Jonathan D. Bray is the Faculty Chair in Earthquake Engineering Excellence and a Distinguished Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley . He is a globally recognized authority in earthquake and geotechnical engineering, with research spanning seismic performance of earth structures, liquefaction, ground failure, and earthquake fault rupture effects. Education: Bray earned his Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering from UC Berkeley (1990), M.S. in Structural Engineering from Stanford University (1981), and B.S. from the United States Military Academy (1980). Research Interests: His work focuses on earthquake engineering , geotechnical engineering , physical and numerical modeling , and environmental geotechnics . Key areas include seismic site response, liquefaction of soils, seismic slope stability, and post-earthquake reconnaissance. Contributions: Bray has developed widely used procedures for seismic slope displacement and liquefaction-induced building settlement. He created the NSF-sponsored GEER Association to capture post-earthquake data. His work has influenced seismic design codes and practices globally. Awards & Recognition: He is a member of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering and a Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) . His accolades include the Seed Medal , Terzaghi Award , Ishihara Lecture , Peck Award , Joyner Lecture , Prakash Award , Huber Research Prize , Packard Foundation Fellowship , and the NSF Presidential Young Investigator Award . Grants & Projects: Bray has led major projects funded by the NSF , California Energy Commission , U.S. Geological Survey , and Caltrans , totaling millions in research funding. Advising & Mentorship: He has supervised over 30 Ph.D. students, significantly shaping the next generation of earthquake engineers.
Dr. John Francis Clinton is the Director of Seismic Networks and Head of the Earthquake Monitoring Section at the Swiss Seismological Service (SED), ETH Zurich. He leads the Marsquake Service for NASA's InSight mission and oversees Switzerland's broadband and strong-motion seismic networks. His expertise spans earthquake early warning systems, seismic instrumentation, and glacial seismology. Clinton is also a Co-Investigator on the Mars InSight mission and involved in international projects like EPOS and RAMSIS. Education PhD in Civil Engineering (Minor in Geophysics), California Institute of Technology (2004) MSc in Civil Engineering, California Institute of Technology (1998) BEng in Civil Engineering, University College Dublin (1997) Research Interests Dr. Clinton focuses on real-time seismology, seismic instrument design, structural health monitoring, and glacial seismology. His work bridges engineering applications with geophysical data analysis, particularly in earthquake early warning systems and induced seismicity studies. He collaborates internationally on projects such as the Valais Near Fault Observatory and Nicaragua’s Earthquake Early Warning development. Publications Overview His 15 most recent papers (2011–2015) highlight advancements in seismic network optimization, Marsquake detection algorithms, and glacial icequake mechanisms. Key themes include improving early warning accuracy, understanding subglacial dynamics, and validating high-rate GPS for structural monitoring. Awards & Memberships Member, Swiss Academy of Sciences (since 2008) Member, IRIS Quality Assurance Advisory Committee (since 2013) Chair, European Integrated Data Archives (EIDA) (2013–2015) Labs & Teams Clinton directs the SED’s Earthquake Monitoring team and collaborates with ETH Zurich’s Geophysics Masters Program. His group manages Switzerland’s seismic networks and leads the Marsquake Service, which analyzes InSight lander data for Martian seismic events.
Yehuda Ben-Zion is a Professor of Earth Sciences at the University of Southern California (USC), affiliated with the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. He serves as Director of the Statewide California Earthquake Center (SCEC). His expertise lies in geophysics and seismology, with a focus on earthquake mechanics, fault dynamics, and seismic hazard assessment. He holds a Ph.D. in Geophysics and Seismology from USC (1990) and a B.S. in Geology and Physics from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (1982). Research interests include physics of earthquakes and faults, high-resolution fault zone imaging, earthquake source properties, and dynamic rupture processes. Recent work emphasizes multi-scale modeling of rupture zones, seismic velocity monitoring using anthropogenic signals (e.g., train tremors), and probabilistic seismic hazard analysis frameworks like CyberShake. He leads projects such as Quakeworx, an open-source earthquake simulation platform, and investigates fault zone architecture in regions like the San Andreas, San Jacinto, and Marmara faults. His studies address critical questions about large earthquake mechanisms, ground motion prediction, and the interplay between tectonic stress and seismicity patterns. He has pioneered the use of dense seismic arrays and machine learning to analyze seismic data, advancing understanding of fault zone processes and their implications for hazard mitigation.
