Because of the small size of Dartmouth's Earth and Planetary Science department, ensuring a good intellectual fit between an applicant and an EAPS professor is a key part of graduate admissions. Before or during the application process, you should reach out to professors you are interested in working with to introduce yourself and discuss potential projects. 

To facilitate this communication, we compile annually a list of EAPS professors looking for graduate students, what projects those students might expect to join, and any specific interests or skills that would make a good fit. This list is not exhaustive and some professors may also be open to student-led projects.

Manar Al Asad

I am seeking motivated graduate students to join my group starting Fall 2027. The position involves using numerical modeling to study how water cycles between Earth's surface and deep interior over geological time, and how early Earth's tectonic regime influenced the long-term stability of the oceans. A background in geodynamics, geophysics, or computational Earth science is preferred, and strong programming skills are expected. If interested, please email me with a brief description of your research interests and background.

I am seeking motivated graduate students to join my group starting in Fall 2027. The project involves top-down core solidification of small planets (Mars, Mercury) — what is known as “iron snow”. A background in fluid dynamics, and two-phase flow is encouraged, and strong programing skills are expected. If interested please email me with a brief description of your research interests and background.

If you are interested in mantle convection, Earth/planetary thermal evolution, or the interior dynamics of rocky/icy bodies in general and have your own ideas to pursue, please reach out as well.

Brenhin Keller

I may consider exceptionally well qualified MA or PhD program applicants with interests in igneous and metamorphic petrology, geochronology, thermochronology, and/or long term evolution and (bio)geochemistry of the Earth system.

Mathieu Morlighem

I am seeking outstanding graduate students who are interested in working on ice sheet modeling to start in Fall 2027. A solid background in continuum mechanics and programming is required. If interested, please send me an email with a brief description of your research interests and background.