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Professor of Structural Geology & Tectonics, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz

I am structural geologist with research experience in a range of topics, from engineering rock mechanics to tectonics. Much of my research involves combining detailed field studies of exhumed, deformed rocks from the crust and mantle lithosphere, with detailed microscopic and textural analysis. I study localisation in faults and shear zones throughout Earth’s lithosphere; rheology of geological materials; SW Pacific tectonic plate motions; paleoseismology and landscape evolution, and geo-resource sustainability.

I think that well-constrained natural examples, such as New Zealand’s Alpine Fault zone, have much to offer us in understanding earth deformation, and am particularly keen to work on links from the field to the laboratory.

Experience

  • 2020–present
    Professor of Structural Geology & Tectonics, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz
  • 2018–2019
    Research Associate Professor, Department of Geology, University of Otago
  • 2018–2019
    Associate Dean - International, Division of Sciences, University of Otago
  • 2011–2018
    Senior Lecturer, Department of Geology, University of Otago
  • 2008–2011
    Lecturer, Department of Geology, University of Otago
  • 2008–2008
    Postdoctoral researcher, University of Wisconsin-Madison and Texas A&M University
  • 2001–2002
    Engineering Geologist, Fraser Thomas Ltd., Auckland

Education

  • 2008 
    University of Otago, PhD
  • 2006 
    Australian National University, MPhil (Earth Sciences)
  • 2001 
    University of Auckland, MSc (Hons), BSc