Hello blog readers!
It’s Jean-Baptiste and Alexis. With EGU26 now behind us and summer approaching fast, we wanted to announce the start of the 9th blogging season for the Geodynamics division and introduce the team for the 2026–2027 year.
We both have the privilege and the daunting challenge of succeeding Constanza and Michael as Editors-in-Chief of the Geodynamics Blog. Over the past three years, they have done a remarkable job with tremendous talent and kindness. Luckily for all of us, they will still be part of the team this year.
Both old timers and newcomers will contribute to take you to wonder(geo)lands! The team now consists of 2 new Co-Editors-in-Chief, 14 regular editors, 2 illustrators, one (or more?) sassy scientist(s), and 3 media communicators.
We are always looking to involve new community members as new regular editors, guest writers, illustrators, or media communicators, so do not hesitate to reach out if you want to contribute and learn new skills! Also let us know if you have any studies or ideas you would like to read more about or researchers you think have a story to share. We look very much forward to another exciting blogging year together and hope you enjoy the journey as much as we do! See you on the blog!
This year’s blog team
jeanbaptiste.koehl@gmail.com
Jean-Baptiste Koehl
Hello, I am Jean-Baptiste, a researcher in tectonics, founder of Hilsen Geological & Psychological Teaching & Training Services (GeoPS), multi-divergent, and new co-editor-in-chief of the blog with Alexis. I am also EGU TS Division’s EDI Officer and part of EGU’s EDI Taskforce, hoping to help our communities becoming more diverse and inclusive, i.e., fairer. My research focuses on global and planetary tectonics (e.g., supercontinent cycle, orogens, structural inheritance, transform margins, structural fieldwork, geochronology, and seismic interpretation). I have notably worked extensively with Arctic regions and the San Andreas fault in California. I use psychological tools to maximize productivity while preserving mental health and apply psychology to solve both geological and interpersonal problems. I enjoy running, hiking, yoga, cooking, and reading. I am happy to hear from you about scientific works you find exciting, individual stories you feel inspiring, or even anecdotes, so do not hesitate to reach out to me by email!
alexis.gauthier@sorbonne-universite.fr
Alexis Gauthier
I’m Alexis, a PhD candidate at Sorbonne University in Paris. I love subduction zones and am interested in them across all spatial and temporal scales. In my PhD, I mainly investigate the links between long-term deformation, operating over geological timescales, and the seismic cycle in subduction zones, with a particular focus on accretionary prisms.To address this question, I am developing a method to inform the initial conditions of seismic cycle simulations using information extracted from geodynamic models. I believe that doing a PhD is about much more than focusing on your own research. I love learning about the questions other members of our community are asking. That is one of the reasons why I enjoy being involved with the Geodynamics Blog : I think it provides a unique overview of the ideas that drive our community. That’s why this is my third consecutive year on the blog team, and I am especially excited to serve as Co-Editor-in-Chief alongside Jean-Baptiste this year! Here is my email. Please contact me if you would like to contribute to the blog !
Michaël Pons
Hi everyone! I am Michael Pons, former co-Editors-in-Chief of the EGU Geodynamics Blog, now passing the torch to our new Editors-in-Chief. This is my 5th year with the blog, and it has been a great opportunity to meet people, discover new topics, and highlight inspiring researchers and individuals. I am excited to see the blog continue with fresh ideas from our new multidisciplinary team, and I will still contribute occasional posts. I recently moved from GFZ Potsdam to Roma Tre University in Italy, where I will work on my new MSCA postdoctoral project, SPHERE (Surface Processes driving sHifts in platE tectonic Regimes on Earth). My research focuses on numerical modelling of subduction, orogenic processes, global plate tectonics, and planetary tectonic regimes (check for update here!). I also enjoy discovering new places, camping, and taking night-sky pictures. You can contact or follow me at LinkedIn, Bluesky, or X.
