Andrew Walker

My research interests are in the broad field of computational geophysics and mineral physics with a particular emphasis on the simulation of the consequences of the presence of imperfections in the crystal structure of Earth materials at multiple scales. My early research involved the simulation of minerals at the atomic scale. My more recent work builds on this knowledge base and tackles larger scale geodynamical problems linking global scale mantle convection with the generation of texture and seismic anisotropy. My interests thus span scales from the atomic to the whole mantle and couple mineral physics, seismology and geodynamics.

More generally, I am interested in the application of a wide range of computational techniques to problems in the Earth sciences. I’m currently involved in research projects which include studies of how and when the inner core crystallised in order to resolve the "core nucleation paradox", a multidisciplinary approach to understanding upwelling in the mantle, modelling the formation of pallasite meteorites, and an exploration of non-equilibrium processes in the core.

While my role is not primarily focussed on undergraduate teaching, I do contribute to our teaching. I introduce students to programming as part of the first year maths, statistics and scientific computing course and help deliver some elementary field teaching. I also supervise some final year projects and occasionally deliver teaching in other areas (e.g. providing sabbatical cover).

I deliver training for graduate students and other researchers in the Department. In term time, I coordinate weekly discussion meetings to allow those involved in "computational Earth sciences" to share ideas, experience, and develop new skills. I also run and contribute to short workshops lasting between two days and a week covering essential skills for the computational scientist. These are aimed at audiences from first year graduate students with limited programming experience through to experienced researchers who are beginning to develop software for and with large groups of collaborators.

Employment

Associate Professor (since 2023) and Senior Research Fellow in Computational Geosciences (since 2020) Department of Earth Sciences, University of Oxford.
Associate Professor in Computational Geoscience (2016-2020) School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds.
NERC Independent Research Fellow (2013-2018) School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds.
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Deep Earth Geophysics (2010-13). School of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol.
NERC Postdoctoral Research Fellow (2007-10) Department of Earth Sciences, Cambridge University then Department of Earth Sciences, UCL.
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Computational Mineralogy and Grid Development (2006-7). Department of Earth Sciences, Cambridge University.
Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Computational Mineral Physics (2005). Research School of Earth Sciences, The Australian National University.

Education

University of Leeds Teaching & Research Award (2017) postgraduate qualification in teaching and learning leading to my status as Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
PhD in Geology (2004) “Computational studies of point defects and dislocations in forsterite (Mg2SiO4) and some implications for the rheology of mantle olivine”. Davy Faraday Research Laboratory, The Royal Institution of Great Britain.
MSci in Geological Sciences (2001) Department of Earth Sciences, UCL.