Benjamin Galer
Saint Paul,MN
Summary
Emerging structural geologist with a primary research focus on analog sandbox modeling of thrust wedge evolution, investigating stress, strain, and slip dynamics under varying boundary conditions, including backstop stress and out-of-sequence thrusting. Experienced in designing and calibrating physical experiments using load-cell data to evaluate fault development and deformation patterns. Supplemented by numerical modeling expertise in rate-and-state friction with evolving pore fluid pressure, providing a broader mechanical context to fault behavior. Field-tested through ~5 months of domestic and international geologic mapping, including structural studies in the Nepal Himalaya.
Overview
1
1
year of professional experience
Work History
Research Project
EAPS 591: Rock and Mineral Physics
West Lafayette, IN
01.2025 - 05.2025
- Simulated dry, wet (static Pp), and wettening (evolving Pp) fault conditions to quantify effects on fault healing, state variable evolution, and slip behavior.
- Designed and analyzed slide-hold-slide numerical experiments, comparing outputs across friction coefficients, slip velocities, and fluid pressure regimes.
- Authored a technical report with figures and data interpretation, including theoretical background and comparative model evaluation.
Student Research Assistant
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN
05.2024 - 05.2025
- Conducted analog sandbox modeling experiments to investigate stress, strain, and slip evolution in developing fold-and-thrust wedges.
- Calibrated load-cell instrumentation to ensure a linear response and characterized instrument behavior under varying convergence rates.
- Designed and executed experiments with varying sand thicknesses and pre-tapered geometries to assess how structural complexity affects stress distribution.
- Applied image-based velocity and vorticity analysis to correlate structural activity with changes in loading rate at the backstop.
- Presented results with frame-by-frame analysis and stress-velocity correlation, contributing to the lab’s ongoing efforts to refine applications of critical wedge theory.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Geology And Geophysics
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN08-2025
Bachelor of Science - Planetary Sciences
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN08-2025
Geological Field Training - Field Geology
Wasatch Uinta Field Camp
Utah07-2025
Geological Field Training - Field Geology
SIT
Kathmandu, Nepal07-2024
Skills
- Data analysis
- Laboratory techniques
- Technical writing
- Presentation skills
- Team collaboration
Timeline
Research Project
EAPS 591: Rock and Mineral Physics
01.2025 - 05.2025
Student Research Assistant
Purdue University
05.2024 - 05.2025
Bachelor of Science - Geology And Geophysics
Purdue University
Bachelor of Science - Planetary Sciences
Purdue University
Geological Field Training - Field Geology
Wasatch Uinta Field Camp
Geological Field Training - Field Geology
SIT
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