allemand@ipgp.fr
Adélaïde Allemand
My name is Adélaïde Allemand, I come from Paris (France) and I live and work there. I am a PhD student in the Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, where I am using numerical modelling to look at the interaction between long-term deformation and seismic cycles on continental strike-slip faults. But this is only for the scientific part…. Besides, I also enjoy listening to music and playing music, spending time with friends, making jokes, swimming, reading and doing art & crafts. I have been a regular editor for two years now and I really love reading about new topics in geoscience and in the academic world. You can reach me by email and LinkedIn.
lhirche@gfz.de
Luisa Hirche
Hi everyone! 🙂 I am Luisa, a PhD student at the GFZ in Potsdam, Germany. My research focuses on CO₂ degassing at continental rifts and how it may have influenced Earth’s past climate – tackled through field measurements, numerical modeling, and plate reconstruction. I love working in interdisciplinary environments, drawing on the expertise of different research fields. What excites me most is diving into the mathematical and physical descriptions that capture our complex, dynamic Earth across different scales. Outside of research , I love traveling and discovering new places and cultures. I am a nature enthusiast and happiest in the mountains, on a yoga mat, or enjoying a good cup of coffee. Excited to join the GD blog team and explore the diversity of the community with you! Feel free to contact me via email.
Arijit Chakraborty
Hey there! I am Arijit Chakraborty, a PhD student at Durham University, UK. My research focuses on numerical modelling of mantle melting and how that governs the broader thermochemical evolution of mantle. I am interested in processes leading to the formation and preservation of mineral deposits in relation to long-term craton dynamics. Alongside that, I am also working on some neural network surrogates for thermodynamic phase equilibria to track compositional changes due to melting in the mantle lithosphere (Check here for updates). When I am not buried under the weight of the lithosphere, I can be found exploring the rolling hills of Bag End, or with an X-wing trying to bring the Empire down! Really excited to join the EGU GD blog team as an editor and contribute to spreading knowledge and having fun along the way!
l.mantiloni@exeter.ac.uk
Lorenzo Mantiloni
I am Lorenzo Mantiloni, a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Exeter, UK. I moved to England three years ago after finishing my PhD in GFZ/University of Potsdam, Germany. My research interests focus on the dynamics and stability of magma mush reservoirs, as well as numerical and analogue modelling of crustal stress and pathways of magmatic dykes – so not strictly Geodynamics, or very short/small-scale, both in time and space. Though most of my work is done through monitor and keyboard, I take part in fieldwork whenever I get the chance. I have been a regular Editor of the GD blog since 2023 and it’s been a fantastic opportunity to meet new people, learn a few things here and there, read amazing posts, and have fun. You can reach me via e-mail and LinkedIn.
Manel Ramos
Hello there! I’m Manel, a PhD student dividing my time between the sunny vineyards of Pau in France and the rainy, dramatic landscapes of Bergen, Norway. Most of my days revolve around running numerical models of salt tectonics, trying to understand what’s happening inside a diapir (yes, salt is my favourite rock), but I’m also passionate about sharing science with others—especially trying to merge science and culture, from the volcanology of Mount Doom to the dunes of Dune (for Lisan al-Gaib). Originally from Barcelona, I enjoy running (in real life, not only geomodels), hiking like a lame goat, watching movies like a critic, reading whenever I have time, and talking about salt tectonics (did I mention salt is my favourite rock?). I believe science should be for everyone, you can check out my science outreach in Catalan at @repedracat or find me on LinkedIn.
