Professor Simon Kelley

Profile

Prof. Simon Kelley is an Geologist and Isotope Geochemist known for his work in geochronology and the sources and sinks of noble gases in the Earth and other solar system bodies. 

Simon also works on the use of digital tools in teaching practical science skills in Higher Education and in particular the use of virtual and remote microscopes in HE teaching.  He has been involved in online teaching and pedagocial research, MOOC production and led the development of the Virtual Microscope for Earth Sciences  .

Responsibilities

• Head of the School of Earth and Environment

Research interests

Simon’s research interests cover a wide range of Earth Sciences including, rates of geological processes, noble gas geochemistry, and developing techniques for measuring the rates and timescales of geological processes. Using lasers to extract minute samples in situ, and in particular use of UV laser extraction technique, has provided a way to develop research into the solubility and diffusivity of noble gases in minerals in the Earth’s mantle and crust. Use of laser extraction techniques for Ar-Ar dating has led me into dating a huge range of geological processes. This work was supported by a range of funders including NERC, Leverhulme Trust, EU funds and industrial funding/consultancy. 

Qualifications

• BSc (Hons) Geology
• PhD Geology

Professional memberships

• Fellow of the Geological Society

Student education

Simon has taught Geology, Earth system science, hazards and planetary science. He has taught at all levels from first year to masters level including leading the production and presentation of a part-time Earth Science masters programme at the Open University.

Simon was the academic leading development of the Virtual Microscope for Earth Science (http://www.virtualmicroscope.org) and has published pedagogical studies evaluating its use.