Gabriel Johnston

PhD Candidate in Geophysics & Organist

Exploring the depths of Earth's mantle and the heights of musical expression

Gabriel Johnston

About Me

The Scientist

I'm a PhD Candidate in Geologic Sciences at the University of Florida, working with Professor Alessandro Forte. My research focuses on computational geophysics, specifically developing advanced particle-tracking methods in 4D global mantle convection models that integrate seismic tomographic and geochemical data.

My work aims to clarify the origin and evolution of hotspot-related chemical anomalies by reconstructing mantle flow through geologic time, with particular focus on the DUPAL Geochemical Anomaly in the South Atlantic and Southwest Indian Oceans.

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The Musician

I serve as organist and choirmaster at Calvary Episcopal Church in Indian Rocks Beach, Florida, and collaborate as a ballet pianist for the University of Florida's dance department. I'm passionate about organ improvisation, having studied with renowned improvisers including Sophie-Véronique Cauchefer-Choplin and Jeffrey Brillhart.

Recently, I received the 2025 Raymond Glover Grant for Episcopal Liturgical Music to study evensong at the Cathedral of St. Peter in St. Petersburg, Florida, and the American Cathedral in Paris, France.

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Dual Passions

My work in science and music represent complementary aspects of my intellectual and creative life

Geophysics

Exploring Earth's interior dynamics through computational modeling and data integration

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Organ Performance

Specializing in improvisation, liturgical music, and collaborative performances

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Recent Highlights

January 2025

EGU General Assembly Presentation

Presented "Playing with Edges: The Influence of Arbitrary Definitions on Hotspot–LLSVP Correlations" at the European Geosciences Union General Assembly in Vienna, Austria.

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2025

Raymond Glover Grant Recipient

Awarded the Raymond Glover Grant for Episcopal Liturgical Music to study evensong practices in Florida and Paris.

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September 2024

Ada Lovelace Workshop Presentation

Presented research on "Towards a New Geodynamic and Geochemical Reconciliation of the Origin of the DUPAL Geochemical Anomaly" at the Ada Lovelace Workshop on Modelling Mantle and Lithosphere Dynamics in Sète, France.

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May 2024

ASPECT Hackathon Contribution

Developed C++ implementations for particle tracking methods in mantle convection at the Advanced Solver for Planetary Evolution, Convection, and Tectonics Hackathon.

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Get in Touch

Have questions about my research or interested in musical collaborations?

Location

Department of Geologic Sciences
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL, USA