Evangelos Christou

I am an honorary postdoctoral researcher at the Dynamic Earth & Planetary Evolution department of the University of Glasgow in the fields of Planetary Science & Astrogeophysics. My research focuses on computational fluid-mechanics & thermodynamics of geological & hydrodynamic systems; i.e.: modelling hydrothermal/cryovolcanic processes on Earth, Mars & on other astrogeological environments (e.g.: Europa, Ganymede, Io). In a nutshell, I research the formation & physicochemical evolution of habitable terrestrial or/& icy planetary bodies through computer simulations and model the habitability of geological environments.   

Beyond my research role and endeavours, I am a qualified teacher of Physics & Science through the Department for Education (UK government) for secondary and further education, and a permanent teacher of Physics & Science.

I hold the following qualifications:  

• BSc (Honours) in Geophysics (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece; 2015) 
• MSc in Marine Geosciences (University of Bremen, Germany; 2018)
• PGCE with QTS in Physics (University of Winchester & DfE England, UK; 2023)
• PhD in Earth & Planetary Sciences (University of Glasgow, UK; 2023)

along with accrediations / recognitions of scientific and professional societies: 

• Royal Astronomical Society Research Fellow (elected / permanent)
• British Geophysical Association (elected / permanent)
• Teacher (Teacher Regulation Agency, Department for Education)
• Recognized Exellent in Teaching - Associate Fellowship Status (University of Glasgow)

I have always been passionate to contribute to the scientific and educational development of our global society through innovative teaching and research, and to collaborate with leading research and education teams towards unveiling mysteries of our natural world. My aspiration is to pursue a lifelong academic career dedicated to innovative teaching, pedagogical research, and student development in Geosciences.

My PhD research emphasised on innovative numerical modelling for simulating and investigating a variety of Martian hydrothermal environments, and on performing nanoscale microscopy analyses (via correlative SEM, TEM, EPMA, TEM and APT) of Martian meteorites to acquire thorough insights into the hydrothermal evolution and habitability of the Martian crust. Simultaneously, my up-to-date research experience in both hydrodynamic and (bio)geochemical modelling have prepared me for the multidisciplinary nature of academic teaching and research in earth and environmental sciences. As a researcher, I can efficiently develop high accuracy and resolution numerical models for a variety of geological systems and compute their dynamic evolution through programming and algorithm development. In parallel, I have been trained to use geological sampling and microscopy techniques to obtain reliable geochemical and thermodynamic data that can interrogate and enhance geodynamic models. My dedication to my continuous professional development in academic research, along with my commitment to enriching my scientific and pedagogical practice and skills as a life-long learner and teacher comprise important factors for my continuous success as an educator. 

My scientific background is in computational hydrodynamics and biogeochemistry, and my recently completed PhD (obtained in October 2023) focused on modelling the formation, evolution and habitability of hydrous/hydrothermal systems on Mars through correlative computational research and nanoscale microscopy analyses of Martian meteorites. During my postgraduate studies, and especially during my PhD research, I acquired research experience and code development skills in modelling planetary accretion and differentiation processes by using and modifying a variety of hydrodynamic and thermodynamic codes (e.g.: HYDROTHERM, iSALE, SWIFT, COMSOL, GRAINS/ZONMET) and geochemistry softwares (GWB, PHREEQC, FREZCHEM). My PhD research along with complementary research projects have focused on thermodynamic simulations for the occurrence and evolution of Martian hydrothermalism and its implications on microbial habitability. Through my PhD research, I emphasised on modelling the hydromechanic and chemical evolution of Martian hydrogeological systems that are of indicative astrobiological interest. My PhD research findings have provided further insights into the bioenergetic yield (hydrogenotrophy – methanogenesis and chemolithotrophy) potential of astrogeological environments under hydrothermal or aqueous conditions, and as governed by a variety of energy limitations (Gibbs free Energy: ΔG) and thermodynamic parameters (temperature, pressure, pH, fluid mass flux, fluid viscosity, enthalpy, rock permeability and porosity, mineral surface area, aerobic/anaerobic conditions). Subsequently, by coupling computational hydrodynamics with nanoscale microanalysis and lab-controlled experiments (incl. SEM, EPMA, TEM, Atom Probe Tomography, Raman spectroscopy) on Martian meteorite samples, I have contributed towards simulating the hydromechanic, thermodynamic and habitability evolution of the ancient Martian crust, and as sampled via the NWA 8159, Lafayette, Shergotty and Nakhla meteorites.