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Mr Mark Hehlen

Mr Mark Hehlen

PhD Candidate in Polar Studies

Investigating the evolution of Thwaites Glacier's eastern shear margin using 3D flow models

Biography

Qualifications

  • PhD Candidate in Polar Studies. Scott Polar Research Institute. University of Cambridge, UK (Current)
  • Bsc.: Geology. University of Vermont. USA. (2021)
  • Bsc. Mathematics and Statistics. Portland State University. USA (2012)

Career

  • Field Research Assistant. ITGC TIME (2023-2024)
  • Student Researcher. Juneau Icefield Research Program (JIRP) (2021)
  • Undergraduate Teaching Assistant (2020)

Awards

  • NERC DTP. National Environmental Research Council (UK), Doctoral Training Partnership. 3.5 Years of Funding. £88,105
  • UKRI. UK Research and Innovation International Fee Bursary. 3.5 Years. £87,013
  • NSF GRFP. National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program. $144,000. Offer declined in favor of NERC DTP.
  • Geological Society of America. J. David Lowell Field Camp Scholarship Award. $2000
  • University of Vermont. Charles G. Doll Award for Most Outstanding Graduating Senior (4th year). Geology Department. 2021
  • Sigma Gamma Epsilon. Eta Kappa Chapter (Vermont) W.A. Tarr Award for Meritorious Work in the Geosciences 2020 & 2021

Research

Mark is a member of the International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration (ITGC) project: Thwaites Interdisciplinary shear Margin Evolution (TIME).

His research focuses on using 3D thermomechanically coupled ice flow models to investigate the effects of variable topography, hydrology, and crystal anisotropy on ice stream dynamics through time.

By using a combination of finite element fluid dynamics models, remotely sensed satellite data, and precision fieldwork he aims to create a product that will improve forecasts of ice flux in the Amundsen Sea region and better constrain West Antarctic Ice Sheet instability.

Publications

  • Kelly, Joshua T., Mark Hehlen, and Scott McGee. 2023. "Uncertainty of Satellite-Derived Glacier Flow Velocities in a Temperate Alpine Setting (Juneau Icefield, Alaska)" Remote Sensing 15, no. 15: 3828. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs15153828

Teaching

  • Undergraduate teaching assistant (2020)

External activities

  • Geologic Society of America (2020-Present)
  • International Glaciological Society (2020-Present)
  • Association of Polar Early Career Researchers (2020-Present)
  • European Geosciences Union (2023-Present)
  • Sigma Gamma Epsilon, Earth Sciences Honor Society. (2020-2022)