My volcanological research involves unpicking the dynamics of pyroclastic density currents, which are deadly flows of rock and ash created during explosive volcanic eruptions. I work with external collaborators in the field and the laboratory to understand how these phenomena behave and deposit material. Areas of collaborative work currently include investigating the impact of cohesion on the dynamics of density currents (PhD studentship, Nemi Walding), delving into the complexities of pyroclastic sedimentary fans (British Sedimentological Research Group grant, fieldwork in Santorini), and understanding the influence of topography on fluidised currents (involving construction of new experimental set-up in Sheffield Hallam laboratory).

 

My work in equity, diversity and inclusion has included taking the lead on the 2021 NERC-funded Equator project, a 6-month multi-collaborator national project that involved three interventions to improve equity in postgraduate research in Geography, Earth and Environmental sciences. This work will be disseminated to funding councils, doctoral training programs, and organisations and universities through publications and talks. I am also involved in work on decolonising geoscience education, partnering on a collaborative AHRC-NERC funded "Hidden Histories" project (led from the University of Hull) to reveal colonial stories of geoscience and create inclusive open-access education materials. Alongside these projects, I am part of a research group investigating perceptions of geology (led from Keele University) through a large national survey in order to improve access and participation in this subject, which is critical for a more sustainable future.