Marc A Hesse is a Professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at the Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas at Austin. He holds the Dave P. Carlton Centennial Professorship in Geology (Fellow). His research focuses on computational geosciences, multiphase geosystems, and flow/transport in porous media across planetary and environmental contexts. Education: BSc in Geology, University of Edinburgh MS in Oceanography, MIT-WHOI Joint Program MPhil in Fluid Flow, Cambridge University PhD in Petroleum Engineering, Stanford University Research Interests: Porous media dynamics in planetary processes (e.g., Mars, icy ocean worlds) Geophysical fluid mechanics and multiphase flow modeling Applications in energy geosciences (e.g., CO2 sequestration, geothermal systems) His work bridges solid-Earth and environmental sciences, emphasizing computational modeling and interdisciplinary collaboration. Notable Collaborations: Center for Frontiers in Subsurface Energy Security (DOE-funded) Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences (ICES) International partnerships with Cambridge University and SINTEF Awards: Dave P. Carlton Centennial Professorship in Geology Labs & Teams: Geological Fluid Mechanics Group Center for Subsurface Modeling
Demian M Saffer is a Professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences and Director of the University of Texas Institute for Geophysics (UTIG), holding the Scott Petty Jr. Endowed Director’s Chair. He previously served as Department Head of Geosciences at Penn State University. His research focuses on active tectonics, fault mechanics, and geohydrology, with a focus on subduction zone dynamics, slow earthquakes, and fault slip behavior. Education: Ph.D. in Earth Sciences from UC Santa Cruz (summa cum laude B.A. in Geology from Williams College). He has led five International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) expeditions, securing funding from NSF, ExxonMobil, Shell, and others. His work integrates geophysical observations, borehole monitoring, and laboratory experiments to study fault behavior in subduction zones. Research highlights include studies on the Hikurangi and Nankai subduction margins, exploring fluid dynamics, stress states, and slow slip events. UTIG leadership positions amplify his impact on advancing geophysical research and training next-generation scientists.
Elvira Mulyukova is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences at Northwestern University’s Weinberg College of Arts & Sciences. She specializes in geodynamic modeling, focusing on microphysical processes governing planetary evolution. Her work bridges atomic-scale mineral grain physics with global-scale mantle dynamics, emphasizing the interplay between lithospheric deformation and tectonic plate boundary formation. She holds a Ph.D. in Geophysics from GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences (Potsdam, Germany) and completed her M.S. and B.S. in Physics at the University of Oslo (Norway). Her research explores how microscale mechanisms like grain damage and phase mixing influence Earth’s climate stability and biological evolution through tectonic activity. She also investigates planetary habitability, particularly for Venus, by analyzing CO₂ regulation and tectonic regime impacts. No scientific awards or grants are explicitly mentioned in the text. Dr. Mulyukova collaborates with colleagues like D. Bercovici on interdisciplinary projects, such as the Subduction Zone Initiation Database. Her advising activities and associated labs/teams are not detailed in the provided information.
Don Baker is a Full Professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at McGill University, part of the Faculty of Science. His research focuses on cosmochemistry, geochemistry, and igneous petrology, with a particular emphasis on magmatic processes, volatile elements, and Large Igneous Provinces (LIPs). He investigates topics such as melt inclusion analysis, sulfur and fluorine partitioning in magmas, and the environmental impacts of volcanic eruptions, including links to mass extinctions. His work integrates experimental petrology, synchrotron-based imaging, and field studies to understand volcanic degassing mechanisms and magma dynamics. Dr. Baker has contributed significantly to understanding the role of LIPs in Earth's history, such as the Deccan Traps and Central Atlantic Magmatic Province. Research Interests: Magmatic degassing and volatile behavior in LIPs Bubble nucleation and magma foam stability Sulfur and halogen partitioning in silicate melts Environmental consequences of massive volcanic eruptions Crystallization dynamics in hydrous melts X-ray tomography applications to volcanic systems Key Achievements: Recipient of the Norman L. Bowen Award (2014) Pioneered 4D synchrotron tomography studies of magma degassing Developed novel methods for sulfur concentration quantification in basaltic melts Leader in linking LIP magmatism to mass extinction events Advising and Grants: While specific student names are not listed, Dr. Baker's research group engages in interdisciplinary projects supported by grants from institutions like the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC). His work often involves international collaborations in volcanic field studies and synchrotron facilities. Labs/Teams: Active member of the McGill Earth and Planetary Sciences research group, leveraging cutting-edge facilities for geochemical analysis and 3D imaging of igneous rocks.
