Dr Dave O'Leary
Post Doctoral Research Fellow
Teagasc, Ireland

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I'm a dedicated researcher with a keen interest in geophysics and remote sensing, particularly in their applications for soil mapping. My educational and professional journey has deepened my commitment to expanding our understanding of the Earth's subsurface and its significance across various sectors.

Education and Early Career

I started my academic career at the University of Ireland Galway, where I pursued my undergraduate degree in Earth and Ocean Sciences, successfully completing it in 2009 with a thesis titled: ""The Detection of Cavities in Karst Limestone using Gravity and Electrical Resistivity Methods: An Example from Kiltartan Cave, Co. Galway". This early academic experience laid the groundwork for my lasting intrigue with the Earth's intricate systems.

Building on this, I obtained a Master's degree in Exploration Geophysics from Leeds University in 2010. Here my thesis was titled: ""A Structural Interpretation of the Gjallar Ridge, mid Norwegian Margin using Three-Dimensional (3D) Seismic, Well, Gravity and Magnetic Data". This program provided a solid foundation in geophysical exploration principles, equipping me with the knowledge and skills necessary for my career.

Experience in the Oil and Gas Industry

Following my master's degree, I embarked on an eight-year journey within the oil and gas industry. My career path took several turns, each contributing to a deeper understanding of geophysics and its practical applications.

I started my career as a Seismic Data Processor, focusing on data analysis and interpretation. This role involved essential work behind the scenes that supports geophysical exploration efforts.

Eager for a more direct involvement in the field, I transitioned to an Offshore Geophysicist role onboard seismic vessels. In this role, I gained hands-on experience in collecting seismic data in challenging offshore environments, requiring both technical skills and adaptability.

Eventually, I rose to the role of Chief inField Geophysicist, where I managed the Quality Control and Processing department which included the professional development and training of a team of international geophysicists. This position involved overseeing Ocean Bottom Cable operations and data processing, requiring not only technical proficiency but also leadership skills.

Doctoral and Postdoctoral Research

In 2018, I decided to embark on a new academic journey, pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Galway. My doctoral research centered on the innovative applications of geophysics and remote sensing in soil mapping with a focus on the mapping of peatlands using airborne Radiometric data and satellite remote sensing. My thesis was titled: "Mapping soil using neural network machine learning and remotely sensed geoscience data; a study in peat". This aligning with my interest in developing methodologies and a deeper understanding on how data can be used for sustainability and environmental impact.

In 2023, I successfully completed my Ph.D., marking a significant achievement in my academic and professional journey. Today, I am a Postdoctoral Researcher at Teagasc. I am working on the ReWet Project where I continue to explore the applications of geophysics and remote sensing in agriculture and environmental research, contributing to advancing knowledge in this field.

Get in Touch

If you're interested in discussing potential collaborations, have questions, or simply want to learn more about my work, please feel free to reach out. I'm looking forward to connecting with fellow researchers, industry professionals, and individuals intrigued by the complexities of the Earth's subsurface.

Thank you for visiting my website, and I invite you to explore the various sections to gain insights into my research, projects, and contributions to the field of geophysics.