I have given over 600 hours of lectures and lab classes to a variety of audiences, from university students (University of Glasgow, Trinity College Dublin) to school children and amateur groups, as well as ~30 presentations at large international scientific conferences. I have a Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice, awarded by the University of Glasgow and I am a fellow of the Higher Education Academy.


I am available for one-off guest lectures and seminars to schools, interested groups, businesses and academia; as well as multi-session day/evening courses and residential field trips. Contact me via the Enquiries Form for more information.

I particularly specialise in topics such as:
  • Global volcanism and volcanic geology: volcanic eruptions, volcanic risk, supervolcanoes
  • How our Earth works: Introductory geology, plate tectonics, geological processes, the rock cycle, earthquakes and volcanoes
  • The geological history of Ireland and Scotland
  • Practical geology: field techniques, reading & interpreting geological maps


Invited Talks:

  • Invited speaker: Deen Divas, Scottish Women's Institute (March 2016).
  • Invited speaker: Department of Geology and Petroleum Geology Seminar Series, University of Aberdeen (November 2014).
  • Invited speaker: School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham (December 2013).
  • Invited speaker: Department of Earth Sciences Seminar Series, Uppsala University (Autumn 2013).
  • Invited trainer: Glasgow University Teaching and Learning Centre GTA training seminar (March 2012).
  • Invited speaker: Glasgow University Teaching and Learning Centre: “Early feedback on writing skills” (Nov 2011).
  • Invited speaker: Glasgow Geological Society AGM (Dec. 2010).
  • Invited speaker: University College Dublin seminar series (Oct 2007).


Reviews:

"One of those teachers that students can use as a role model and will remember as passionate and inspirational"


"Totally awesome night, Fiona made volcanoes completely fascinating"

"Interesting and Fiona explained everything perfectly"

"The enthusiasm and inspiration that the lecturer had for their subject was infectious"

"The course leader was very knowledgeable and skilled at explaining complex geological structures. The course was very well organised and was both educational and enjoyable"

"A BIG THANK YOU to Fiona for spending time with us and for a really happy, interesting and thought provoking weekend field trip"