Biography
I am a PGR at the University of Leeds, working with Dr David Ferguson, Dan Morgan and Dr Felix Boschetty on mafic ignimbrites in Southern Chile. I completed my integrated masters at Plymouth University, focusing on igneous petrology/volcanology for both projects. I spend most of my free time outdoors fishing, hiking among other things. I enjoy playing the guitar and listening to live music too. I also enjoy demonstrating at the university, which I find very fun and hope to develop my teaching skills with also!
Qualifications
- 2021 – 2025 MGeol (Hons) Geology Integrated masters, University of Plymouth
Links
Research Interests
I am mainly interested in volcanology, with a specific interest in learning how to employ petrological/geochemical techniques in order to analyse pre eruptive conditions of eruptions. I also really enjoy being out in field and am very keen to make that as large a part as possible of my future career.
PhD: A petrological Investigation into Mafic Explosive Eruptions in Southern Chile
My project aims to understand the occurrence of mafic ignimbrites in the Southern Volcanic Zone (SVZ), Chile. Mafic refers to the magma composition, which is silica-poor meaning it is often more runny and gas poor, generally causing more effusive eruptions (like Kilauea, Hawaii). Ignimbrites are large, highly hazardous eruptions which are typically associated with more Silicic, gas rich magmas (think Mt St Helens, 1985 or Mt Pinatubo, 1991). These juxtaposing mafic ignimbrites are poorly understood, meaning should these rare events happen again, we would be poorly prepared. I aim to investigate what chemical and petrological conditions underground distinguish the mafic ignimbrite eruptions from the more effusive eruptions. Villarrica, arguably the most active volcano in South America, has produced multiple of these mafic ignimbrites alongside its usual activity, making it an excellent case to understand this phenomenon.