Find Academic Supervisors

Zachary E. RossView profile

Professor

• Seismology
• Geophysics
• Machine Learning
• +7 more

Zachary E. Ross is a Professor of Geophysics at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and holds the William H. Hurt Scholar distinction since 2021. His research integrates machine learning, computational mathematics, and seismology to analyze earthquakes and fault zones using large seismic datasets. Education B.S., University of California, Davis (2009) M.S., California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (2011) Ph.D., University of Southern California (2016) His research focuses on high-resolution imaging of fault zones, understanding earthquake sequences in space and time, and applying artificial intelligence to seismic data analysis. He develops scalable algorithms for waveform inversion, ground-motion synthesis, and real-time seismic monitoring. Recent publications highlight his work on neural operators for wave propagation, AI-driven seismicity analysis, and induced earthquake dynamics. He teaches advanced courses including Ge 264 – Machine Learning in Geophysics and Ge 271 – Dynamics of Seismicity . Scientific Awards William H. Hurt Scholar (2021–present)

Meghan S. MillerView profile

Professor

• Seismology
• Plate Tectonics
• Subduction Zones
• +5 more

Professor Meghan S. Miller is an academic at the Australian National University (ANU), serving as a Professor in the Research School of Earth Sciences, specializing in Geophysics. She holds an ARC Future Fellowship, focusing on advancing Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) technology for seismic imaging. Her research emphasizes observational seismology, particularly at critical tectonic plate boundaries such as subduction zones and continental collision zones. Education: Ph.D. in Geophysics from ANU (2006), M.Eng. from Cornell University (2000), M.S. from Columbia University (1999), and B.A. from Whittier College (1997). Research interests include seismic imaging of Earth’s structure, dynamics of subduction zones, and the application of novel techniques like DAS for high-resolution subsurface imaging. She has led projects such as the Southwest Australia Seismic Network (SWAN) and the SISSLE experiment in New Zealand. Key achievements include over 100 peer-reviewed publications, supervising numerous graduate students, and leading international collaborations in Indonesia, Alaska, and Morocco. Awards include the ARC Future Fellowship (2022–2026). Labs/Teams: Active in the AuScope Earth Imaging Program and collaborates with institutions like Geoscience Australia and Macquarie University.

Brandon SchmandtView profile

Professor

• Geophysics
• Seismology
• Tectonics
• +2 more

Brandon Schmandt is a Professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at the University of New Mexico. His research focuses on geophysics, seismology, tectonics, structural geology, and volcanology. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Oregon (2011). His research group specializes in seismic imaging methods to study subsurface structures related to tectonic and magmatic processes. They analyze seismic data from both fieldwork and public archives, with applications to earthquake mechanics, magma storage, and explosion discrimination. Recent work emphasizes continental magmatic systems, induced seismicity in the Raton Basin, and Yellowstone's magmatic architecture. Collaborative projects include seismic array deployments and machine learning applications for signal analysis. No scientific awards are explicitly listed in the provided texts. His advising includes undergraduate and graduate students such as Wilgus, Stairs, and Maguire. No specific grants or labs are mentioned beyond his departmental affiliation.

Jiaxuan LiView profile

Assistant Professor

• Seismology
• Distributed Acoustic Sensing
• Earthquake Rupture Dynamics
• +7 more

Jiaxuan Li is an Assistant Professor of Geophysics in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Houston's College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. His research focuses on developing fiber-optic sensing technologies for seismic monitoring across diverse geological environments including volcanic, crustal, and glacial settings. Dr. Li's educational background includes a Ph.D. in Geophysics from the University of Houston (2015-2020) and a B.S. in Geophysics from Peking University (2011-2015). He previously held a postdoctoral position at Caltech Seismolab under Prof. Zhongwen Zhan. His research program centers on distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) applications, with major contributions in volcanic eruption forecasting through minute-scale magma migration imaging, earthquake rupture dynamics via high-frequency fault asperity analysis, and subsurface characterization for carbon sequestration and geothermal energy. Recent work demonstrates DAS capabilities as dense geodetic arrays for real-time volcanic monitoring systems deployed in Iceland through collaborations with the Icelandic Met Office and Reykjavik University. Analysis of Dr. Li's publication record reveals a strong emphasis on operationalizing fiber-optic networks for geophysical monitoring, with significant advancements in eruption early warning systems, earthquake source characterization, and subsurface imaging techniques. His work bridges fundamental seismological research with practical hazard mitigation applications. Dr. Li actively mentors graduate students and recently welcomed postdoc Dr. Tianfan Yan to his research team. His lab operates real-time DAS streaming systems for volcanic eruption monitoring in Iceland, developed through international collaborations involving the University of Houston, Caltech, Ljósleiðarann, and Reykjavik University. Current research directions include expanding DAS applications for carbon sequestration verification and deep geothermal reservoir characterization.

