Dr Hodgetts is a physical volcanologist and geologist. Currently a NERC Postdoctoral Research Assistant, his research uses both field and stratigraphic studies to reconstruct past geological and volcanological events, investigate long-term eruptive histories and further understand volcanic processes in order to better mitigate volcanic hazards.

Dr Hodgetts has conducted geological fieldwork in over 11 countries and territories, as well as participated in two offshore marine research expeditions. He is experiecned in field geology, stratigraphy, geochemistry, geochronology, petrology and numerical modelling and has previously worked in both academic and government environments. 

Many of Dr Hodgetts' past and current projects have been centred around geological mapping, stratigraphic logging, tephra isopach mapping and detailed sampling for subsequent laboratory analysis. Highlights include research into explosive mafic eruption processes at Mount St. Helens volcano, USA; discovering a new type of glaciovolcano in Iceland; and working on large-magnitude and hazardous Phreatoplinian eruptions from Taal volcano, Philippines. Furthermore, research into volcanic and igneous products have also provided insights into archaeological and palaeontological studies and the formation of Earth’s first continents. Dr Hodgetts has also conducted extensive research on volcanic products in sediment cores, logging over 1500 meters of core at millimetre-scale and obtaining substantial glass geochemical analyses and radiometric dates in order to significantly expand our longer-term eruptive history of the Mexico City region. 

Dr Hodgetts received a BSc (Hons) in Geology from the University of Leicester, UK; an MSc in Volcanology and Geological Hazards from Lancaster University, UK; and a PhD in Volcanology from the University of Birmingham, UK.