Taryn Lopez
Research Associate Professor
Geophysical Institute
University of Alaska Fairbanks
About Me
About Me
I am a Research Associate Professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute and member of the Alaska Volcano Observatory. My primary research interests lie in using the chemical and isotopic composition and flux of volcanic gases to understand subsurface processes related to volcanism and subduction. I employ various gas sampling techniques to collect volcanic gas measurements, ranging from direct sampling to satellite remote sensing. While I have worked on numerous volcanoes around the world, my research primarily focuses on volcanoes and subduction processes within the Aleutian Arc. My current research involves: (1) investigating the relationships among subduction character, volatile cycling and eruptive activity along the Aleutian Arc (NSF GeoPRISMS #1551978), (2) using TROPOMI satellite SO2 data to detect and characterize volcanic degassing from Alaska volcanoes, and (3) combining complementary multidisciplinary observations of volcanic activity to better understand volcanic behavior, identify potential precursory signals and ultimately better forecast the size, timing and character of volcanic eruptions (NSF PREEVENTS #1855126).
I am a Research Associate Professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute and member of the Alaska Volcano Observatory. My primary research interests lie in using the chemical and isotopic composition and flux of volcanic gases to understand subsurface processes related to volcanism and subduction. I employ various gas sampling techniques to collect volcanic gas measurements, ranging from direct sampling to satellite remote sensing. While I have worked on numerous volcanoes around the world, my research primarily focuses on volcanoes and subduction processes within the Aleutian Arc. My current research involves: (1) investigating the relationships among subduction character, volatile cycling and eruptive activity along the Aleutian Arc (NSF GeoPRISMS #1551978), (2) using TROPOMI satellite SO2 data to detect and characterize volcanic degassing from Alaska volcanoes, and (3) combining complementary multidisciplinary observations of volcanic activity to better understand volcanic behavior, identify potential precursory signals and ultimately better forecast the size, timing and character of volcanic eruptions (NSF PREEVENTS #1855126).
Education
Education
Ph.D., Environmental Chemistry, University of Alaska Fairbanks (2013)
Ph.D., Environmental Chemistry, University of Alaska Fairbanks (2013)
M.S., Geology, Michigan Technological University (2006)
M.S., Geology, Michigan Technological University (2006)
B.S., Geology, University of Wisconsin Eau Claire (2003)
B.S., Geology, University of Wisconsin Eau Claire (2003)
Group Affiliations
Group Affiliations
My work on Alaska volcanoes is conducted primarily through my role in the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO), where I work closely with colleagues from the USGS Volcano Emissions Project, to measure volcanic emissions from Alaska volcanoes and use these data to characterize subvolcanic conditions. These observations are used along with other AVO datasets to help forecast the timing and style of potential eruptive activity. At UAF I am a member of the GI Volcanology group as well as an affiliate faculty member of the Department of Geosciences. I am also a member of the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior (IAVCEI) Commission on the Chemistry of Volcanic Gases (CCVG) and former Co-Vice Chair of the Deep Carbon Observatory (DCO) Deep Carbon Degassing (DECADE) project.
My work on Alaska volcanoes is conducted primarily through my role in the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO), where I work closely with colleagues from the USGS Volcano Emissions Project, to measure volcanic emissions from Alaska volcanoes and use these data to characterize subvolcanic conditions. These observations are used along with other AVO datasets to help forecast the timing and style of potential eruptive activity. At UAF I am a member of the GI Volcanology group as well as an affiliate faculty member of the Department of Geosciences. I am also a member of the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior (IAVCEI) Commission on the Chemistry of Volcanic Gases (CCVG) and former Co-Vice Chair of the Deep Carbon Observatory (DCO) Deep Carbon Degassing (DECADE) project.
Publications and CV
Publications and CV
Graduate Students
Graduate Students
My graduate students pursue research projects related to volcanic degassing, with a focus on Alaska volcanoes. UAF volcanology graduate students have the unique opportunity to work with AVO, which may involve helping with real-time volcano monitoring, participating in eruption response efforts and conducting field work at Alaska volcanoes. Below is a list of current and former graduate students who have worked with me:
My graduate students pursue research projects related to volcanic degassing, with a focus on Alaska volcanoes. UAF volcanology graduate students have the unique opportunity to work with AVO, which may involve helping with real-time volcano monitoring, participating in eruption response efforts and conducting field work at Alaska volcanoes. Below is a list of current and former graduate students who have worked with me:
Current students:
Current students:
Valerie Wasser, Ph.D. candidate
Valerie Wasser, Ph.D. candidate
Former students:
Former students:
Valerie Wasser, M.S. (2019)
Valerie Wasser, M.S. (2019)
David (Skye) Kushner, Ph.D. (2024)
David (Skye) Kushner, Ph.D. (2024)
Che Pascal (Pablo) Saunders-Shultz, M.S. (2024)
Che Pascal (Pablo) Saunders-Shultz, M.S. (2024)
Prospective students:
Prospective students:
I am continually seeking dedicated, resourceful and hard-working prospective graduate students with interest in volcanic degassing and/or volcano remote sensing to join my team. As a first-generation college student and female latina researcher, I want to especially encourage students traditionally underrepresented in geoscience to apply. I benefited from the financial support of forward-thinking diversity initiatives and the kindness of committed mentors who saw a career path for me that I could not envision myself. I hope to pay this kindness forward by helping other underrepresented geoscientists achieve meaningful careers. If you are interested in working with me as a graduate student, please send me an email to find out about potential project opportunities.
I am continually seeking dedicated, resourceful and hard-working prospective graduate students with interest in volcanic degassing and/or volcano remote sensing to join my team. As a first-generation college student and female latina researcher, I want to especially encourage students traditionally underrepresented in geoscience to apply. I benefited from the financial support of forward-thinking diversity initiatives and the kindness of committed mentors who saw a career path for me that I could not envision myself. I hope to pay this kindness forward by helping other underrepresented geoscientists achieve meaningful careers. If you are interested in working with me as a graduate student, please send me an email to find out about potential project opportunities.
Contact Information
Contact Information
Taryn Lopez
Taryn Lopez
UAF-Geophysical Institute
UAF-Geophysical Institute
Alaska Volcano Observatory
Alaska Volcano Observatory
2156 N Koyukuk Drive
2156 N Koyukuk Drive
Fairbanks, AK 99775
Fairbanks, AK 99775
