Michael Poland

Dr. Michael Poland serves as a research geophysicist at the U.S. Geological Survey's Cascades Volcano Observatory and currently holds the position of Scientist-in-Charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. After earning his Ph.D. in Geological Sciences from Arizona State University and B.S. in Geology from UC Davis, he has established himself as a leading authority in volcano geodesy, specializing in surface deformation and gravity fields associated with volcanic activity. His career spans critical roles at multiple USGS observatories, including ten years as staff geodesist at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, where he participated in numerous volcanic crisis responses, including the 2014-2015 Pahoa lava flow crisis. His research employs both space-based technologies like InSAR and ground-based techniques such as microgravity surveys to understand magma movement and accumulation beneath volcanoes. As a Fellow of the Geological Society of America and member of multiple professional organizations, he continues to advance volcanic monitoring techniques while leading public education efforts about volcanic hazards, particularly through his work coordinating research activities at Yellowstone