Teaching Philosophy

My teaching bridges geophysics, data science, and environmental engineering. I aim to equip students with modern computational and modelling skills: Python programming, Bayesian methods, machine learning, and time series analysis, grounded in real physical systems and societal problems.

Research-informed teaching is central to my approach. Students in my courses work with real hazard datasets (seismic, weather, streamflow) and are introduced to state-of-the-art methodologies directly linked to my group's research publications.

Courses Taught

ENCN205
Applied Data Analysis
Year 2 · ~250 students Coordinator / Lecturer / Developer
2026
ENCN375
Systems Engineering for a Changing Climate
Year 3 · ~250 students Lecturer / Developer
2026
ENCN404
Modern Modelling Practices for Civil Engineering
Year 4 · ~20 students Lecturer / Developer
2024–present
ENCI646
Flood Analysis, Modelling and Management
Masters · ~10 students Lecturer / Developer
2024–present
ENCN304
Applied Mathematical Methods
Year 3 · ~280 students Cover Lecturer
2026

Workshops & Training

Boosting Academic Productivity with AI (Claude Code)

~30 department academics, Civil & Natural Resources Engineering, with ongoing individual support

2026

Neural Networks Workshop

QuakeCoRE Emerging Researchers

2024

Python for Geoscientists

Geology students, School of Earth and Environment, University of Canterbury

2024

Current Postgraduate Students

Hernandez, K.

Multi-Data Integration to Improve Short-Term Eruption Forecasts Using Machine Learning

PhD · University of Canterbury

Primary Supervisor

2026 – present

Hekmatkhah, R.

Physics-based modelling of hydrothermal eruption precursors

PhD · University of Canterbury

Co-Supervisor

2026 – present

Okhrimchuk, R.

Geothermal prospectivity for gold and other relevant minerals using GIS and data-driven modelling

PhD · University of Canterbury

Co-Supervisor

2026 – present

Senior, E.

Advancing Avalanche Detection and Forecasting Using Geophysical Monitoring and Machine Learning

PhD · University of Canterbury

Co-Supervisor

2026 – present

Constanza

Data Science for Wine Fermentation

PhD · Lincoln University

Co-Supervisor

2026 – present

Marconi, Sol

Whakaari gas flux: pulsatory degassing in the lead up to the 2019 eruption

MSc · Civil & Environmental Engineering, UC

Co-Supervisor

2026 – present

Correa, G.

Volcanic Eruption Forecasting at Tungurahua Volcano

MSc · Geosciences

Co-Supervisor

2026 – present

Student Opportunities

I regularly supervise Honours, Masters, and PhD students working at the intersection of geophysics, machine learning, and environmental hazard science. If you are interested in joining the group, please get in touch with a brief description of your background and research interests.

Current areas of interest for new students include:

Students from geophysics, engineering, data science, mathematics, or related fields are welcome. Strong programming skills (Python preferred) are an advantage.