Brian Fields is a Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, affiliated with The Grainger College of Engineering. His research focuses on astrophysics, cosmology, and particle/nuclear astrophysics, particularly studying cosmic phenomena like supernovae, cosmic rays, and the origins of elements via nucleosynthesis. He teaches courses such as ASTR 350 (Big Bang, Black Holes, Universe) and ASTR 504 (Theoretical Stellar Physics). His work explores high-energy astrophysical processes, including the impact of nearby supernovae on Earth’s biosphere and interstellar medium. He contributes to interdisciplinary projects like the All-sky Medium Energy Gamma-ray Observatory mission concept. Education: Not explicitly listed in provided texts. Research Interests: Early universe cosmology, stellar explosions, cosmic ray interactions, and the interplay between particle physics and astrophysical observations. Fields was elected an APS Fellow, recognizing his contributions to advancing physics through groundbreaking research. His studies of radioactive isotopes in deep-sea sediments and lunar measurements aim to trace stellar explosion histories. Grants & Advising: No specific grants listed, but he advises students in astrophysics and nuclear astrophysics. His research group focuses on particle and nuclear astrophysics, exploring cosmic accelerators and element formation.
Dr. Maxim Ballmer is an Associate Professor in Geodynamics at the Department of Earth Sciences, University College London. His research focuses on planetary mantle dynamics, numerical modelling of mantle convection, and the interplay between geophysical observations and geochemical data. He investigates processes such as magma ocean crystallization, mantle plume dynamics, and exoplanet interior evolution. He teaches courses including GEOL0057 Geodynamics & Global Tectonics and contributes to courses like The Earth and Field Geophysics. His research groups include Crust Dynamics & Evolution and Planet Dynamics and Evolution. Dr. Ballmer’s work bridges geodynamics and exoplanet studies, exploring how mantle structures influence surface processes like volcanism and tectonics. His recent studies analyze seismic discontinuities, mantle plume buoyancy, and exoplanet compositional constraints. Key research themes include Martian mantle stratification, Hawaiian plume dynamics, and the long-term evolution of terrestrial planets. He has published extensively on mantle mineralogy, thermochemical heterogeneity, and the implications of strain-weakening rheology in the lower mantle.
Frederic Rasio is the Joseph Cummings Professor of Physics at Northwestern University's Department of Physics and Astronomy . His research focuses on theoretical astrophysics, including exoplanet dynamics, dense stellar systems (globular clusters, galactic nuclei), hydrodynamic stellar interactions, and relativistic astrophysics (neutron stars, black holes, gravitational waves). He leads studies on gravitational wave sources for detectors like LIGO and LISA, and the formation of massive black holes through stellar processes. Education: PhD from Cornell University (1991). Research Interests: Exoplanet formation and dynamics Collisional processes in dense star clusters Black hole mergers and gravitational wave astrophysics Secular evolution of hierarchical stellar systems Awards & Honors: Alfred P. Sloan Fellow (1996–2000) Fellow of the American Physical Society (2006) Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (2018) Brouwer Career Award (American Astronomical Society, 2019) Legacy Fellow (American Astronomical Society, 2020) Key Contributions: Pioneered studies on dynamical instabilities in planetary systems, hydrodynamic simulations of neutron star mergers, and gravitational wave sources from globular clusters. Active in interdisciplinary research through centers like CIERA (Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics).
Yuan-Sen Ting is an Associate Professor of Astrophysics at The Ohio State University (since 2024) and an Adjunct Scientist at the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy. Previously, he held tenured positions at the Australian National University (2021–2024) and was a NASA Hubble Fellow at Princeton University (2017–2021). His research merges machine learning with astronomical data analysis to study galactic evolution, stellar dynamics, and cosmological symmetries. He earned his Ph.D. in Astrophysics from Harvard University (2017), with earlier degrees from National University of Singapore and École Polytechnique. Notable accolades include the Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship and NASA Hubble Fellowship . His work focuses on planetary system instability ( Nature cover study, 2024 ), foundational models for spectra/time-series data, and AI-driven astronomy through collaborations like AstroLLaMA . Ting also holds visiting roles at Tsinghua University and Universiti Malaya, and leads outreach initiatives including TED-Ed videos with 4M+ views. His research spans over 140 refereed publications and 6,000+ citations.
