Dr. Frank Heitmuller is an Associate Professor at the University of Southern Mississippi, affiliated with the Department of Geology and Geography within the College of Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on fluvial and coastal geomorphology, sedimentology, and hydrology, particularly along the northern Gulf Coast. He collaborates across disciplines to address ecosystem dynamics and land-use policies. He holds a PhD (2009), MA (2002), and BS (1998) from the University of Texas at Austin and Florida State University, respectively. His teaching includes courses like Physical Geology, Geomorphology, and Hydrology. Research interests include river dynamics, sediment transport, coastal ecosystems, and the interplay between abiotic factors and environmental policies. His work emphasizes fluvial systems in Texas and Louisiana, with studies on flood impacts, channel adjustments, and sedimentologic processes. Publications span topics such as flood sedimentation, lithologic controls on river channels, and policy-related sediment transport modeling. He is affiliated with organizations like the Geological Society of America and Association of Environmental and Engineering Geologists. Languages: English (native), Spanish (limited working). His expertise includes environmental science and soils.
John H. Shaw is the Harry C. Dudley Professor of Structural and Economic Geology and Professor of Environmental Science & Engineering at Harvard University's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS). He specializes in structural geology, earthquake hazards, and geomechanics, with a focus on thrust fault systems, fault-related folding, and seismic risk assessment in regions like California and China. His research integrates field observations, 3D modeling, and geomechanical simulations to understand fault dynamics and their implications for societal safety. Shaw's work emphasizes quantitative analysis of fault geometry, slip rates, and rupture processes. Key projects include modeling ground deformation during earthquakes, assessing seismic hazards in fold-thrust belts, and investigating reservoir-induced seismicity. He leads the Structural Geology & Earth Resources Group and contributes to collaborative initiatives like the Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC). His articles highlight advancements in fault system modeling, including 3D structural reconstructions, distinct element method applications, and coupling geomechanical models with fluid flow simulations. Recent studies focus on the Wilmington blind-thrust fault beneath Los Angeles, the Ventura fault system, and tectonic evolution of the Canadian Rockies and Qaidam Basin. Shaw's research also addresses interdisciplinary challenges such as stochastic velocity modeling for earthquake ground motion prediction and developing open-source tools like the SCEC Unified Community Velocity Model (UCVM). His work bridges fundamental structural geology with applied seismic hazard mitigation strategies.
Dr. Ian Kane is a Reader in Earth and Environmental Sciences at The University of Manchester, leading the 'Plastics in the Natural Environment' theme within the Manchester Environmental Research Group. His expertise spans sediment transport dynamics, deep-marine processes, and microplastic pollution. He holds editorial roles for journals like Sedimentologika and previously served as Editor-in-Chief of Sedimentology (2018–2022). Education: PhD in Geology from the University of Leeds (2007), focusing on submarine channel-levee systems and turbidity currents through fieldwork in Baja California, Mexico, and flume-tank modeling. Research Interests: Transport and burial of microplastics in deep-sea environments via turbidity currents Deep-marine sedimentological processes, including submarine canyons and slope systems Stratigraphic records of sediment gravity flows and anthropogenic impacts Recent articles highlight breakthroughs in understanding microplastic distribution via deep-sea currents and their ecological effects on marine organisms such as sea turtles. His work bridges geology, environmental science, and applied research on pollution mitigation. Scientific Awards: Fearnsides Prize (2008) Roland Goldring Award (2012) Advising and Grants: Supervised over 20 PhD students, with active projects on PFAS transport, microplastic stratigraphy, and deep-marine sedimentology. His research group (SedResQ) explores terrestrial-to-deep-marine sediment transfer. Labs/Teams: Leads SedResQ and collaborates globally on projects like the NEPTUNE Canada observatory, focusing on deep-sea environmental dynamics and anthropogenic impact assessment.
