Dr. Jung-Fu Lin is a Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences at the Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas at Austin, holding the Dave P. Carlton Centennial Professorship. His research focuses on understanding planetary interiors through high-pressure experiments, particularly using diamond anvil cells and synchrotron facilities. Key areas include mineral physics, Earth's core dynamics, and the role of water in mantle processes. Expertise: High-pressure mineral physics, X-ray spectroscopy, and planetary materials science. Current projects: Investigating iron alloys in Earth's core, thermal conductivity of mantle minerals, and carbon storage mechanisms. Research highlights include discoveries on iron spin transitions, elasticity of bridgmanite, and Martian core dynamics. Awards include the NSF CAREER Award and Fulbright Scholarship. Lin supervises graduate students in experimental petrology and mentors postdocs globally. Teaches courses on Earth materials and mineral physics. Active in international collaborations, including with Okayama University (Japan) and Adam Mickiewicz University (Poland). His lab develops advanced laser heating systems and Raman spectroscopy tools for high-pressure studies.
Marek Locmelis is an Associate Professor at the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences and the Bureau of Economic Geology within the Jackson School of Geosciences at the University of Texas at Austin. His research focuses on magmatic, hydrothermal, and sedimentary ore deposits, with an emphasis on critical mineral supply strategies, including recycling of mine waste and STEM education in economic geology. He holds a PhD from Macquarie University and prior roles at Missouri University of Science and Technology and NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. Education PhD in Earth and Planetary Sciences, Macquarie University (Australia) Diploma (MSc equivalent) and Pre-Diploma (BSc equivalent) in Geosciences, University of Hannover (Germany) Research Interests His work spans geochemistry, petrology, and planetary evolution, with a focus on critical minerals (e.g., lithium, rare earth elements) and novel exploration techniques. He investigates pathways to enhance domestic critical mineral recovery through reprocessing mine waste and optimizing production streams. His planetary research includes atmospheric toxicity studies and habitability potential of extraterrestrial environments. Awards Fellow of the Society of Economic Geology (SEG) SEG Graduate Student Fellowship Program Chair NSF CAREER Award (2020) NASA Postdoctoral Fellowship (2014) Advising & Grants Locmelis has advised postdocs and students through workshops on critical mineral resilience. His NSF CAREER project explores metal transport via magmatic-hydrothermal fluids. He co-organized conferences on critical minerals and led the Roadmaps Into the Geosciences (RIGS) program to support student career development. Labs & Teams He collaborates with the Bureau of Economic Geology and interdisciplinary teams in critical mineral research, combining fieldwork, geochemical analysis, and policy advocacy.
Jonathan Snow is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Geology and Geophysics at Louisiana State University (LSU), College of Science. Previously, he held faculty positions at the University of Houston, including roles as Assistant Professor (2005–2008), Associate Professor (2008–2014), and Professor (2014–2019), and served as President of the Faculty Senate (2016). His academic journey includes a Bachelor’s in Geology from Indiana University (1983), Master’s from the University of Rochester (1986), PhD in Oceanography from MIT/WHOI (1993), and a Habilitation in Mineralogy from Universitat Mainz, Germany. Research interests focus on the Earth’s lithosphere formation, mantle melting processes, and oceanic crustal accretion. Key areas include mid-ocean ridge basalt petrogenesis, mantle noble metal geochemistry (Os, Re), and tectonics of fracture zones. Notable contributions include studies on the Arctic Ocean’s Gakkel and Lena Troughs, Hess Deep, and Shikoku Basin oceanic core complexes. Professional recognitions include NSF Graduate Fellowship (USA), Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Fellowship (Germany), DFG Heisenberg Program (Germany), and Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Fellowships. His work integrates field expeditions (e.g., ARKTIS cruises), laboratory geochemistry, and computational models to advance understanding of mantle dynamics and crustal evolution.
