Zeynep Flaubert
Short Bio
I am a physicist working at the interface of quantum measurement and Earth sciences. My group develops portable quantum sensors and inference methods to observe geophysical processes from rock microstructure to basin-scale hydrology and planetary magnetism. I collaborate with field teams to deploy diamond-based magnetometers and compact gravimeters in active landscapes and compare signals with classical geophysical data. I am currently an Assistant Professor at the Academy for Planetary and Quantum Inquiry. Pronouns: she/her.
Research Interests
- Quantum sensing for geoscience
- Diamond NV magnetometry
- Quantum gravimetry and subsurface fluids
- Decoherence in granular media under stress
- Planetary magnetism and seismology
- Distributed entangled sensor networks
Short CV
- 2024–present: Assistant Professor, Academy for Planetary and Quantum Inquiry
- 2021–2024: Senior Research Associate, Quantum Earth Observatory, Horizon City
- 2019–2021: Postdoctoral Fellow, Orbit Bay Institute for Planetary Sensing
- 2015–2019: Doctoral Researcher, Institute of Terra and Quanta
Affiliations
- Academy for Planetary and Quantum Inquiry
- Quantum Earth Observatory, Horizon City
Education
- PhD, Quantum Geoscience, Institute of Terra and Quanta , 2019
- MSc, Quantum Sciences, New Aegea Graduate School , 2014
- BSc, Physics and Earth Systems, Lyra Polytechnic Institute , 2012
Teaching
- Quantum Sensing for Planetary Environments
- Earth Systems through Quantum Models
- Field Methods with Portable Quantum Devices
Awards
- Horizon Medal for Interdisciplinary Earth Physics, Society for Quantum Geoscience, 2023
- Early Career Innovator Award, Orbit Bay Institute for Planetary Sensing, 2020
Publications
- Flaubert Z., Chandra M., Decoherence fingerprints of stressed granular rocks measured with NV centers, Journal of Quantum Earth Systems , 2024.
- Flaubert Z., Ortega L., Kim J., Distributed diamond magnetometer arrays for near-field volcanic monitoring, Proceedings of the Planetary Sensing Consortium , 2023.
- Flaubert Z., Quantum gravimetry reveals seasonal aquifer breathing in semi-arid basins, Earthly Quanta Letters , 2022.
- Flaubert Z., N’Daye A., Entangled sensor networks for geomagnetic anomaly detection, Transactions on Applied Quanta & Geophysics , 2021.
Abstract
This project investigates how quantum sensors can reveal Earth-system dynamics that remain hidden to classical measurements. We design and deploy field-ready nitrogen–vacancy diamond magnetometers and compact atom-inspired gravimetric platforms to monitor subsurface fluids, volcanic plumbing, and crustal stress. By modeling environmental decoherence—caused by grain contacts, fluid flow, and magnetic fluctuations—we derive observables that map stress evolution and moisture redistribution at fine spatial scales. A networked approach allows cross-validation with seismic, EM, and hydrologic data while exploiting quantum correlations to boost sensitivity. Results from semi-arid test basins and a basaltic volcanic field demonstrate that quantum-derived signals anticipate hydrologic recharge and dyke pressurization by days to weeks, providing new constraints on forecasting models and a framework for responsible field deployment of quantum instrumentation.