Welcome!
I am an Associate Professor of Geophysics in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Oxford and a Tutorial Fellow at Exeter College, funded by a Royal Society University Research Fellowship. I also lead the DEEPSCAPE research group here.
As a seismologist I am interested in using seismic waves to understand the world around us, ranging from planetary-scale processes to social seismology. I find it fascinating that the tiny signals recorded at the Earth's surface allow us to answer fundamental questions about its deep interior, and yet also provide detailed information about human and animal behaviour.
In my research, I enjoy working across disciplines, linking seismology with geodynamics and mineral physics, as well as combining insights with zoologists and geologists. Much of my research is hypothesis driven, often combining data, forward and inverse modelling, with a strong emphasis on data uncertainties.
I am passionate about communicating my research and global seismology in general (see here for more information). I am also happy to advice and support early-career researchers in their funding applications.
Postdocs, PhD students and undergraduate students interested in seismology projects and joining the DEEPSCAPE research group should not hesitate to get in touch to discuss possible projects and funding opportunities.
PhD opportunities for start in October 2025
Interested in seismological research? Want to live and work in Oxford? I welcome applications of prospective PhD students for a start in October 2025. Research topics are open, so please contact me to discuss suggestions and ideas. Before making contact, please take a look at my research page and recent papers, and detail in your email which aspects of my research you are interested in.
A funded PhD (DPhil) project focuses on the structure of the mid mantle. The aim is to map out phase transitions and thus temperature by combining seismological models, mineral physics data and geodynamic models. Full funding from the Royal Society is available for UK home students, but international students can also apply and may be considered for university scholarships.
Other potential projects focus on mantle upwellings and the background seismicity of London. Applicants interested in these are encouraged to apply both through a direct entry application and interdisciplinary DTP programmes and more information on this can be found on the departmental graduate admissions page.
The deadline for applications is in early January 2025. Students interested in this project and working with me in Oxford, please get in touch with any questions / concerns and to discuss the projects in more detail.
Futurum educational resources on deep Earth seismology
I developed educational resources for schools about my research into the deep Earth. Besides producing an article discussing the landscapes in the deep Earth and general seismology, there is also an activity sheet for school teachers to use in lessons, and an animation will soon be added as well. The resources were produced by Futurum Careers, a free online resource and magazine aimed at encouraging 14-19-year-olds worldwide to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEM).
Philip Leverhulme Prize 2021 awarded by the Leverhulme Trust
The Philip Leverhulme Prizes are awarded annually by the Leverhulme Trust ''to recognise the achievements of outstanding researchers at an early stage of their careers whose work has already attracted international impact and whose future research career is exceptionally promising''. The Prizes are awarded across a number of disciplines, which in 2021 included Classics, Earth Sciences, Physics, Politics and International Relations, Psychology, Visual and Performing Arts.
This Prize increases the visibility of fundamental seismological research and recognizes the key role it plays in understanding our planet. The Prize money will fund a new project in social seismology, so stay tuned for a PhD project announcement!
Pint of Science podcast about a range of seismological topics
I spoke to Callam & Jim for a Pint Of Science podcast about a range of seismological topics. We touched not only on global seismology and the landscapes of the deep Earth, but also talked about how anthropogenic seismic noise has been affected by Covid-19 governmental lockdowns, and even chatted about Marsquakes and Messiquakes!