Buchanan Kerswell, PhD
Curriculum Vitae | Apr 13 2024
Left | Left |
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CNRS, Géosciences Montpellier | |
buchanan.kerswell@umontpellier.fr | |
+33 06 70 10 70 32 | |
buchanankerswell.com | |
google scholar | |
research gate | |
github | |
orcid | |
osf |
Summary
I am a metamorphic petrologist trying to understand the implications of converging tectonic plates. My work involves analyzing rocks and quantifying the impacts of petrological processes on geodynamics. I approach problems with a broad skillset, including: field work, petrography, computational fluid dynamics, machine learning and applied statistics, thermodynamic modeling, and analytical techniques (e.g., EPMA, LAICPMS, Raman microscopy). Thus, my students might visit remote mountains, tune electron-beams in laboratories, execute scripts on high-performance computing systems, and engage in scientific communication and education. I also have special interests in scholarly teaching, developing cutting-edge learning materials, and applying artificial intelligence to advance the Geosciences.
Education
year | what |
---|---|
May 2022 : Aug 2015 | PhD Geosciences Boise State University Supervisor: Dr. Matthew Kohn Dissertation: Computational Approaches to Understanding Subduction Zone Geodynamics, Surface Heat Flow, and the Metamorphic Rock Record |
Jul 2015 : Aug 2011 | BSc Earth Science Utah Valley University Supervisor: Dr. Steven Fellows Thesis: Geochemical Analysis Of Tourmaline as a Tool for Determining the Location and Characteristics of the Main Centeral Thurst, Central Nepal |
Professional appointments
year | what |
---|---|
present : May 2023 | Postdoctoral researcher Géosciences Montpellier, Université de Montpellier Applied machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to geochemical and thermodynamic datasets to increase efficiency of predicting rock properties in geodynamic numerical simulations |
May 2023 : Aug 2022 | Visiting assistant professor Dept. of Geology & EES, Miami University Adapted, updated, delivered, and graded course materials, mentored independent undergraduate research on high-pressure metamorphic rocks within the AUGITE program, taught graduate/undergraduate seminars on scientific communication including technical writing workshops and student-led public presentations and discussions, completed a New Faculty Teaching Enhancement Program with Miami’s Center for Teaching and Learning, participated in cross-disciplinary events across campus |
May 2022 : Aug 2015 | Graduate RA Dept. of Geosciences, Boise State University Supervisor: Dr. Matthew Kohn Studied petrologic theory and application, practiced chemistry- and physics-based analytical techniques, sampled various rock types and tectonic structures from exhumed HP terranes (Catalina Island, W Alps, NW India, Greece), led seminars on tectonic theory and application |
May 2021 : Aug 2015 | Graduate TA Dept. of Geosciences, Boise State University Adapted, updated, delivered, and graded course materials, organized, ran, and graded up to one field exercise per week, developed web pages and inclusive formats to enhance online-learning experiences |
May 2021 : Aug 2015 | Guest lecturer Dept. of Geosciences, Boise State University Introduced finite-difference numerical modeling approaches, led students through live coding turorials (a student’s code featured in this peer-reviewed publication), presented selected material on subduction zone metamorphism and geodynamics |
May 2019 : Jan 2019 | Instructor Dept. of Geosciences, Boise State University Adapted, updated, delivered, and graded course materials, transitioned a field-based course to online-learning, produced a virtual field trip during the early COVID-19 pandemic |
Aug 2018 : Jun 2018 | Visiting student ISTeP, Sorbonne Université Supervisor: Dr. Philippe Agard Studied rheologic theory and application, implemented metamorphic–rheologic processes into numerical geodynamic models |
Dec 2017 : Sep 2017 | Visiting student Institut für Geophysik, ETH-Zürich Supervisor: Dr. Taras Gerya Studied computational fluid dynamic theory and application, practiced high performace computing, and developed finite-difference numerical geodynamic models of subduction |
