Dr Mark Thomas

Profile

I am a geoscientist and educator with a passion for advancing both the understanding of volcanic geomechanics and the future of digital education in the geosciences. With an MESci in Geology and Geophysics from the University of Liverpool and a PhD from Kingston University London—focused on the Geomechanics of Volcanic Instability and the Effects of Internal Pore Fluid Pressurisation—I have expertise in the mechanical behaviour of volcanic systems and the role of fluid dynamics in slope stability.

Professionally, I have worked across the engineering geology and geophysics sectors, applying a broad suite of geophysical techniques including gravity, seismic, resistivity, electromagnetic, GPR, and magnetic methods. My analytical skills are further enhanced by the use of finite element (FE) and finite difference (FD) modelling to solve complex geotechnical challenges.

Since 2009, I have been based in Leeds, working within the School of Earth and Environment. As the current Programme Leader for the MSc Geotechnical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship—the first of its kind at the University—I have led curriculum innovation, industry engagement, and digital transformation. My leadership has also previously extended to the MSc Engineering Geology programme, where enrolment levels were grown to record levels through strategic development and employer collaboration.

I am a three-time Faculty Partnership Award winner, recognised for Inspirational Teaching (2021), Innovation (2023), and Assessment and Feedback (2025). I am a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a UKCGE Recognised Research Supervisor.

My research-led teaching is informed by involvement in international projects, and I am a regular contributor to public engagement and outreach, regularly visiting schools and contributing to public interest publications.

Responsibilities

• Programme Leader for MSc Geotechnical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship
• Faculty Digital Education Academic Lead (Environment)
• Faculty Assessment Academic Lead (Environment)

Research interests

My research interests are centred around the geomechanics of volcanic systems, engineering geology, and the application of digital technologies in geoscience education:

1. Volcanic Geomechanics & Instability
   • Investigating the mechanical behaviour of volcanic materials.
   • Understanding on the role of internal pore fluid pressurisation in large-scale volcanic slope instability.
   • Use of numerical modelling techniques (e.g., finite element and discrete element methods) to simulate volcanic emplacement and collapse.
2. Engineering Geology & Geophysics
   • Applying geophysical methods (gravity, seismic, resistivity, GPR, etc.) to solve engineering and environmental challenges.
   • Exploring thermo-mechanical behaviour of geological materials through lab experiments and numerical simulations.
3. Digital and Immersive Geoscience Education
   • Developing virtual and augmented reality tools for geoscience teaching (e.g., virtual field trips and lab inductions).
   • Leading initiatives in digital assessment and AI integration in education.
   • Pedagogical innovation, authentic assessment, and active learning strategies.

Qualifications

• PhD Volcanic Instability, Kingston University
• MESci, Geology and Geophysics, University of Liverpool

Professional memberships

• FHEA
• UKCGE Recognised Research Supervisor

Student education

I teach across a range of subjects on both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in the Schools of Earth and Environment and Civil Engineering. I am also involved in student education leadership through my roles as the programme leader for the MSc Geotechnical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship, and as the Faculty of Environment Digital Education ans Assessment Academic Lead.

Research groups and institutes

• Institute of Applied Geoscience
• Institute of Geophysics and Tectonics
• Planetary Exploration
• Applied Geophysics
• Rock mechanics, Engineering geology and hydrogeology
• Volcanology

Current postgraduate researchers

• Jess Payne
• Amanda Norman