Callum A Walter, PhD
Callum is a Research Geologist with the Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center in Moffett Field, CA. He is currently specializing in applied geophysics and mineral exploration supporting the USGS’s Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (EMRI) for the detection of critical minerals vital to the United States economy and national security.
Callum is a geophysicist broadly interested in advancing potential field geophysical surveying techniques (autonomous and adaptive sensing) that aid in the characterization of critical mineral resources. He specializes in combining geologic mapping, geophysical surveying, remote sensing, and spatial analysis to detect and assess buried resource occurrences at depth. Presently, his research focuses on advancing geophysical surveying and processing techniques for the detection and characterization of critical mineral deposits on Earth. Callum is also interested in how geophysical surveying and remote sensing can inform in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) on our celestial neighbors in partnership with NASA colleagues.
Professional Experience
2023 – 2024, Postdoctoral Research Geophysicist, Geology Minerals Energy and Geophysics Science Center, Moffett Field, CA
2021 – 2023, Geophysics Consultant, Drone Geophysics, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
2017 - 2021, PhD Candidate, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
Education and Certifications
Ph.D., Applied Geophysics, Queen’s University, 2021
M.A.Sc., Applied Geophysics, Queen’s University, (Upgraded to PhD)
B.Sc.E., Geological Engineering, Queen’s University, 2016
Honors and Awards
2024, STAR Award, USGS
2022, Outstanding Reviewer, Royal Astronomical Society
October 2021, Loránd Eötvös Award, EAGE
October 2019, Best Technical Paper Award, Aerial Evolution Association of Canada
February 2019, Best Student Paper Award, IEEE-STRATUS
June 2018, Best Student Paper Award, Canadian Geophysical Union