Peer-reviewed publications
Pending
year | citation |
---|---|
Dec 2024 | B. Kerswell, N. Cerpa, A. Tommasi, M. Godard, J. Alberto Padrón-Navarta (2024). RocMLMs: Predicting Rock Properties through Machine Learning Models. Submitted to G3. repo |
B. Kerswell, M. Kohn (2024). A Comparison of Surface Heat Flow Interpolations Near Subduction Zones. In preparation. online repo |
Accepted
year | citation |
---|---|
May 2023 | B. Kerswell, M. Kohn, T. Gerya (2023). Computing Rates and Distributions of Rock Recovery in Subduction Zones. Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems. doi: 10.1029/2022GC010834 online pdf repo google |
Apr 2023 | M. Klöcking, L. Wyborn, K. Lehnert, B. Ware, A. Prent, L. Profeta, F. Kohlmann, W. Noble, I. Bruno, S. Lambart, H. Ananuer, N. Barber, H. Becker, M. Brodbeck, H. Deng, K. Deng, K. Elger, G. de Souza Franco, Y. Gao, K. Ghasera, D. Hezel, J. Huang, B. Kerswell, J. Kim, H. Koch, A. Lanati, G. ter Maat, N. Martínez-Villegas, L. Nana Yobo, N. Randazzo, A. Redaa, W. Schäfer, M. R. Swing, R. Taylor, M. Traun, J. Whelan, T. Zhou (2023). Community Recommendations for Geochemical Data, Services and Analytical Capabilities in the 21st Century. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta. doi: 10.1016/j.gca.2023.04.024 online pdf google |
Jun 2021 | B. Kerswell, M. Kohn, T. Gerya (2021). Backarc Lithospheric Thickness and Serpentine Stability Control Slab-Mantle Coupling Depths in Subduction Zones. Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems. doi: 10.1029/2020GC009304 online pdf repo google |
Nov 2020 | S. Long, M. Kohn, B. Kerswell, J. Starnes, K. Larson, N. Blackford, E. Soignard (2020). Thermometry and Microstructural Analysis Imply Protracted Extensional Exhumation of the Tso Morari UHP Nappe, Northwestern Himalaya: Implications for Models of UHP Exhumation. Tectonics. doi: 10.1029/2020TC006482 online pdf repo google |
Nov 2018 | M. Kohn, A. Castro, B. Kerswell, C. Ranero, F. Spear (2018). Shear Heating Reconciles Thermal Models with the Metamorphic Rock Record of Subduction. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1809962115 online pdf google |
Conference proceedings
year | citation |
---|---|
Apr 2024 | B. Kerswell, N. Cerpa, A. Tommasi, M. Godard, J. Alberto Padrón-Navarta (2024). RocMLMs: Predicting Rock Properties through Machine Learning Models. EGU 2024, Vienna Austria. doi: 10.5194/egusphere-egu24-8578 abstract slides |
Jul 2023 | B. Kerswell, M. Kohn (2023). A Comparison of Surface Heat Flow Interpolations Near Subduction Zones. Goldschmidt 2023, Lyon France. slides |
Dec 2022 | B. Kerswell, M. Kohn (2022). A Comparison of Surface Heat Flow Interpolations Near Subduction Zones. American Geophysical Union 2022, Chicago. abstract slides video |
Oct 2022 | B. Kerswell, M. Kohn, T. Gerya (2022). Computing Rates and Distributions of Rock Recovery in Subduction Zones. Geological Society of America 2022, Denver. abstract slides |
Jul 2022 | B. Kerswell, M. Kohn, T. Gerya (2022). Computing Rates and Distributions of Rock Recovery in Subduction Zones. Goldschmidt 2022, Honolulu USA. abstract slides video |
Aug 2018 | B. Kerswell, M. Kohn, T. Gerya (2018). A Physical Mechanism Explaining the Common Depth of Slab-Mantle Coupling and Formation of a Rheologic Backstop at ~80 km Depth. Goldschmidt 2018, Boston USA. abstract |
Jun 2018 | B. Kerswell, M. Kohn, T. Gerya (2018). Backarc Lithospheric Thickness and Serpentine Stability Control Slab-Mantle Coupling Depths in Subduction Zones. 50 Years of Plate Tectonics: Then, Now, and Beyond, Collège de France, Paris France. |
Oct 2014 | B. Kerswell, S. Fellows, S. Emerman, S. Panday, S. Adhikari (2014). Geochemical Analysis Of Tourmaline as a Tool for Determining the Location and Characteristics of the Main Centeral Thurst, Central Nepal. Geological Society of America 2014, Vancouver Canada. abstract slides |
Invited talks
year | citation |
---|---|
Nov 2022 | University of Minnesota slides Evaluating Distributions of High-Pressure Rock Recovery in Subduction Zones with Large Empirical Datasets and Numerical Simulations |
Oct 2022 | University of Southern California slides video Evaluating Aspects of Geodynamic Uniformity Among Subduction Zones with Large Empirical Datasets and Numerical Simulations |
