As one of a growing handful of civil/structural engineers in the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program (EHP), and with statistics expertise, my research primarily focuses on probabilistic methods for seismic design and retrofit of buildings and other structures. These methods make use of and provide feedback on the USGS National Seismic Hazard Model and other EHP science and products. To both motivate and apply my research, I serve as a liaison on numerous external committees that develop the seismic provisions of US building codes. I also research risk assessment methods for natural hazards, mostly for earthquakes but also for rockfalls, with an interest in other hazards. Prior to joining the USGS in 2004, for three years I worked at a catastrophe risk modeling company.

SCEC Participation

Current Roles

SCEC Board of Directors, Liaison Member (2017 - Present)

Past Roles

SCEC Science Planning Committee, Group Leader (2012 - 2016)
SCEC Science Planning Committee, Group Co-Leader (2007 - 2011)