Ryan M Hebert, MD, is an Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery at the Yale School of Medicine, affiliated with the Neurosurgery department. He specializes in neurovascular disorders, including open and endovascular treatments for intracranial aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, carotid disease, and dural arteriovenous fistulas. He also focuses on interventions for ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. His practice locations include Yale New Haven Hospital and Lawrence and Memorial Hospitals in Connecticut. Education & Training: Bachelor’s in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology from the University of Colorado – Boulder (Howard Hughes Undergraduate Research Grant recipient) MD from Yale School of Medicine (NIH-funded thesis on CCM3 in cerebral cavernous malformations) 7-year Neurosurgery Residency at Yale New Haven Hospital, including enfolded neuro-interventional training CAST-accredited fellowship in Endovascular Neurosurgery and Neurovascular Critical Care at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (2016) Research Interests: Dr. Hebert’s work centers on emerging surgical and endovascular techniques for neurovascular disorders, risk stratification in carotid disease, vasospasm prediction/post-subarachnoid hemorrhage treatment, and outcomes of minimally invasive spine surgery. His studies often integrate clinical practice with translational research, emphasizing patient outcomes and procedural optimization. Key topics include flow diverters, cranial nerve palsies, hospital frailty risk scores, and immune mechanisms driving aneurysm rupture. Publications Trends: His recent articles emphasize clinical outcomes of endovascular procedures, stroke interventions, and immune mechanisms in aneurysm rupture. He frequently collaborates on meta-analyses and systematic reviews to evaluate treatment efficacy and complication rates, particularly involving cranial nerve recovery and thrombectomy volumes. Awards & Grants: He secured an NIH-funded thesis and a Howard Hughes Undergraduate research grant. No explicit scientific awards are listed, but his work has been recognized via peer-reviewed publications and contributions to clinical guidelines. Advising & Grants: While no students are listed, he collaborates with prominent researchers like Charles Matouk, Kevin Sheth, and Joseph Antonios on NIH-funded projects. His research addresses healthcare resource utilization and procedural volume impacts on mortality, indicating a focus on translational and clinical studies. Labs & Teams: Active in interdisciplinary teams at Yale School of Medicine, particularly in neurovascular critical care and endovascular surgery. Collaborates with the Stroke Center and Janeway Society for physician-scientist development.
John H. Shaw is the Harry C. Dudley Professor of Structural and Economic Geology and Professor of Environmental Science & Engineering at Harvard University's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS). He specializes in structural geology, earthquake hazards, and geomechanics, with a focus on thrust fault systems, fault-related folding, and seismic risk assessment in regions like California and China. His research integrates field observations, 3D modeling, and geomechanical simulations to understand fault dynamics and their implications for societal safety. Shaw's work emphasizes quantitative analysis of fault geometry, slip rates, and rupture processes. Key projects include modeling ground deformation during earthquakes, assessing seismic hazards in fold-thrust belts, and investigating reservoir-induced seismicity. He leads the Structural Geology & Earth Resources Group and contributes to collaborative initiatives like the Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC). His articles highlight advancements in fault system modeling, including 3D structural reconstructions, distinct element method applications, and coupling geomechanical models with fluid flow simulations. Recent studies focus on the Wilmington blind-thrust fault beneath Los Angeles, the Ventura fault system, and tectonic evolution of the Canadian Rockies and Qaidam Basin. Shaw's research also addresses interdisciplinary challenges such as stochastic velocity modeling for earthquake ground motion prediction and developing open-source tools like the SCEC Unified Community Velocity Model (UCVM). His work bridges fundamental structural geology with applied seismic hazard mitigation strategies.
