Rich D. Koehler

Dr. Rich D. Koehler is an Associate Professor at the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, part of the Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering at the University of Nevada, Reno. He holds a PhD (2009) from the same institution, an MS from Humboldt State University (1997), and a BA from UC Santa Cruz (1992). His expertise spans neotectonics, paleoseismology, earthquake geology, and geologic hazard assessment, with fieldwork in Nevada, California, Alaska, and the Caribbean.

Education

• PhD, University of Nevada, Reno (2009)
• M.S., Humboldt State University (1997)
• B.A., University of California, Santa Cruz (1992)

Research Focus Dr. Koehler investigates active fault systems, seismic hazard assessment, and tsunami risks. His work integrates field observations, LiDAR, and geodetic data to understand fault dynamics and their implications for natural hazards. He has led studies in Alaska’s Aleutian megathrust zone, the Walker Lane region of Nevada, and the Enriquillo-Plantain Garden fault system in Jamaica.

Collaborations & Grants He has authored/co-authored over 50 publications, including peer-reviewed journal articles and technical reports for state agencies. His work supports infrastructure planning (e.g., Alaska pipeline projects) and disaster preparedness through tsunami inundation mapping and seismic hazard modeling.

Labs/Teams Affiliated with the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology and the Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, he collaborates with federal agencies like the USGS and international teams during post-disaster reconnaissance (e.g., 2010 Haiti earthquake).