Christopher W.
Hamilton

Investigating volcanic processes—from active volcanic eruptions in Iceland to lava plains on Mars, Venus, the Moon, and Io—opens new frontiers for planetary exploration, understanding the geological history of the Solar System, and exploring life's origins.

Professor, Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, University of Arizona Professor, Department of Geosciences, University of Arizona Adjunct Professor, Institute of Earth Sciences, University of Iceland

Latest

Recent Publications and News

The Planetary Science Journal

A collection of papers from the Rover–Aerial Vehicle Exploration Network (RAVEN) project, testing next-generation rover–helicopter mission architectures in Mars-analog volcanic terrains in Iceland. This focus issue is still active, with additional papers in review.

Research Highlights

Exploring volcanism from Earth to the outer Solar System

Our work links fieldwork in extreme environments to planetary remote sensing and mission development.

About

Background and Recognition

I am a Professor at the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory (LPL) and Department of Geosciences at the University of Arizona.

My research as a volcanologist combines field observations, remote sensing, and mission development through planetary analog research, including studies of the 2014–2015 Holuhraun and 2021–2023 Fagradalsfjall eruptions in Iceland.

My work has been featured by CNN, BBC, CBS 60 Minutes, Channel 4, Discovery Channel, and Netflix documentaries.

Ph.D. Geology and Geophysics, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa
B.Sc. Earth Sciences (First Class Honors), Dalhousie University

ORCiD ↗ Faculty Page ↗ Research Group ↗ LPL Graduate Admissions ↗

Selected Awards

2021Fulbright-NSF Arctic Scholar

2020Scialog Fellow, Signatures of Life in the Universe

2018Geological Society of America Early Career Award

2018Science News — Top 10 Scientists to Watch

2018NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Faculty Fellowship

2017UNESCO World Heritage proposal (Icelandic Highlands)

2015NASA Early Career Fellowship

2011NASA Postdoctoral Program Fellow

2005Leopold Gelinas Medal — Best Undergrad Thesis in Canada

Active and completed research in planetary volcanism, astrobiology, exploration technology, and mission development.

Active Projects

Completed Projects

73 completed peer-reviewed articles.

3,264Citations

32h-index

63i10-index

Google Scholar Profile ↗

Showing 73 publications

I welcome inquiries from motivated individuals interested in planetary volcanism, astrobiology, and exploration technology.

There are no project-specific vacancies at this time, but I am always open to hearing from potential collaborators at all career stages. The best first step is to send me an email at chamilton@arizona.edu describing your background and interests.

Above all, I am looking for three qualities: Creativity, Technical Capability, and Independence.

Take a course with me.

Undergraduate Students

I support undergraduate research through several pathways: independent study for course credit, paid internships through the Arizona Space Grant program, and Honors thesis advising through the Geosciences, Planetary Science, and Astronomy programs.

I am open to working with students from a wide range of disciplines—from Art to Architecture—so reach out.

Interested in planetary geosciences? Explore the UA Undergraduate Program in Planetary Geosciences ↗

Graduate Students

Prospective graduate students should contact me before applying to discuss research interests and fit. Formal applications are submitted through LPL Graduate Admissions.

Our primary research areas are:

Geologic Surface Processes—lava emplacement, magma–water interactions, volcano-tectonics, aeolian processes, megaflooding, impact cratering
Astrobiology—microbial colonization of volcanic terrains, biosignature detection, habitability
Geoinformatics—remote sensing, information theory, Bayesian inference, clustering analysis, self-organization, digital twinning, machine learning, and computer vision

I expect applicants to have a strong foundation in one or more of: Physics, Chemistry, Geology, Biology, or Informatics, with technical background in Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and/or Information Technology.

Postdoctoral Researchers

Postdoctoral opportunities follow the same research areas and skill expectations as graduate positions, with additional emphasis on advanced geophysical and computational methods, numerical modeling capabilities, and information technology skills. I encourage prospective postdoctoral researchers to reach out about fellowship opportunities and potential collaborations.

Technicians and Staff

Our group benefits from technical expertise in several areas:

Information Technology • Precision Surveying (GNSS, UAS, LiDAR, and Photogrammetry) • Astrobiology • Engineering • Laboratory Management

Computational and engineering skills are highly desired—if it doesn’t exist, we’ll make it.

Interested?

Send me an email with a brief description of your background, research interests, and what draws you to our work. Please include a CV or resume.

chamilton@arizona.edu ↗

Current and former members of the Hamilton Research Group.

Postdoctoral Researchers

2024–PresentDr. Wesley TuckerFinite element modeling of lava and conduit flow dynamics

Graduate Students

2025–PresentCarter MuchaImpact-induced hydrothermal systems. Ph.D. Student, Planetary Sciences

2024–PresentJoanna HardestyCryomagma rheology and conduit flow. Ph.D. Student, Planetary Sciences

2023–PresentMadison TuohyThe 2021–2023 Fagradalsfjall eruption, Iceland. Ph.D. Student, GeosciencesNSF Graduate Research Fellowship • P.E.O. International Scholar Award • Montgomery and Associates Best Overall Talk • Bert S. Butler Scholarship • Spencer R. Titley Graduate Scholarship • John and Nancy Sumner Scholarship