Sara Carena

Sara Carena is a Senior Lecturer and Senior Scientist at the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU). As part of the Faculty of Geology, she specializes in Structural Geology, Active Tectonics, and 3D Modeling. Her role includes managing the Geological Remote Sensing Facility and Analog Modeling Laboratory.

Education:

• 2014: Habilitation in Geology, LMU Munich
• 2003: Ph.D., Princeton University, USA
• 1995: Laurea (M.Sc.), State University of Milano, Italy

Research Interests:

Her research focuses on understanding active tectonic processes, particularly in regions like Taiwan, the Eastern California Shear Zone, and the Makran subduction zone. Key areas include:

• 3D fault modeling using seismic and remote-sensing data
• Coulomb stress evolution and earthquake interactions
• Dynamic topography and its links to mantle flow
• Long-term vertical motion patterns in continental regions

Teaching and Innovation:

She has pioneered virtual field trips (VFTs) for geoscience education, including dual-language trips to Spain and the US. These VFTs use photogrammetry and 3D modeling to enhance student learning. She also created the 'Creating 3D Hand Samples' webinar, recognized with the 2021 LMU Lehrinnovationspreis.

Labs and Facilities:

As manager of the Geological Remote Sensing Facility and Analog Modeling Laboratory, she supports advanced geophysical and structural analysis tools like SKUA-GOCAD for 3D modeling.