Her research fundamentally addresses the magmatic systems beneath Yellowstone, which have not erupted for approximately 70,000 years but continue to influence geothermal activity and local seismicity. Utilizing state-of-the-art analytical equipment funded by a National Science Foundation CAREER award, Myers probes the mineralogical and geochemical signatures found in volcanic deposits. These mineral records act as proxies, revealing the temporal evolution of magma bodies, their storage, ascent, and ultimately eruption triggers, much like dendrochronology demonstrates historical climatic conditions through tree rings.

At the core of Myers’ work lies the challenge of volcanic eruption forecasting—an inherently complex scientific problem that balances the interpretation of geophysical signals with probabilistic modeling. Yellowstone’s volcanic system demonstrates periods of relative quiescence punctuated by episodes of unrest, including seismic swarms and ground deformation. Myers emphasizes the necessity of multidisciplinary observational networks, such as the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory consortium, which integrates data from seismic arrays, GPS, gas emissions, and thermal monitoring to understand this volatile environment.

A critical component of her approach is effective communication of volcanic hazards to both scientific audiences and the public. Myers acknowledges the anxiety that often accompanies discussions of Yellowstone’s potential explosive power but advocates for transparent, evidence-based messaging that clarifies how modern monitoring technologies detect early warning signs. Her outreach extends to teaching strategies that cultivate students’ skills not only in volcanology but also in science communication, ensuring future generations can responsibly engage with complex geoscientific challenges.

Moreover, Myers’ laboratory—the MOnSTER lab—serves as a training ground for undergraduate researchers who engage directly with ongoing projects, including updating geologic maps and analyzing real-time data streams from Yellowstone. The recruitment for these competitive summer research experiences highlights the surge of student interest in Earth sciences despite nationwide declines in STEM enrollments. These programs foster hands-on learning and contribute critical data for national observatories, bridging academic research and practical volcanic hazard mitigation.

A notable achievement in her career was instrumental in Montana State University joining the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory in 2020. This partnership places MSU among nine leading institutions collaboratively monitoring regional volcanic activity across the United States, alongside observatories responsible for prolific volcanoes in Alaska, Hawaii, and the Cascade Range. Such collaborations harness distributed expertise and facilitate the sharing of large geophysical datasets critical for real-time analysis and hazard forecasting.

Myers’ research contributions extend beyond Yellowstone into broader volcanic systems worldwide, where her multidisciplinary and field-based methodologies set new standards. The Geological Society of America recognized these efforts by awarding her their Mineralogy, Geochemistry, Petrology, and Volcanology Division Early Career award, reflecting her impactful scholarship within the geosciences community.

Her lab’s utilization of petrographic and geochemical methods to dissect volcanic materials allows her team to reconstruct magma chamber processes and the physical conditions preceding eruptions. This capability informs models of eruptive behavior and contributes essential empirical data to hazard predictions. Myers integrates field observations, seismic activity, and petrology to develop comprehensive volcanic system models—providing a window into the deep Earth processes governing volcanic unrest.

Throughout her academic tenure, Myers has also played a pivotal role in promoting diversity and inclusion within STEM fields, earning nominations for awards dedicated to gender equity and mentoring. By fostering an inclusive research environment, she supports varied perspectives essential for innovative scientific discovery. Her engagement with students focuses on building confidence and scientific literacy, preparing them to contribute meaningfully to geoscience research and public education.

Strategically located amid some of the oldest and youngest rocks on Earth, MSU offers Myers and her students a unique natural laboratory that spans billions to thousands of years in geologic time. This diversity not only enriches her research opportunities but also captures student imagination, encouraging a tactile connection to scientific concepts learned in classrooms. The physical geology curriculum at MSU, buoyed by active research, attracts a robust cohort of students driven by curiosity and a desire to impact Earth science understanding.

In a broader context, Myers’ work embodies the growing trend in Earth sciences that links fundamental research to societal needs. Accurate volcanic hazard assessment informs emergency preparedness protocols, risks to communities, and broader environmental impacts. Scientific advances achieved through her leadership and mentorship underscore the critical role academia plays in addressing timely global challenges posed by natural hazards.

As public interest in Yellowstone’s volcanic activity intensifies periodically, Myers’ expertise provides clarity and grounded perspectives. By combining rigorous data collection, analytical expertise, and community engagement, she facilitates a nuanced narrative about volcanoes that balances caution with scientific confidence. Her advancement of knowledge and dedication to teaching enrich both the scientific community and public discourse on volcanic phenomena.

Her contributions have proven integral to the national framework for volcano monitoring, situating her as a leading figure in volcanology. The integration of cutting-edge laboratory techniques with extensive field monitoring exemplifies the future of geoscience research. Myers’ work continues to inspire aspiring scientists and emphasizes the profound importance of sustained investment in multidisciplinary Earth science research and education.

