Dr David Wallis

Christ's College
  • University Associate Professor
  • UKRI Future Leaders Fellow
Available for consultancy
Dr David Wallis

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About

2020–present: Associate Professor and UKRI Future Leaders Fellow, Department of Earth Sciences, University of Cambridge

2017–2020: Assistant Professor, Department of Earth Sciences, Utrecht University

2016–2017: Research Associate, University College, University of Oxford

2015–2017: Postdoctoral Research Assistant, Department of Earth Sciences, University of Oxford

Advisors: Dr. Lars Hansen and Prof. Angus Wilkinson

Project: A new method for mapping stresses in mantle rocks: Dislocation density from electron backscatter diffraction

2010–2014: Ph.D. (Geology), School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds

Supervisors: Dr. Richard Phillips and Dr. Geoff Lloyd

Thesis: Micro-geodynamics of the Karakoram Fault Zone, Ladakh, NW Himalaya

2006–2010: MSci. Honours Degree in Geoscience (Geology), Department of Earth Sciences, University of Durham

Supervisors: Dr. Mark Allen and Dr. Jonathan Imber

Thesis: Deformation within the basal units of the Lizard ophiolite, SW Cornwall: A combined field and microstructural study

Research

The Microgeodynamics Group in the Department of Earth Sciences, University of Cambridge, tackles problems in rock deformation from the crystal-lattice to lithospheric-plate scales. We develop and employ advanced microanalytical techniques to decipher the processes of rock deformation. High-angular resolution electron backscatter diffraction (HR-EBSD) provides a key tool for quantifying distributions of dislocations and stress heterogeneity within grains. We combine such microstructural analyses with rock deformation experiments to develop a new generation of microphysical models of deformation processes. Analyses of key field sites allow us to up-scale laboratory results to establish the role of microscale processes in macroscopic geodynamics.

PhD applications are typically due in early January for particular funding opportunities (see more details here). Please do get in touch if you are interested in doing a PhD in rock deformation and have relevant experience. If you don’t yet have a Masters degree, consider joining our MASt programme for a year to experience doing research in our group.