Meet our lecturers and researchers

You will learn from leading geoscientists at the forefront of their field, undertaking world-leading research in a wide range of areas. Find out more about what they do.

Earth Sciences and Environment

Professor Ian Main - Seismology

Ian discusses the reality of Hollywood movie earthquakes, dealing with seismic sequences in real life, and never being bored at work.

Dr Mikael Attal - Geomorphology 

Mikael discusses why you should study at Edinburgh, how he discovered his interest in geomorphology and the range of expertise within the School of GeoSciences.

Dr Andy Bell - Natural Hazards

Andy teaches on a range of courses throughout our Geology and Geophysics programmes. Andy's teaching is heavily influenced by his research on natural hazards and risk. Find out more about Andy's research in The Galapagos Islands and Ecuador.

Professor Steve Brusatte - Palaeontology 

Steve discusses how he became interested in palaeontology, the importance of bringing the latest research into teaching, and working as the palaeontology consultant for the Jurassic World movie franchise.

Dr Geoff Bromiley - Planetary Geoscience

Geoff discusses being the first person in his family to go to university and the importance of getting more people involved in academia, research and going to university.

Ecological and Environmental Sciences

Dr Claudia Colesie - Plant Ecology 

Claudia's research focuses on Antarctic organisms and how they grow and survive in their environment. 

You'll be taught by Claudia during your second year of study.

A journey to the unknown

Dr. Claudia Colesie on Zavodovski Island

In December 2023 Dr Claudia Colesie, a terrestrial ecologist in the University’s School of GeoSciences, travelled with a team of scientists to Antarctica. Their destination was the unexplored Zavodovski Island, said to be one of the stormiest places on Earth.

This short film tells us about her journey to one of the most remote places on this planet, which was to prove to be one of her most unpredictable journeys.

Professor Mathew Williams 

Mathew's research focuses on the terrestrial carbon cycle.

Professor Dave Reay - Climate Change 

Dave shares insights into filming with David Attenborough, the 'sweetshop of brilliance' of our academics, and that even after 20 years of living in Edinburgh, it's impossible to imagine a better place to live, work and study.

Geography

Dr Sukanya Krishnamurthy - Urban Geography 

Sukanya's research focuses on children's lived experiences in rapidly urbanising cities. 

You'll be taught by Sukanya on the first-year human geography course.