Andreas Rietbrock is Professor and Director of the Geophysical Institute (GPI) at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) , Germany, where he also serves as Dean of Studies for Geophysics . He is a leading expert in earthquake seismology, seismic tomography, and subduction zone dynamics, with a strong focus on integrating advanced observational techniques and computational methods. Education: While specific degrees are not listed in the provided text, his extensive publication record and leadership roles indicate advanced academic training in geophysics and seismology. Research Interests: His work spans a wide range of topics including: Seismic imaging of subduction zones (e.g., Nazca, Lesser Antilles) Earthquake rupture dynamics and fault mechanics Volcanic seismology and magma transport Full waveform inversion and AI-enhanced seismic analysis Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) applications Induced seismicity and reservoir monitoring Research Trends: His recent publications (2022–2025) emphasize the use of dense seismic arrays, AI-based data processing, and multi-method tomography to study complex tectonic environments. Key themes include high-resolution imaging of slab structures, fluid migration in subduction zones, and the integration of DAS and machine learning for seismic monitoring. Scientific Contributions: Andreas has led major international projects such as the ANTICS Large-N deployment in Albania and the VoiLA project in the Lesser Antilles. He has published extensively in top-tier journals like Nature , Geophysical Research Letters , and Journal of Geophysical Research , with over 200 peer-reviewed articles. Teaching and Supervision: He teaches courses such as "Introduction to Geophysics II", "Seismology", and "Current Topics in Seismology and Risk". While specific student names are not listed, his role as Dean and principal investigator on numerous projects indicates active supervision of graduate students and postdocs. Labs and Teams: He leads the seismology group at GPI, coordinating large-scale deployments of seismic instruments, including ocean-bottom seismometers and fiber-optic DAS systems. His team collaborates globally with institutions in Europe, South America, and Asia.
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)United States
Paul D. Asimow is the Eleanor and John R. McMillan Professor of Geology and Geochemistry at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), part of the Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences. He holds a B.A. from Harvard University (1991), an M.S. (1993), and a Ph.D. (1997) from Caltech. His career progression includes roles as Assistant Professor (1999–2005), Associate Professor (2005–2010), and Professor (2010–present), with the McMillan Professorship since 2016. Education: A.B. in Geology, Harvard University, 1991 M.S. in Geology, Caltech, 1993 Ph.D. in Geology, Caltech, 1997 Research Interests: Focuses on computational, experimental, and observational approaches to igneous petrology and mineral physics. Key areas include adiabatic mantle melting, water's role in mantle dynamics, high-pressure mineral physics, and processes at mid-ocean ridges. His research utilizes advanced facilities like the Lindhurst Laboratory of Experimental Geophysics and the alphaMELTS software package for thermodynamic modeling. Articles Overview: Recent work spans planetary crust formation, Martian petrogenesis, and high-pressure mineral behavior. Themes include experimental techniques, computational modeling, and cosmochemical studies of meteorites. Awards and Honors: James B. Macelwane Medal (AGU) Frank Wigglesworth Clarke Medal (Geochemical Society) Richard P. Feynman Prize for Teaching Excellence (Caltech) Fellow of the American Geophysical Union Fellow of the Mineralogical Society of America Grants and Labs: Received NSF funding for developing an interactive phase equilibria curriculum. Leads the Lindhurst Laboratory, focusing on shock-wave experiments and high-pressure mineral physics. Collaborates on software tools like alphaMELTS and MAGMASOURCE. Labs and Teams: Active in the Caltech Shock Wave Laboratory, advancing experimental methods for planetary material studies. Engages in interdisciplinary projects on Mars geology and terrestrial planet formation.
