Shanaka (Shan) de Silva is a geologist whose 35-year career brings together research, teaching, and public outreach in volcanic and planetary analog studies. Born in Sri Lanka and educated in the United Kingdom, he is now a professor emeritus of geology and geophysics at Oregon State University. He is honored to be a fellow of the Geological Society of America and a Humboldt Foundation Research Fellow.

Shan is best known for decades of field-based research in the high Andes of Chile, Bolivia, Peru, and Argentina unraveling the volcanic and tectonic history of this geological wonderland. He has also conducted expeditions in Japan, Indonesia, China, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, and across Europe. He uses this experience to convey how landscapes can be connected to the forces that shape our planet and inform processes on other planets like Mars, the Moon, and Venus.

Now mostly a spectator, Shan retains a deep love of sport—especially cricket, football (the original), and tennis. He is an enthusiastic cook who enjoys exploring cuisines inspired by his travels, capturing landscapes through photography, and exploring the night sky. Rarely without a soundtrack, Shan is an avid fan of classic rock.