Geophysics/Seismology
The Jackson School has one of the country’s largest, most diverse, and most respected geophysics programs. Ranked No. 5 according to U.S. New & World Report, the geophysics program benefits from outstanding connections to industry and a strong grounding in basic research through the school’s major units, including the Institute for Geophysics, which employs 40 research scientists (and many JSG graduate students) working across the spectrum of geophysics research.
Overall, the Jackson School has about 250 graduate students in all disciplines, divided about equally between master of science and doctoral degree seekers. Both degrees involve original research in the form of a thesis or dissertation, and publication of results and presentation at professional society meetings is a goal for all graduate students.
Roughly 20 percent of the graduate student body is engaged in research that employs geophysical observations, and/or develops new geophysical techniques. The diverse graduate research opportunities in geophysics can be separated broadly into four major themes: field intensive studies; theoretical and numerical investigations; applied geophysics; and regional to global scale studies.
Field Studies
Examples include Antarctic expeditions with aero-geophysical surveys of major ice sheets; marine geophysical expeditions to understand tectonic and sedimentary processes over the continental margins and deep oceans; broad-band seismic experiments to illuminate the structure of the crust and upper mantle; airborne laser mapping of topography to understand terrestrial sedimentary processes; radar and electromagnetic investigations of the near-surface; and active source seismic experiments for near-surface and petroleum exploration studies. There are also development efforts for seismic sources and receivers, gravity, radar, and other field instrumentation.
Theoretical and numerical investigations
These include: solutions to inverse problems to estimate complex multi-parameter earth models from large data sets; development of numerical methods to simulate wave propagation and deformation in complex materials via finite element and finite difference methods; inference from and analysis of complex systems, such as Earth’s climate variations; and development of algorithms using parallel processing architectures.
Applied geophysics
Geophysical methods employing seismic and electromagnetic waves can be used to explore for resources, including petroleum, water, and others, and to estimate near surface physical properties for identification of hazards. Examples underway at UT include improved imaging of subsurface structures to support geological interpretation; estimation of subsurface physical properties from conventional and multi-component seismic data; and application of electromagnetic methods (radar and others) to estimate subsurface structure and physical properties.
Regional to global scale studies
UT geophysicists develop images of the interior of the earth using seismic waves; study earthquake sources and their distribution in time and space; interpret the deformation of the crust and the forces that cause them; and study Earth’s gravity and magnetic fields from surface and space-based observations.
Faculty
 | Thorsten Beckermantle convection; plate tectonics; structural seismology; numerical modeling; earthquakes; fluid dynamics |
 | Ginny Cataniahydrology, Stratigraphy, glaciology, Antarctica |
 | Sergey FomelComputational and exploration geophysics; seismic imaging; wave propagation; seismic data analysis; inverse problems; geophysical estimation |
 | Marc A HesseMultiphase flow in porous media, geomechanics, numerical simulation, mathematical, modeling, reactive transport, magma dynamics. |
 | Shujuan MaoEnvironmental seismology, Hydrogeophysics, Geothermal energy, Carbon sequestration, Critical-zone processes, Time-lapse imaging, Ambient seismic field, 4D seismology |
 | Demian M SafferActive tectonics, fault/sediment mechanics, geohydrology. |
 | Mrinal K SenSeismic wave propagation including anisotropy, geophysical inverse problems, earthquakes and earth structure, applied seismology, petroleum exploration including 4D seismology |
 | Christine SimurdaPlanetary Science, Remote Sensing, Surface Processes, Surface Structure, Geohazards, Volcanology, Wildfires |
 | Nicola TisatoRock Physics, rock mechanics, reservoir characterization |
 | Taiyi WangFault mechanics, seismic source theory, caldera collapse, volcano geodesy |
Research Faculty
 | James A Austin, Jr |
