About Joali
Joali is a Research Fellow at the University of Auckland’s School of Environment, specializing in the analysis of fine particles, particularly volcanic ash, to better understand their formation processes. Originally from Venezuela, she graduated as a Geological Engineer from Universidad de Los Andes in 2010 and received an Erasmus Mundus scholarship to pursue a master’s degree in Europe, achieving a double degree in 2014 from Universitè de Poitiers (France) and the Technical University of Crete (Greece). She completed her PhD at the Università degli Studi di Perugia, Italy, as part of the Marie-Curie Initial Training Network VERTIGO, focusing on fine volcanic particles.
After finishing her PhD in 2018, Joali briefly paused her career due to political challenges in Venezuela. In 2021, she began her role as a Research Fellow at the University of Auckland, where she recently secured a Smart Ideas grant from New Zealand’s MBIE, amounting to 1 million NZD.
Joali is dedicated to learning, meticulous in her lab work, and committed to supporting early career scientists through her involvement in university and international committees to create opportunities for young scientists.
Joali’s Involvement in IAVCEI: How It Happened
Joali was encouraged by a friend and colleague from Latin America to run for the Early-Career Scientist (ECS) representative position within IAVCEI, with hopes that her candidacy would inspire more Latin American ECRs to get involved. To her surprise, she was elected to the role, serving as the liaison between the executive committee and the ECS network (ECSNet). In this position, Joali advocates for the needs and interests of ECRs and has collaborated with a communication team to enhance the association’s social media presence, providing valuable content for members. A notable achievement during her term has been the establishment of “The Voice of IAVCEI Early Career Researchers” section in the association’s newsletter, which highlights the career milestones of one ECR in every issue, receiving enthusiastic support from the ECS community. While Joali acknowledges the challenges and demands of her role, she finds it deeply rewarding to support and promote her peers within the volcanology community.
Joali’s Research
Joali Paredes studies the life cycle of volcanic ash, specifically focusing on how explosive volcanic eruptions fragment magma into tiny ash particles. Based at The University of Auckland, her research investigates the processes driving magma fragmentation during explosive andesitic eruptions, with particular relevance to New Zealand’s volcanic environments. She has extensively analyzed the 2022 Hunga eruption, examining submarine and subaerial deposits to gain insights into fragmentation processes and the event’s extreme explosivity. By studying the size, shape, and physical properties of ash particles, she uncovers important clues about the forces that lead to explosive eruptions.
Additionally, Joali conducts laboratory experiments to simulate volcanic eruptions, revealing dynamics within volcanic conduits—the pathways for rising magma. Her work provides insights into volcanic hazards, improving the understanding of explosive eruptions and the ash they produce, which can impact communities, infrastructure, and air travel.
Step Into Engagement:
Joali’s Advice for Getting Involved!
Joali encourages you to get involved with IAVCEI! Whether you are an early-career scientist or a seasoned volcanologist, there are many ways to connect, collaborate, and grow within our community. Feel free to reach out to Joali directly or connect with members of the IAVCEI ECS network (https://ecrnet.iavceivolcano.org/), the social media team (so-me@iavceivolcano.org), or directly to secretary@iavceivolcano.org. You can also join us at IAVCEI events—workshops, conferences, and meetings— (see our website https://www.iavceivolcano.org/) where everyone is welcome to engage and share ideas. We are excited to have you as part of IAVCEI and look forward to supporting your journey in volcanology!
Joali’s contact
You can contact Joali (in English and Spanish): joa.paredes.marino@auckland.ac.nz