Angelo Peccerillo is a distinguished Full Professor of Petrology at the University of Perugia, Italy, with an extensive academic career spanning multiple Italian universities. He previously served as Full Professor of Petrology at the Universities of Calabria (1993-1997) and Messina (1985-1993), and as Associate Professor of Volcanology (1982-1985) and Assistant Professor (1971-1982) at the University of Florence. He earned his Laurea Degree in Geology from the University of Florence in 1970 and has been a member of Academia Europaea since his election. Peccerillo's research focuses on the petrology and geochemistry of magmatic processes, with particular expertise in igneous petrology, geochemistry, volcanology, orogenic volcanism, and continental rift magmatism. His scholarly work has established him as a leading expert in understanding the complex relationships between mantle processes, crustal interactions, and volcanic activity in the Mediterranean region and beyond. His research methodology integrates petrological, geochemical, and geophysical approaches to develop comprehensive models of magmatic systems. Analysis of Peccerillo's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on magmatic processes across diverse geological settings. His work spans from detailed studies of specific volcanic systems like the Aeolian Islands and Ethiopian Rift to broader investigations of mantle structure and geodynamic processes in the Mediterranean region. A recurring theme is the integration of multiple analytical approaches to model magma plumbing systems, understand mantle composition, and elucidate the geodynamic evolution of volcanic regions, particularly examining the relationships between deep and shallow mantle processes. Antonio Feltrinelli Price 2006 for Earth Sciences, awarded by the National Academy of Lincei, Italy Professor Peccerillo has supervised numerous MSc and PhD students both at his home institution and abroad. His editorial leadership includes serving as Chief Editor of the "European Journal of Mineralogy" from 2006 to 2008 and membership on the editorial boards of several prestigious journals including "Lithos," "Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research," "Geological Society of Italy Bulletin," and "Open Mineralogy Journal." He has been actively involved in research evaluation, serving on national and international panels for organizations such as NSF, ESF, CNR, MIUR, and NATO. Peccerillo maintains strong international scientific connections through visiting positions at institutions like the Australian National University, University of Gottingen, and University of Paris XI at Orsay. His leadership extends to professional organizations, having served as President of the Italian Petrology Group and currently as a Member of Academia Europaea. His administrative experience includes serving as Department Head and Coordinator of PhD programs at the Universities of Messina, Cosenza, and Perugia.
Peter Shearer is a Professor of Geophysics at the Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics , affiliated with the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego. His research focuses on observational seismology, mantle discontinuities, earthquake location methods, source properties, and seismicity patterns. Education: B.S. in Geology and Geophysics, Yale University (1978) Ph.D. in Geophysics, UCSD Scripps Institution (1986) Research Interests Shearer's work uses large seismic datasets to study Earth's interior structure, particularly mantle transition zones, lithospheric discontinuities, and earthquake triggering mechanisms. His methods include waveform cross-correlation relocation, SS precursor analysis, and seismic wave scattering studies. Scientific Contributions His publications span 40+ years, with recent works analyzing aftershock migration, mantle discontinuities, and fault weakening. Key themes include Global mantle imaging using teleseismic data High-resolution fault zone seismicity Deep Earth structure from scattered waves Scientific Awards AGU Fellow (1999) SIO Outstanding Teaching Award (2003) Lehmann Medal (AGU, 2020) National Academy of Sciences member (2009)
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityUnited States
Mike Willis is an Associate Professor of Cryospheric Science, Geodesy & Remote Sensing at the Department of Geosciences, Virginia Tech's College of Science. His research focuses on advancing remote sensing techniques to study Earth's cryosphere, coastal environments, and natural hazards. He leads projects on glacial dynamics, sea level rise impacts, landslide monitoring, and the application of GNSS and InSAR technologies. His work combines field instrumentation (e.g., OrangePi-GNSS systems) with satellite data analysis to address climate and geohazard challenges in polar regions and coastal communities. Education background: Not explicitly stated in provided text. Research interests include cryospheric science, geodetic monitoring, and environmental remote sensing applications. His lab group maintains a dedicated website at https://sites.google.com/view/4datvt/ . Key research themes include: Glacier and ice shelf mass balance Coastal vulnerability to sea level rise Disaster monitoring using GNSS-IR and InSAR High-resolution digital terrain modeling Recent projects highlight work in Greenland (landslide monitoring, sea level measurements), the Pacific Northwest (subduction zone hazards), and the Dominican Republic (coastal inundation modeling). His interdisciplinary approach bridges geophysical observations with computational geospatial analysis.
