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Aaron Ashley

Starting Fall 2026

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Aaron Ashley

Assistant Professor


Bre Rivera Waterman.


Sarkeys Energy Center

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My research interests are broadly focused on “solid Earth” topics, including processes within the crust, mantle, and core of Earth and other planets. Much of my research investigates the physical and chemical behavior of different geologic materials, especially magmas and fluids, at conditions relevant for planetary interiors (deep below the surface). Through this investigation, I aim to better understand the roles of these materials in important geologic processes, such as volcanic eruptions and formation of critical ore deposits. I am also interested in applying these properties to improve our ability to detect and understand subsurface materials, structures, and processes. For my work, I rely on observations from the natural rock record and constraints from experiments and computational simulations.


  • Ph.D., Florida State University
  • M.Sc., University of South Carolina
  • B.Sc., University of West Georgia

  • Critical Earth Resources
  • Experimental and Computational Petrology/Mineralogy
  • Physical and Chemical Properties of Minerals, Rocks, Fluids, and Magmas
  • Planetary Geoscience
  • Volcanic, Magmatic, and Hydrothermal Processes

Starting Fall 2026