Peter Wilf is a Professor in the Department of Geosciences at Pennsylvania State University's College of Earth & Mineral Sciences. His research focuses on fossil plants as indicators of past climates, biodiversity, and environmental disturbances from the latest Cretaceous through middle Eocene (~67-45 million years ago). Wilf leads significant research projects including the Origins of Southeast Asian Rainforests from Paleobotany and Machine Learning and the Patagonia Paleofloras Project. His research interests span paleobotany, paleoclimatology, plant-insect interactions, and biogeography, with emphasis on how deep-time data illuminate modern ecosystems and their responses to anthropogenic change. Wilf's work primarily focuses on the latest Cretaceous through middle Eocene, examining global disturbances including warming and cooling events, the end-Cretaceous mass extinction, and recovery periods. His research has significant implications for understanding climate change, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem dynamics. Wilf's extensive publication record demonstrates consistent high-impact research across paleobotany, with recent work focusing on Southeast Asian rainforests, Patagonian paleofloras, and the connections between Gondwanan landmasses. His research integrates fieldwork in Patagonia and Southeast Asia with advanced analytical techniques, including machine learning applications for fossil leaf identification. Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) 2022 Wilson Award for Excellence in Research, Penn State College of Earth & Mineral Sciences 2022 Fellow, Paleontological Society 2017 Fellow, Geological Society of America 2016 Paul F. Robertson Research Breakthrough of the Year Award, Penn State College of Earth & Mineral Sciences 2016 George W. Atherton Award for Excellence in Teaching, Pennsylvania State University 2013 Wilf maintains an active research program with numerous NSF-funded projects and international collaborations. He leads a productive lab group conducting extensive fieldwork in Patagonia, Argentina, and Southeast Asia. His research has transformed understanding of Southern Hemisphere floras, the role of Patagonia in plant evolution, and connections between ancient and modern ecosystems across continents. Wilf's laboratory serves as a hub for paleobotanical research, bringing together students, postdocs, and international collaborators to study fossil plant collections from around the world. The lab integrates traditional paleobotanical methods with cutting-edge technologies including machine learning for fossil identification and advanced imaging techniques for detailed morphological analysis.
Dr. Mark Hoggard is an ARC DECRA Research Fellow at the Research School of Earth Sciences, The Australian National University (ANU). His research focuses on geodynamics, sea-level modelling, nuclear test monitoring, and critical mineral systems. He holds a PhD from ANU and has studied at institutions including Cambridge University, Harvard, and Columbia. Hoggard’s work integrates geophysical data with numerical modelling to explore Earth’s dynamic processes, including mantle convection, glacial isostatic adjustment, and lithospheric evolution. Affiliations: Research School of Earth Sciences (ANU), Geoscience Australia (collaborative projects). Education: PhD (ANU), MA (Cambridge), BSc (ANU). Research Interests: Dynamic topography and its influence on sea-level records. Mantle structure and its relationship to mineral systems. Glacial cycles and ice sheet dynamics. Seismic monitoring of underground nuclear tests. Recent Article Trends: Recent work emphasizes geodynamic corrections to Pliocene sea-level estimates, mantle rheology influences on ice sheet models, and statistical methods for distinguishing seismic events from explosions. Key themes include linking deep Earth processes to surface observations and advancing methods for critical mineral exploration. Grants & Projects: Leads projects such as CoastRI GIA Modelling (2024–2027) and Next Generation Sea-Level Modelling (2022–2025). Collaborates with institutions like Los Alamos National Laboratory on nuclear test detection algorithms. Labs/Teams: Part of ANU’s Geodynamics group and the Exploring for the Future program at Geoscience Australia, focusing on Australia’s crustal structure and mineral potential.
Dr. Ernst Willingshofer is an Associate Professor of Tectonics in the Department of Earth Sciences at Utrecht University's Faculty of Geosciences. His research focuses on the coupling of deep crustal and upper mantle processes with surface deformation, particularly in collision zones and rift systems. He employs field studies and physical analogue modelling to investigate lithospheric rheology, strain localization, and tectonic evolution. Research Interests: Willingshofer's work spans tectonics, lithosphere deformation, and structural geology. Key themes include the influence of rheological stratification on strain partitioning, analogue modelling of orogenic systems, and dynamics of basins and orogens. His research has applications in understanding Alpine, Mediterranean, and global tectonic processes. Articles Trend: Recent publications (2021–2024) emphasize analogue modelling innovations, strain partitioning mechanisms, and tectonic evolution of collision zones. Subduction initiation, passive margin dynamics, and intracontinental deformation are recurring themes, with strong focus on Mediterranean and Alpine geology. Teaching & Advising: Coordinates BSc courses ( Deformation and Metamorphism of the Crust , Pyrenean Fieldwork ) and MSc courses ( Modelling Crust and Lithosphere Deformation , Dynamics of Basins and Orogens ). Supervises MSc, BSc, and guided research projects. Laboratory: Leads the Earth Simulation Lab, specializing in analogue modelling of tectonic processes.
