About

My name is Emily Zawacki, and I received my Ph.D. in Geological Sciences from Arizona State University in 2021. As a Postdoctoral Research Scholar at Arizona State University, I worked on communications, education, and outreach activities for OpenTopography and EarthScope Consortium (formerly IRIS and UNAVCO). I previously served as the 2021-2022 Science Communication Fellow for the Geological Society of America.

​I graduated from Lawrence University in 2015 with a B.A. in geology and Spanish and a minor in history. Before taking Introductory Geology my freshman year of undergrad, I had absolutely no idea that I wanted to study geology, since I had never been offered a geology course before. However, taking that class was one of the best decisions I have ever made, because I found my true passions in studying the Earth, its past conditions, and the processes that shape it.

I am passionate about science communication and finding ways using new media to make the geosciences accessible and engaging. I love to incorporate my knowledge and experiences from the field and classroom to share the fascinating and dynamic nature of Earth and its history.

My primary research focus lies in the intersection between geomorphology, tectonics/structural geology, sedimentary geology, and paleoanthropology. At ASU, I was a member of the Active Tectonics, Quantitative Structural Geology, and Geomorphology research group. I am also a member of the Hominin Sites and Paleolakes Drilling Project (HSPDP) and worked to determine sediment provenance and quantify rates of landscape evolution at HSPDP localities along the East African Rift using cosmogenic radionuclides and detrital thermochronometers.

I additionally completed a Masters in Passing in 2018 at ASU researching a case of highly explosive basaltic volcanism in the Pinacate volcanic field (Sonora, Mexico).

During my free time, I make Disney-themed videos on YouTube and enjoy crafting and DIY projects!

Contact: eezawack@asu.edu