dr. Anna Gülcher
Researcher at the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics group, ETH Zürich
I study geodynamic processes of planetary interiors across the scales, using computational techniques (geodynamical models). My scientific interest lies in putting observations from geophysics, space, geology, and geo/cosmo-chemistry in a physics-based framework. My research focuses on – but is not restricted to – the interior mantle evolution of rocky planets and how they shape planetary surface conditions and contribute to their (in)habitability. I particularly focus on the geodynamical and tectonic evolution of Earth and Venus.
I am further passionate about project management, (science) communication, and diversity, with a performance history record of organisation, leadership, and communication skills. This is reflected in many volunteering roles, such as in the Geodynamics Division (GD) of the European Geosciences Union. I aim to contribute to a more open, diverse, and inclusive community for scientists.
- ETH Inst. of Geophysics, NO H25, Sonneggstrasse 5, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
- Geodynamics
- Numerical modelling
- Planetary tectonics
- Mantle convection
- Rocky planets
- Project management
- Organisation and leadership
- Science communication and outreach
- Diversity and equity
- Education
Find out more
Outreach articles, science communication and media, and organisational responsibilities
Experience
- Researcher in geophysics
2022 – present
Geophysical Fluid Dynamics group, Institute of Geophysics, Dept. of Earth Sciences, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
- PhD in geophysics/planetary sciences
2018 – 2022
Geophysical Fluid Dynamics group, Institute of Geophysics, Dept. of Earth Sciences, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
PhD dissertiation: Shaping Earth’s interior evolution through chemical and rheological heterogeneity in the lower mantle
- MSc in geophysics
2016 – 2018
Geophysical Fluid Dynamics group, Institute of Geophysics, Dept. of Earth Sciences, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
MSc thesis: Plume penetration into Venusian lithosphere and the origin of coronae: inferences from 3D thermo-mechanical modelling
- BSc in Earth Sciences
2013 – 2016
Dept. of Earth Sciences, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
BSc thesis: Obtaining a high resolution geomagnetic field intensity curve for the Azores region, the IZZI-Thellier approach
Achievements
- Written seven first-authored papers and contributed to book chapters, to scientific software, and to several scientific outreach communications
- Proposed widespread recent mantle plume activity on Venus through integration of numerical modelling results with planetary mission data
- Developed key scenarios for the long-term evolution of Earth’s mantle, with major implications for our planet’s tectonic history
- Presented the first global-scale mantle convection models including a new strain-dependent rheology in the lower mantle
- Accommodating scientific discussions in the form of conference/ workshop organisation and session convening
- I actively try to contribute to enhancing diversity and integrity in the scientific community and STEM
SNF Postdoctoral Fellowship
Grant awarded by the Swiss National Science Foundation for 2-year postdoctoral research at CalTech/NASA JPL
EGU Outstanding Presentation Award
Outstanding Student Poster Presentation award at the EGU General Assembly 2019, Geodynamics division
ETH Zurich MSc. thesis medaille
Award for the best Master’s thesis in the Department of Earth Sciences at ETH Zürich in 2018
PhD defence celebration
ETH Zurich Excellence Master Scholarship
Excellence Master Scholarship for my full MSc degree in Geophysics in the Dept. of Earth Sciences, ETH Zürich
Molengraaff Fonds
TU Delft research fund for carrying out paleomagnetic fieldwork for my BSc thesis research in the Azores
MSc graduation