Malcolm's research focuses on the evolution of the ancient Earth system as recorded in sedimentary rocks. Through a holistic approach leveraging traditional 'boots on the ground' field geology and lab-based geochemistry, Malcolm's research has improved our understanding of events such as the Great Oxidation Event and Lomagundi-Jatuli carbon cycle perturbation, as well the tectonostratigraphic evolution of the 'Circum-Superior Belt' sedimentary basins. Prior to starting at the University of Ottawa, Malcolm held the positions of Fellow at Trinity College (University of Cambridge), Programme Specialist at UNESCO (Paris), and Researcher at the Geological Survey of Norway (Trondheim). He received his PhD from Stanford University (2020) and MSc and BSc from McGill University (2016 and 2015, respectively).
BSc, MSc, PhDs and postdocs interested in joining or collaborating with Malcolm's group, the ROSETTA Lab, are encouraged to reach out by email. New research directions, including during the Phanerozoic and in modern environments, are always a possibility!
Selected publications
- Hodgskiss, M.S.W., et al. (2025). The Paleoproterozoic Otish and Mistassini basins of Quebec, Canada: A record of Superia supercraton breakup and the end of the Lomagundi-Jatuli carbon isotope excursion. GSA Bulletin.
- Hodgskiss, M.S.W., Crockford, P.W., & Turchyn, A.V. (2023). Deconstructing the Lomagundi-Jatuli Carbon Isotope Excursion. Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences, 51, 301-330.
- Hodgskiss, M.S.W., & Sperling, E.A. (2022). A prolonged, two-step oxygenation of Earth's early atmosphere: Support from confidence intervals. Geology, 50(2), 158-162.
- Hodgskiss, M.S.W., Crockford, P.W., Peng, Y., Wing, B.A., & Horner, T.J. (2019). A productivity collapse to end Earth's Great Oxidation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 116(35), 17207-17212.
- Hodgskiss, M.S.W., Dagnaud, O.M.J., Frost, J.L., Halverson, G.P., Schmitz, M.D., Swanson-Hysell, N.L., & Sperling, E.A. (2019). New insights on the Orosirian carbon cycle, early Cyanobacteria, and the assembly of Laurentia from the Paleoproterozoic Belcher Group . Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 520, 141–152.