Prof. Stefan Wiemer is the Director of the Swiss Seismological Service (SED) and holds the Chair of Seismology at ETH Zurich's Department of Earth and Planetary Science. He obtained a geophysics diploma from Ruhr University Bochum (1992) and a PhD from the University of Alaska Fairbanks (1997). His research focuses on earthquake processes, probabilistic hazard assessments, induced seismicity, and geothermal energy applications. He has published over 200 articles and supervised 30 PhD students, while also lecturing at the University of Bern. Key Roles: Member of ERC Grants Evaluation Panel (2015–present) Scientific Advisor to GFZ German Research Center for Geosciences (2021–present) President of Swiss Geophysical Commission Projects: Leader of Switzerland's national earthquake risk model Coordinator of EU-funded RISE (risk assessments) and DEEP (geothermal de-risking) projects Principal Investigator for ERC Synergy grant FEAR (BedrettoLab fault experiments) His research spans operational earthquake forecasting, CO2 storage monitoring, and the BedrettoLab underground experiments. He has won the Humboldt Foundation Fellowship (1997) and contributed to international initiatives like the Dutch Mining Effects Panel. Teaching includes ETH's Geophysics I course. Scientific contributions include developing seismic hazard models (ERM-CH23), real-time induced seismicity forecasting frameworks, and innovative techniques for fault dynamics analysis. His work integrates field data, laboratory experiments, and computational modeling to address both natural and human-induced seismic risks.
Allen Husker is a Research Professor of Geophysics at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), affiliated with the Seismological Laboratory. He manages the Southern California Seismic Network (SCSN) and the Southern California Earthquake Data Center. Previously, he was a professor at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), chairing the Seismology Department, and served as Station Manager for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) seismic stations in Mexico. His academic journey includes a B.S. from the University of Washington (1998), an M.S. from UCLA (2003), and a Ph.D. from Caltech (2008). Research Interests : Husker focuses on geophysical observations of crustal structure, slow-slip events, and seismic network analysis. His work bridges subduction zones (e.g., Mexico) and transform boundaries (e.g., Southern California). He explores planetary seismology, comparing Earth with the Moon and Mars. Recent studies include DAS technology for moonquake detection and seismic monitoring in the Guerrero seismic gap. Publications Trends : His 2024 work emphasizes DAS applications, Mexico’s San Andreas Fault dynamics, and socio-technical aspects of earthquake early warning (EEW) in Mexico. Earlier research (2020s) delves into slow-slip mechanisms, crustal anisotropy, and fault system dynamics in Mexico. He also investigates moonquake behavior and lunar regolith effects. Awards : No explicit scientific awards listed. Advising & Grants : Advises graduate students like Guillermo González (UNAM) and Yuri Tamama (Caltech). Former students include Francesco Civilini (Research Space Scientist) and Jiuxun Yin (Research Geophysicist). Collaborates widely, including with Jennifer Jackson on lunar seismology. Labs/Teams : Leads the SCSN and collaborates with UNAM’s Seismology Department. Engaged with the CTBTO and international seismological networks.
John Shaw is the Harry C. Dudley Professor of Structural and Economic Geology and a Professor of Environmental Science and Engineering at Harvard University's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. He also serves as Vice Provost for Research at Harvard, overseeing institutional research strategy and initiatives. His primary research focuses on structural geology, geophysics, and earthquake hazards, particularly in active fault systems, mountain belt tectonics, and subsurface energy development. Prof. Shaw leads the Structural Geology & Earth Resources Program, an industry-academic consortium that integrates geophysical data (3D seismic surveys, remote sensing) with advanced numerical modeling to address geological and environmental challenges. Education and professional experience: Joined Harvard Faculty in 1997. His research portfolio includes collaborations with the Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC) and the development of critical infrastructure like the SCEC Unified Community Velocity Model (UCVM). His work emphasizes practical applications such as fault stability assessments and carbon sequestration impact studies. Research interests span: 1) active fault characterization for seismic hazard mitigation, 2) tectonic evolution of mountain belts, 3) numerical modeling of fault dynamics, and 4) geomechanical impacts of subsurface energy projects. His structural modeling innovations have advanced understanding of thrust fault systems and fault-bend folding mechanisms. Professional contributions include leadership roles in interdisciplinary consortia and development of open-source geophysical software frameworks. Administrative duties at Harvard's Office of the Vice Provost for Research (VPR) focus on advancing institutional research capacity and fostering cross-disciplinary collaborations.
