Susanna Jenkins | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Susanna Jenkins | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor, Nanyang Technological University , Singapore

Susanna Jenkins, Associate Professor at Nanyang Technological University and Principal Investigator at the Earth Observatory of Singapore, is a leading expert in volcanic hazard and risk assessment. Her extensive research focuses on quantitative hazard reconstruction, utilizing field studies, numerical modeling, and statistical analysis of large datasets. Jenkins has secured substantial funding from organizations like USAID and the World Bank, enabling her to develop innovative frameworks for assessing volcanic risks. Recognized with prestigious awards, including the IAVCEI Wager Medal and the Queen’s Anniversary Prize, her contributions significantly enhance the understanding of volcanic hazards and mitigation strategies. Jenkins is also a dedicated educator, achieving an impressive 96% average in teaching evaluations, and has mentored numerous students in their academic pursuits. Her involvement in international scientific committees further exemplifies her commitment to advancing volcanology and disaster risk reduction globally.

Profile:

Education

Susanna Jenkins possesses an extensive academic background in physical geography and environmental geology, which forms the foundation of her research in volcanic risk and hazard assessment. She earned her PhD from Macquarie University, Australia (2005-2009), where her thesis focused on probabilistic tephra fall hazard and risk assessment. This work involved statistical analyses of global data to derive probability distributions for explosive eruption behavior, culminating in the first probabilistic regional tephra fall hazard assessment for the Asia-Pacific region. Prior to her PhD, Jenkins completed her MSc in Geophysical Hazards at University College London (2003-2004) and earned her BSc (Hons) in Environmental Geology from the University of Leeds, UK (1996-1999). Her rigorous academic training has equipped her with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead significant research initiatives and contribute to the advancement of volcanology, making her a highly respected figure in her field.

Professional Experiences

Susanna Jenkins is currently an Associate Professor at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, where she leads a research group at the Earth Observatory of Singapore and the Asian School of the Environment. Her expertise lies in quantitative hazard and risk reconstruction, assessment, and forecasting, utilizing methods such as field studies and numerical modeling. With over a decade of experience, Jenkins has held positions ranging from Principal Investigator at the Earth Observatory to AXA Research Fellow in the UK. She has contributed significantly to volcanic risk assessment, notably leading initiatives for the UN-ISDR Global Assessment Report. Jenkins has garnered extensive funding, amounting to millions in research grants, and has presented her findings at numerous international conferences. In addition to her research, she is dedicated to teaching and mentoring students across various levels, ensuring the dissemination of knowledge in earth science and environmental sustainability.

Research Skills

Susanna Jenkins demonstrates exceptional research skills through her extensive work in volcanic hazard and risk assessment. As an Associate Professor at Nanyang Technological University, she leads a research group at the Earth Observatory of Singapore, employing quantitative methods that include field studies, numerical modeling, and statistical analyses of large datasets. Her expertise is evidenced by her successful acquisition of diverse funding sources, including from USAID and the World Bank, facilitating the development of innovative hazard assessment frameworks. Jenkins has made significant contributions to global volcanic risk evaluation, including the IAVCEI/GVM contribution for the UN-ISDR Global Assessment Report, highlighting her ability to influence policy and practice. Additionally, her leadership in mentoring numerous PhD and post-doctoral students showcases her commitment to fostering research excellence. Jenkins’ combination of practical fieldwork and theoretical insight positions her as a leader in her field, making her an ideal candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

 

Award And Recognition

Dr. Susanna Jenkins, an Associate Professor at Nanyang Technological University, has garnered significant acclaim for her pioneering research in volcanic hazard and risk assessment. Notably, she received the prestigious IAVCEI Wager Medal in 2023 for her exceptional contributions to volcanology, a testament to her impact on the field. Under her leadership, her research group at the Earth Observatory of Singapore has secured diverse funding, including a substantial grant from the World Bank, showcasing her capability to attract support for vital research initiatives. Her innovative methodologies have informed global policy, notably her lead role in the UN-ISDR Global Assessment Report. Dr. Jenkins is also recognized for her commitment to open research, receiving the NTU Open Research Award in 2022. Her teaching excellence, reflected in high student feedback scores, further underscores her dedication to educating the next generation of scientists, solidifying her reputation as a leader in her field.

 

Conclusion

In recognition of her exemplary contributions to volcanology and disaster risk reduction, Susanna Jenkins is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her leadership at the Earth Observatory of Singapore and the Asian School of the Environment exemplifies her commitment to advancing knowledge in hazard assessment and risk reconstruction. Through her innovative research methodologies, including numerical modeling and data analysis, she has significantly improved volcanic risk assessments, particularly for regions with limited data. Jenkins’ prestigious accolades, such as the IAVCEI Wager Medal and the NTU Open Research Award, reflect her impactful work and dedication to open science. Furthermore, her involvement in mentoring future scientists and her extensive participation in academic service highlight her commitment to fostering a collaborative research environment. Susanna Jenkins’ comprehensive expertise and outstanding contributions to her field make her an exemplary choice for this award, inspiring others in the scientific community and beyond.

 

Publication Top Notes

  • Turbulent particle-gas feedback exacerbates the hazard impacts of pyroclastic density currents
    • Authors: Uhle, D.H., Lube, G., Breard, E.C.P., Corna, L.R.P., Jenkins, S.F.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0
  • Lava flow impacts on the built environment: insights from a new global dataset
    • Authors: Meredith, E.S., Jenkins, S.F., Hayes, J.L., Deligne, N.I., Teng, N.R.X.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0
  • Assessing volcanic hazard and exposure in a data poor context: Case study for Ethiopia, Kenya, and Cabo Verde
    • Authors: Jenkins, S.F., Mee, K., Engwell, S.L., Huyck, C., Crummy, J.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0
  • Correction to: How well do concentric radii approximate population exposure to volcanic hazards?
    • Authors: Biass, S., Jenkins, S.F., Hayes, J.L., Syarifuddin, M., Verolino, A.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0
  • How well do concentric radii approximate population exposure to volcanic hazards?
    • Authors: Biass, S., Jenkins, S.F., Hayes, J.L., Syarifuddin, M., Verolino, A.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0
  • FlowDIR: a MATLAB tool for rapidly and probabilistically forecasting the travel directions of volcanic flows
    • Authors: Tennant, E., Jenkins, S.F., Biass, S.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 0
  • Fire From Volcanic Activity: Quantifying the threat from an understudied hazard
    • Authors: Quah, J.Y., Hayes, J.L., Fitzgerald, R.H., Lukovic, B., Fleischmann, C.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 0
  • Quantifying uncertainty in probabilistic volcanic ash hazard forecasts, with an application to weather pattern based wind field sampling
    • Authors: Phillips, J., Williams, S., Lee, A., Jenkins, S.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 0
  • Inversion and forward estimation with process-based models: An investigation into cost functions, uncertainty-based weights and model-data fusion
    • Authors: Rabonza, M., Nguyen, M., Biass, S., Taisne, B., Lallemant, D.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 0
  • Two sources of uncertainty in estimating tephra volumes from isopachs: perspectives and quantification
    • Authors: Yang, Q., Jenkins, S.F.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 0