Dr Liam Taylor

Profile

I am a Lecturer in Physical Geography and have researched and taught in glaciology, hazards, and environmental change. My work typically involves a broad range of geospatial data analysis (GIS and remote sensing) from both satellite and field-based methods.

My current research focuses on applying novel remote sensing techniques to monitor contemporary change in the mountain cryosphere. I aim to identify ways to quantify contemporary ice dynamics and patterns of change in areas where remote sensing methods traditionally struggle. By developing bespoke approaches, I hope to provide insights to data-scarce regions which are often characterised by high uncertainty in global datasets. I also aim to work at the interdisciplinary edges of glaciology, in collaboration with communities and politicians, to advocate for the importance of the mountain cryosphere.

My teaching work involves enhancing the curriculum and student experience for Geographers at Leeds. As Programme Leader, I led the School’s development of a new Student Voice strategy, which led to a more exciting curriculum, more meaningful assessments, and improved student satisfaction. My pedagogical research is currently focused on enhancing student preparedness and access to fieldwork, in collaboration with the Leeds Institute for Teaching Excellence (LITE).

PGR Supervision

I supervise a wide range of PhD and MSc by Research projects across Physical Geography. I also regularly Research Experience Placements for undergraduate students to gain experience in academic research.

Reece Sawyer (2026 – 2027) – MbR (Main Supervisor) – The quantification of ice albedo modifiers and their melt feedbacks in Alpine Glaciers

Ruqayya Butt (2025 – 2029) – PhD (Main Supervisor) – What are the implications of recent changes to the Karakoram’s “glacier anomaly”?

Jisung Kim (2025 – 2026) – PhD (Co-Supervisor) – Spatio-temporal trends and processes in desertification in Africa and Europe

Holly Addis (2024 – 2028) – PhD (Co-Supervisor) – Large-scale developmental dynamics of northern peatlands

Hannah Barnett (2023 – 2027) – PhD (Main Supervisor) – Remote sensing as a tool to detect sudden glacier detachment events

Connie Harpur (2023 – 2026) – PhD (Co-Supervisor) – Controls on short-term calving glacier dynamics

Rebecca White (2023 – 2024) – MbR (Main Supervisor) – Investigating the influence of proglacial lakes on New Zealand mountain glacier dynamics

Responsibilities

• BSc Geography Programme Leader
• BSc Geography with Environmental Mathematics Programme Leader

Qualifications

• PhD Glaciology, University of Leeds
• MSc by Research Geography, University of Leeds
• BSc Geography, University of Exeter

Professional memberships

• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
• Association of Polar Early Career Scientists (APECS)

Student education

I teach across the Geography curriculum under the themes of climate change, environmental hazards, climate policy, digital skills, glaciology, and remote sensing. I am also passionate about supporting the preparedness and accessibility of student fieldwork.

I work closely with the Curriculum Redefined project to develop new approaches to teaching and assessment in Geography, particularly through the creation of GEOG2022 – Natural Hazards; Human Disasters.

Research groups and institutes

• River Basin Processes and Management

Current postgraduate researchers

• Hannah Barnett
• Holly Addis
• Ruqayya Butt