Paula Koelemeijer

Prof Paula Koelemeijer with a 3D printed Earth
Associate Professor of Geophysics & Royal Society URF
Tutorial Fellow at Exeter College (she/her)
Office 30.10
+44 (0)1865 272027
paula.koelemeijer@earth.ox.ac.uk

As a seismologist I am interested in using seismic waves to understand the world around us, ranging from planetary-scale processes to social seismology. I find it fascinating that the tiny signals recorded at the Earth’s surface allow us to answer fundamental questions about its deep interior, and yet also provide detailed information about human and animal behaviour. To be able to work on such a wide range of applications, I collaborate intensively with geodynamicists and mineral physicists, as well as biologists and computer scientists. I do not limit myself to particular techniques or methodologies, but aim to use the best tools and data to answer particular research questions.

ORCID: 0000-0001-5153-3040                 Google Scholar profile                 Personal website

Expand All

Seismology:

  • Seismological observations
  • Seismic tomography
  • Normal modes
  • Interferometry
  • Seismic noise
  • Uncertainty quantification
  • Inverse methods

Deep Earth structure and dynamics:

  • Seismic observations
  • Imaging thermal and compositional anomalies
  • Linking seismology with mineral physics and geodynamics

Social seismology:

  • Seismic anthropology
  • Impact of COVID-19 on seismic noise
  • Seismic signals of elephant behaviours

Please see my publications or personal website for more information on these research topics.

Opportunities for PhD studies are generally advertised in December for a start in the next academic year, with the application deadlines typically in January. Applications are primarily invited through the Oxford Doctoral Training Programme.

Researchers looking for postdoctoral opportunities should get in touch to discuss project ideas and funding opportunities. I have ample experience with fellowship and funding applications and can provide advice. It is wise to start discussions early (a year or more in advance) due to funder deadlines.

Undergraduate or other students, looking for a MSc project or a short-term research experience in seismology, please get in touch with me and we can discuss possible projects.

I teach on the following undergraduate courses in the Department:
- “Mathematics for Earth Sciences" (first year)

- “Planet Earth” (first year, seismology)

- “Geophysics of the Deep Earth" (third year, seismology)

- "Structure and dynamics of the Earth's mantle" (fourth year)

As Tutorial Fellow, I also teach undergraduates of Exeter College in small-group settings, as well as the entire cohort in Earth Sciences, primarily on topics in geophysics. 

Publications