Giuseppe Rizzo is a Full Professor at the Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome. His academic career focuses on Maternal Fetal Medicine, with expertise in ultrasound applications, fetal growth restriction, preeclampsia, and congenital anomalies. Research Interests : Delivery optimization, prematurity prediction, ultrasound diagnostics, and placental anomalies. Recent Publications : Over 15 high-impact studies in 2024-2025 on topics like umbilical cord abnormalities, cerebroplacental ratios, and gestational diabetes complications. Clinical Expertise : Prenatal counseling, Doppler ultrasound, and labor management protocols. Collaborations : Active in multicenter trials across Italy and Europe, with a focus on fetal neurosonology and high-fidelity obstetric simulation.
Matthew B Potts, MD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Neurological Surgery at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, with secondary appointments in Neurology (Ken and Ruth Davee Department) and Radiology. His clinical expertise spans cerebrovascular surgery, neurointerventional/endovascular procedures, and management of brain aneurysms, vascular malformations, stroke, and spinal vascular disease across multiple Northwestern Medicine hospitals including Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. Dr. Potts completed his BS at MIT (2000) and MD at UCSF (2007), followed by surgical internship (2008), neurological surgery residency (2013), and cerebrovascular fellowship at NYU (2015). BS: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2000) MD: University of California, San Francisco (2007) Internship: University of California-San Francisco Medical Center, Surgery (2008) Residency: University of California-San Francisco Medical Center, Neurological Surgery (2013) Fellowship: New York University Medical Center, Endovascular/Cerebrovascular Surgery (2015) His research program centers on chronic subdural hematoma pathophysiology, emergency stroke thrombectomy process optimization, and aneurysm treatment outcomes. He employs clinical-translational approaches to improve cerebrovascular disease management through advanced surgical techniques and rigorous outcomes assessment. Recent 2025 publications reveal strong focus on hydrocephalus diagnostics, hematoma expansion biomarkers, vertebrobasilar anatomy, and dolichoectatic aneurysm natural history. These works demonstrate multidisciplinary collaboration across neurosurgery, neurology, and radiology to advance diagnostic precision and treatment efficacy in complex cerebrovascular disorders. Dr. Potts has received exceptional recognition for medical education, including three consecutive Outstanding Teacher Awards (2019-2021) and the John X. Thomas, Jr. Best Teachers Award (2020). His research contributions are honored by the NIH Rush L. Kirschstein Award (2012) and Howard Hughes Fellowship (2005). Outstanding Teacher Award, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine (2021) Outstanding Teacher Award, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine (2020) John X. Thomas, Jr. Best Teachers of Feinberg Award, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine (2020) Outstanding Teacher Award, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine (2019) Ivan Ciric Resident Teaching Award, Northwestern University Department of Neurological Surgery (2017) Best Scientific Presentation, UCSF Department of Neurological Surgery (2013) NIH Rush L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award, National Institutes of Health (2012) UCSF School of Medicine Alumni Scholarship Award, University of California, San Francisco (2006) Howard Hughes Medical Institute Medical Student Research Fellow, Howard Hughes Medical Institute (2005) UCSF Quarterly Research Fellowship, University of California, San Francisco (2005) MIT-Germany Program Research Fellowship, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2001) As an educator, Dr. Potts mentors medical students and residents through Feinberg's neurological surgery program, evidenced by his resident teaching award. His research is supported by institutional resources and prior NIH funding, with current industry relationships including ownership in Rhaeos, Inc. He serves as Assistant Editor for Neurosurgery and Associate Editor for Operative Neurosurgery. He operates within Northwestern's integrated neurovascular team across multiple hospital sites, collaborating with neurologists, neuroradiologists, and rehabilitation specialists to deliver comprehensive care for complex cerebrovascular conditions, with ongoing work focused on improving health equity in stroke treatment and minimally invasive surgical innovation.
