Hello there! It’s Constanza and Michaël your GD editors-in-chief once again. End of June marks the 8th anniversary of the blog, so happy birthday to the blog!
It’s been some pretty busy weeks of preparation behind the scenes after the EGU General Assembly to bring together the new blog team for the year 2025-2026. We are a team of early career scientists who are very enthusiastic about sharing news and views about Geodynamics, Academia and beyond. This year we are 2 editors-in-chief, 14 regular editors, 1 illustrator, 1 sassy scientist columnist and 3 social media managers. Following our usual business, we post every Wednesday at 10am CET. If you like to write a post sharing a piece of work or opinion about Geodynamics, academia or geoscience outreach, please get in touch! We are also looking for Sassy Scientist columnists (i.e. description), so contact us if you are eager to share your sassy wisdom with the community! That said, let’s meet the team:
The Blog Team
Michaël Pons
Hi everyone! I am Michael Pons, one of the two editors-in-chief of the Geodynamics Blog, along with Constanza Rodriguez Piceda. This is now my 3rd year with the incredible EGU Geodynamics Blog and it has already been an opportunity for me to discover new topics of discussion and to meet and highlight new people. This last year of blogging has been incredible and we hope to continue in the same way. Of course, the success of this blog has been largely due to an incredible team effort! This new blog year will be one of the most interesting with new highly motivated pluridisciplinary members, so get ready for new topics to come! In short, who am I? I am a postdoc at GFZ in Potsdam, working on numerical modelling of subduction/orogenic processes. As part of the MEET project (Monitoring Earth Evolution Through Time) I am developing a new generation of global-scale models of the Earth (which will coupled with surface and climate processes!). I also enjoy discovering new places, camping and taking night sky pictures! We are always looking for new people to tell their stories, you can reach me at my e-mail, via my X account @MichaPons or via bluesky @michapons.bsky.social
Constanza Rodriguez Piceda
Hola! I’m Constanza, also blog editor-in-chief alongside Michaël. This is my third year as part of team and I’m very excited about the year ahead and being engaged with the community. I’m a geologist from Argentina and currently working as a postdoc at the Univeristy of Plymouth (UK) in the beautiful south-west England. I use numerical modelling to understand how faults communicate between each other during the seismic cycle, and I’m interested in how we can use the information about the driving mechanims of deformation from the fault- to the lithosphere scale to better inform seismic hazard assessments. A perfect day in my free time would be being out for a hike along the South Coastal Path, doing landscape or macro-photography and finishing with a rewarding meal and drink. Some of my other hobbies include playing table-tennis, attending food festivals and, more recently, knitting. You can reach me via e-mail, LinkedIn or BlueSky.
Adélaïde Allemand
Hi there, I am Adélaïde Allemand, PhD student in Paris at the Institute of Physics of the Globe. I am currently working on the numerical model of a strike-slip fault, trying to bridge space-time scales from the long-term fault evolution to the earthquake rupture propagation in one single framework. I joined the blog editor team because I wanted to make and talk about science in a funnier and more different way than in my everyday life. I also have a strong desire to share about what I am working on with diverse people. I have many passions and hobbies, and a (non-exhaustive) list of the others could be: reading novels and essays, creative and artistic activities of all kinds, dancing, swimming, discussing and day-dreaming. I am glad I was given the chance to join!
Arijit Chakraborty
Hey there! I am Arijit Chakraborty. I come from Kolkata, India and am currently pursuing a PhD at Durham University, UK. During my masters I worked on Seismology, specifically in seismic anisotropy, which, I would like to believe, ultimately fuelled my interest in doing geodynamics. Anisotropy helped me transition from imaging the present-day mantle to studying its dynamics. I am interested in essentially anything related to the solid Earth, but continental dynamics, craton formation and survival pique my curiosity a bit more. Interestingly, various mineral deposits are also found along cratonic edges. Therefore I am currently investigating formation and preservation of mineral deposits in relation to long-term craton dynamics. When I am not buried under the weight of the lithosphere, I can be found hiking in rolling hills of the UK, travelling and exploring new places or enjoying a lazy weekend binge watching Star Wars. I am really excited to join the EGU Geodynamics(GD) blog team as an editor and contribute to spreading knowledge and having fun along the way! Feel free to drop me an e-mail!
Alexis Gauthier
Hello, my name is Alexis Gauthier. I’m a second-year PhD student at Sorbonne University in Paris. I’m using numerical modeling to understand how, in subduction zones, long-term deformation controls slip behavior. My approach is to use the output of my geodynamic simulations as input for seismic cycle simulations. I love spending time in nature, but I also really enjoy Paris—for the concerts, cinema, and going out with friends. I used to play basketball for many years, and I’ve recently started doing improv theatre. I’m also involved in volunteer work.
