellow at the University of Oslo, affiliated with the Porous Media Laboratory (SFF) within the Department of Physics. His research focuses on fluid dynamics in porous media, thermal instabilities, and geophysical flows, particularly simulating phenomena like viscous fingering and lava cooling dynamics. Lanza collaborates with experts such as Beatrice Baldelli, Gaute Linga, and Eirik Grude Flekkøy on projects involving computational modeling of multiphase flow and thermal-viscous interactions. Recent work explores transitions between viscous fingers and foam structures in heterogeneous media, as well as cooling-induced instabilities in Hele-Shaw systems. His contributions bridge geophysics and engineering through advanced numerical simulations and experimental analysis.
Professor John Ronald Lister is a Professor of Fluid Dynamics at the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (DAMTP), University of Cambridge, and a Teaching Fellow/Director of Studies at Trinity College, Cambridge. His research spans fundamental fluid mechanics and its geophysical applications, with a focus on fluid-driven crack propagation, capillary phenomena, gravity currents, and Earth's core dynamics. Education & Roles: PhD in Geophysical Fluid Mechanics (1987, University of Cambridge) Postdoctoral Fellowships at Australian National University (1988-1990) Royal Society University Research Fellow (1992-1997) Academic Positions: University Lecturer (1997-2001), Reader (2001-2006), and Professor (2006-present) at DAMTP Research Interests: Fluid dynamics of magma transport in dykes, lava flows, and porous media Capillary pinch-off, film rupture, and elastocapillary effects Viscous gravity currents, particle-laden flows, and sedimentation Thermodynamics and dynamics of Earth's core Low Reynolds number flows and temperature-dependent viscosity effects Recent Article Trends: Recent work explores inertial coalescence of drops, elastocapillary aggregation, and viscous fingering in elastic-walled systems. His studies bridge laboratory experiments, numerical simulations, and analytical models to explain singularities, instabilities, and geophysical-scale phenomena. Grants & Teams: Leads research on fluid-driven fracture mechanics and collaborates with experimentalists (e.g., on bubble dynamics, squeegee physics). Active in DAMTP's Theoretical Geophysics group and Trinity College teaching.
Stephen Andrew Miller is a Full Professor (Professeur ordinaire) at the University of Neuchâtel's Centre for Hydrogeology and Geothermics (CHYN), part of the Faculty of Science. His primary research focuses on geodynamics, hydrogeology, and geothermal systems with emphasis on fluid-rock interactions, seismicity mechanics, and volcano-tectonic processes. He holds dual roles as Chair of Geothermie et géodynamique at UniNE and maintains an adjunct professorship at the University of Bonn. Education: PhD in Natural Science, ETH Zurich (Switzerland) MSc in Geophysics, Stanford University (USA) BSc in Civil Engineering, University of Maryland (USA) Research Interests span: Fluid-driven earthquake cycles and aftershock mechanics Thermal-hydrological-chemical (THC) modeling of geothermal systems Subduction zone dynamics and volcanic arc evolution Hydrothermal mineralization processes 3D numerical modeling of crustal deformation Recent work (2021-2025) emphasizes: Fluid pressure's role in seismicity triggering (Apennines/Greece) Decarbonization/dehydration mechanisms in fault zones Mars volcanic morphological comparisons Geothermal reservoir sustainability challenges Laboratory affiliations include the CHYN's Geothermal and Geodynamics lab, and he leads initiatives in multi-GPU computational geophysics. His research integrates field data with advanced numerical simulations to address pressing questions in energy geoscience and natural hazard mitigation.
