John Jasbinsek

John Jasbinsek is an Associate Professor in the Physics Department at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly). He teaches geology and geophysics courses and mentors undergraduate research in applied geophysics and global seismology, focusing on both near-surface hydrologic applications and deep-earth seismic imaging.

Education:

• Ph.D., University of Wyoming (2008)
• M.A., University of California, Santa Barbara (1994)
• B.S., California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (1992)

Research Interests:
Jasbinsek's work spans two complementary domains. In near-surface geophysics, he employs electrical resistivity tomography, induced polarization, self-potential, and seismic refraction to image shallow faults and aquifer structures, supporting groundwater resource evaluation for agencies such as the U.S. Geological Survey. In global seismology, he analyzes earthquake waveforms to model ultra-low velocity zones and core-rigidity zones at the core-mantle boundary, elucidating the deep Earth’s internal structure.

Teaching:
He regularly instructs GEOL 201 (Physical Geology), GEOL 241 (Physical Geology Laboratory), GEOL 206 (Geologic Excursions), GEOL 420 (Field Geophysics), and PHYS 410 (Physics of Solid Earth). In Spring 2026 he will deliver GEOL 305 (Seismology and Earth Structure) for the final time before Cal Poly transitions to a semester calendar.

Laboratory & Student Opportunities:
Jasbinsek oversees the Applied Geophysics and Global Seismology labs where students conduct senior projects, often collecting original field data along California faults. Interested students are encouraged to contact him via email or visit his office in Baker Science 520.