Wendy Stovall

Wendy Stovall is a scientist with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Volcano Hazards Program. She works at the intersection of volcanology, hazard assessment, and risk communication, helping translate scientific understanding of volcanic systems into actionable information for decision-makers, emergency managers, and the public.

In her role within the Volcano Hazards Program, she contributes to strategic efforts to improve volcano monitoring and hazard assessment capabilities, coordinates intergovernmental requirements, and supports scientific coordination across the five U.S. volcano observatories. A key focus of her work is ensuring that scientific findings on volcanic unrest and eruptions are communicated clearly and effectively to support timely, informed decision-making.

Her professional activities also emphasize collaboration across disciplines and agencies, reflecting the inherently multi-partner nature of volcano hazard science in the United States. This includes working with scientists, government bodies, and emergency management partners to strengthen preparedness and resilience in communities exposed to volcanic hazards.

Across her career, she has been involved in advancing understanding of volcanic processes and improving the ways that scientific uncertainty is communicated in high-stakes environments. Her work supports the broader mission of the USGS to provide reliable earth science information for the protection of life and property.