Mika McKinnon — Canadian field geophysicist, disaster researcher and communicator

Research and fieldwork

McKinnon’s research emphasises applied geophysics and disaster science. In the field she uses mapping, geophysical surveys, instrumentation and observational techniques to characterise hazards such as landslides, earthquakes and slope failures. Her work focuses on understanding the physical processes that produce rapid geomorphic change and on producing assessments that can inform mitigation, evacuation planning and post‑event recovery. She typically combines empirical data collection with modelling, remote sensing interpretation and risk assessment to deliver practical recommendations for resilience.

Projects and interdisciplinary collaborations

She is a co‑investigator on the SETI Institute project known as Project ESPRESSO, which explores methods for detecting and interpreting technosignatures and for improving observational strategies across disciplines. Her participation reflects an interest in how field techniques, instrumentation and analytical approaches can be adapted between planetary and Earth sciences and how cross‑disciplinary thinking can yield new tools for detection and interpretation problems.

Science advising and media work

McKinnon has served as a science adviser for television and film, helping writers and production teams portray scientific concepts, field procedures and technical dialogue with plausibility. She worked on the science for Stargate Atlantis and for Stargate Universe, advising on how scientific work might be depicted in dramatic contexts while maintaining fidelity to known constraints. Advising for fiction is one element of her broader practice of making complex science accessible to diverse audiences.

Communication, outreach and policy engagement

As a communicator she addresses a range of audiences: community groups, emergency planners, students and general readers. Her activities include public talks, contributions to popular science discussion and collaboration with emergency management practitioners to improve preparedness and response. By participating in interdisciplinary workshops and policy conversations, she helps connect research findings to operational needs in disaster risk reduction.

Roles and contributions

• Applied field geophysics: on‑site measurement, mapping and instrument deployment.
• Disaster research: translating observations into mitigation and preparedness guidance.
• Science advising: consulting on realistic scientific depiction in media productions.
• Public engagement: talks, writing and collaboration with planners and decision‑makers.

Mika McKinnon exemplifies a practitioner who integrates rigorous field science with outreach and interdisciplinary work. Her career highlights how geophysical expertise can inform practical resilience measures, support policy discussions and enrich public understanding of hazards through accessible explanation and responsible media consultation.