garimashukla003@gmail.com
Garima Shukla
Hi everyone! I am Garima Shukla, a National Postdoctoral Fellow (ANRF) at the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG), Navi Mumbai, India. I have been part of EGU Geodynamics Division since 2024 and have had the privilege of serving as the Early Career Scientist (ECS) Representative from 2024 to 2026. Over the years, I have also contributed to the Division’s social media activities and continue to enjoy working as a regular editor for the Geodynamics Division Blog. My research focuses on understanding the origin and emplacement mechanisms of the Deccan Continental Flood Basalt Province. By combining geodynamics, rock and paleomagnetism, I explore questions related to magma transport, feeder systems, and the depths of magma reservoirs associated with Deccan volcanism. More recently, I have also developed an interest in environmental magnetism and the reconstruction of past climate and environmental changes from geological records. Outside of research, I enjoy spending time in nature through hiking, trekking, and exploring new places. I am passionate about coffee and love experimenting with different brewing methods, as well as cooking, photography, painting, and music. I enjoy learning new skills and finding creative ways to balance life inside and outside academia. I look forward to connecting with fellow geoscientists, sharing ideas and learning from the diverse and vibrant EGU community. You can reach me by email or LinkedIn.
katherine.villavicencio@dst.unipi.it
Katherine Villavicencio
Hi everyone! I am Katherine, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Pisa, Italy. I spend most of my time running numerical simulations to investigate the interiors of icy moons and exoplanets, and to better understand the dynamic evolution of rock glaciers. Through computational simulations, I explore the physical processes that shape planetary bodies and cryospheric environments. When I am not working on simulations, I enjoy trying out new cooking recipes, traveling, and getting lost in a good science-fiction novel. Feel free to contact me by email.
mondal.amrik07@gmail.com
Amrik Mondal
Hi everyone! I am Amrik and I’m thrilled to join the EGU GD blog team as editor this year. I am a PhD student at IIT(ISM) Dhanbad, India. My research sits at a fascinating question — what makes Earth habitable? The answer lies in our magnetic shield, driven by convection deep in Earth’s liquid outer core. I run numerical simulations of this geodynamo process to unravel how Earth’s magnetic field works. I’m passionate about multidisciplinary approaches, science outreach, and making science accessible and fun for everyone. Outside academia, I love trying new things – currently learning German! I love spending time in nature, walking mountain trails, enjoying coffee and novels and capturing photos. I cherish connecting with new people, tasting local flavours and soaking in the history and culture of every place I visit. Feel free to reach out via email or LinkedIn –- always happy to connect!
Andreia Hamid
Olá! I’m Andreia, a PhD Candidate at the University of Toronto in Canada. My research focuses on mountain building processes, combining both numerical modelling and geological field work to better understand the mechanisms driving curved mountain belts (oroclines). I’m passionate about plate tectonics, geodynamics, and making science accessible to broad audiences! I love doing science outreach, from engaging with young children to seniors. I also love teaching (!) and am currently a Sessional Lecturer at the University of Toronto. I’m excited to be a part of the Geodynamics Blog team, meeting new people, and sharing their incredible work!
valeria.fedeli@unimi.it
Valeria Fedeli
Ciao! I’m Vale, a third-year PhD student in Earth Sciences in Italy, at the Università degli Studi di Milano. My research focuses on the numerical modelling of subduction zone initiation in 2D and 3D. I have been passionate about geology in all its forms since I was a child, walking in the mountains and collecting small rocks. However, as I also enjoy mathematics and coding, it was a natural progression for me to end up in the world of geodynamic numerical modelling. Outside of my main area of research, I care deeply about the accessibility of research and education, so I read and discuss widely about scientific visualization and illustration, PhD and academic life and Open Science, and I serve as a PhD student representative in my university and as a tutor for my university inmate students at Bollate prison. In my free time, I like to relieve PhD stress and despair by climbing, gaming, playing music, obsessing with any new hobby my friends propose to me, or expressing my Italianness by producing huge and inappropriate quantities of tortellini, focaccia and pizza. Feel free to contact me via email!