Urban Johnson is a Professor at Halmstad University's School of Health and Welfare, specializing in sports psychology with a focus on sustainable participation in sports, health, and physical activity. His research examines psychological aspects of sports injury (pre- and post-injury) and healthy athletic engagement, particularly through pandemic-era studies of Swedish upper secondary sport students. Johnson's research interests center on: Psychological mechanisms in sports injury rehabilitation and prevention Adolescent athlete mental health and dropout dynamics Pandemic impacts on sport education systems Gender-specific responses to athletic challenges Longitudinal behavioral patterns in youth sports His work integrates qualitative analysis of student-athlete experiences with clinical psychology frameworks. His publication trends reveal intense focus on pandemic-related disruptions (2020-2025), with 12 of 15 recent articles examining COVID-19's impact on student-athletes, teachers, and sports systems. Key thematic clusters include: Sport injury psychology (ACL re-ruptures, prevention) Adolescent mental health during crises Fun/motivation dynamics in youth sports Cross-contextual leadership challenges Johnson actively supervises students at basic, advanced, and doctoral levels while teaching methodology courses. His collaborative projects include the Karolinska Football Injury Cohort Study and consensus statements on sport injury psychology. Current work emphasizes cocreation of injury prevention programs and psychological support services for elite handball.
Scott L. Diamond is the Arthur E. Humphrey Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Bioengineering at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. He serves as Director of the Penn Center for Molecular Discovery, Director of the Penn Biotechnology Masters Program (one of the largest in the country with over 130 students), and Associate Director of the Institute for Medicine and Engineering (IME). His laboratory is located in the Roy and Diana Vagelos Laboratories at 3340 Smith Walk, 1020 Vagelos Research Laboratories, Philadelphia, PA. Diamond's research spans multiple interconnected fields in blood biology and biotechnology. His work focuses on mechanobiology, thrombolysis, coagulation, bioadhesion, gene therapy, drug/device development, proteomics, drug discovery, systems biology, and microfluidics. His laboratory has developed numerous specialized microfluidic devices for studying blood clotting under various flow conditions, including 8-channel devices for high-throughput clotting assays, side-view devices for clot structure analysis, stenosis devices for high shear clotting assays, and impingement-post devices for studying von Willebrand factor fibers. Diamond's research group has pioneered approaches to model and predict blood function using systems biology principles. His team has developed computational models that integrate reaction-transport phenomena with platelet signaling networks to predict thrombus formation under flow. These models have enabled the development of 'virtual blood' computer simulations that can predict the effectiveness of anticoagulation drugs for individual patients, contributing significantly to personalized medicine approaches in hemostasis and thrombosis. His extensive publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on understanding the fundamental mechanisms of blood clot formation and dissolution. Recent work has emphasized microfluidic approaches for point-of-care diagnostics, patient-specific modeling of platelet function, and the development of novel therapeutic strategies for thrombotic disorders. His research bridges engineering principles with clinical hematology to address significant challenges in cardiovascular medicine. NSF National Young Investigator Award NIH FIRST Award American Heart Association Established Investigator Award AIChE Allan P. Colburn Award George Heilmeier Excellence in Research Award Elected Fellow of the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) Diamond has secured significant research funding, including a $2.8 million NIH grant for 'Blood Systems Biology' and a $9.5 million NIH grant for the Penn Center for Molecular Discovery. His laboratory has developed numerous microfluidic devices for blood analysis and has collaborated extensively with clinicians and industry partners. Diamond has served on advisory committees for NSF, NIH, AHA, and NASA, and has consulted extensively for industry and government. With over 180 publications and patents, his work has significantly advanced the understanding of blood clotting mechanisms and the development of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for thrombotic disorders.