Paula Antoshechkin is a Senior Research Scientist at the California Institute of Technology, specializing in igneous petrology and geochemistry. Her work focuses on thermodynamic modeling of magmatic processes, particularly through the development and maintenance of the alphaMELTS software suite, which provides advanced computational tools for simulating mantle melting and magma chamber dynamics. Her research integrates phase equilibrium modeling with geodynamic frameworks to study mantle melting, subduction zone processes, and the evolution of volcanic systems. She contributes to the MAGMA website and serves as an administrator for the MELTS Facebook page, maintaining key community resources for computational geoscience. B.A., University of Cambridge, 1996 Ph.D., University of Cambridge, 2001 Research Assistant, University of Cambridge, 2001–2002 Postdoctoral Scholar, Caltech, 2003–2006 Research Scientist, Caltech, ongoing Recent publications emphasize thermodynamic modeling of complex oxide systems (2013), subduction zone melt dynamics (2009), and computational tools for phase equilibrium analysis (2005). The work demonstrates a consistent focus on quantitative integration of geophysical and geochemical processes.
Cliff Shaw is a Professor in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of New Brunswick (UNB), specializing in experimental petrology and igneous processes. His work focuses on mantle xenoliths, magmatic system dynamics, and high-pressure mineral synthesis. He maintains advanced experimental facilities including piston cylinder presses and hydrothermal apparatus. Shaw investigates the kinetics of mineral-melt reactions, the petrology of Quaternary volcanic regions like Germany's West Eifel, and shock metamorphism in meteorites. His research bridges field observations, laboratory experiments, and computational modeling to understand crust-mantle interactions and magma evolution. He holds a PhD and has contributed to global topographical density models (e.g., UNB_TopoDens) for geophysical applications. Education: PhD in Earth Sciences (institution unspecified). Equipment: Includes 2 piston cylinder presses (up to 4 GPa/2000°C), an atmosphere gas mixing oven (up to 1600°C), hydrothermal apparatus (0.3 GPa/850°C), and an ultrahigh-temperature furnace (1750°C). Research Interests: Shaw explores igneous processes through experimental studies of mantle xenoliths, focusing on amphibole breakdown reactions, peridotite-melt interactions, and shock melt formation. His work on the West Eifel Volcanic Field examines volcanic dynamics and mantle heterogeneity. He investigates the origins of magmatic textures, such as sieve structures in xenoliths and peperitic textures in volcanic deposits. Recent studies include modeling magma ascent rates via dehydration signatures and simulating shock melt crystallization in Martian meteorites. Grants & Collaborations: Collaborations with institutions like the University of Munich (D.B. Dingwell) and the University of Orléans (H. Bureau) highlight interdisciplinary projects. His research has advanced methodologies in melt-mineral interaction kinetics and geochemical modeling of mantle processes. Labs/Teams: Leads experimental petrology and geochemistry research groups at UNB, focusing on high-pressure mineral synthesis and melt-rock reaction dynamics.
Elisa Biagioli is a Research Associate in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Manchester's School of Natural Sciences. Her research focuses on computational modeling of volcanic processes, particularly lava flows and eruption dynamics, with fieldwork centered on the 2021 Cumbre Vieja eruption in the Canary Islands. Active research areas: Magma dynamics, degassing processes, and numerical modeling of volcanic phenomena Specializes in integrating field observations with computational simulations Key focus on shallow water models for lava flows and tephra analysis Her recent work demonstrates strong interdisciplinary collaboration between computational geophysics and field volcanology, with publications emphasizing the integration of numerical models with real-world eruption data from the Canary Islands. Current research shows increasing sophistication in modeling techniques, moving from 2.5D to 3D solvers for viscous fluids. Scientific contributions include: Development of novel computational methods for simulating lava rheology Linking tephra microstructure to eruptive behavior Advancing understanding of degassing processes in mafic eruptions Biagioli actively collaborates with leading volcanologists on the Petrology and Volcanology project, contributing expertise in numerical modeling while working alongside principal investigators and PhD researchers. Her work has practical applications in volcanic hazard assessment and eruption forecasting.
