Scientist Vignettes
Meet the Scientists shaping subduction zone science
As part of our growing scientist matchmaking community, we’re excited to shine a spotlight on the researchers behind the platform. Each spotlight will feature a participant from the SZ4D Scientist Matchmaking Survey, offering a glimpse into their work, interests, and goals. Through the vignettes, our participants will share who they are, what drives their science, and how they hope to connect - an engaging way to discover potential collaborators and get to know the scientists shaping subduction zone science.
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meet
Emma Burkett
Emma Burkett
Emma Burkett
Emma M. Burkett
Emma.burkett [at] unh.edu
@emmam-burkett.bsky.social
November 25, 2025
You, the Scientist
What question(s) drive(s) your research right now?
I’m interested in how magma moves and behaves within a volcano, how that interacts within the volcanic structure to influence eruption size and style, and how past eruptions help us reconstruct what lies beneath the surface.
What tools, data, or approaches are you currently using? Are there others you are most eager to explore?
I like to use a variety of approaches! For my dissertation focused on Augustine volcano, I have mainly used diffusion chronometry with thermobarometry, and petrology. With that comes EPMA and LA-ICP-MS analyses, along with coding for data processing, while having a deep understanding of the petrologic context for the data and interpreting results. In a completely different way of thinking about Augustine volcano, I also applied atmospheric modeling approaches to volcanic hazards to think about how ash dispersal may change with a changing climate in the Arctic. I would like to apply other approaches beyond diffusion chronometry and delve into the world of melt inclusions and isotopes!
Community & Collaboration
What type of collaborations are you hoping to build?
As someone who has just completed their PhD, I’m eager to build collaborations that support my career development while also keeping my scientific scope broad. Addressing subduction-zone hazards requires treating them as interconnected systems, which means working across disciplinary boundaries and engaging with experts outside my own specialization. I hope to form collaborations centered on shared scientific questions, such as, how we can better understand volcanoes from their deep roots at the subduction zone interface to their eruptive plumes in the stratosphere to improve our ability to forecast eruptions.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your fellow Early-Career Researchers as they build their careers?
One piece of advice for fellow ECRs is to attend as many small workshops and seminars as you can. That’s where I’ve built my community and an incredible group of volcanophile friends, which, in turn, makes the big conferences like AGU feel far less intimidating. As someone on the more introverted side, I was surprised by how quickly my community grew and how friendly people are, from ECRs to mid-career researchers to senior scientists. For a field that (mostly) studies volatile and extreme events the community itself is remarkably warm and supportive, which gives me high hopes for the future!
Career & Opportunities
Are you currently looking for a new position? (eg. postdoc, fellowship, or other). If so, in what area?
I am currently looking for a postdoc or research technician position. My preference would be for the Pacific Northwest or Mountain West in the US to be closer to family but would be excited to do geochemistry/geological research in a variety of places.
Outside of Science
What do you enjoy outside of science?
I love to do all Granny-hobbies! Crocheting, knitting, quilting, embroidering, cross-stitching, and lately have been adding in spinning. One of my favorite things is to combine science communication in with my hobbies which you can read more about here