1. Faculty of Environment
  2. School of Earth and Environment
  3. People
  4. Profile
Dr Benjamin J. W. Mills

Dr Benjamin J. W. Mills

  • Position: Associate Professor
  • Areas of expertise: Biogeochemistry; Computer modelling; Earth history; Earth system science
  • Email: B.Mills@leeds.ac.uk
  • Phone: +44(0)113 343 9830
  • Location: 9.151 School of Earth and Environment
  • Website: Googlescholar | Researchgate | ORCID

Profile

I am a biogeochemical modeller with a background in pure mathematics. I build computer models in order to investigate the processes responsible for long term changes in Earth's surface conditions. I also conduct field and laboratory work to collect data relevant to both present day climate change, and to changes that happened in the deep past.

Research interests

I am interested in the evolution of the current global climate state, the processes that have influnced Earth's climate through time, the links to the evolution of life, and the possibility of habitable conditions existing on other planets.

A key focus is on the variation of atmospheric carbon dioxide and oxygen concentrations over the last 1 billion years of Earth history, and the possible correlations with the development and radiation of plant and animal life. This work involves developing mathematical representations of global tectonic and biological processes, and combining these with geochemical data to test hypotheses about the major drivers of climate evolution.

I am always interested in new collaborations, please get in touch if you would like to work on an idea, join my group as a researcher, or apply for a PhD project.

<h4>Research projects</h4> <p>Any research projects I'm currently working on will be listed below. Our list of all <a href="https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/dir/research-projects">research projects</a> allows you to view and search the full list of projects in the faculty.</p>

Qualifications

  • PhD, University of East Anglia
  • MMath, University of East Anglia

Student education

I teach on a range of modules, including the basics of Earth and Environmental sciences, mathematics, and the development and application of computer models to scientific problems.

Research groups and institutes

  • Earth Surface Science Institute
  • Cohen Geochemistry
  • Palaeo@Leeds

Current postgraduate researchers

<h4>Postgraduate research opportunities</h4> <p>We welcome enquiries from motivated and qualified applicants from all around the world who are interested in PhD study. Our <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk">research opportunities</a> allow you to search for projects and scholarships.</p>