Born – Luton, UK
PhD – University of Bristol, UK
Joined University of Liverpool – 2013
Position – Chair of Volcanology and UKRI Future Leaders Fellow, Department of Earth, Ocean and Ecological Sciences
Group Name – MAGMA Lab
What is your research about?
All volcanic eruptions are fed by molten rock - known as magma - which travels great distances through the Earth’s crust. My research aims to understand how magma moves through the crust, and what happens to it along its journey, so we can link our indirect observations of magma movement to their dynamic origins.
What or who first inspired you to be interested in your research subject?
As a teenager, a friend of mine was studying A Level Geology and I was amazed at how interesting and varied her coursework exercises were. I’d heard about geology as a subject but thought it was just related to the oil industry, which I was not interested in. We’d also studied earthquakes and volcanoes in geography at school, but this was more on the social impacts of hazards side rather than physics and chemistry of the processes, so this also wasn’t appealing for me either at the time. However, by talking with experts at university open days and students my age I realised that the science of all the cool and exciting things like volcanoes, earthquakes and fossils is all actually geology! So, I decided that studying geology at university was for me, and I haven’t looked back since.
What are you most proud of achieving during your research career so far?
Throughout my career, I’ve often felt that I don’t really fit in very well with those around me and this has affected my confidence. I’ve come to understand that this is because my way of working and thinking is sometimes different to those around me. I was the first in my family to go to university, and before this I’d never met anyone who had a degree. In many ways, the idea of having an academic career has been like discovering a whole new world to me and means I sometimes bring a different perspective to the table. It’s probably not the answer you were expecting, but I’d say I’m most proud of not having compromised my values by trying fit in with what I perceive society expects of someone who looks like me or is from my background, and trying to redefine what success looks like.
What techniques and equipment do you use to conduct your research?
I use a multidisciplinary approach to study how volcanic plumbing systems develop and what the evidence is in the geological rock record of these processes. My research lab conducts experiments to recreate a scaled down model ‘volcano observatory’, using analogue materials that represent magma and the rock through which it moves. We then use lasers to quantify the flow and movement of these materials. I also conduct geological field work to study ancient, eroded volcanic plumbing systems, using drones to map their structures and sampling them to look at the microscopic and magnetic properties of the rocks. I’ve been fortunate to travel the world to conduct fieldwork, from the depths of the outback in Patagonia in Chile to the beautiful fjords of Iceland. I’ve also witnessed volcanic eruptions in Japan, Hawaii and, most recently, Iceland. Perhaps this is quite surprising for someone who had not left England before the age of 18.
Which other subjects are important for your research?
I use a diverse range of sciences in my research – from geology and geophysics to physics, maths and chemistry. I also collaborate with engineers and social scientists so that I consider all aspects of volcanic systems, how they evolve, and how their impacts on society can be mitigated or exploited.
What is the key to running a successful research group?
I think it is important for a research group to be a diverse group of passionate individuals who are all working towards the same goals. Communication is so important, as is asking questions (there are no silly questions!). I aim to create a supportive, constructive and inspiring environment so that everyone can achieve their potential.
What impact is your research having outside of academia?
In my UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship, I’m working with volcano observatories in Italy and the United States Geological Survey to help bridge the gap between the fundamental physical research that my group is producing and the practical applications and implications of it for volcano monitoring and hazard management. The aim is that our collaboration helps improve the understanding of where and when the next volcanic eruption will be, and for how long it will last.
How do you plan to develop your research in the future?
I’m currently exploring new research avenues in geothermal energy and also glaciology, as the approaches and models I use can be applied outside of volcanology and I’d like to bring my knowledge into these disciplines.
What problem would you like to solve in the next 10 years through your research?
What I have learned in science is that problems are never really solved. However, it is through the scientific approach that we develop new understanding, challenge existing models or ideas, and move knowledge forwards. As a PhD student I felt a huge (probably self-imposed) pressure to ‘solve’ something, and demonstrate through this that I was a “real scientist”. I told myself that if I didn’t solve something in my PhD then I was a failure. The reality is though that through basic research we ask better questions, and that provides a hugely valuable contribution to society and, in my opinion, is what being a “real scientist” is about.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in research?
A career in research can be incredibly rewarding, and there are different places where research can be conducted outside of a ‘traditional’ university setting. There are also lots of very interesting and rewarding careers which are not research related. My advice would be to think about what is important to you, accept the fact that this can change over time, and that everyone has a different path to forge.
Where can readers learn more about your research?
You can follow the latest updates from the MAGMA Lab on Twitter: @MAGMA_Lab
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