Eric Roberts is a Professor of Geology and Geological Engineering and Director of the Potential Gas Agency at the Colorado School of Mines. His research focuses on basin analysis, energy exploration, and sedimentary geology with specializations in Mesozoic-Cenozoic basins of Gondwana and North America. He leads projects in U-Pb geochronology, critical minerals exploration, and paleoenvironmental reconstruction through vertebrate paleontology and stratigraphy studies. Roberts' work integrates advanced geochronological techniques with field-based analyses to address questions in paleobiology, resource exploration, and earth system dynamics. Key research themes include: Geochronology of sedimentary and volcanic deposits Paleoclimate reconstruction using paleosols Stratigraphic frameworks for dinosaur fossil records Resource potential of helium/hydrogen reserves Antarctic and African vertebrate paleontology His exploration of hominin burial practices in the Rising Star Cave System has provided critical insights into early human behavior. Roberts' interdisciplinary approach bridges geological, biological, and environmental sciences to advance understanding of Earth's history and resource management strategies.
Neal Driscoll is a Professor of Geology and Geophysics at the Geosciences Research Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego. He specializes in tectonic deformation, landscape evolution, and seafloor imaging, with a focus on understanding Earth's processes through sediment records. Driscoll co-directs UC San Diego’s Center for Public Preparedness (CP2) and leads ALERTCalifornia, a critical infrastructure network monitoring wildfires, floods, and earthquakes via over 1,000 cameras. His work bridges geohazard mitigation, climate impacts, and disaster response. Education: B.S., Geology, University of New Hampshire M.S., Oceanography, University of Rhode Island Ph.D., Columbia University (Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory) Research Interests: Driscoll investigates tectonic deformation’s role in shaping landscapes and seascapes, particularly in response to climate and sea-level changes. His fieldwork includes high-resolution seafloor imaging and seismic data analysis in regions like Iceland and California. He also studies neotectonics, geohazards, and coastal processes, with recent focus on the San Andreas Fault system and Salton Trough rift dynamics. ALERTCalifornia: This program uses advanced camera networks to monitor natural disasters, providing real-time data for first responders and researchers. Its infrastructure, originally for earthquake monitoring, now supports multi-hazard tracking, including wildfires and landslides, enhancing public safety and environmental understanding. Awards: Office of Naval Research Young Investigator Award Heezen Award and Storke Award (Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory) Scripps Undergraduate Teaching Award MIT Distinguished Crosby Lecturer Advising & Grants: Driscoll has mentored students in geology and geophysics, with grants supporting his research on fault systems, climate impacts, and disaster preparedness. His collaborative projects include the Salton Seismic Imaging Project and Arctic Ocean sediment studies. Labs & Teams: Leads ALERTCalifornia and CP2 teams, collaborates with Scripps’ Geosciences Research Division on marine geophysics and tectonic studies, and partners with global institutions like WHOI and Icelandic research groups.
Dr. Derek Keir is an Associate Professor in Earth Science within the Ocean and Earth Science department at the University of Southampton. He specializes in passive seismology, remote sensing, geochemistry, and field geology to study earthquakes and volcanoes in Africa, Arabia, the Caribbean, and Italy. He leads the Geology and Geophysics research group and serves as Chief Editor of the Structural Geology and Tectonics section in Frontiers in Earth Science , and holds editorial roles in Volcanology and Structural Geology. Education: MSci Geology and Geophysics (Imperial College London, 1998-2002), PhD in Tectonics and Seismology (Royal Holloway University of London, 2002-2006). Previous roles include NERC Research Fellow (University of Leeds, 2007-2011) and Lecturer (University of Southampton, 2011-2015). Research focuses on continental rifting, magmatic systems, and geothermal resources. Notable projects include the South Tanganyika Active Rift Seismicity study (sponsored by Beach Energy) and investigations into the lithospheric structure of the Ontong Java Plateau (NERC-funded). His work combines seismology, InSAR, and geochemical analyses to understand tectonic processes. Publications highlight contributions to understanding volcanic subsidence (Dallol), rift-scale magmatic inflation in Afar, and seismic hazard in the Apennines. Awards include the 2024 Nature Paper (Coevolution of craton margins), Jason Morgan Early Career Award (2011), and Bullerwell Award (2013). Supervises PhD students in INSPIRE programs and collaborates on international projects like the Afar Dallol Drilling initiative. His research bridges field observations with advanced geophysical modeling to advance continental dynamics understanding.
