Ben Clarke

This PhD was hosted in the School of GeoSciences, University of Edinburgh, in partnership with the Department of Earth Sciences, University of Oxford, the British Geological Survey (BGS) and the University of Addis Ababa (Ethiopia).   

Through the PhD I was lucky enough to work in Ethiopia, New Zealand, Chile, Iceland, the western United States, Germany and Tenerife. [...] the chance to experience so many places and gain so many friends and future collaborators (and rocks) was unparalleled.

What was your research about?

Image

I investigated the eruptions of some rather unusual volcanoes in the Ethiopian rift valley. No one has seen these volcanoes erupt, and so we have very little idea what their eruptions entail. By looking at the rocks left behind by these eruptions, and modelling the processes that occur during them, I developed a hazard map that indicates areas that are likely to be in danger during future eruptions, as well as establishing what eruptions from these volcanoes are like.

What made you apply to the E³ DTP?

For me it was largely the project, but the chance to take funded time to undertake an internship was very attractive, not to mention the prospect of living in such a beautiful, fun and exciting city!

What did you find challenging in your PhD?

The PhD was fantastic, with so many opportunities to travel, learn from some of the top researchers in my field, and develop as a scientist. That’s not to say it wasn’t hard at points, be that learning to take the helm of my own project, or being chased by an Ethiopian land-owner with a spear. Having a cohort of other PhD students, who have been or are going through similar challenges, provided a supportive network and some life-long friends. 

Looking back, what would you have done differently?

I’d have climbed more Munros!

The PhD is the perfect opportunity to test out whether you want a career in academia. For me, the whole process sharpened my interest to be an academic scientist, and provided all the opportunities to meet people, and gather the knowledge and skills to make that happen.

Which aspects of your PhD did you enjoy the most?

I love field work. Through the PhD I was lucky enough to work in Ethiopia, New Zealand, Chile, Iceland, the western United States, Germany and Tenerife. Though often less than glamorous, the chance to experience so many places and gain so many friends and future collaborators (and rocks) was unparalleled.

Which skills did you gain during your PhD?

I think in addition to the technical skills I gained in order to conduct my research, the most important thing I learned was how to simultaneously work independently and collaboratively. In all sectors, the range of skills that we need to get stuff done is too broad for any one person, and so the ability to independently direct research whilst collaborating with others to make it better, was a tricky but invaluable skill.

What would not have been possible without the DTP?

I spent 3 months working at the organisation responsible for monitoring volcanoes in New Zealand, where I learnt about the practicalities of monitoring volcanoes, which in turn helped me to understand what academic research desperately needs doing. This has helped to shape my long-term research goals. Plus, New Zealand is great fun! This wouldn’t have been possible without the PIP and the overseas research visit fund available through the DTP.   

Having a cohort of other PhD students, who have been or are going through similar challenges, provided a supportive network and some life-long friends. 

How has your PhD helped you to decide on a career path?

The PhD is the perfect opportunity to test out whether you want a career in academia. For me, the whole process sharpened my interest to be an academic scientist, and provided all the opportunities to meet people, and gather the knowledge and skills to make that happen.

And now?

I have started my first post-doctoral position at the University of Leicester, studying the rock record of large meteorite impact events in Canada, Scotland, Germany and Mexico. I applied for the position in the final month of my PhD following an invitation to apply from someone I worked with during my masters and PhD. I also wrote applications for two fellowships, using the additional funding available from the DTP, which will help lay the foundations for my future academic career.