University of Florida professor Juliane Dannberg, PhD, has received the Jason Morgan Early Career Award for 2021 from the American Geophysical Union (AGU) for her compelling research and advancement of her field. The award recognized Dannberg’s contributions to tectonophysics, a branch of geophysics that focuses on deformations of the Earth’s structure such as mantle convection and plate tectonics.
Dannberg, an assistant professor in the Department of Geological Sciences, develops new computational methods to create simulations of the Earth’s interior to better understand processes on the surface, such as the break-up of continents, the formation of islands, and the eruption of volcanoes.
“Even though I am in the Department of Geological Sciences, my career is not that of a classical geologist,” Dannberg said. “I work at the interface between geophysics and applied mathematics.”
Her nontraditional career path in geology made the recognition from the AGU especially rewarding.
“I was very happy when I learned I would receive the award and I didn’t expect it at all,” Dannberg said. “It is great to see that AGU and the international community value these types of contributions, and the award encourages me to continue with this work.”
Through her simulations, Dannberg has explored the hypothesis that hotter parts of the lowermost layer of the Earth’s mantle could be partially molten or liquefied by heat. However, her research found that it is more likely that this layer has a distinct chemical composition from the surrounding material, keeping it at the base of the mantle. The study was an important step towards understanding how the chemical makeup of the lowermost mantle influences Earth’s evolution.
In 2019, Dannberg received a $1.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for a large multi-institutional project to build simulations that can predict the motion of material inside and on the surface of Earth over time. Dannberg works alongside UF visiting assistant professor Rene Gasmoeller to use high-resolution three-dimensional computer simulations that provide insights into the chemical composition of the least understood regions of Earth.
She is also part of a team that leads the development of a community software called ASPECT for fellow geologists using computerized simulations in their research.
In receiving the award, Dannberg thanked those who have supported her in her career so far.
“I am very grateful to my Ph.D. advisor Stephan Sobolev for nominating me,” Dannberg said, “and for all of my other mentors who helped me throughout my career, especially my postdoc advisor Wolfgang Bangerth.”