Exciting news! We're transitioning to the Statewide California Earthquake Center. Our new website is under construction, but we'll continue using this website for SCEC business in the meantime. We're also archiving the Southern Center site to preserve its rich history. A new and improved platform is coming soon!
cooke's picture

Michele L. Cooke

University of Massachusetts
Professor

Expertise: structural geology and rock mechanics Fault system evolution numerical models scaled physical experiments
 
 
About Me Publications
Michele Cooke investigates the deformation and evolution of faults and fractures in the upper crust of the Earth (and sometimes other planets). Her primary toolkits include engineering mechanics, numerical modeling (BEM & FEM) and scaled physical experiments. Michele uses these tools in new ways and combined with geologic and geophysical data in order to shed insight into how faults evolve and to constrain the seismic hazard of active faults.

With her students over the past two decades, Michele has developed 3D numerical models of active faulting in southern California that have contributed to our understanding of subsurface fault architecture and deformation partitioning in southern California. She previously served on the SCEC board and as one of the co-leaders of the San Gorgonio Pass Special Fault Study Area.

SCEC Participation

Current Roles

SCEC Science Planning Committee, Group Co-Leader (2016 - Present)

Past Roles

SCEC Committee for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion; Member (2020 - 2022)
SCEC Board of Directors, At-Large Member (2015 - 2016)
SCEC Mentor (2006, 2010)