Field Skills for Earth and Environmental Sciences

Dr. Sam Hampton is a multifaceted geoscience expert who serves as a Lecturer in the School of Earth and Environment at the University of Canterbury while directing both VolcanicKED and Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū Banks Peninsula Geopark. With a PhD in Volcanology from the University of Canterbury, his research primarily focuses on the volcanic development of Banks Peninsula, though his expertise spans volcanic processes, geomorphology, and geo-education. As Director of Academic Programmes for Frontiers Abroad Aotearoa, he has led comprehensive field programs across New Zealand's significant geological sites, including Kaikoura, Castle Hill, the West Coast, and the Central Plateau volcanoes. Through VolcanicKED, he provides specialized knowledge and discovery activities in New Zealand's natural environments, while his leadership of the Banks Peninsula Geopark focuses on connecting visitors with the landscape through integrated stories of geology, ecology, and cultural heritage. His teaching portfolio includes research methods courses at the University of Canterbury, field-based geology modules, and specialized programs that combine scientific rigor with hands-on learning experiences. Hampton's work extends beyond traditional academia into geological engineering projects, hazard assessment, and exploration geology, making him a versatile educator and researcher in the geosciences.