Daniel Williams is an Assistant Teaching Professor at the Department of Geology and Environmental Science, University of Pittsburgh, within the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences. His roles include teaching core courses for the GIS and Remote Sensing Certificate (GEOL 1445 and GEOL 1460) and advising undergraduate research projects. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh, an MRes from the University of Bristol, and a BSc from the University of Birmingham, supported by a NASA Earth and Space Science Fellowship during his doctoral studies. Education: Ph.D. in Geology and Planetary Science, University of Pittsburgh MRes in Science of Natural Hazards, University of Bristol BSc (Hons) in Geology and Geography, University of Birmingham His research focuses on using thermal infrared (TIR) remote sensing to characterize volcanic eruptions, integrating laboratory, field, and satellite data. Key areas include volcanic ash composition analysis, satellite monitoring of volcanic plumes and deformation, and developing multispectral thermal cameras for field applications. He is a member of the Image Visualizations and Infrared Spectroscopy (IVIS) Group at Pitt. His publications highlight advancements in TIR spectroscopy, volcanic hazard assessment, and satellite data applications. He has received awards including a NASA fellowship and a National Geographic grant. Advising: Daniel supports undergraduate research through capstone projects and informal mentorship. Grants include NASA NESSF support. He collaborates with Prof. Mike Ramsey on IVIS instrument development deployed at volcanoes in Guatemala and Japan. Labs/Teams: Part of the IVIS Group, focused on integrating lab and field instruments for volcano monitoring. Office: SRCC 509, University of Pittsburgh.
E. Bruce Pitman is a Professor in the Department of Materials Design and Innovation at the University at Buffalo's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. His research focuses on mathematical modeling, high-performance computing, and uncertainty quantification for geophysical hazards. Education includes a PhD in Mathematics from Duke University (1985), MS in Mathematics from Duke (1981), and BS in Physics and Mathematics from Northwestern University (1979). Employment history spans professorial roles at SUNY Buffalo since 1989, with adjunct appointments in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering since 2004. Research concentrates on computational approaches to volcanic hazards, debris flows, and geophysical risk assessment using advanced statistical and modeling techniques. Publications demonstrate consistent focus on volcanic hazard prediction, debris flow modeling, and computational methods, with recent emphasis on uncertainty quantification and machine learning applications in geosciences.
Shaktiman Singh is a Lecturer at the School of Geosciences, University of Aberdeen. His research focuses on glaciology, glacio-hydrology, remote sensing and GIS, extreme weather events, and environmental data analyses. Education : Ph.D. Research Interests : His work investigates spatiotemporal land surface temperature variations, usability of satellite-based data in glacio-hydrological models, extreme weather event frequency, and past glacio-hydrological processes on Martian analogues. He also explores 3D terrain data resolution impacts on ice avalanche models and global change effects on water security in Tajikistan. Recent Grants : Singh has secured funding from Grants Academy (University of Aberdeen) for projects on ice stupas, hazardous ice avalanches, and GCRF Pump Prime initiatives. Additional grants include DAAD for extreme weather studies in Scandinavia, VINNOVA for climate-adapted railway maintenance, and collaborations with Technische Universität Dresden. Teaching : He teaches courses such as Introduction to GIS Tools, Techniques, Cartography & Geovisualisation Basics of Remote Sensing and Geospatial Analysis Planetary Sciences Dissertation Dissertation Project in GIS Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Systems Fundamentals of Map Algebra Labs & Collaborations : Singh is affiliated with the Cryosphere and Climate Change Research Group, Northern Rivers Institute, and interdisciplinary teams including UAV UAS Centre for Environmental Monitoring and Mapping (UCEMM), Green Economy Research Centre, and Just Transition Lab.
