Biography

Heather Handley is an Associate Professor of Volcanology and Geochemistry and leads the Volcanic and Magmatic Research Group at Macquarie University. Her research unravels the secrets held in the chemistry of volcanic rocks and their minerals to answer questions such as what triggers volcanic eruptions? and how fast does magma travel from its source to the Earth’s surface? Heather holds a PhD in Volcano Geochemistry from Durham University, UK and 1st Class Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Geology from The University of Edinburgh, UK. In 2012, Heather was awarded an Australian Research Council Future Fellowship to advance our understanding of the timescales of Earth-system process. She is Co-Founder and President of the Women in Earth and Environmental Sciences Australasia Network (WOMEESA) and was recently appointed as a Co Editor-in-Chief for Earth and Planetary Science Letters. Heather received a NSW Young Tall Poppy Award in 2014 in recognition of her research excellence and passion for science communication and has led more than 40 outreach events and workshops. She frequently writes for The Conversation, has given over 60 television, radio and print interviews and has featured in documentaries for National Geographic and Discovery Science. She is also mum to two very curious young girls.