Ana FerreiraView profile

Professor

• Geosciences
• Geophysics
• Seismology
• +5 more

Professor Ana Ferreira is a leading seismologist at University College London, focusing on deep Earth structure and earthquake source processes. Her research integrates seismic and geodetic data to understand planetary dynamics from the surface to the lowermost mantle. Her work includes pioneering seismic tomography, such as the SGLOBE-rani 3D anisotropy model, and earthquake source analysis using InSAR and normal mode data. She leads the Seismological Laboratory and teaches Seismology II and Field Geophysics. Recent projects include the UPFLOW experiment, which deployed 49 ocean bottom seismometers in the Atlantic, and studies on Greenland ice sheet evolution and Tonga volcanic eruptions. Her EU-funded research emphasizes multidisciplinary data integration and numerical modeling. Key article trends cover mantle anisotropy, global tomography, earthquake source inversion, cosmology-inspired machine learning, and ocean bottom seismology applications in geodynamics and cryospheric processes.

Eileen MartinView profile

Associate Professor

• Near-surface geophysics
• Environmental monitoring
• Fiber-optic sensing (DAS/DTS)
• +5 more

Eileen Martin is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geophysics and Applied Math and Statistics at the Colorado School of Mines. Her research focuses on near-surface geophysics, environmental monitoring, and the application of distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) technology. She leads projects involving fiber-optic sensing for permafrost degradation, urban seismic monitoring, and mining safety. Martin has developed open-source tools like DASCore and contributes to scalable computational methods for geophysical data analysis. Education: PhD (2018) in Computational and Mathematical Engineering from Stanford University; MS (2017) in Geophysics from Stanford; BS (2012) in Mathematics and Physics from UT Austin. Research interests include fiber-optic sensing systems, seismic imaging, data-intensive computing, and applications in environmental science. Her work bridges geophysics with computational methods, emphasizing real-world deployment in challenging environments like arctic permafrost sites and underground mines. Her recent work explores DAS for glacier monitoring, mine seismicity detection, and urban infrastructure assessment. Collaborative projects include Arctic permafrost monitoring and developing public datasets for geoscience research (PubDAS repository). Grants and lab activities include NSF CAREER funding for scalable computational seismology and partnerships with industry on fiber-optic monitoring solutions.

Robin MatozaView profile

Professor

• Volcanology
• Seismology
• Infrasound
• +3 more

Robin S. Matoza is a Professor in the Department of Earth Science at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). His research focuses on volcano seismology, acoustics, and infrasound, with particular emphasis on understanding volcanic processes through seismic and infrasound data. He leads studies on volcanic eruption dynamics, infrasound propagation, and the application of seismoacoustic methods for hazard mitigation. Roles: Professor, Principal Investigator Affiliations: Department of Earth Science, Earth Research Institute, UCSB Research interests include volcano acoustics, infrasound source characterization, and the development of infrasound monitoring tools. He has contributed to global volcanic eruption detection systems, such as the IMS_VASC software for automated volcanic infrasound cataloging. His work integrates field data from volcanoes like Tungurahua (Ecuador), Yasur (Vanuatu), and Kīlauea (Hawaii) with computational modeling. Key projects include studying infrasonic signals from explosive eruptions, submarine volcanic activity, and the interaction between volcanic processes and atmospheric dynamics. He collaborates on international initiatives like the International Monitoring System (IMS) for nuclear treaty verification and volcanic monitoring.

Philipp ReissView profile

Professor

• Lunar Exploration
• Planetary Resources
• Space Instrumentation
• +3 more

Prof. Philipp Reiss is a Professor of Lunar and Planetary Exploration Technologies at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), part of the TUM School of Engineering and Design. His academic journey includes a doctorate in lunar exploration (2018) and postdoctoral leadership of a research group, followed by ESA work on lunar mission instruments. He was appointed to his current role in 2022. Education: Bachelor's/Master's in Aerospace Engineering from Bremen University of Applied Sciences and TUM Doctorate in Lunar Exploration (TUM, 2018) Research Focus: Development of instruments for in-situ resource characterization (e.g., water detection on the Moon) Simulation of heat/mass transport in extraterrestrial environments Technologies for extreme environment exploration Legal and ethical frameworks for space resource utilization Recent Article Trends: Recent work emphasizes lunar water cycle analysis, space resource extraction technologies, and ESA mission instrument development. Key projects include PROSPECT payload design and thermal extraction of volatiles from regolith. Awards and Roles: ERC Grant Awardee (2024), Honorary Fellow at TUM Institute for Advanced Study Principal Investigator at ORIGINS Excellence Cluster (2022–present) Member of ESA’s PROSPECT science team (2019–present) Contributions to UN space resource legal discussions Advising & Grants: Supervises research projects on lunar rover systems and resource utilization. Secured funding through ERC grants and ESA collaborations. Advises on international space policy initiatives. Labs/Teams: Leads the Lunar and Planetary Exploration Professorship group at TUM, collaborating with ESA, JAXA, and the European Lunar Symposium. Active in developing planetary exploration tools like the PROSPECT permittivity sensor and MULE instrumentation.