Lisa Wallner Samstag is a Professor of Psychology at Long Island University's Brooklyn Campus, affiliated with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and Department of Psychology. She is Director of Psychotherapy Research and Clinical Supervisor at LIU's Psychological Services Center, and Senior Consultant at Mount Sinai Beth Israel's Psychotherapy Research Program. B.A. in Psychology from Queen’s University M.A., M.Phil., and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from City University of New York Her research focuses on therapeutic alliance development, alliance ruptures, process-outcome dynamics, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and developmental themes like parenting and infertility. She has extensively published on ruptures in psychotherapy and their resolution. Dr. Samstag's publications span from 2004 to 2022, emphasizing therapeutic alliance dynamics, rupture repair strategies, and clinical outcomes across diverse psychotherapy approaches. Her work bridges theoretical concepts with practical applications in alliance-focused training. Fellow of the American Psychological Association (APA) She supervises trainees in alliance-focused therapy, co-edited a book on rupture repair, and contributes to psychotherapy literature through book chapters and editorship roles in APA journals.
Martin C. Chapman serves as Research Professor of Geophysics in Virginia Tech's College of Science, Department of Geosciences. He directs the Virginia Tech Seismological Observatory (VTSO), operating from a Cold War-era fallout shelter near the Virginia Tech Executive Airport. His research integrates observational seismology with earthquake hazard mitigation in plate-interior regions, particularly eastern North America. His educational background includes: Ph.D. in Geophysics, Virginia Tech (1998) M.S. in Geophysics, Virginia Tech (1979) B.S. in Geophysics, Virginia Tech (1977) Chapman's primary research focuses on plate-interior seismicity/tectonics and strong-motion seismology. He combines field observations from the VTSO network with global strong-motion data to investigate earthquake causes and wave propagation characteristics. Recent work emphasizes induced seismicity from aquifer recharge and wastewater injection, site amplification effects in sedimentary basins, and development of seismic monitoring networks for risk reduction in eastern North America. Analysis of his 2022-2025 publications reveals concentrated research on injection-induced seismicity in Virginia's Hampton Roads region, sediment thickness mapping of Atlantic/Gulf Coastal Plains for ground motion prediction, and advanced characterization of historical earthquakes (1886 Charleston) and recent sequences (2024 New Jersey, 2020 Sparta). His methodology integrates dense seismic arrays, machine learning detection algorithms, and geospatial analysis to refine hazard models. His scientific recognition includes: Jesuit Seismological Association Award for Contributions to Observational Seismology (2016) As VTSO director, Chapman oversees seismic monitoring across Virginia and leads the Hampton Roads Seismic Network initiative. His work involves significant collaboration with the US Geological Survey on coastal plain amplification studies and regional seismic hazard workshops. Current projects focus on optimizing earthquake detection during aquifer recharge operations and developing site-specific amplification models for eastern US infrastructure. Chapman's laboratory operations center on the VTSO's network of seismic stations, utilizing advanced techniques including reverse vertical seismic profiling and dense array backprojection imaging. His team's recent field deployments target induced seismicity monitoring in Southeast Virginia and detailed characterization of the Central Virginia Seismic Zone.
Richard Allen is a Professor and the Class of 1954 Endowed Chair at the University of California, Berkeley, serving as Director of the Berkeley Seismological Laboratory. His work focuses on seismology, earthquake early warning systems, and seismic hazard mitigation. Research interests include earthquake rupture mechanisms, regional seismic structure and dynamics, mantle upwelling processes, fault interaction analysis, stress modeling in seismology, and machine learning applications in seismic data analysis. He pioneered smartphone-based seismic networks like MyShake and advanced technologies such as distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) for offshore monitoring. His recent publications highlight trends in earthquake early warning algorithms (EPIC, bEPIC), real-time ground-motion modeling, ShakeAlert system performance, and integration of multimodal data (e.g., social media, LLMs, DAS) for hazard mitigation. Collaborative efforts include global smartphone networks and cloud computing for seismic datasets. Allen leads the Berkeley Seismological Laboratory, driving innovations in seismic monitoring, structural health assessment, and public alerting systems to enhance disaster resilience.
