2025 SCEC Breakfast Club – Statewide California Earthquake Center

Date: September 8, 2025, 07:00am – 07:55am (PDT)
Location: Hilton Palm Springs, Tapestry Room
Convener: Gabriela Noriega

Overview

This event fosters dialogue between students, early-career researchers, and senior SCEC scientists in a relaxed, informal setting. Participants will explore research, career paths, and the realities of life in science—while building professional relationships that last. At a time when networking is more important than ever, the Breakfast Club offers fresh perspectives, practical advice, and valuable connections to support your journey in the earthquake science community. Don’t miss this energizing start to your day at the SCEC Annual Meeting.

This year’s Breakfast Club will focus on strategies for thriving in times of change and uncertainty in research. Participants will have the opportunity to talk with experienced SCEC scientists about:

Approaches to sustaining research careers amid shifting landscapes
How to adapt when priorities or opportunities change in science
Balancing short-term projects with long-term career goals
Building resilience and staying motivated during uncertain times

Space is limited: Sign up here to reserve your spot for breakfast and networking!

Students and early career researchers are encouraged to join us for the 8th Annual Breakfast Club.

Mentors

Luciana Astiz, Program Officer, NSF
Alexis Ault – Professor, Utah State University
Mike Blanpied, Associate Coordinator, USGS Earthquake Hazards Program
Wendy Bohon, Branch Chief, Seismic Hazards and Earthquake Engineering, CGS
Scott Callaghan, Computer Scientist, SCEC
Judi Chester – Professor, Texas A&M
John Louie – Chief Geophysicist, Terean
Phil Maechling – Associate Director of Research Computing, SCEC
Yongfei Wang, Senior Research Scientist, Verisk Extreme Events Solutions

EVENT FACILITATOR

Gabriela Noriega, Ph.D., is Associate Director for Experiential Learning and Career Advancement (ELCA) at the Statewide California Earthquake Center (SCEC), headquartered at the University of Southern California (USC). Dr. Noriega leads SCEC’s education and career development initiatives, fostering STEM careers by providing students with valuable research opportunities and offering early-career scientists resources and mentorship to navigate key career transitions. A strong advocate for mentorship, she facilitates annual mentor-mentee workshops and integrates research mentoring modules into summer research programs for undergraduate students. Dr. Noriega earned her bachelor’s degree in Geology from CSU Los Angeles, and her Master’s and Doctorate in Social Ecology from the University of California, Irvine, with an emphasis on Environmental Analysis and Design. Her research focused on paleoseismology and social vulnerability to earthquake hazards.

SCEC Activities Code of Conduct

The Statewide California Earthquake Center (SCEC) fosters a diverse and inclusive community where everyone feels safe, productive, and welcome. We expect all participants in SCEC-supported events to uphold this commitment by adhering to the SCEC Activities Code of Conduct.

SCEC Meetings and Workshops

The SCEC Annual Meeting brings together 400-500 participants worldwide to share breakthroughs, assess progress, and chart a collaborative path for earthquake science. All of the Center activities are presented, analyzed, and woven into a set of priorities for SCEC to pursue in the future.

8th Annual SCEC Breakfast Club

Overview

Mentors

SCEC Activities Code of Conduct

SCEC Meetings and Workshops

Applications are currently closed