Xiaowei ChenView profile

Associate Professor

• Earthquake Rupture
• Induced Seismicity
• Subsurface Structure
• +3 more

Xiaowei Chen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geology and Geophysics at Texas A&M University. His research focuses on observational seismology, with an emphasis on earthquake rupture processes, induced seismicity, subsurface structure analysis, and applications of distributed acoustic sensing (DAS). He holds a PhD from the University of California, San Diego (2013), and has held prior academic positions including the Stubbeman-Drace Presidential Professorship at the University of Oklahoma (2020). His work integrates field observations, dense seismic arrays, and advanced computational methods to address critical questions in crustal dynamics and seismic hazard assessment. **Education:** PhD, University of California, San Diego, 2013 MS, University of California, San Diego, 2010 BS, University of Science and Technology of China, 2007 **Research Interests:** Chen investigates how anthropogenic activities influence fault behavior, interactions between seismic and aseismic slip, and factors controlling earthquake rupture characteristics. He studies these phenomena in tectonically active regions (e.g., western US, Japan) and intraplate settings (e.g., Oklahoma), leveraging DAS technology for high-resolution subsurface imaging. Recent projects include forecasting induced seismicity via machine learning and analyzing pore-pressure diffusion mechanisms in Oklahoma. **Awards:** Stubbeman-Drace Presidential Professor, University of Oklahoma (2020) Editor's citation for excellence in refereeing, JGR-Solid Earth (2018) **Advising & Grants:** While no formal advisees are listed, Chen’s collaborative research involves multidisciplinary teams addressing induced seismicity, fault dynamics, and crustal structure. His work is supported by grants from agencies like the USGS and SCEC. **Labs & Teams:** Engages with the Texas A&M Seismology Group and collaborates with institutions like the University of Oklahoma and the University of California system on projects involving seismic array deployments and DAS applications.

Sergei LebedevView profile

Professor

• Seismology
• Geophysics
• Seismic Tomography
• +5 more

Sergei Lebedev is a Professor of Geophysics at the University of Cambridge's Department of Earth Sciences and holds an adjunct professorship at Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies. His primary affiliation is with the Bullard Laboratories. He specializes in seismology, seismic tomography, and the structural evolution of the Earth's crust and upper mantle, with a focus on regions like the North Atlantic, Africa, and Tibet. Lebedev leads major projects such as SEA-SEIS and Ireland Array, combining research with public engagement. His work integrates seismic data with geodynamic models to understand tectonic processes, volcanic systems, and resource exploration. PhD: Princeton University (2000) MSc: Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (1991) Research interests include seismic imaging methods, lithospheric dynamics, and the interplay between seismicity and tectonic evolution. He has contributed to studies on cratonic lithosphere structure, mantle plumes, and crustal deformation mechanisms.

Emma HILLView profile

Professor

• Geodesy
• Sea Level Rise
• Tectonics
• +2 more

Emma Hill is a Professor at the Asian School of the Environment and Interim Director of the Earth Observatory of Singapore (EOS) at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore. Her research focuses on space geodesy applications to climate change and natural hazards, particularly earthquake risks in the Sumatran subduction zone and sea-level variations through GRACE satellite data and tide-gauge networks. Research Themes : Tectonic deformation, coastal sea-level monitoring, geodetic data fusion Technologies Used : High-precision GPS, GRACE satellite gravity, GNSS Interferometric Reflectometry Her work emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to separate geophysical processes in the Earth system. She leads the Geodesy Group , which integrates geodetic observations with broader geoscience research.

