Biography & CV

Biography

My research focuses on a broad range of research in seismology, Earth imaging and tectonophysics. I am particularly interested in developing and applying new methods to large seismic datasets in order to improve understanding of Earth structure and processes.

Since completing my PhD in 2001, I have undertaken a broad range of research in seismology, Earth imaging and tectonophysics. I am particularly interested in developing and applying new methods to large seismic datasets in order to improve our understanding of Earth structure and processes.

My long term vision is to conceive and deploy novel seismic array experiments in regions of profound geological/tectonic interest, and use the data to not only uncover new knowledge about how our planet works, but also drive the development of innovative Earth imaging methodology. I am also keen to make better use of constraints and insights supplied by geodynamic modelling, structural geology, geochemistry, petrology and rock mechanics in order to provide an integrated view of the Earth’s interior. Particular areas of interest include:

• Seismic body wave tomography at local and regional scales
• Ambeint noise tomography
• Seismic imaging using passive transportable array data
• Seismic wave propagation
• Geophysical inverse theory
• Seismic structure of the Australian continent
• Intra-plate volcanism
• Continental growth and its signature in the crust and lithospheric mantle

Positions

Current

• Deputy-Director of the AI for the Study of Environmental Risks (AI4ER) UKRI Centre for Doctoral Training, since 2019
• Head of Geophysics at Univ Cambridge, since 2018
• McKenzie Professor of Earth Sciences, University of Cambridge, since 2017
• Fellow, Downing College, Cambridge, since 2017

Previous

• MA in Natural Sciences, University of Cambridge, 2018
• Professor & Chair of Geophysics, University of Aberdeen, 2013-2017
• Senior Fellow, Australian National University, 2013
• Fellow, Australian National University, 2008-2012
• Research Fellow, Australian National University, 2004-2007
• Postdoctoral Fellow, Australian National University, 2001-2003
• PhD, Seismology, Monash University, 2001
• BSc (hons), Applied Maths, Monash University, 1997

Appointments

• Vice-president (Geophysics) of of the Royal Astronomical Society, 2021 – 2023
• Member of the NERC Geophysical Equipment Facility Steering Committee 2023-
• President of the British Geophysical Association, 2018 – 2023
• Chair of the Organising Committee of the British Seismology Meeting 2022
• Editorial board member of Proceedings A of the Royal Society of London (2021 -)
• Associate Editor (Geophysics and Tectonics) of Gondwana Research (2015+)
• Editorial board member of Tectonophysics from 2007-2012
• Appointed to the Royal Society of Edinburgh Young Academy of Scotland in 2014
• Assistant Director (ANU) of ANSIR, 2005-2013
• Chair (2008-2012), Specialist Group in Solid Earth Geophysics, Geological Society of Australia
• Chair of the organising committee of Seismix 2016; member of Seismix 2010 committee
• Outstanding reviewer for Geophysical Journal International 2013 & 2016