Dr. Julie Fosdick is an Associate Professor in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Connecticut. She directs the Basin Analysis and Helium Thermochronology Laboratory and serves as Undergraduate Research Coordinator. Her educational background includes: PhD and MS in Geological & Environmental Sciences (Stanford University) BS in Geological Sciences (UC Santa Barbara, high honors) She completed an NSF Earth Science Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Arizona. Fosdick's research reconstructs: mountain-building and erosion processes through: Detrital thermochronology of orogenic systems Sedimentary basin analysis Tectonic-sedimentation interactions Paleotopography evolution Her NSF CAREER Award supports studies of sediment recycling in Argentina's Sierras Pampeanas. Current investigations examine: Post-glacial landscape evolution in Arctic Canada Andean hinterland tectonic development San Andreas Fault dynamics through Neogene deposits Greenland paleoclimate from subglacial sediments Her lab employs multi-method geochronology and thermal history modeling. Fieldwork spans global locations including: Argentine Andes Alaskan Range Greenland ice sheet California fault systems She maintains active collaborations across geoscience disciplines.
John Shaw is the Harry C. Dudley Professor of Structural and Economic Geology and a Professor of Environmental Science and Engineering at Harvard University's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. He also serves as Vice Provost for Research at Harvard, overseeing institutional research strategy and initiatives. His primary research focuses on structural geology, geophysics, and earthquake hazards, particularly in active fault systems, mountain belt tectonics, and subsurface energy development. Prof. Shaw leads the Structural Geology & Earth Resources Program, an industry-academic consortium that integrates geophysical data (3D seismic surveys, remote sensing) with advanced numerical modeling to address geological and environmental challenges. Education and professional experience: Joined Harvard Faculty in 1997. His research portfolio includes collaborations with the Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC) and the development of critical infrastructure like the SCEC Unified Community Velocity Model (UCVM). His work emphasizes practical applications such as fault stability assessments and carbon sequestration impact studies. Research interests span: 1) active fault characterization for seismic hazard mitigation, 2) tectonic evolution of mountain belts, 3) numerical modeling of fault dynamics, and 4) geomechanical impacts of subsurface energy projects. His structural modeling innovations have advanced understanding of thrust fault systems and fault-bend folding mechanisms. Professional contributions include leadership roles in interdisciplinary consortia and development of open-source geophysical software frameworks. Administrative duties at Harvard's Office of the Vice Provost for Research (VPR) focus on advancing institutional research capacity and fostering cross-disciplinary collaborations.
Alex Liu is a Researcher at the Department of Earth Sciences within the University of Cambridge. He specializes in palaeobiology , focusing on the origin and early evolution of animals, particularly the Ediacaran biota (~579–539 million years ago), and their co-evolution with Earth's environment. Research Focus: Refines understanding of animal body plan evolution, taphonomy, sedimentology, and macroevolutionary trends. Methodologies: Combines fieldwork, experimental studies, petrology, phylogenetics, and big-data analyses. Collaborations: Works with international museums and research teams on fossil sites in Namibia, Canada, and Brazil. Additional Interests: Explores meiofaunal evolution, paleogeography, paleoclimate, and conservation paleobiology. He supervises Cambridge NERC Doctoral Landscape Awards (DLA) projects and welcomes student contributions to taxonomic, paleoecological, and analytical studies.