Professional development
Workshops
year | what |
---|---|
Jun 2023 : May 2023 | Réseau Numérique en Terre Solide (NuTS) Université Lyon 1 Presented research and engaged in networking and scientific discussions focusing on current capabilities and new directions for scientific computing in the geosciences |
Jul 2022 | Earth Science Meets Data Science Goldschmidt Conference Honolulu Explored scientific challenges in geochemistry, showcased examples of existing data solutions/infrastructures/services, discussed recommendations, best practices, and essential features of a globally standardised geochemical data framework |
Jul 2020 | Preparing for an academic career Earth Educators Rendezvous Discussed career paths, prepared and reviewed job application materials |
Mar 2019 : Feb 2019 | GeoPRISMS Synthesis & Integration TEI Hotel Menger, San Antonio TX Engaged in community efforts to synthesize the successful achievements of the MARGINS and GeoPRISMS programs, participated in an Early-Career Investigator symposium to identify outstanding questions in subduction zone research |
Aug 2018 | GeoPRISMS EFIRE Boston College, MA Engaged in community building, initiated strategic sharing and storage protocols for EFIRE samples, presented research on subduction zone mechanics, planned a field institute for 2019 |
Dec 2016 | GeoPRISMS EFIRE Marin Headlands Hostel, CA Engaged in community building, discussed past research to identify future targets for subduction zone investigations, planned a field institute for 2017 |
Mar 2016 : Feb 2016 | SIMS student workshop UCLA EPSS Engaged in a 5-day workshop focused on principles and practice of secondary-ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) |
Scholarly teaching
year | what |
---|---|
Dec 2022 : Aug 2022 | New faculty teaching enhancement program Miami University CTE Engaged in numerous activities on improving scholarly teaching |
Dec 2020 : Aug 2020 | Graduate identity formation through teaching Boise State Univ. CTL Planned K-12 lessons with Education majors based on next generation science standards |
Dec 2020 : Aug 2020 | Exploration in pedagogy Boise State University CTL Engaged in numerous activities on pedagogy and inclusive teaching |
Professional service
International
year | what |
---|---|
present : Jan 2024 | Reviewer 1 manuscript iScience (Cell Press) |
present : Oct 2023 | Reviewer 1 manuscript Gondwana Research |
Dec 2022 | OSPA Judge 1 oral & 3 poster AGU Fall Meeting 2022 Chicago |
present : Nov 2022 | Reviewer 1 grant German Research Foundation (DFG) |
present : Oct 2022 | Reviewer 1 manuscript Geophysics Geochemistry Geosystems (G3) |
University
year | what |
---|---|
May 2023 | Faculty judge 100+ undergraduates Road Test Pitch Competition Heard undergraduates pitch early-stage business ideas that they developed at Miami University’s Farmers Business School |
Mar 2023 | Faculty mentor 100+ undergraduates Social Innovation Weekend Engaged with student teams at Miami University’s Farmers Business School as they proposed innovative new technologies regarding climate change and its impacts on our society |
Grants & funding
Major awards
year | what |
---|---|
Feb 2024 | MSCA Fellowship (Unsuccessful; score: 85.6/100) €195,915.00 REA Supervised Machine learning for Accurate and Rapid Thermodynamics in GEOdynamic Simulation (SMARTGEOS) |
Minor awards
year | what |
---|---|
Jun 2019 | Early-stage researcher grant $3,500.00 GeoPRISMS: EFIRE Sampling mafic eclogites from Monviso, Italy |
Feb 2016 | Student research grant $1,500.00 Geological Society of America Zr-in-Rutile EPMA analysis |
Awards & honors
year | what |
---|---|
May 2021 | Outstanding graduate teaching assistant Boise State University Voted best Teaching Assistant by the Department of Geosciences student body |
May 2015 | Outstanding undergraduate contributions Utah Valley University Engaged in community building, organized field trips, and served as president of the Geology Club |
May 2015 : Jan 2013 | NSF undergraduate STEM fellowship Utah Valley University Engaged in interdisciplinary activities with faculty mentors and undergraduates from STEM fields |
Mentoring
The table below is a list of current and former students who have worked in my lab.
