The University of Texas at San Antonio

We use materials science techniques to understand the texture, rheological behavior, and thermal properties of lava (and tephra). Typical projects include measuring rheology of lava as a function of temperature, crystallinity, and vesicularity. We study ecerytrhign from high-silica rhyolite and dacite, to basalt and komatiite. We also measure heat capacity and thermal conductivity. We also do analog rheology experiments on suspensions. The goal of all these is to better understand thermo-rheological feedbacks in igneous processes, and to improve models of volcanic processes and hazards.
Lab culture is very collaborative, we typically have 5-6 students from undergrad to PhD in any given semester. I meet with most students one-on-one every week and we have a weekly group meeting.