Alexis Cartwright-Taylor

I have a BSc in geophysics from the University of Southampton and an MSc in geophysical hazards from UCL. I have worked for a geophysical survey company conducting offshore marine geophysical surveys, and for the Pacific Islands Applied Geoscience Commission in science communication (Fiji) and earthquake hazard assessment (Vanuatu). I have a PhD in experimental rock deformation at UCL investigating the electrical properties of deforming rocks with application to earthquake precursors.

Prior to starting my position at Heriot-Watt, I was a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Edinburgh for seven years, investigating the influence of stress on rock physical properties in space and time, in particular the grain-scale processes involved in strain localisation and material failure. Research highlights include demonstrating that (i) seismic events miss important kinematically-governed grain-scale mechanisms during shear failure of porous rocks, (ii) material starting heterogeneity influences the crack network evolution and the predictability of failure, (iii) coda wave interferometry characterises changes in bulk properties of scattering media more effectively than first-arrivals, and (iv) microcrack aspect ratio in deforming rocks is porosity-dependent, validating a recent rock physics model. I was also involved in a mine-water geothermal study that demonstrated the potential for resilient and sustainable, low-cost and low-carbon heating via a circular heat network, and in a study investigating material controls on seasonal storage of hydrogen in porous reservoirs.

I live in Edinburgh with my partner and am an outdoor enthusiast and keen swing dancer. I am also a yoga instructor and remedial massage therapist with a passion for cultivating mindfulness and self-compassion and helping others to do the same.