Rate My Professor Marco Brenna

Dr. Marco Brenna is a Lecturer in the Department of Geology at the University of Otago, where he has served since July 2016. He holds a BSc from the University of Western Australia and a PhD in Volcanology and Petrology from Massey University, obtained in 2012. Prior appointments include a postdoctoral position at the School of Environment, University of Auckland (2015–2016), and roles as Electron Beam Data Technician and Research Fellow in the University of Otago's Department of Geology (2014–2015). Brenna teaches a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including GEOL 112 (Planet Earth), GEOL 251/GEOL 351 (Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology), GEOL 276/GEOL 376 (Field Studies), GEOL 344/GEOL 464 (Special Topic), and GEOL 422 (Advanced Volcanology).

Brenna's research focuses on the interface between magmatic and volcanic processes, utilizing field studies, petrography, experiments, and geochemistry to trace igneous rock evolution from mantle melting to eruption. Key areas include magma generation and ascent dynamics in small-volume intraplate basaltic systems like the Auckland Volcanic Field, formation of phonolite-trachyte lineages in the Dunedin Volcano via experimental petrology, and the characterization of recent arc eruptions at Mount Tongariro and Hunga Ha'apai (Tonga, 2014–2015). He has authored over 99 publications, among them highly cited works such as 'Genesis of the world’s largest rare earth element deposit, Bayan Obo, China: Protracted mineralization evolution over ~1 by' (Geology, 2018; 185 citations), 'Mechanisms driving polymagmatic activity at a monogenetic volcano, Udo, Jeju Island, South Korea' (Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, 2010; 179 citations), 'How small-volume basaltic magmatic systems develop: a case study from the Jeju Island Volcanic Field, Korea' (Journal of Petrology, 2012; 124 citations), and 'Post-caldera volcanism reveals shallow priming of an intra-ocean arc andesitic caldera: Hunga Volcano, Tonga, SW Pacific' (Lithos, 2022; 100 citations). His scholarship has amassed over 2,249 citations on Google Scholar, underscoring his impact in igneous petrology, volcanology, geochemistry, and natural hazards.