Prof. Dr. Virginia Gail Toy

Academic qualifications

2008                      PhD (Geology), University of Otago

2006                      MPhil (Earth Sciences), Australian National University

2001                      MSc (Hons, Geology), University of Auckland

1999                      BSc (Geology), University of Auckland

 

Professional positions held

Oct 2019 – present          W2 Professorin für Strukturgeologie und Tektonik, Universität Mainz, Germany;                                                   Honorary Research Associate Professor, Universities of Otago and Auckland, NZ

Dec 2018-Sept 2019        Associate Dean – International, Division of Sciences, University of Otago, NZ.

Feb 2018-Sept 2019        Research Associate Professor, University of Otago, NZ.

Feb 2013-Jan 2018          Senior Lecturer, University of Otago, NZ (‘above the bar’ since February 2017)

June-Sept 2017                Specially Appointed Associate Professor, Graduate School of Sciences, Hokkaido                                             University, Japan

Jan 2009-Jan 2013          Lecturer, University of Otago; confirmed (ie. tenured) Sept 2011.

Aug-Dec 2008                  Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Wisconsin-Madison and Texas A&M                                                         University, USA.

Jan-July 2008                   Lecturer, University of Otago.

2005-2007                        Teaching Assistant, University of Otago, NZ.

2003                                  Teaching Assistant, Monash University, Australia

2001-2002                         Engineering Geologist, Fraser Thomas Ltd., Auckland, NZ.

1999-2000                         Research Assistant, Engineering Geology Ltd., Auckland, NZ

 

Research/professional speciality

Structural geology and tectonics: I study localisation in faults and shear zones throughout Earth’s lithosphere; rheology of geological materials; SW Pacific tectonic plate motions; paleoseismology and landscape evolution, and geo-resource sustainability. Methods: I make field observations, undertake microtextural analysis, particularly by electron beam, and synchrotron methods, perform deformation experiments, and validate results by computational models. I lead and participate in continental and oceanic scientific drilling projects, and co-ordinate drilling consortia membership and scientific directions.

 

Publications