Magali Billen Appointed Chair of the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences

Following three years of dedicated leadership, Professor Kari Cooper is stepping down from Chair of the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at UC Davis. Assuming the position is Professor Magali Billen, who has spent two decades in the department. She is expected to occupy this role for the next three years.  

“I wish to thank Professor Kari Cooper for her dedication and excellent work as Chair in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences,” said Estella Atekwana, Dean at the College of Letters and Science, which houses the department. 

Dr. Billen has been a leader in interdisciplinary contributions to geophysics since joining faculty in 2003. Her work includes numerical modeling of subduction zones and 3D visualization of geological and geophysical data. 

“I very much appreciate Magali Billen’s willingness to lead the department,” said Dr. Atekwana.

Dr. Billen's current research involves creating a digital twin of the Earth's interior using insights from 3D visualizations inclusive of geological and geophysical data, aiming to compose a more holistic image of the subsurface and enhance understanding of seismic activity among other insights. She was recently featured in North State Public Radio. You can also read more about her ongoing research in building a digital twin of the Earth here. 

The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences looks forward to her leadership.