He received his B.S. in Geophysics from McGill University in Montreal, and his Ph.D. in Earth and planetary science from Harvard University in 1994. Dr. Manga studies a wide range of geologic phenomena including fluid mechanics, hydrology, and physical volcanology, all in order to better understand planetary evolution. He and his collaborators study geological processes by devising models that compress geological time scales from billions of years to hours. He has authored or co-authored more than 75 peer-reviewed scientific papers. He is a fellow of the Geological Society of America, and the recipient of numerous medals and awards for achievements in research and teaching.