Hilary Morgan

1035 Summit St ● Hancock, MI 49930 ● (412) 576-0516

http://www.geo.mtu.edu/~hamorgan

Professional and Research Interests
Physical Volcanology, Satellite and Ground-Based Remote Sensing, Environmental Monitoring & Remediation, Geologic Mapping, Geothermal Energy, Geographic Information Systems, Geologic Hazard Assessment
Education
Michigan Technological University / Houghton, MI / 2010 – Present
Master of Science in Geology (Volcanology) / GPA: 3.8
Thesis: “Lava discharge rate estimates from thermal infrared satellite data for Pacaya volcano, Guatemala: Implications for time-averaged eruption processes and hazards.”
Advisors: Dr. Andrew J.L. Harris & Dr. Simon Carn
U Blaise Pascal – Laboratoire Magmas et Volcans / Clermont-Ferrand, France / 2010 - 2011
Completed first year of MS degree abroad as a participant in INVOGE (International Volcanology and Geotechniques), a collaborative program between four international universities specializing in volcanology.
University of Pittsburgh / Pittsburgh, PA / 2006 - 2010
(1) Bachelor of Science in Geology
(2) Certificate in Geographic Information Systems / Overall GPA: 3.2
Geology GPA: 3.6
Senior Project: “Discriminating vent sites along a formerly ice-confined basaltic eruptive complex at Sveifluhals, SW Iceland.”
Advisor: Dr. Ian P. Skilling
Advanced Coursework
GIS, GPS, and Computer Methods / Space Photogrammetry / Advanced Geographic Info. Systems
Global Geophysics & Tectonics / Remote Sensing / Advanced Natural Hazards
Paleoclimatology / Volcanology / Geomorphology
Professional Experience
Gas Geochemistry Volunteer / Pahoa, HI / Summer 2010
USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
§  Worked full-time on active Kilauea Volcano as a member of the gas geochemistry research group.
§  Collected daily in-situ sulfur dioxide measurements from two degassing sources using a FlySpec mini-UV spectrometer, converted raw data to tons/day measurements, and published data in an online database.
§  Assisted with other projects including measuring gas plume heights, mapping active lava flows using thermal infrared cameras, and conducting helicopter flyover surveys.
Molecular Biology Laboratory Assistant / Pittsburgh, PA / Aug 2008 – May 2010
Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Invertebrate Zoology
§  Performed DNA extractions on crustacean and insect specimens and prepared samples for PCR analysis and gel electrophoresis for a variety of projects. Completed data entry for thousands of delicate insect specimens.
§  Assisted in fieldwork including collection of live specimens, identification of species and gender, and habitat type assessments.
Other Experience
Field Research / Southern Guatemala / January 2012
Michigan Technological University
§  Collected lava samples from several locations at active Pacaya Volcano to supplement my remote sensing-based Master’s thesis, and assisted in reoccupation of GPS stations for an ongoing deformation survey.
Undergraduate Teaching Assistant / Pittsburgh, PA / Fall 2008 & Spring 2010
University of Pittsburgh
§  Aided students with understanding and completion of assignments for GEOL0055: Physical Geology Lab.
§  Designed and delivered three lectures for igneous rocks, metamorphic rocks, and coastal geology, respectively.
President / Pittsburgh, PA / 2009 - 2010
University of Pittsburgh Geology Club
§  Organized and led several student field trips in western Pennsylvania.
§  Managed finances; compiled annual budgets and supplemental funds requests, planned multiple fundraisers.
Field Assistant / Southwest Iceland / Summer 2009
University of Pittsburgh
§  Served as a field assistant to a PhD candidate studying subglacial volcanism. Made structural measurements, logged outcrops, collected GPS data, and compiled all data into an interactive GIS document of the field area.
Geology Field Camp / Western/Central US / Summer 2009
Lehigh University
§  Completed six weeks of intense field courses focused on geologic mapping, structural geology, Quaternary geology, volcanic landscapes, and field techniques.
Conservation Intern / Pittsburgh, PA / 2005 - 2006
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy
§  Identified and removed invasive plant species in 456-acre Schenley Park.
§  Participated in park improvement projects (e.g. GPS trail mapping, repairing trails, and community outreach).
Publications and Presentations
§  Morgan, H.A., 2011. “Lava discharge rate estimates from thermal infrared satellite data for Pacaya volcano, Guatemala: Implications for time-averaged eruption processes and hazards.” MS Thesis, Université Blaise Pascal Laboratoire Magmas et Volcans, Clermont-Ferrand, France
§  Morgan, H.A., Harris, A.J.L., Rose, W.I., 2011. “Lava discharge rate estimates from thermal infrared satellite data for Pacaya volcano, Guatemala: Implications for time-averaged eruption processes.” 2011 American Geophysical Union Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA.
§  Morgan, H.A., Schaefer, L.N., Rose, W.I., 2011. “First year experiences in a new international dual Master’s degree program in volcanology/geotechniques.” 2011 Geological Society of America Annual Meeting, Minneapolis, MN.
§  Morgan, H.A., Mercurio, E.C., Skilling, I.P., 2010. “Discriminating vent sites along a formerly ice-confined basaltic eruptive complex at Sveifluhals, SW Iceland.” 2010 Geological Society of America Northeastern Sectional Meeting, Baltimore, MD.
Awards / Affiliations
§  Graduate Research Assistantship 2010 – 2012, Michigan Technological University
§  Undergraduate Research Grant, Geological Society of America (2009).
§  Flint Field Scholarship, U of Pittsburgh (2009).
§  Dean’s List, U of Pittsburgh (2008, 2010). / §  Geological Society of America (2009 – present)
§  American Geophysical Union (2010 – present)
§  American Society of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (2011 – present)
Outreach Activities
Speaker, Swissvale Rotary Club: “Volcanoes” (Mar 2011)
Speaker, Monongahela Rock Hounds: “Geology of the US” (Nov 2009)
Representative for U Pitt Geology Department at Pittsburgh K-12 Sci-Tech Festival (Nov 2009)
References Furnished Upon Request

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