Conor Farrell
Hi! I’m a geologist from Ireland, and I’m since found myself in the beautiful city of Florence, where I’m doing my PhD. I work here as part of an EU-wide MSCA doctoral network “TALENTS”, focused on studying rifting for the energy transition. My work day varies a lot – some days you’ll find me in the lab, simulating the Ethiopian Rift in a little box of sand, or working on my laptop in a café, or standing in the rift valley in Ethiopia! In my free time, I like to hike in the Apennines, jump in the Mediterranean, and write books. I’m a big fan of science communication, so I’m excited to join the EGU Geodynamics blog team as an editor! You can contact me at: conorgabriel.farrell@unifi.it.
Pauline Gayrin
Salut! I’m Pauline, I come from the french Alps and I work as doctoral researcher in GFZ Potsdam, Germany. I like to say that 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 also queer and an active member of the EGU pride group, neurodivergent and disabled. In my spare time, I like to play board games with my friends and team. I also enjoy contemporary art, all styles of music and knitting. I continue the blog journey this year as I enjoy very much sharing the beautiful work of the community and some fun science with you all. Feel free to drop me an email!
Prachi Kar
Hello, I am Prachi Kar. I am a graduate research assistant at School of Earth and Space Exploration, Arizona State University. I use numerical modeling to investigate the structure, dynamics and evolution of Earth’s lower mantle. So, I spend a lot of time in front of a computer, writing mantle convection codes. I occasionally do some high pressure experiments using a multi anvil press to look for stability of certain minerals in lower mantle pressure-temperature conditions. Other than my research, I am very much passionate about painting and digital illustrations. For the GD blog team I work as an editor. You can reach me via e-mail.
Lorenzo Mantiloni
Hello everyone! I’m Lorenzo, a postdoctoral researcher at Camborne School of Mines, University of Exeter, UK. Before moving to beautiful Cornwall, I did my PhD at the University of Potsdam, Germany, and the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ). In the last few years, I have been playing a lot with numerical and analogue models of the stress state and the propagation of magmatic dykes in the Earth’s crust, with a few headaches along the way. My new project is now about modelling mushy magmatic reservoirs as poro-visco-elastic volumes where magma propagates over time. I’m originally from a small village in Tuscany, near an extinct volcano, so I guess it was destiny that I ended up here. I spend most of my working day in front of a PC, so I absolutely love field trips whenever I get the chance to join one. My work-life balance is quite awful, as is my sleep schedule, but now that my PhD is over, I’m getting all my free weekends with no sense of guilt. I used to do theatre back in Italy, something that I miss a lot. I love hiking, travelling and getting to know people and their culture. I’m a history enthusiast and definitely a food zealot: I easily get triggered if pineapple pizza or, worse, carbonara with cream are mentioned. You can contact me via email.
Dimitrios Papadomarkakis
Hi everyone! I’m Dimitrios Papadomarkakis, an undergraduate student at the School of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA). Throughout the majority of my undergraduate studies, I have actively been involved in research opportunities across different scientific fields, however, thankfully (or suddenly, haven’t truly decided yet) my passion for geosciences, and particularly geodynamics and rock mechanics, prevailed above all. My research mainly focuses on analytical and numerical models of various subduction-oriented processes, e.g. development of Rayleigh-Taylor gravitational instabilities along the plate-mantle interface; mechanics and dynamics of plate bending, as well as experimental rock mechanics, e.g. fracturing process of rock-type materials. Despite my horrible work-life balance I always try to listen to, and play, music. Additionally, I adore travelling and visiting new places. Recently, I had the chance to join the EGU Geodynamics (GD) Blog Team as an Editor, hoping to enrich it with new perspectives and enthusiasm. Feel free to contact me via e-mail!
João Paulo de Souza Bueno
Hi! I’m João Bueno, a geologist that come from São Paulo, Brazil. I’m doing my PhD at University of São Paulo. Previously, I worked in many different fields of geology. As an undergraduate, I studied palynology, lithium exploration, and also the tectonic and climate change effects on the geomorphology of the Amazon basin. After graduating, I worked in environmental and risk geology, mapping areas at risk of landslides, flooding, debris flow and another types of hazards. These experiences had developed me and my skills in GIS, remote sensing, and programming. However, I love mathematics and physics, and academia, so I came back to do a PhD and discovered the world of geodynamics. My research is about how the blanket effect affects rifts and how it changes the temperature and subsidence. I’m also interested in undertading of these processes interacting with salt tectonics. At the university, I work on some side projects related to luminescence and sedimentary supply of brazilians rivers. I’m looking forward to joining the EGU GD team and share great texts with all of you! If you wanna talk about anything of Earth sciences, just send me an e-mail!
Lea Pennacchioni
Hello everyone!! I’m Lea a postdoctoral researcher in the Mineralogy group in Potsdam University, Germany. My research interest focus on the properties of minerals at high pressure and high temperatures. In my free time I love drawing and reading. I enjoy sketching and making comics about what goes on around me and the scientific challenges I face. I am very glad to be part of the blog team as illustrator!! If you wish to contact me, you can reach me via email or through my Instagram.
