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I’m an NSF EAR postdoctoral fellow in Professor Park’s group at the University of Chicago. I received my PhD in Earth and Planetary Sciences and MS in Applied Statistics from Northwestern University. I previously completed an MS in Geosciences at Penn State University. My research focuses on earthquakes — what they tell us about tectonic processes and the seismic hazards they pose. I incorporate various statistical methods to better understand and quantify earthquake behavior. I recently developed a new earthquake recurrence model that can incorporate a fault’s specific earthquake history to produce more accurate earthquake forecasts. I am currently examining the uncertainties of earthquake stress drop estimates, a commonly estimated but poorly understood earthquake parameter that is used in ground motion prediction studies. I’m also passionate about science policy and ensuring that scientists have a voice in the legislative process. |
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Nathalie Lai
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I am a second-year Geophysical Sciences student at the University of Chicago, broadly interested in seismology and geophysics. As an undergraduate research assistant in the Park Group, my current project focuses on investigating the focal mechanisms and source properties of deep earthquakes through the analysis of global sensor data. We hope to contribute to the understanding of deep earthquakes and to assess the implications these events may have on other earth processes. |
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I am a graduate student with the UChicago physics department collaborating with Prof. Park. Our project focuses on using body wave polarization, supplemented by topographical slope from digital elevation data, to deduce near-surface seismic wave velocities. We hope to produce a statistically robust model to accurately predict near-surface P- and S-wave speeds while minimizing the need for costly on-site measurements. My other projects involve particle accelerator design and modeling, namely (a) a theoretical design for an X-ray free-electron laser oscillator to be driven by next generation electron synchrotrons, and (b) X-ray cavity physics for current proof-of-concept oscillator experiments. In my free time, I enjoy running, biking, and rock climbing. |
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I am a Statistics master’s student collaborating with Professor Park. Our project analyzes acoustic wave propagation simulated on 3D-printed topographic models. My current work is trying to predict the possible traveling paths of air waves observed in the experiments with the 3D-printed models. Throughout our research on the 3D-printing technology application, we hope to establish a new lab-based experimental approach to study volcanoes and explosion events. Besides the current project, my research interest also covers applying statistical methods, such as machine learning, to geophysical science research. |
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Jiong WangCatastrophe Modeler at Safety National |
I am a geophysicist who work in Professor Park’s lab as a Postdoctoral Scholar. At the University of Chicago, I mainly conduct research on how to utilize 3D printing technology to help us better understand Earth’s structure. By combining the 3D printing technology and conventional seismological methods, we can build physical models of the Earth and study these physical models to advance our knowledge of structures underneath the surface. I obtained my PhD degree in geophysics with Professor Toshiro Tanimoto at University of California, Santa Barbara in Summer, 2021. My dissertation focuses on studying low-frequency seismic noise generated by atmospheric pressure variations at the surface, and estimate near-surface elastic structure for seismic hazard studies. |