Gaofeng JiaView profile

Associate Professor

• Structural Engineering
• Risk Assessment
• Infrastructure Resilience
• +4 more

Gaofeng Jia is Associate Professor in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Colorado State University's Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering. He specializes in natural hazard risk assessment, infrastructure resilience, and uncertainty quantification. Research integrates simulation-based approaches with high-performance computing for assessing complex engineering systems. Core areas include infrastructure deterioration modeling, wave energy converter optimization, tsunami evacuation planning, and surrogate modeling techniques. Recent work emphasizes physics-informed machine learning for engineering applications. Publications demonstrate consistent methodological innovation in uncertainty quantification across domains including seismic engineering, coastal hazards, renewable energy systems, and structural reliability. Articles employ advanced computational statistics, Bayesian methods, and multi-fidelity modeling. Young Researcher Best Paper Award Best Student Paper Award

Tieyuan ZhuView profile

Associate Professor

• Near-Surface Seismology
• Fiber Optics Seismology
• Wave Physics
• +7 more

Tieyuan Zhu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geosciences at Pennsylvania State University, where he leads the Environmental Geophysics Group (EGG). His work focuses on advancing geophysical data resolution through seismic and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) methods to address environmental and energy challenges such as geohazards and CO2 sequestration. Research interests include: Near-surface and critical zone seismology Fiber optics seismology Wave physics (seismic, GPR) CO2 sequestration and geothermal exploration Permafrost degradation monitoring Martian subsurface water detection Recent publications emphasize distributed acoustic sensing (DAS), full-waveform inversion, and machine learning applications for subsurface imaging. His projects span urban geohazard monitoring, Arctic permafrost studies, and planetary geophysics. Scientific awards include the Karcher Award (2018) from the Society of Exploration Geophysicists. Collaborative efforts with institutions like NASA, NSF, and CMU highlight his impact on environmental hazard studies and carbon capture research.

Anne SheehanView profile

Professor

• Earthquake Seismology
• Tsunami Studies
• Active Tectonics
• +5 more

Anne Sheehan is Professor of Geological Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder and a Fellow of the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES). Her research integrates seismology, geodesy and electromagnetics to investigate earthquake sources, subduction-zone dynamics, tsunami generation and human-induced seismicity. Education Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1991 B.S., University of Kansas, 1984 Research Interests Sheehan’s group pursues field and computational studies of earthquake seismology , tsunami processes , active tectonics and geophysical imaging . Major themes include: Deep structure and tectonics of mountain belts (Rockies, Himalaya, Southern Alps) Subduction-zone seismicity, slow-slip events and tsunami hazards Induced seismicity linked to wastewater injection in Colorado Novel seafloor instrumentation (ocean-bottom seismometers, pressure gauges) and satellite-based tsunami detection from ships Advanced computational techniques such as data assimilation, interferometry and machine-learning phase detection Scientific Awards Erasmus Haworth Distinguished Alumni Award, University of Kansas (2009) EarthScope Distinguished Lecturer (2013) College Scholar Award, University of Colorado (2014) New Zealand Geophysics Prize (2016, 2019) President, Seismology Section, American Geophysical Union (2020) Leadership, Grants & Teams Sheehan is Principal Investigator on major NSF experiments such as the Alaska Amphibious Community Seismic Experiment (AACSE) and the Hikurangi Ocean Bottom Investigation of Tremor and Slow Slip (HOBITSS) . She collaborates closely with the hydrogeology group of Prof. Shemin Ge and geodesist Prof. Kristy Tiampo, and mentors graduate students and post-docs in the Sheehan Geophysics Group . The group maintains real-time seismic data access for Colorado at earthquake.colorado.edu and hosts weekly seminars and reading groups.

• Geotechnical Engineering
• Environmental Monitoring
• Fiber Optic Sensing
• +2 more

Dante Fratta is a Professor in the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he has been actively involved in research and teaching since 2000. His work focuses on geotechnical engineering, environmental monitoring, and fiber optic sensing technologies. Education: PhD (1999) – Georgia Institute of Technology M.A.Sc. (1995) – University of Waterloo Diploma (1993) – Universidad Nacional de Córdoba Research Interests: Geomaterial process evaluation using elastic and electromagnetic waves, fundamental physical behavior of soils and rocks, geophysical assessment of near-surface environments, and distributed fiber optic sensing methods. Recent Publication Trends: He has pioneered applications of Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) and fiber optic technologies for geotechnical, environmental, and energy infrastructure monitoring, including wind turbines, geothermal systems, and mining operations. Scientific Awards: Benjamin Smith Reynolds Award for Excellence in Teaching (2012) Chi Epsilon Excellence in Teaching Award (2008) Best Paper Award, GeoCongress Sensing Methods and Devices Track (2006) Distinguished Alum, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (2013) Multiple keynote and invited speaking engagements Teaching: Fratta teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in geotechnical engineering, including Foundations, Applied Geophysics, and Pre-Dissertator Research, with active involvement in Spring 2025 classes.