Our People
Research Team
A multidisciplinary team of geoscientists, oceanographers, and data scientists united by a commitment to understanding Earth's dynamic systems.
Director
Gian Paolo Imola
Founder and Director of the Ocean & Earth Research Institute. With over two decades of fieldwork across the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans, he has led major expeditions studying mid-ocean ridge systems, deep-sea sediment archives, and tectonic boundary processes. His interdisciplinary approach bridges marine geology, geophysics, and paleoclimate science.
Research Scientists
Our scientists lead fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and computational research across marine geology, tectonics, and paleoclimate.
Principal Research Scientist
Hydrothermal Vents & Geochemistry
Specializes in the geochemistry and fluid dynamics of hydrothermal vent systems along mid-ocean ridges. Has led seven deep-sea expeditions and contributed to over 40 peer-reviewed publications in marine geology and geochemistry.
◈Chat with AI Marine GeologySenior Research Geologist
Tectonic Plate Dynamics & Seismology
Focuses on the mechanics of subduction zones and crustal deformation using seismic tomography and GPS geodesy. His work has advanced understanding of earthquake cycles in the Pacific Ring of Fire and the Cascadia subduction system.
◈Chat with AI TectonicResearch Scientist
Deep-Sea Sedimentology & Paleoclimate
Investigates sediment core records from the South Atlantic and Western Pacific to reconstruct past climate variability. Her research integrates foraminiferal assemblages, stable isotope geochemistry, and orbital forcing cycles to understand long-term oceanographic changes in the South Atlantic and Western Pacific basins.
◈Chat with AI SedimentologyAI Marine Geology
Director of Marine Geology — AI Division
An AI-powered research assistant specializing in deep-sea geology, hydrothermal vents, seafloor mapping, and tectonic processes. Available 24/7 to answer scientific questions and support OERI research initiatives.
AI Tectonic Plate Dynamics & Seismology
Director of Tectonic Research — AI Division
An AI-powered research assistant specializing in plate tectonics, subduction zones, fault systems, seismology, and lithospheric dynamics. Available 24/7 to support geodynamic research and seismic analysis at OERI.
AI Deep-Sea Sedimentology & Paleoclimate
Director of Sedimentology Research — AI Division
An AI-powered research assistant specializing in deep-sea sediment cores, paleoclimate reconstruction, Milankovitch cycles, and the stratigraphic record of Earth's climate history preserved in ocean floor sediments.
Join Our Research Team
We are always looking for exceptional scientists and researchers to join our team. If you are passionate about marine geology, tectonics, or paleoclimate science, we want to hear from you.
Contact Us