year | name | role | presented | thesis |
---|---|---|---|---|
2023: 2022 | Cameron Morrison | Undergraduate researcher | GSA NC 2023 | Comparing PT paths: Monviso Ophiolite |
2023: 2022 | Dwight Sims | Undergraduate researcher | GSA NC 2023 | Strain localization: Monviso Ophiolite |
Teaching
The table below shows comparative mean scores (out of 4 = “strongly agree”) for the following prompt given to students at the end of term: “Upon reflection, this instructor is an effective teacher”.
term | course | title | format | role | students | score | department |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sp2023 | GLG 556 | Environmental & Economic Mineralogy | Seminar | Instructor | 7 | 3.9 | 3.4 |
Sp2023 | GLG 456 | Environmental & Economic Mineralogy | Seminar | Instructor | 30 | 3.9 | 3.4 |
Sp2023 | GLG 111 | Dynamic Earth | Lecture/Lab | Instructor | 342 | 3.6 | 3.4 |
Fa2022 | GLG 211 | Chemistry of Earth Systems | Lecture/Lab | Instructor | 27 | 3.4 | 3.4 |
Fa2022 | GLG 121 | Environmental Geology | Lecture/Lab | Instructor | 196 | 3.7 | 3.5 |
Sp2021 | GEOS 345 | Igneous & Metamorphic Petrology | Lecture/Lab | TA | 23 | — | — |
Fa2020 | GEOS 471 | Field Methods | Field Lab | TA | 8 | — | — |
Fa2020 | GEOS 315 | Sedimentology & Stratigraphy | Lecture/Lab | TA | 21 | — | — |
Sp2020 | GOES 314 | Structural Geology | Lecture/Lab | Instructor | 20 | — | — |
Sp2019 | GEOS 645 | Physics & Chemistry of Mountain Building | Seminar | Guest lecturer | 12 | — | — |
Sp2018 | GEOS 597 | Subduction Zone Processes | Seminar | Co-instructor | 15 | — | — |
Sp2016 | GEOS 300 | Earth Materials | Lecture/Lab | TA & guest lecturer | 23 | — | — |
Fa2015 | GEOS 101 | Introductory Geology | Lecture/Lab | TA | 48 | — | — |
Teaching materials
year | what |
---|---|
May 2023 | peakfit explorer App Implements Gaussian Mixture Modeling to find peak positions of 1D datasets |
Dec 2022 | Beryllium-10 in magmas Handout A lab exercise focusing on exploring the nuances of retrieving and analyzing data from online open-source geochemical repositories. I use this handout in my petrology courses. To be submitted to the “The On the Cutting Edge: Exemplary Reviewed Activity Collection” maintained by the NAGT. |
Feb 2021 | Light Slides Webpage Generates a jekyll website with a dozen random thin sections from Matthew Kohn’s personal library—useful for remote petrography exercises |
Jan 2021 | xtal-sttl App Calculates the settling velocity of spherical crystals in silicate melts, includes petrology exercise |
Professional affiliations
year | what |
---|---|
present : Jan 2024 | Member European Geosciences Union |
present : Jan 2021 | Member International Association for Mathematical Geosciences |
present : Jan 2012 | Member American Geophysical Union |
present : Jan 2012 | Member Geological Society of America |
present : Jan 2012 | Member Mineralogical Society of America |