Judith Chester

Judith Chester is a Professor of Petroleum Geology at Texas A&M University, holding the Mollie B. & Richard A. Williford Professorship (2019-2023). She serves as Vice Chair of the Science Planning Committee at the Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC). Her research focuses on fault mechanics, earthquake rupture dynamics, and rock deformation processes.

• Ph.D. Geology, Texas A&M University
• M.S. Geology, Texas A&M University
• B.S. Geology, University of California, Los Angeles

Her research interests include deformation mechanisms during faulting, creep compaction of reservoir rocks, and fold-fault interactions in anisotropic materials. Key projects include geologic constraints on earthquake rupture physics and structural-petrologic characterization of the San Andreas Fault Zone.

Recent articles highlight investigations into frictional contacts during seismic slip, dynamic weakening via flash heating, and clumped isotope signatures in fault zones. These studies bridge laboratory experiments with field observations to advance understanding of fault zone behavior.

• Paul G. Silver Award for Outstanding Scientific Service (AGU, 2019)
• National Science Foundation EarthScope Speaker (2008-2009)
• El Paso Energy Foundation Faculty Achievement Award (2003)

Dr. Chester collaborates with the Center for Tectonophysics and the Environmental & Engineering Geology and Geophysics Group at Texas A&M, contributing to interdisciplinary research on fault mechanics and seismic hazards.