Bron Taylor is a Professor of Religion and Nature at the University of Florida, affiliated with the Department of Religion. He holds the Samuel S. Hill Professorship and is a core faculty member in the Graduate Program in Religion and Nature. Taylor is a global leader in the field of religion and environment studies, having founded the International Society for the Study of Religion, Nature and Culture (INSSRNC) and its journal. He has held prestigious fellowships, including at the Rachel Carson Center and Leibniz Institute for European History. Education: Ph.D. in Social Ethics (University of Southern California), M.A. in Theology (Fuller Theological Seminary), B.A. in Religious Studies and Psychology (California State University, Chico). Research focuses on environmental ethics, nature spirituality, and the intersection of religion with ecological movements. Key contributions include the Encyclopedia of Religion and Nature and Dark Green Religion: Nature Spirituality and the Planetary Future . His work explores how spiritual and ethical values shape environmental activism, biodiversity conservation, and responses to climate change. Major awards include the Lifetime Achievement Award from ISSRNC (2017), Carson Fellowships, and multiple research professorships. His recent articles address biocultural evolution, pandemic ethics, and ecocentric conservation strategies. Professional roles include editor-in-chief of the Journal for the Study of Religion, Nature and Culture , and leadership in international initiatives like the Blue River Declaration. Taylor’s work bridges academia, activism, and policy, emphasizing the need for ecocentric ethics to achieve sustainability.
Dr. Emma "Mickey" MacKie is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Geological Sciences at the University of Florida. Her research focuses on glaciology, geophysics, and geostatistics, with an emphasis on understanding subglacial environments beneath ice sheets. She leads the Gator Glaciology lab, which develops machine learning tools and geostatistical methods to study ice dynamics and subglacial topography. MacKie holds a Ph.D. in Geophysics from Stanford University (2021). Her work addresses challenges in ice sheet modeling, including uncertainties in subglacial topography and hydrology. Recent projects include Bedmap3 datasets, stochastic simulations of ice sheet evolution, and analysis of Antarctic calving events using extreme value theory. Her research highlights include advancing geostatistical techniques for subglacial modeling, analyzing multi-decadal radar data, and investigating climate impacts on ice sheets. She collaborates on FAIR data initiatives and has contributed to software tools like GStatSim for geostatistical simulations. MacKie actively engages in Antarctic and Greenland fieldwork, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to glaciological challenges.
Daniel Rothman is a Professor of Geophysics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he has been a faculty member since 1986. He serves as Co-Director of the MIT Lorenz Center, a privately funded interdisciplinary research center devoted to learning how climate works, which he co-founded with Kerry Emanuel in 2011. His work spans multiple departments and disciplines at MIT, including the Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences (EAPS), where he contributes to research in geophysics, atmospheres, oceans, climate, and geology. Rothman received his AB in applied mathematics from Brown University and his PhD in geophysics from Stanford University. His academic journey began with a focus on seismology, but he has since expanded his research interests to encompass: Earth system dynamics Carbon cycle and climate interactions Biogeochemistry and geobiology Statistical and nonlinear physics Mathematical geoscience As a theoretical scientist, Rothman's research focuses on understanding how the organization of the natural world emerges from the interactions of life and the physical environment. He employs mathematics, statistical physics, and nonlinear dynamics to construct simple mathematical models that predict or explain observational data. His current work centers on the carbon cycle and its coupling to climate, exploring fundamental questions about how global biogeochemical cycles arise and evolve, their stability, and how they impact climate stability. This research has important implications for understanding current climate change and potential tipping points in the Earth system. Rothman's publication record reveals a consistent focus on using mathematical approaches to understand Earth's systems. His work shows progression from fluid dynamics and pattern formation to carbon cycle modeling and mass extinction analysis. A recurring theme is identifying characteristic patterns and thresholds in Earth's systems, particularly how carbon cycle disruptions correlate with mass extinction events. His recent work has focused on identifying critical thresholds in the carbon cycle that, when breached, could lead to catastrophic climate change. Daniel Rothman has received numerous prestigious awards for his contributions to science: Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science (2023) Levi L. Conant Prize, American Mathematical Society (2016) Fellow, American Geophysical Union (2014) Fellow, American Physical Society (2012) Fellow, Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study (2007-2008) Rothman has mentored numerous students throughout his career, supervising PhD students across multiple disciplines including Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, and Mathematics. His research group has received significant funding for projects investigating Earth system dynamics and carbon cycle modeling. He has taught courses such as "Modeling Environmental Complexity" and "Nonlinear Dynamics: Chaos," training students in mathematical approaches to environmental problems. The Rothman research group operates within the Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences at MIT and is closely affiliated with the MIT Lorenz Center. His team combines theoretical approaches with data analysis to investigate complex Earth systems, frequently collaborating with researchers from physics, mathematics, biology, and oceanography. The group's work bridges disciplinary boundaries, applying concepts from statistical physics to understand biogeochemical cycles and Earth history.
