FOLLOWING THE THREAD: A VOLCANIC CAREER WOVEN IN TWISTS AND TURNS (Invited Presentation)

No career follows a straight path, and mine is no exception. Looking back, I see chance experiences that both stimulated specific research and formed the warp and weft of my evolving view of volcanoes and volcanic processes. For example, an early experience on Mt. Erebus, Antarctica introduced me to lava lakes and giant crystals that foreshadowed my interests in both crystal textures and the physical behavior of flowing lava. Similarly, initial work with the USGS at Woods Hole introduced me to side scan sonar and image processing techniques that have underpinned much of my research. My role as Public Information Scientist for the USGS at Mount St. Helens added a further dimension, showing me the public face of volcanology and setting up this volcano as a touchstone throughout my career. Later the 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajokull, Iceland, not only sent me on the trail of volcanic ash but also led me on a 10 year excursion to Bristol, UK, and with it new directions, including forays into history and art. What has this experience taught me about how I do science? First, 5-year plans always go sideways. Second, opportunities come from unexpected directions. Third, new questions come mostly from work in the field. Fourth, science is more fun when done collaboratively. Finally, threads weave together with other threads in unanticipated ways.