معرفی
Michael West is a Research Professor at the Geophysical Institute of the University of Alaska Fairbanks and serves as State Seismologist and Director of the Alaska Earthquake Center. Leading a 24-person team spanning research, engineering, and public outreach, he bridges seismic science with real-world hazard mitigation in Alaska's geologically active environment through collaborations with emergency managers, engineers, and federal agencies.
His academic credentials include:
- Ph.D. with distinction, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University (1998-2001)
- M.S., Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University (1996-1998)
- B.A. cum laude, Colorado College (1989-1993)
His research focuses on earthquake seismology (with Alaska emphasis), volcano monitoring, glacier/landslide dynamics, and Arctic environmental change. Current projects include earthquake early warning systems, the 45-station Arctic Network tracking permafrost thaw and sea ice retreat, Barry Arm landslide hazard assessment, and nuclear monitoring array applications. His work integrates field deployments with operational seismic networks to address climate-linked geological hazards.
Professor West has mentored 18 students including Ph.D./M.S. candidates Helena Buurman (dual degrees), Celso Reyes, and Matt Gardine, plus undergraduates like Derek Adams and Jessica Hawthorne. His Geophysical Institute group provides hands-on experience with the Alaska Earthquake Center and Volcano Observatory, supported by federal research funding for seismic hazard monitoring.
He directs the Alaska Earthquake Center's real-time monitoring operations and leads the Geophysical Institute's Seismology and Geodesy Group, which operates seismic networks across Alaska and collaborates with USArray facilities. His teams maintain field instrumentation in extreme Arctic environments while advancing policy frameworks for natural hazard response.