Nicholas Makris is a Professor of Mechanical and Ocean Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Director of the Laboratory for Undersea Remote Sensing . His research spans acoustics, remote sensing, ocean ecology, and planetary exploration , with applications ranging from hurricane monitoring to violin acoustics. Education: 1983 BS in Physics, MIT 1990 PhD in Ocean Engineering, MIT Research Interests include expanding sensory limits through acoustic and optical wave propagation, imaging marine life with Ocean Acoustic Waveguide Remote Sensing (OAWRS), and applying statistical estimation to environmental sensing. His work bridges ocean engineering, planetary science, and musical instrument physics . Scientific Trends in his 15 most recent articles focus on marine ecosystem imaging via OAWRS, perception theory (Weber's Law), Europa ice shell analysis , and violin acoustic evolution . Methodologies emphasize wave propagation, statistical estimation, and nonlinear sensing techniques . Scientific Awards include the Secretary of the Navy/Chief of Naval Operations Scholar of Oceanographic Sciences William I. Koch Professor of Marine Technology Bose Research Fellowship Advising & Grants : While no student list is provided, his work involves mentoring through collaborative oceanographic expeditions and grants for OAWRS development and planetary acoustics . He has advised on UN Floating City programs and US fisheries policy .
Professor Chris Kirkland is a leading academic in isotope geology and geochronology at Curtin University's School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, part of the Faculty of Science and Engineering. He specializes in crustal evolution, tectonics, and mineral systems, focusing on the timing and mechanisms of geological processes. His research integrates advanced analytical techniques like laser ablation ICP-MS and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) to study ancient rocks and mineral deposits. He holds a BSc in Geoscience from the University of St Andrews and a PhD in isotope geology from University College Dublin. Postdoctoral work at the Swedish Museum of Natural History preceded his move to Western Australia in 2008, where he contributed to the Geological Survey of Western Australia's development of isotope geology programs. Research interests span Proterozoic mineral systems, detrital zircon provenance analysis, and the evolution of early Earth's crust. He leads the Timescales of Mineral Systems Group, applying geochronology to reduce exploration risks and address geological questions across deep time. Notable projects include studies on the Yarrabubba impact structure (Earth's oldest confirmed meteorite crater) and the thermal history of Hadean continents. Teaching roles include coordinating the Mineral Exploration and Mining Geology stream in the MSc program and lecturing on tectonics and geology mapping. His work has been published in high-impact journals such as Nature , Nature Geoscience , and Earth and Planetary Science Letters .
Dr. Giada Bufarale is an Adjunct Research Associate at Curtin University's School of Earth and Planetary Sciences within the Faculty of Science and Engineering. Her research focuses on geomorphological processes, marine geology, and Quaternary studies with particular emphasis on sea level controls, sediment systems, and coral reef evolution. She is affiliated with Curtin Perth Campus, located in Room 316 of the Geology Building. Bufarale's work spans coastal and marine environments across Western Australia, investigating topics such as estuarine sedimentation patterns in the Swan River and Geographe Bay, coral reef development in the Kimberley bioregion, and seagrass bank evolution in Shark Bay. Her research employs high-resolution seismic imaging and chemostratigraphic techniques to understand landscape responses to climatic and sea-level changes. Her publications (2015-2024) consistently address interdisciplinary themes of sediment dynamics, reef growth mechanisms, and Holocene environmental changes. Notable contributions include studies on the Quaternary evolution of Kimberley coral reefs and the geomorphic impacts of sea level fluctuations in estuarine systems. Bufarale maintains profiles on ORCID ( 0000-0003-4966-6797 ), ResearcherID ( B-8276-2015 ), and Google Scholar ( Profile ).
Richard Hervig is a Professor at Arizona State University's School of Earth and Space Exploration. His career spans over four decades, with expertise in geochemistry, cosmochemistry, and mineral physics. He holds a B.S. (1975) from the University of Iowa and a Ph.D. (1979) from the University of Chicago. After postdoctoral research at Hanford Nuclear Reservation and ASU, he became a full professor in 2004. His research focuses on planetary materials, including lunar and Martian meteorites, volcanic processes, and volatile element behavior. Key areas include hydrogen and isotope geochemistry, diffusion mechanisms in minerals, and experimental studies of planetary magmatism. Hervig pioneered SIMS (Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry) applications for analyzing trace elements in extraterrestrial samples. Hervig’s work spans analytical methods (e.g., Fe valence determination in minerals) and planetary processes (e.g., lunar water budgets, mantle thermal evolution). He contributed to NASA’s Genesis mission, analyzing solar wind samples, and developed techniques to quantify contamination in meteorites. His labs are part of a NSF-supported community facility for SIMS analysis. Notable contributions include studies on Martian mantle water via nakhlites, lunar volatile distribution, and diffusion kinetics in tooth enamel. He collaborates globally on projects ranging from volcanic systems to early solar system composition.
