Hilary Morgan
1035 Summit St ● Hancock, MI 49930 ● (412) 576-0516
hamorgan@mtu.edu
http://www.geo.mtu.edu/~hamorgan
Professional and Research Interests
Physical Volcanology, Satellite and Ground-Based Remote Sensing, Environmental Monitoring & Remediation,
Geologic Mapping, Geothermal Energy, Geographic Information Systems, Geologic Hazard Assessment
Education
Michigan Technological University
Houghton, MI
2010 – Present
Master of Science in Geology (Volcanology)
GPA: 3.8
Thesis: “Lava discharge rate estimates from thermal infrared satellite data for Pacaya volcano, Guatemala:
Implications for time-averaged eruption processes and hazards.”
Advisors: Dr. Andrew J.L. Harris & Dr. Simon Carn
U Blaise Pascal – Laboratoire Magmas et Volcans
Clermont-Ferrand, France
2010 - 2011
Completed first year of MS degree abroad as a participant in INVOGE (International Volcanology and
Geotechniques), a collaborative program between four international universities specializing in volcanology.
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA
2006 - 2010
(1) Bachelor of Science in Geology
Overall GPA: 3.2
(2) Certificate in Geographic Information Systems
Geology GPA: 3.6
Senior Project: “Discriminating vent sites along a formerly ice-confined basaltic eruptive complex at Sveifluhals,
SW Iceland.”
Advisor: Dr. Ian P. Skilling
GIS, GPS, and Computer Methods
Global Geophysics & Tectonics
Paleoclimatology
Advanced Coursework
Space Photogrammetry
Remote Sensing
Volcanology
Advanced Geographic Info. Systems
Advanced Natural Hazards
Geomorphology
Professional Experience
Gas Geochemistry Volunteer
Pahoa, HI
Summer 2010
USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
 Worked full-time on active Kilauea Volcano as a member of the gas geochemistry research group.
 Collected daily in-situ sulfur dioxide measurements from two degassing sources using a FlySpec mini-UV
spectrometer, converted raw data to tons/day measurements, and published data in an online database.
 Assisted with other projects including measuring gas plume heights, mapping active lava flows using thermal
infrared cameras, and conducting helicopter flyover surveys.
Molecular Biology Laboratory Assistant
Pittsburgh, PA
Aug 2008 – May 2010
Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Invertebrate Zoology
 Performed DNA extractions on crustacean and insect specimens and prepared samples for PCR analysis and gel
electrophoresis for a variety of projects. Completed data entry for thousands of delicate insect specimens.
 Assisted in fieldwork including collection of live specimens, identification of species and gender, and habitat
type assessments.
Other Experience
Field Research
Southern Guatemala
January 2012
Michigan Technological University
 Collected lava samples from several locations at active Pacaya Volcano to supplement my remote sensing-based
Master’s thesis, and assisted in reoccupation of GPS stations for an ongoing deformation survey.
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Undergraduate Teaching Assistant
Pittsburgh, PA
Fall 2008 & Spring 2010
University of Pittsburgh
 Aided students with understanding and completion of assignments for GEOL0055: Physical Geology Lab.
 Designed and delivered three lectures for igneous rocks, metamorphic rocks, and coastal geology, respectively.
President
Pittsburgh, PA
2009 - 2010
University of Pittsburgh Geology Club
 Organized and led several student field trips in western Pennsylvania.
 Managed finances; compiled annual budgets and supplemental funds requests, planned multiple fundraisers.
Field Assistant
Southwest Iceland
Summer 2009
University of Pittsburgh
 Served as a field assistant to a PhD candidate studying subglacial volcanism. Made structural measurements,
logged outcrops, collected GPS data, and compiled all data into an interactive GIS document of the field area.
Geology Field Camp
Western/Central US
Summer 2009
Lehigh University
 Completed six weeks of intense field courses focused on geologic mapping, structural geology, Quaternary
geology, volcanic landscapes, and field techniques.
Conservation Intern
Pittsburgh, PA
2005 - 2006
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy
 Identified and removed invasive plant species in 456-acre Schenley Park.
 Participated in park improvement projects (e.g. GPS trail mapping, repairing trails, and community outreach).
Publications and Presentations
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Morgan, H.A., 2011. “Lava discharge rate estimates from thermal infrared satellite data for Pacaya volcano,
Guatemala: Implications for time-averaged eruption processes and hazards.” MS Thesis, Université Blaise
Pascal Laboratoire Magmas et Volcans, Clermont-Ferrand, France
Morgan, H.A., Harris, A.J.L., Rose, W.I., 2011. “Lava discharge rate estimates from thermal infrared satellite
data for Pacaya volcano, Guatemala: Implications for time-averaged eruption processes.” 2011 American
Geophysical Union Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA.
Morgan, H.A., Schaefer, L.N., Rose, W.I., 2011. “First year experiences in a new international dual Master’s
degree program in volcanology/geotechniques.” 2011 Geological Society of America Annual Meeting,
Minneapolis, MN.
Morgan, H.A., Mercurio, E.C., Skilling, I.P., 2010. “Discriminating vent sites along a formerly ice-confined
basaltic eruptive complex at Sveifluhals, SW Iceland.” 2010 Geological Society of America Northeastern
Sectional Meeting, Baltimore, MD.
Awards
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Affiliations
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Graduate Research Assistantship 2010 – 2012,
Michigan Technological University
Undergraduate Research Grant, Geological Society
of America (2009).
Flint Field Scholarship, U of Pittsburgh (2009).
Dean’s List, U of Pittsburgh (2008, 2010).
Geological Society of America (2009 – present)
American Geophysical Union (2010 – present)
American Society of Photogrammetry and Remote
Sensing (2011 – present)
Outreach Activities
Speaker, Swissvale Rotary Club: “Volcanoes” (Mar 2011)
Speaker, Monongahela Rock Hounds: “Geology of the US” (Nov 2009)
Representative for U Pitt Geology Department at Pittsburgh K-12 Sci-Tech Festival (Nov 2009)
References Furnished Upon Request
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