Shuvajit BhattacharyaPetrophysics, Formation Evaluation, Quantitative Seismic Interpretation, Machine Learning, Integrated Subsurface Characterization, Carbon Sequestration | |
David C BoltonEarthquakes,Fault Mechanics, Rock Deformation, Ultrasonic Monitoring | |
 | Yangkang ChenSeismic modeling, earthquakes, seismic processing |
 | Sean S Gulicktectonics, Geohazards |
 | Mahdi Haddadgeomechanics of induced seismicity, smoothed particle hydrodynamics methods, geomechanics, induced seismicity, numerical simulation, Fluid Dynamics |
 | Shuoshuo Hantectonics |
 | Peter H Henningsstructural geology, geomechanics, reservoir characterization, Fluid flow, induced seismicity |
 | Zhe JiaSeismology, Computational Geophysics, Bayesian Inference, Inversion, Deep Learning |
 | Tip MeckelCarbon capture and storage, CO2 sequestration, CCS, high-resolution 3D seismic acquisition, processing, imaging, Stratigraphy, structural geology, |
 | Maria-Aikaterini Nikolinakougeotechnical engineering, geomechanics, Salt tectonics, numerical modeling |
 | Jeffrey G Painecoastal geology, Quaternary geology and geomorphology, Geophysics, hydrogeology, Geomorphology |
Alexandros SavvaidisSeismology, Geophysics, earthquakes, induced seismicity, modeling, data acquisition | |
 | Krista M SoderlundAstrobiology, Cryosphere, Geophysical Fluid Dynamics, Magnetohydrodynamics, Planetary Science |
 | James O ThompsonWildfires, Volcanology, Remote Sensing, Thermodynamics of Geological Processes, Infrared Spectroscopy, Geohazards and Surface Geology, Multi-scale Land Surface Modeling |
Laura WallaceCrustal deformation, GPS/Geodesy, active plate boundary processes, subduction tectonics, geohazards | |
 | Hongliu ZengSeismic sedimentology; seismic geomorphology; seismic and sequence stratigraphy; Characterization of thin-bed reservoirs; seismic chrono-stratgraphy |
 | Tongwei ZhangOrganic-inorganic interactions, Unconventional gas reservoir characterization, geochemistry, Isotope geochemistry, basin modeling, reservoir characterization, CO2 sequestration |
Lecturers
 | Kenneth W WisianGeothermal Geophysics, SETI, Exoplanets, Space Exploration, Disaster Response, Recovery & Resiliency, Military Technology Applications, International Affairs, Innovation, Curriculum Development |
Research Scientists
| Kenneth W WisianGeothermal Geophysics, SETI, Exoplanets, Space Exploration, Disaster Response, Recovery & Resiliency, Military Technology Applications, International Affairs, Innovation, Curriculum Development |
Research Staff
 | Thomas HessGeoscience software, anisotropic imaging, seismic processing, seismic geometry, deconvolution, problem solving. |
 | John W SneddenGulf of Mexico Basin global expert, Sequence Stratigraphy, Sedimentology, Reservoir Development and Connectivity, Petroleum Geoscience |
Emeriti
 | Stephen P GrandSeismic imaging of Earth's mantle, tomography, dynamics of flow in the mantle, regional seismic studies |
 | Lawrence A LawverMarine geophysics, plate tectonics, magnetics, gravity, heat flow, seismic studies, paleogeographic reconstructions of Gondwana, the Polar Regions, East Asia, the Western Pacific |
 | Yosio NakamuraGeophysics, lunar and planetary seismology, ocean-bottom seismometry |
 | Paul L StoffaMultichannel seismic acquisition, signal processing, acoustic and elastic wave propagation, modeling and inversion of geophysical data |
 | Robert H Tatham |
 | Clark R WilsonGeophysics, gravity, space geodesy, applied seismology |
Graduate Students
Soraya Alfred | |
 | Jonathan P AmendolaGeomorphology |
 | McKenzie Carlsonearthquakes, Geodesy, Fault Mechanics, natural hazards |
 | Sohini DasguptaGeophysics, machine learning, Carbon Sequestration, Rock Physics, reservoir characterization, Seismic Interpretation |
Cameron M deFabry | |
 | Nicole FerriePaleoclimate, earthquakes, Metamorphic petrology |
 | Xiang He |
 | Odai A Hezamseismic imaging |
Megan Kerr | |
Mohammad T Khitam | |
Junpeng Li | |
 | Emma MartinMarine Geosciences, seismic imaging, tectonics |
 | Shirley T Mensahmachine learning, CO2 sequestration |
Ema Parker | |
 | Mikayla A Pascual |
 | Hongrui Pengderive more information (e.g, Attenuation, dv/v, Body wave, Higher-modes) from it, Seismology, tectonics |
 | Akshika Rohatgi |
Shivangini Singh | |
 | Huiwen Suntectonics, earthquakes, numerical models |
 | Casey Vigilianumerical models |
Students/postdocs on ML/AI-based earthquake data analysisGraduateI am looking for self-motivated graduate students and postdocs who are interested in research on advanced earthquake data analysis using ML/AL. Posted by: Yangkang Chen |