Professor Saskia Goes is a Professor of Geophysics at Imperial College London's Department of Earth Science & Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering. She specializes in geodynamics, subduction dynamics, and seismic hazard analysis using numerical modeling and geophysical data interpretation. Her affiliations include the Dynamic Earth and Hazards groups at the Imperial Centre for Geohazards Dynamics. Education: PhD in Geophysics from UC Santa Cruz (1995), Drs (BSc/MSc equivalent) from Utrecht University (1990). Prior roles include SNF Professor of Tectonophysics at ETH Zurich (2003-2005), Visiting Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan (1995-1996), and postdoctoral research at Utrecht University (1996-1999). Research focuses on mantle dynamics, lithosphere structure, and subduction zone processes. Her work integrates seismic imaging, machine learning, and numerical simulations to study phenomena like slab dynamics, mantle plumes, and fluid migration. Key themes include the interplay between tectonic forces and geochemical processes in continental and oceanic settings. Publications emphasize subduction zone processes, seismic tomography, and induced seismicity. She has led projects like the VoiLA initiative studying volatile recycling in the Lesser Antilles. Awards and recognition include invited lectures at leading conferences (AGU, EGU) and universities worldwide. Teaching includes undergraduate geodynamics, geohazards courses, and advanced MSc modeling modules. Active in promoting geohazard research through interdisciplinary collaboration and public engagement.
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.
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)United States
Xiaozhuo Wei is a Postdoctoral Scholar Research Associate in Geophysics at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), affiliated with the Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences and the Department of Geophysics. His research focuses on geophysical monitoring of volcanic and tectonic processes, employing advanced techniques like fiber-optic geodesy, seismic tomography, and machine learning. He specializes in studying seismicity associated with volcanic eruptions, magma dynamics, and slow slip events in subduction zones, with significant contributions to understanding the 2018 Kīlauea eruption and Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula eruptions. Key affiliations: Caltech’s Geophysics Department, Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences Research tools: Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS), ambient noise tomography, and offshore seismic arrays Field areas: Kīlauea Volcano (Hawaii), Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula, and Alaska’s subduction zones Wei’s work integrates multidisciplinary approaches to investigate crustal deformation, magma storage, and seismic hazard assessment. He has contributed to improving earthquake catalogs using offshore data and analyzing post-eruption seismicity patterns. His recent studies explore the spatial-temporal evolution of volcanic systems and the mechanics of dike intrusions using high-resolution geophysical methods. His research emphasizes real-time monitoring of volcanic processes and has advanced understanding of how seismic velocity changes reflect magma movement. Collaborations involve deploying ocean-bottom seismometers and machine learning algorithms to detect slow slip events in subduction zones, enhancing earthquake prediction capabilities. Notable projects include the 2023–2024 Reykjanes eruptions study and the analysis of the 2018 Kīlauea eruption’s seismic aftermath. His work bridges observational seismology with theoretical models of volcanic and tectonic systems, contributing to both fundamental science and practical hazard mitigation strategies.
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)United States
Allen Husker is a Research Professor of Geophysics at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), affiliated with the Seismological Laboratory. He manages the Southern California Seismic Network (SCSN) and the Southern California Earthquake Data Center. Previously, he was a professor at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), chairing the Seismology Department, and served as Station Manager for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) seismic stations in Mexico. His academic journey includes a B.S. from the University of Washington (1998), an M.S. from UCLA (2003), and a Ph.D. from Caltech (2008). Research Interests : Husker focuses on geophysical observations of crustal structure, slow-slip events, and seismic network analysis. His work bridges subduction zones (e.g., Mexico) and transform boundaries (e.g., Southern California). He explores planetary seismology, comparing Earth with the Moon and Mars. Recent studies include DAS technology for moonquake detection and seismic monitoring in the Guerrero seismic gap. Publications Trends : His 2024 work emphasizes DAS applications, Mexico’s San Andreas Fault dynamics, and socio-technical aspects of earthquake early warning (EEW) in Mexico. Earlier research (2020s) delves into slow-slip mechanisms, crustal anisotropy, and fault system dynamics in Mexico. He also investigates moonquake behavior and lunar regolith effects. Awards : No explicit scientific awards listed. Advising & Grants : Advises graduate students like Guillermo González (UNAM) and Yuri Tamama (Caltech). Former students include Francesco Civilini (Research Space Scientist) and Jiuxun Yin (Research Geophysicist). Collaborates widely, including with Jennifer Jackson on lunar seismology. Labs/Teams : Leads the SCSN and collaborates with UNAM’s Seismology Department. Engaged with the CTBTO and international seismological networks.
