My research involves the understanding of how earthquake waves propagate through soil and rock. By combining seismology with engineering, we can estimate how much the soil or rock may tend to amplify or attenuate the earthquake shaking as it moves up from the bedrock to the ground surface. We can also predict whether or not the earthquake shaking will cause slopes to fail and soils to liquefy. My research includes measuring the dynamic response of naturally occurring soil and rock deposits, as well as the dynamic response of man-made structures such as earth dams and mine waste impoundments. With this information, we can develop designs that will keep the public safe.
Earthquake Engineering
Engineering Geophysics
Geotechnical Site Characterization
Landfill Geotechnology
Vibration Monitoring and Mitigation
Ph.D., Civil Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, 1998
M.S.E., Civil Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, 1994
B.Sc., Geophysical Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, 1985
2002-present: Assistant/Associate/Full Professor, University of Kentucky
2014-2015: Visiting Associate Professor, American University of Sharjah, UAE
2000-2001: Senior Staff Engineer, GeoSyntec Consultants
1999: Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, Norwegian Geotechnical Institute
1992-1998: Graduate Assistant/Teaching Assistant, University of Texas at Austin
1989-1991: Exploration Geophysicist, Shell Oil Company
1986-1988: Exploration Geophysicist, Tenneco Oil Company