Carbon Cpature and Geologic StorageUndergraduate - ongoing - get in touch: tip.meckel@beg.utexas.eduThe Gulf Coast Carbon Center often engages with undergradutes in geology, EER, and petroleum engineering on topic related to carbon capture and geologic storage (CCS). Posted by: Tip Meckel |
Offshore CO2 StorageGraduate - Seeking Graduate Research Assistant interested in integrated seismic, well log, and geology integration for CO2 storage resource assessment.Current DOE grant to study CO2 storage options in the Gulf of Mexico offshore Corpus Christi, Texas. Posted by: Tip Meckel |
Ph.D. Opportunities in Environmental Seismology and Energy TransitionGraduateMy research group "Seismo4D" is actively looking for PhD students and postdocs. Please email me if you're interested. Our group applies 4D seismology to understand Earth's physical processes associated with climate change and energy transition. Potential research topics focus on fluid/vapor systems in Earth's shallow subsurface, including hydrological processes, geothermal energy exploitation, critical zones, and volcanic unrest. Students in our group will develop and employ cutting-edge seismic techniques (such as passive seismic interferometry and time-lapse imaging) to study the spatiotemporal evolution and physical mechanisms of subsurface processes. Posted by: Shujuan Mao |
Mantle and Fault System Dynamics Graduate ResearchGraduateThe UT Geodynamics Team is always looking for motivated graduate and undergraduate students. The University of Texas at Austin hosts an exciting community of researchers at the Jackson School of Geoscience, which includes the UTIG and EPS units. and the Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, the three of which I am affiliated. We are always looking for motivated students with a keen interest and solid background in the Earth sciences, physics, engineering, or computer science. Please take a look at some of our recent publications to give you an idea of current projects, but I like to work with students who think and work independently and challenge and extend my expertise and interests. Please consider applying for our program should you be interested in pursuing a PhD in my research group, and see the JSG pages for admission procedures. The (important) Fellowship deadline is December 1 each year. If you think this could be a match, please do reach out by email. Posted by: Thorsten Becker |
MTMOD Megathrust modeling frameworkUndergraduateVarious summer projects and undergraduate research opportunities Posted by: Thorsten Becker |
Geomechanics and Geofluids Research Jobs for UndergradsUndergraduateDo you want to study the Earth while learning the ins-and-outs of cutting-edge laboratory equipment, from maintenance to experiment design? UT GeoMechanics and GeoFluids investigates fluid flow and deformation in Earth materials using lab experiments, field work, and computer modeling. We seek hard-working and detail-oriented students with a passion for learning. You will assist with ongoing projects: offshoots could lead to your senior thesis. Tasks will include everything from the routine to the experimentally complex. You will work independently or with staff and researchers on experimental setup, equipment maintenance, laboratory clean up, sample preparation, data analysis, and a host of other tasks. For more information contact Josh O'Connell. Learn more about our research projects at UT GeoMechanics and GeoFluids. Posted by: Peter B Flemings |
Analyzing seismic data using machine learning techniquesUndergraduateSeismic recordings are used to detect earthquakes and to create images of the Earth’s interior. Seismic data contain rich patterns that can be discovered for extracting detailed information. Newly developed machine learning techniques aid in the discovery process. Deep learning has been used to detect arrivals of seismic signals from earthquakes and volcano eruptions and to extract from subsurface images such features, as faults, channels, salt bodies, etc. In detecting geological features, computational algorithms prove to be as powerful or even more powerful than the human eye, especially in higher dimensions. In this project, we are adopting the latest ideas from the field of machine learning and artificial intelligence to improve the resolution ability of seismic images. Our objective is to advance the state of the art in discovering seismic data patterns. The approaches include unsupervised learning for analyzing seismic waveforms and compressing data in the transformed domain and supervised learning for teaching the computer how to imitate the work of human interpreters. We are seeking an enthusiastic student to participate in this project. The student will develop data-analysis skills and contribute to an open-source software project. Some prior familiarity with seismology and machine learning, as well as some prior experience with computer programming using Python are helpful but not required Posted by: Sergey Fomel |
