Paula Marques Figueiredo

Paula Marques Figueiredo is an Assistant Research Professor and Lab Manager at NC State University's Department of Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences, part of the College of Sciences. She specializes in active tectonics, earthquake geology, and tectonic geomorphology, applying geochronology methods like optical stimulated luminescence (OSL) and cosmogenic nuclides. Her research focuses on crustal deformation, fault systems, and natural hazards, particularly earthquakes. She has studied the 2020 Mw 5.1 Sparta earthquake in North Carolina and active faults in California, Nevada, and Portugal.

Education: PhD in Geology from the University of Lisbon (2015). Research Interests: Combines structural geology, paleoseismology, and remote sensing to analyze tectonic processes. Key projects include uplifted coastal landforms in Iberia, slip-rate studies on faults like the San Andreas and Calico, and seismic hazard assessments in low-tectonic-rate regions.

Lab and Affiliations: Collaborates with the Instituto Dom Luiz (Lisbon University) and serves as Early Career Representative for the INQUA TERPRO Commission. Manages geochronology labs at Jordan Hall and Varsity Research facilities.

Recent Work: Investigates rupture dynamics of the Sparta earthquake, precariously balanced rocks for seismic hazard, and mantle-driven uplift in Iberia. Her research bridges field observations with geochronological and geophysical analyses to advance understanding of tectonic and seismic processes.