PaulineGayrin@protonmail.com
Pauline Gayrin
Salut! I’m Pauline, I come from the French Alps and I work as doctoral researcher in GFZ Potsdam, Germany. I’m a geologist who codes. I work on the development of new techniques to map and characterise fault networks in continental rift, but not only, allowing a better global understanding of regional dynamics. I like to study brittle motion in general using different approaches such as analogue modelling, satellite imagery for example. I’m a very enthusiastic and quirky person, I marvel at the beauty of planet Earth and love to discover again and again that we are far from understanding all the processes. I’m the editor in chief of the Tectonics and Structural geology blog and I publish here my geodynamics enthusiasm since 3 years. I’m queer and an active member of the EGU pride group since several years, neurodivergent and disabled. In my spare time, I like to play board games with my friends and team. I also enjoy art, all styles of music and knitting. I’m excited to share the beautiful work of the community and some fun science with you all! Feel free to drop me an email! I’m also active on LinkedIn.
The Sassy Scientist
Dear reader, it’s me, Sassy! Still here after 5 amazingly years on EGU’s Geodynamics Blog and ready to share my wisdom with you about the geoscience community, the academic labyrinth, and the jungle we live in (#democracy)! Unlike any other scientist, my thirst for knowledge is clenched: I know it all! Including the ugly truth about academia, invisible politics of institutions, research groups, and funding institutions, and anything there is to know about “good” research practices or how to become a “successful” researcher. So why not send me an e-mail with your burning questions here (thesassyscientist4real@gmail.com) ? But a piece of advice: brace yourselves for the ride! And let’s face it, ‘no matter how many fish in the see, it would be so empty without me!’ :p
The team also includes two talented illustrators, Prachi Kar, who also is a regular editor, and Lea Pennacchioni.
pkar4@asu.edu
Prachi Kar
Hello, I am Prachi Kar, a PhD Candidate in the School of Earth and Space Exploration at Arizona State University. My research focuses on understanding the structure, dynamics, and long-term evolution of Earth’s deep interior using numerical modeling, with a particular interest in the lower mantle and Large Low-Velocity Provinces (LLVPs). I also investigate the interiors of other planetary bodies, including the Moon, to better understand their thermal and compositional evolution. Much of my time is spent developing and running mantle convection models and exploring the processes that shape planetary interiors over billions of years. Beyond research, I am passionate about painting and digital illustration. As part of the EGU Geodynamics Blog team, I contribute as an editor. You can reach me via email.
lea.pennacchioni@uni-potsdam.de
Lea Pennacchioni
Hello everyone!! I’m Lea a postdoctoral researcher working between the Mineralogy group in Potsdam University, Germany and the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility ESRF in Grenoble, France. My research interest focus on the study of materials at extreme conditions. I enjoy sketching and making comics about what goes on around me and the (many) scientific challenges I face. I am very glad to be part of the blog team as illustrator!! If you wish to contact me, or are curious about my art, you can reach me via
email or take a look at my website pennylee.art.
Our social media team consists of 3 members, Constanza Rodriguez Piceda, who is also our ECS representative and a part-time regular editor, Foteini Panagiotidou, and Duo Zhang.
ecs-gd@egu.eu
Constanza Rodriguez Piceda
Hola! I’m Constanza. I’ve been around for quite some time as editor-in-chief of the blog, but this year I became the ECS representative of the division. I’m a geologist/geophysicist from Argentina, currently doing a postdoc at Roma Tre University in beautiful Rome. I use numerical tools to study the mechanics of earthquakes and their links with geodynamic-scale processes, which has led me to do research in some amazing places around the world, including the Andes, the Apennines, and the Sea of Marmara. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, landscape and macro photography, reading, watching movies, playing table tennis, and getting familiar with Roman and Italian food. You can contact me via email.
Duo Zhang
Hi, I’m Duo Zhang. I completed my PhD in Cardiff University. I used the open‑source numerical modelling code Fluidity to run 2D simulations, systematically exploring how different deformation mechanisms within a composite rheology affect plate dynamics, especially the back‑arc extension on the overriding plate. Currently I work as an engineer at an oil company in China. My research emphasis has shifted from the dynamics of back‑arc extension towards the internal tectonic evolution of back‑arc basins. I am particularly interested in their structural styles, deformation sequences, and the implications for hydrocarbon accumulation. Besides, I enjoy music and reading, and I love collecting various stories from people.
