Rate My Professor JR Rowland

JR Rowland is a structural geologist and full professor at the University of Auckland, where she serves as Pro Vice-Chancellor Global and Graduate Research. She holds a Diploma in Teaching from Auckland College of Education, a BSc(Hons) from the University of Auckland, and a PhD from the University of Otago completed in 2001. Her doctoral research examined hydrothermal fluid redistribution in a magmatic rift within the Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand. Prior to her academic career, Rowland worked as a physical education teacher at several Auckland secondary schools, including serving as head of department at Western Springs College.

Rowland joined the faculty at the University of Auckland and advanced to full professor in 2024. She previously served as Head of the School of Environment and as Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Science. She was an inaugural director of the University Research Centre Ngā Ara Whetū, Centre for Climate, Biodiversity and Society. Her research focuses on tectonic-magmatic-hydrologic interactions in rift settings, with applications to geothermal systems and economic geology, including mineral exploration and epithermal deposits. In 2015, she received the McKay Hammer Award from the Geoscience Society of New Zealand, becoming the first woman to win the award. She has held leadership roles including Vice President of Regional Affairs for the Society of Economic Geologists.