Prof. Dr. Arwen Deuss is a full Professor at the Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University , specializing in Seismology . Her research focuses on mapping Earth's deep interior using global seismology, with particular emphasis on mantle discontinuities, core structure, and whole Earth oscillations. She integrates seismological data with mineral physics, geodynamic modeling, and geochemistry to understand planetary evolution. Key research areas: Earth's Deep Interior, Global Seismology, Mantle Discontinuities, Inner Core Anisotropy Teaches courses in Theoretical Seismology, Earth Systems, and Planetary Interior Structure Developed open-source tools like FrosPy for normal mode analysis Her recent work explores 3D mantle attenuation, tilted transverse isotropy in the inner core, and seismic wave coupling. She leads projects connecting seismic tomography with geodynamic processes and maintains active collaborations in international seismological research.
Suzanne M. Carbotte is a Bruce Heezen Lamont Research Professor at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (LDEO) and affiliated with the Columbia Climate School . She holds a PhD in Marine Geophysics from the University of California, Santa Barbara (1992), an M.Sc. in Geophysics from Queen's University (1986), and an H.B.Sc. in Geology and Physics from the University of Toronto (1982). Marine and Polar Geophysics Department, LDEO Key focus areas: Mid-ocean ridges, subduction zones, seismic imaging, geoinformatics Research Interests : Carbotte specializes in marine geophysical studies of oceanic crust formation, subduction zone dynamics, and cyberinfrastructure development for geoscience data. Her work integrates seismic reflection, sonar mapping, and geoinformatics tools to analyze crustal evolution, magma chamber processes, and sediment dynamics in regions like the East Pacific Rise, Juan de Fuca Ridge, and Hudson Estuary. Scientific Trends : Recent publications highlight 3D/4D seismic imaging of magmatic-hydrothermal systems, sediment consolidation in subduction zones, and data infrastructure innovations. Key subfields include melt sill dynamics, fault distribution in oceanic plates, and mantle temperature gradients. Scientific Awards 2015 AGU Fellow 2010 Ridge2000 Distinguished Lecturer 2008 Birch Lectureship & UCSB Distinguished Alumni Award 2007 Bruce C. Heezen Research Chair 1982 Governor General's Silver Medal Grants & Projects : Her career spans funding for initiatives like the Rolling Deck to Repository (R2R) program, EarthCube Building Blocks , and Integrated Earth Data Applications (IEDA) . She has led 16 marine expeditions, emphasizing seismic studies from ridge to trench.
Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine ResearchGermany
Prof. Morten Hvitfeldt Iversen is a leading researcher in Polar Biological Oceanography at the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI). He serves as Section Head of the Polar Biological Oceanography department and leads the bridging group 'SeaPump' collaborating with University of Bremen and MARUM. His work focuses on organic matter production, export, and transformation in oceans, linking small-scale microbial processes to large-scale biogeochemical cycles in high-latitude regions. Iversen pioneers optical techniques to study marine aggregates and their role in the biological carbon pump. Research interests include Arctic and Antarctic carbon dynamics, microbial ecology, and the impact of climate change on ocean systems. He leads projects like the 'SeaPump' initiative and contributes to the 6.3 sub-topic 'The future of the biological pump' under POF IV. His work integrates field observations, mooring data, and satellite measurements to understand carbon fluxes and their climate feedbacks. Recent articles highlight his focus on Arctic carbon sinks, microplastic impacts, and zooplankton roles in the biological pump. Iversen actively participates in expeditions aboard the Polarstern and uses advanced optical tools to study particle dynamics. His contributions bridge experimental and observational science to address global climate challenges.
