Lorna is a Marine Geologist whose research focuses on understanding Ocean Geohazards, past, present, and future. Her research centres on the interactions between the deep ocean, geodynamic processes, and climate. She specialises in multiproxy (sedimentological, geomorphological, geophysical, micro-paleontological, geochemical, & geotechnical), high-resolution analyses of deep-marine deposits to unravel past processes and impacts. Along with her collaborators, she has conducted research in tectonically active and passive margins around the world. Her research is multi-disciplinary integrating modern seafloor bathymetry and core data, with ancient outcrop and seismic data, and experimental flume modelling. To date, Lorna has supervised more than 80 post-graduate student projects whilst at the University of Auckland.

Professional Distinctions:

- Head of Earth Science (2026-2029)

- Chair, Australian and New Zealand IODP Consortium (ANZIC) Science Committee (2025)

- Governing Councillor ANZIC 

- Chief convenor International Sedimentology Congress 2026, Wellington

- Geoscience Society New Zealand Hochstetter Lecturer 2023
- Chief Editor Sedimentary Systems of the Hikurangi Margin Special Issues 1 & 2, NZJGG
- Associate Editor, Journal of Sedimentary Research
- New Zealand Ambassador for the SEPM (Society for Sedimentary Geology)

Qualifications:
BSc(Hons) (Leeds), PhD (Cardiff and Imperial College)

Areas of Expertise:
Marine Geology, Sedimentology, Geomorphology, Geophysics, Deep-Ocean, Geohazards

Media Keywords:
Ocean Geohazards, Earthquakes, Volcanic Eruptions, Tsunami, Landslides, Cyclones