Dr. Matthew Varnam

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Matthew Varnam is a Senior Research Associate at the University of Bristol specializing in volcanic gas composition and its effects on climate. His expertise includes measuring gas concentrations released from volcanoes and studying how these gases evolve in the atmosphere. Varnam's research interests encompass Volcanic Degassing, Volatiles in magma, Volcanology, Volcano Monitoring, and Lunar Volcanology. He obtained his BA and MSci from the University of Cambridge, where he interned at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, honing his skills in seismology related to volcanic activity. Continuing his studies, Varnam completed his PhD at the University of Manchester under the supervision of Professor Mike Burton, focusing on improvements to SO2 cameras that measure gas flux from volcanoes. He has accumulated three years of postdoctoral experience at the University of Arizona and the University of Edinburgh, examining volcanic activity on the Moon. Varnam currently works at the University of Bristol, where he aims to measure the properties and composition of volcanic gases and aerosols using Unoccupied Aerial Systems, which will provide insights into the effects of volcanic plumes on the atmosphere.

Research Interests

Experience

Senior Research Associate

— Present

University of Bristol • Bristol, England

Conducting research on volcanic gas emissions and their impact on climate.

Requirements for University of Bristol

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:19
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:22
Speaking
Required:22
Total
Required:88
Prerequisites
Upper second-class MSci honours degree in physics or related discipline Or a relevant postgraduate MSc
Application Checklist
  • Online application form
  • Academic transcripts
  • Two academic references
  • Personal statement
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Research statement/proposal
Specialization Notes

Department of Physics research themes include Astrophysics, Materials and Devices, Particle Physics, and Quantum and Soft Matter.