Subject of Research: Volcanology, magma dynamics, volcanic hazard assessment, Yellowstone supervolcano monitoring
Article Title: Montana State University Volcanologist Madison Myers Earns Prestigious Early Career Award for Groundbreaking Yellowstone Research
News Publication Date: September 25, 2025
Web References:
– https://www.montana.edu/earthsciences/directory/2139971/madison-myers
– https://community.geosociety.org/mgpvdivision/awards/earlycareer
– https://www.montana.edu/news/20217/msu-becomes-member-of-yellowstone-volcano-observatory
– https://www.montana.edu/news/21241/madison-myers-earns-nsf-career-grant-for-yellowstone-volcano-research
– https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/yvo/news/how-take-a-volcanos-temperature
Image Credits: MSU photo by Colter Peterson
Keywords: Volcanology, Geology, Earth sciences, Magma dynamics, Yellowstone supervolcano, Volcanic hazard, Mineralogy, Geochemistry, Petrology

The Pew Scholars program, established over four decades ago, consistently fosters the growth of talented young scientists who approach intricate biomedical challenges with novel methodologies and interdisciplinary perspectives. Donna Frisby-Greenwood, Pew’s senior vice president for Philadelphia and scientific advancement, emphasized the enduring legacy of this award: “For 40 years, Pew has supported young, talented researchers as they take creative approaches to solving big scientific questions. This new class continues that legacy, and we look forward to seeing where their discoveries lead.”

Dr. Burton’s research uniquely positions him at the intersection of environmental biology, developmental programming, and microbial ecology. His focus lies in understanding how complex environmental factors, such as stress and microbial exposure, modulate human health outcomes across generations. This pioneering approach draws heavily on the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) hypothesis, which posits that environmental influences during critical windows of development—particularly prenatal and early postnatal periods—can have lasting effects on physiology, disease susceptibility, and metabolic function.

Central to Burton’s laboratory is the investigation of how ambient environmental microbes may exert epigenetic and immunological effects on offspring, potentially altering their vulnerability to metabolic disorders. This work involves sophisticated genomic and metabolomic profiling techniques to unravel the molecular mechanisms that mediate host-microbe interactions in both maternal and fetal tissues. His research also extends to the biochemical characterization of microbial byproducts, illuminating how symbiotic relationships with environmental bacteria can influence metabolic signaling pathways.

A particularly innovative facet of Burton’s research is his exploration of soil-derived bacteria as a source of novel therapeutic agents, specifically for Type 2 diabetes. The rationale for this approach is grounded in the historic success of microbe-derived medicines, from antibiotics to immunosuppressive drugs. By applying advanced bioinformatics and chemical biology tools, his team screens microbial metabolites for bioactivity that could modulate insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolism, or inflammatory responses characteristic of diabetes pathology. Such work not only holds translational potential but also exemplifies the convergence of environmental microbiology and metabolic disease research.

Burton’s academic journey reflects a trajectory dedicated to excellence and interdisciplinary inquiry. Having earned his Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and completed a prestigious Next Generation Fellowship at the University of Cambridge’s Centre for Trophoblast Research, he brought a wealth of knowledge to VAI upon joining as an assistant professor in the Department of Metabolism and Nutritional Programming in 2021. His work embodies the philosophy that understanding metabolism requires integrating nutritional science, molecular biology, and environmental exposures.

The scientific community stands to benefit greatly from the fresh perspectives Burton contributes. His approach aligns with a broader shift in biomedical research that recognizes the microbiome and environmental context as critical determinants of health. Incorporating techniques like high-throughput sequencing, metabolomics, and advanced computational modeling, his investigations aim to delineate the complex networks linking environment, microbial ecology, host development, and chronic disease.

This four-year Pew award will provide Burton with crucial resources to expand the scope and depth of his investigations. It will also connect him to a vibrant network of scholars who, over the past 35 years, have driven transformative advances in cancer biology, neuroscience, immunology, and beyond. The grant encourages recipients to pursue high-risk, high-reward research that challenges existing paradigms and accelerates biomedical innovation.

Beyond the laboratory, Burton expresses a profound appreciation for the opportunity to collaborate with fellow Pew Scholars. “I’m grateful to The Pew Charitable Trusts for the opportunity to be part of such an excellent community of scientists,” he said. “Pew Scholars pursue bold, innovative ideas to improve health, and I’m thrilled to join them.” This sentiment highlights the crucial role of scientific networks in fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and catalyzing breakthroughs.

The Van Andel Institute itself is recognized as a hub of scientific discovery, committed to unearthing the biological mechanisms behind cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and other major health challenges. VAI emphasizes translational research with the goal of developing novel prevention and treatment modalities. Burton’s affiliation with this forward-thinking institution underscores the alignment between his research vision and the Institute’s mission to improve health outcomes through molecular and cellular biology.

As interest grows in how environmental factors shape metabolic diseases and developmental health, Dr. Burton’s research stands at the forefront of an emerging field with broad public health implications. His efforts not only promise advances in understanding and treating Type 2 diabetes but also foster a nuanced appreciation for the complex interplay between humans and their microbial environments.

The recognition by The Pew Charitable Trusts marks not only a personal achievement for Burton but also highlights the increasing importance of research on environmental contributions to human health. As scientific inquiry continues to unravel these intricate relationships, it is researchers like Burton who pave the way for innovative therapies and preventive strategies that transcend traditional biomedical boundaries.

Subject of Research: Developmental programming, environmental microbiology, metabolic health, Type 2 diabetes therapies
Article Title: Van Andel Institute’s Dr. Nick Burton Named 2025 Pew Scholar in Biomedical Sciences
News Publication Date: August 12, 2025
Web References:

• https://www.pew.org/en/about/news-room/press-releases-and-statements/2025/08/12/pew-awards-22-researchers-biomedical-science-grants
• http://burtonlab.vai.org/
• https://www.vai.org/article/could-backyard-bacteria-and-hungry-worms-help-solve-a-central-problem-in-type-2-diabetes/
• http://www.vai.org/
  Image Credits: Courtesy of Van Andel Institute
  Keywords: Metabolic health, Environmental microbiology, Developmental programming, Type 2 diabetes, Biomedical research, Microbial metabolites