Celebrating the Labroots 2025 Fall Graduate Research Scholarship Winner: Maggie Moss

Scientific research drives innovation, expands knowledge, informs policy, solves complex problems, improves health and technology, and fosters understanding of the world, making it essential for societal progress and global advancement. Fueling research involves finding the right researchers, which is why Labroots is proud to offer year-round scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate students to help mitigate the financial burden of receiving their education. The goal of the 2025 Fall Graduate Research Scholarship is to provide a small financial boost to mitigate research costs for STEM degrees.

This year’s recipient is Maggie Moss, who is a first-year Geosciences PhD student at Colorado State University, studying volcanology, petrology and geochemistry, with a focus on subsurface volcanic processes at Yellowstone Plateau Volcanic Field, more commonly known as the Yellowstone Supervolcano. This comes after earning a Bachelor of Science in Geological and earth Sciences with a Minor in Chinese Language and Literature from George Washington University in 2018, followed by master’s degree in Community Development Planning & Analytics from New York University in 2022. Moss is dedicated to addressing natural hazards in volcanic environments and aims to contribute meaningfully to volcanic hazard assessment and management strategies at Yellowstone National Park.

“This scholarship will allow me to travel to Europe to attend a short course in cutting-edge geochemical analytical methods, which I plan to leverage in my PhD dissertation work. I am so grateful to have received support from Labroots for this opportunity. Thank you so much.”

Moss first became interested in volcanology during an undergraduate geology course on Mt. Nyiragongo, where she was inspired by the importance of monitoring volcanic systems and engaging local communities. She is particularly motivated by the opportunity to apply advanced techniques for studying subsurface magmatic processes that discharge on the surface.

Regarding future changes she sees in her field within the next five years, Moss tells Labroots she anticipates increased interdisciplinary research on volcanic systems. She notes how her experience at the Alaska Volcano Observatory, where working on a team to integrate geochemical, geophysical, and geodetic data into a holistic volcanic model, reinforced her belief in the value of collaborative approaches to volcanic hazard mitigation.

Moss credits her undergraduate thesis advisor, Dr. Richard Tollo, for providing his full support when she decided to pursue a career in volcanology. Moss notes how his exceptional research and teaching have profoundly influenced her career path, and she extends her gratitude for his ongoing guidance and encouragement.

Before her PhD, Moss started her own business in New York. She’s very passionate about animal welfare, and she tries to volunteer her time as much as she can outside of studying and working. She has fostered cats and dogs, adopted animals of her own, and she currently volunteers with special needs horses every week through a nonprofit based in Colorado. Regarding clubs or organizations, Moss is a member of the Charis Youth Ranch.

To connect with Moss and follow her career, please follow her on LinkedIn and ResearchGate.