Graduate research opportunities in computational seismologyGraduateTexas Consortium for Computational Seismology is looking for Ph.D. students interested in computational research. Our group works on a broad range of topics in exploration geophysics, from wave-equation seismic imaging and inversion to computational algorithms for seismic data processing and seismic interpretation. The work is supported by industrial sponsors. We use open-source software tools and high-performace computing resources. Posted by: Sergey Fomel |
Graduate and undergraduate research in geologic sequestration of CO2GraduateGulf Coast Carbon Center supports a team of students and post docs working in geologic sequestration (deep subsurface long-duration storage) of the major greenhouse gas CO2, as a method to reduce release to the atmosphere. Student projects are wide ranging, from sedimentology to policy, linked in that they are 1) multidisciplinary and 2) applied to current issues. |
High Resolution 3D marine seismic for fluid studiesGraduateOpportunities exist to become involved in the design, acquisition, processing, and interpretation of high-resolution 3D marine seismic data. Current applications include characterization for subsurface storage of carbon dioxide and natural fluid migration studies. We anticipate development into imaging modern systems as reservoir analogs. Posted by: Tip Meckel |
Student OpportunitiesGraduateI am always interested in adding motivated new students to my Earthquake Science research team in the Jackson School. For prospective graduate students, please review the application guidelines and expectations listed on the Jackson School website (see orange link above). We do not accept "off track" admissions in the Jackson School, so the standard Fall application season is your best bet. I strongly encourage prospective students to reach out to me via email during this time with your CV and research interests. I highly value diversity in thought and experience, and students from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. Posted by: Daniel Trugman |
Center for Planetary Systems HabitabilityThe Center for Planetary Systems Habitability is an interdisciplinary research center at UT and is the result of a partnership between the Jackson School, the College of Natural Sciences, and the Cockrell School of Engineering. The center advances our ability to search for life on other planets by collaborating on research that helps better understand where habitable zones develop and how they evolve within planetary systems. |
Reservoir Characterization Research LaboratoryThe Reservoir Characterization Research Laboratory (RCRL) seeks to use outcrop and subsurface geologic and petrophysical data from carbonate reservoir strata as the basis for developing new and integrated methodologies to better understand and describe the 3-D reservoir environment. |
Texas Consortium for Computational SeismologyThe mission of the Texas Consortium for Computational Seismology is to address the most important and challenging research problems in computational geophysics as experienced by the energy industry while educating the next generation of research geophysicists and computational scientists. |
Affiliated UT Programs & Centers
Center for Space ResearchThe University of Texas at Austin, Center for Space Research was established in 1981 under the direction of Dr. Byron D. Tapley. The mission of the Center is to conduct research in orbit determination, space geodesy, the Earth and its environment, exploration of the solar system, as well as expanding the scientific applications of space systems data. |
Texas Advanced Computing CenterThe Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC) at The University of Texas at Austin is one of the leading centers of computational excellence in the United States. Located on the J.J. Pickle Research Campus, the center's mission is to enable discoveries that advance science and society through the application of advanced computing technologies. |