Stephan Kolzenburg serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University at Buffalo, College of Arts and Sciences. His academic role encompasses teaching undergraduate and graduate courses such as Earth Materials and Fracture & Flow of Earth Materials, while leading research in experimental volcanology and geo-materials science to address critical questions in volcanic hazard assessment. Research Focus: Dr. Kolzenburg employs a multidisciplinary approach combining experimental studies, field observations, and remote sensing to investigate the rheological evolution of magmas and lavas. His work centers on understanding how physical properties of volcanic materials develop over time, which is essential for modeling eruption dynamics and improving hazard forecasts. Key areas include magma rheology under varying oxygen fugacity, permeability of volcanic deposits, and real-time monitoring of lava flows. Academic Engagement: He actively mentors students and invites prospective PhD and MS candidates to join his research group starting fall 2021. His recent publications reflect a strong emphasis on developing new field instrumentation for in-situ rheological measurements and applying these techniques to active volcanic systems worldwide.
Tracy K.P. Gregg is Professor and Chair of the Department of Earth Sciences within the College of Arts and Sciences at University at Buffalo. She leads the Planetary Science Group with research focused on volcanic processes across the Solar System. Her work bridges terrestrial and extraterrestrial volcanology through field studies and laboratory simulations. Education: PhD in Geology, Arizona State University (1995) Her research centers on basaltic lava flow emplacement in diverse environments including mid-ocean ridges (East Pacific Rise, Juan de Fuca Ridge), terrestrial locations (Hawaii, Iceland, Peru), and planetary bodies (Mars, Venus, Moon, Io). She employs field observations, laboratory experiments, and numerical modeling to investigate how environmental factors affect volcanic processes. Current projects examine Ganis Chasma on Venus, Hadriacus Mons erosion on Mars, Gruithuisen Domes on the Moon, and lunar sinuous rilles. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals dominant themes in extraterrestrial volcanism (60% of works), particularly Martian and Venusian systems, with strong emphasis on comparative planetology using terrestrial analogs. Her methodology consistently combines field mapping with experimental simulations, especially for lava-water interactions and submarine channel formation. Academic Leadership: Chair, Department of Earth Sciences Active member of Venus Exploration Advisory Group (VEXAG) Organizer of Venus Early Career Scholars networking She maintains an active graduate mentoring program with 6 current MS students and 9 recent graduates. Her teaching portfolio includes specialized courses in Extraterrestrial Volcanism, Volcanology, and Planetary Geosciences. Gregg actively contributes to Venus research community resources through VEXAG working groups.
Greg A. Valentine is a UB Distinguished Professor in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Buffalo, State University of New York. He specializes in basaltic volcanism, pyroclastic deposits, and volcanic risk assessment through multiphase fluid dynamics and numerical modeling. Education: PhD in Geological Sciences, University of California Santa Barbara (1988) His research encompasses physical processes of basaltic eruptions, from small-scale vent dynamics to large-volume ignimbrite-forming events. Key areas include computational fluid dynamics for pyroclastic currents, soft sediment deformation in dry pyroclastic deposits, and volcanic landform evolution in arid environments. Recent publications (2024-2018) reveal trends in phreatomagmatic explosion dynamics, numerical modeling of pyroclastic flows, erosion processes in volcanic constructs, caldera-forming eruptions, lithic content in ignimbrites, magma-water interaction experiments. Scientific Awards: UB Distinguished Professor He has advised 9 PhD and MS students, including Brandon Keim (2022) on computational models of pyroclastic surges and Maria Clara Parreira Murta (2022) on Utah basaltic volcanism. Former students like Andrew Harp (2018) and Matthew Sweeney (2018) explored magma transport and multiphase eruption modeling respectively.
Lennart de Groot is an Associate Professor at the Paleomagnetic Laboratory Fort Hoofddijk, Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, Netherlands. His research focuses on Earth's magnetic field behavior across human and geological timescales using volcanic rocks and micromagnetic techniques. PhD (cum laude): Utrecht University, 2013 Master in Geophysics: Utrecht University, 2008 Bachelor in Earth Sciences: Utrecht University, 2007 Exchange semester: Center for Wave Phenomena, Colorado School of Mines, 2007 Research Interests: De Groot combines fieldwork, lab measurements, and computational modeling to study Earth's magnetic field through volcanic rock magnetization. His Micromagnetic Tomography (MIMATOM) project enables non-destructive grain-scale magnetic moment determination. Key areas include: Geomagnetic field evolution Paleomagnetic dating Micromagnetic modeling Rock magnetic properties Magnetic signal interpretation Non-destructive sampling techniques Scientific Awards: Recipient of the 2018 William Gilbert Award (AGU) and 2016 Vening Meinesz Prize (NWO). Member of Young Academy of Europe since 2020. Leadership & Outreach: Active in science communication with TV/radio appearances and co-developer of the Hoe?Zo! Show for children. Serves on AGU section board and grant committees.