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 (I’m Lisan al-Gaib). Originally from Barcelona, I enjoy cooking without burning it, 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?). Whether I’m talking about Earth processes or just chatting over coffee, I believe science should be for everyone, and I’m always excited to connect with curious minds! You can check out my science outreach in Catalan at @repedracat or find me on LinkedIn or via email.
Nuno Rodrigues
Hi everyone! I’m Nuno Rodrigues, a first year PhD student in the Department of Geology at the University of Lisbon and associated to the Solid Earth Dynamics research group at Instituto Dom Luiz. Using numerical modelling, my research focuses on the dynamics of orogens and the factors that enable plateau formation. The grandness of mountains has always captivated me, and being able to study how they are formed fills me with joy and excitement. In my spare time, I like to read books, watch films, take some photos and listen to some music. I’m really excited to be part of the GD blog team for the first time! If you wish to reach out to me, you can find me on Twitter @NunoMFRodrigues and ResearchGate, or contact me by e-mail.
Rajani Shrestha
Hi everyone! This is Rajani. I am a PhD student at the California Institute of Technology. I use numerical simulations to investigate the occurrence of large ruptures. I am also interested in characterizing the spatial distribution of seismicity and how that change with time. When I am free, I like reading/writing poetry, taking care of my plants, and spending time in the nature. You can connect with me via email.
Garima Shukla
I am Garima Shukla, the ECS Representative for the Geodynamics division and Research Associate at the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism, Mumbai, India. My research focuses on the origin and emplacement of Pachmarhi dyke swarms in the Deccan Continental Flood Basalt through rock and paleomagnetic analysis, as well as investigating the depth of the feeder magma chambers. Outside of my research, I enjoy traveling, trekking, and learning about different people and cultures. I am a coffee enthusiast who explores various coffees from around the world and brews my own. Additionally, I enjoy gardening, cooking, photography (especially nature photography), painting, crafting, and music. You can reach me on Twitter, LinkedIn, and via email.
Kleoniki Lydia Theodoridou
Hi everyone! I am a Geologist from Greece and I obtained my master’s degree in Risk and Disaster Science from University College London. I have always wanted to create a safer, greener and more resilient world; therefore, my research interests range from Disaster Risk Reduction, Climate-related topics, Geological heritage and Geodynamics. Apart from that, I love travelling and exploring new places and cultures. Thus, I am a proud fluent Spanish speaker and this year I started learning Italian. During my free time, I greatly enjoy acting, painting, dancing and going outdoors. I am really excited to be part of the GD team as an Editor for my fourth year in a row! Feel free to contact me for any ideas on my e-mail
Katherine Villavicencio
Hola / Ciao! I’m Katherine Villavicencio, a passionate explorer of the Universe, especially when it comes to exoplanets and their moons. Most of my research time is spent developing numerical models to understand the inner evolution of planetary mantles. But I don’t only look inward! I’m currently working on numerical simulations to understand how rock glaciers evolve on the surface of Mars. I come from Ecuador, the middle of the world, where diversity isn’t just in the landscapes but also in the weather, culture, and delicious food. Beyond science, I love traveling, cooking, reading sci-fiction, learning new languages, and meeting people from all over. I’m also a strong advocate for mental health and well-being, particularly for PhD students, who often need it the most. Curious about Ecuador? Maybe interested in the internal evolution of rocky and icy bodies? Or do you want to chat about the ups and downs of life in academia? Feel free to drop me an email.
The Sassy Scientist
Dear reader, I am still here – bursting with excitement to enlighten you with my wisdom for the fifth year running at this most esteemed blog of EGU. I am still the expert of any conceivable field within the Earth Sciences and my experience of academia knows no bounds. If only. I solely dedicate my free time to helping you, dear reader, to navigate this labyrinth of science. So why not send me an e-mail with your burning questions? I am still waiting for you right here.
Our social media team consists of 3 members, Garima Shukla who is also our ECS representative and regular editor, Betti Hegyi, who is a regular editor, and Duo Zhang.
Betti Hegyi
Hello there! I’m Betti, and I’m a PhD student at ETH Zürich. I love everything related to tectonics, geodynamics and seismology, and I’m working on the numerical modelling of earthquake cycles in subduction zones. When I’m not in my office coding, I usually go out and try new coffee shops, take long walks around Lake Zürich (with the newly purchased coffee), or just go home and read my favorite books. I also enjoy travelling and meeting new people, and doing yoga after a long day of work. I’m really excited to be part of the blog team for a second year! You can find me on Twitter @BettiHegyi, or you can reach me via e-mail.
Duo Zhang
I’m Duo, a graduated PhD in Geodynamics from Cardiff University. My research focuses on the plate behaviours in subduction systems, especially the back-arc extensions on the overriding plate (OP) and their driving mechanism. I am running 2D numerical models to explore them by the open source code Fluidity. When I’m not working, I enjoy travelling, playing instruments (Chinese ancient ones and a little bit classic guitar), reading and writting novels. I really like listening stories from other people and living in different lifes. You can feel free to contact me via email.