Professor John Parnell is the Chair in Geology & Petroleum Geology at the University of Aberdeen , affiliated with the School of Geosciences and Department of Geology and Petroleum Geology . His research focuses on geochemistry, paleoenvironmental reconstruction, trace element cycling, and sedimentary systems , with significant contributions to studies of the Rhynie Chert, Bowland Shale, and Lewisian Complex. Research Interests Professor Parnell's work spans: Geochemical analysis of Paleoproterozoic and Neoproterozoic systems Trace metal mobility in sedimentary and metamorphic environments Organic carbon burial and its tectonic implications Planetary analog studies for Mars exploration Shale resource characterization and environmental impact assessment Recent Publications His recent articles highlight investigations into: Graphitization processes in Scottish Highlands marbles Sulphur isotope records in Precambrian successions Trace element dynamics in the Bowland Shale Biogeochemical cycling at the Precambrian-Cambrian boundary Labs & Collaborations He leads research in the Geofluids Group and collaborates with the Planetary Sciences Department on Mars analog studies.
David A. Foster is a Professor in the Department of Geological Sciences at the University of Florida, affiliated with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. His research integrates thermochronology, structural geology, and petrology to investigate tectonic and magmatic processes, with a recent focus on enhanced weathering of basaltic rocks for carbon sequestration. He leads the Thermochronology Lab, providing analytical services for mineral separation, Ar/Ar dating, and thermal modeling. Research interests span: Tectonics & Geodynamics : Orogenic collapse, terrane accretion, and supercontinent cycles. Thermochronology : Application of temperature-sensitive isotopic systems to crustal evolution. Surface Processes : Links between tectonic uplift, erosion, and carbon capture via rock weathering. His publications emphasize regional tectonics (e.g., Andes, Appalachians, Cordillera), utilizing geochronology, isotope geochemistry, and structural analysis. Recent work explores collisional orogens, basin provenance, and magmatic arcs, with recurring themes of extensional collapse and paleogeographic reconstructions. Educational contributions include co-authoring the comprehensive textbook Geology of National Parks , now in its 8th edition, which synthesizes geological features of U.S. national parks in the context of plate tectonics and landscape formation.
Professor David J.A. Evans is a distinguished glacial geomorphologist at Durham University's Department of Geography. His research spans three interconnected themes at the interface of glacial geology and Quaternary science, focusing on palaeoglaciology and the reconstruction of former glaciers and ice sheets through time. With extensive field experience across the Arctic, North Atlantic, and Southern Hemisphere, he has contributed significantly to the understanding of glacial landscapes and processes globally. BA (Hons), St. David's University College, University of Wales, Lampeter, 1982 MSc, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada, 1984 PhD, University of Alberta, Canada, 1988 Professor Evans' research centers on glacial landsystems, glacial sedimentology, and Quaternary palaeoenvironments of glaciated basins. His work develops conceptual landsystems models for glacial process-form relationships, with field sites ranging from the Canadian High Arctic to mid-latitude mountains. He has pioneered research connecting subglacial process-form relationships to landform development models, particularly through his studies of active temperate glacier margins in Iceland. His sedimentological work has established a genetically framed classification scheme for tills and glacitectonites. Evans has contributed to major ice sheet reconstructions worldwide, including the British and Irish Ice Sheet (through the BRITICE-CHRONO project), Laurentide Ice Sheet, and Arctic Norway. His extensive publication record demonstrates consistent research activity with 15 recent articles focusing on ice sheet dynamics, glacial landform evolution, and Quaternary environmental reconstruction across multiple continents. These works reveal a strong emphasis on methodological innovation in mapping and analyzing glacial landscapes, with increasing integration of remote sensing and quantitative approaches to understand both contemporary glacier behavior and past ice sheet dynamics. Scientific Recognition: Busk Medal (Royal Geographical Society), 2017, for excellence and originality in the study of glacial landscapes and processes and empowering the next generation Professor Evans has collaborated extensively with international research teams on major projects including BRITICE-CHRONO and has contributed to engineering geology applications through technical guides for glaciated terrains. His work bridges pure academic research with practical applications in engineering geology and environmental management. He has supervised numerous field guides and edited influential publications in glacial geomorphology. His research involves extensive fieldwork in Iceland (particularly on the Vatnajökull ice cap), the British Isles, Canadian Arctic, and other glaciated regions, often using modern glacier systems as analogues for reconstructing past ice sheets. Evans has developed significant expertise in glacial landsystem mapping and interpretation, contributing to both academic understanding and practical engineering applications in glaciated terrains.