Charles Boukaré is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at York University, affiliated with the Faculty of Science. His research focuses on planetary interior dynamics, particularly the structure and evolution of rocky planet interiors, magma ocean solidification, and the interplay between thermodynamic processes and planetary evolution. He develops computational fluid dynamics models and thermodynamic frameworks to simulate planetary-scale multiphase flows and phase segregation. His work addresses fundamental questions about how planetary interiors evolve, including the formation of geochemical reservoirs, the generation of planetary magnetic fields, and the conditions conducive to life. Boukaré integrates experimental data (e.g., laser-heated diamond anvil cell experiments) with theoretical models to study processes like mantle solidification, cumulate overturn, and magma ocean dynamics. His research areas span computational fluid dynamics, planetary physics, and astronomy, with applications to both Earth and exoplanets. Recent studies include exploring lava planet interiors, magma ocean preservation in exoplanetary systems, and the role of magma oceans in maintaining surface water on M-dwarf planets. Boukaré is a Full Member of the Physics and Astronomy Graduate Program at York University and eligible to supervise graduate students in related fields. His interdisciplinary approach bridges geophysics, astrophysics, and computational modeling to advance understanding of planetary evolution.
Sedelia Rodriguez is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Environmental Science at Barnard College, Columbia University. She also holds administrative roles as the Environmental Science Minor Advisor and Assistant Director/Program Coordinator of the Science Pathways Scholars Program. Her academic work bridges geology and environmental science, with a strong research presence in igneous petrology and volcanology. Post Doctoral Research Scientist - Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia University Ph.D. - Florida International University, Miami, FL Her research focuses on large igneous provinces and flood basalts, including the Columbia River Basalt Group and the Siberian Traps. She applies geochemical and petrological methods to understand the origins of massive volcanic eruptions and their impacts on Earth's systems, particularly in relation to mass extinction events. Her work often involves international collaborations and deep-sea drilling projects such as IODP Expeditions. The recent publications reflect a strong trend in Earth system science, integrating geochemistry, volcanology, and paleoenvironmental reconstruction. Her work connects deep Earth processes with surface environmental catastrophes, especially during the end-Permian extinction. Key themes include mantle plume volcanism, oceanic crust formation, and the geochemical fingerprints of global-scale eruptions. Barnard College Faculty Mini-Grant - 2015 Joint Oceanographic Institute Research Grant - 2006 Dissertation Year Fellowship 2004-2005, Florida International University Research Grant Recipient 2003, Geological Society of America Teaching Award 2002 (first place), Florida International University Travel Grants, Graduate Student Association - Florida International University (2002, 2003, 2005) Field Trip Leader: GSA 2003 Annual Meeting field trip, The Columbia Flood Basalts and the Yakima fold belt Sedelia Rodriguez has been actively involved in research grants and collaborative scientific expeditions, particularly through IODP and Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. While no formal list of advisees is provided, she teaches senior thesis seminars and advises environmental science minors, indicating active mentorship. Her role in the Science Pathways Scholars Program highlights her commitment to student support and inclusive science education. Her research is closely tied to field and laboratory work associated with the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory and IODP (Integrated Ocean Drilling Program) projects. She has participated in major drilling expeditions such as IODP Expedition 309/312 to Hole 1256D, contributing to the study of intact oceanic crust. These efforts are part of international scientific teams focused on understanding seafloor formation and deep Earth processes.
