I’m a rising senior at Washington University in St. Louis majoring in math and geophysics. I found out about the Cascadia2021 project while browsing summer research opportunities. Going into the project, I had a limited Earth science background and had spent no time in the field. Each day, I enjoyed getting to know my more experienced field partner, who was always eager to show me the ropes. I’m looking forward to what we will learn from the data!
I am a physics major entering my senior year of undergraduate studies at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI. This summer I am working with Dr. Kevin Ward through the IRIS internship program. I was excited to participate in the Cascadia 2021 project as part of my internship because this was my first fieldwork experience! Furthermore, I appreciate the opportunity to deploy and recover nodal geophones because the data I will be working with this summer was collected using the same instruments in Alaska two years ago.
I am a PhD student at Northern Arizona University studying the effects water has on subduction behavior offshore of the Alaska Peninsula. I received my B.S. in Geophysical Engineering from Montana Technological University in Butte, Montana and grew up in nearby cities. I was interested in this project because my thesis also involves investigating subduction dynamics but includes dominantly computer work without a field component, so I am glad to participate in the deployment and recovery of instruments for the Cascadia2021 project. The processes involved in the data collection and field work behind data helps me understand the entire project start to finish. My favorite aspect of field work is the ability to go through remote roads and trails that only a limited number of people have studied before.
I am a junior geophysics student who will be transferring to Western Washington University this fall. I found this project while researching summer internship opportunities. My favorite part of the project was getting to collect important data in such a beautiful area of the Oregon coast range.
I am a recent the University of Oregon graduate with a bachelors’ degree in General Science, focusing mainly on earth and environmental sciences. Throughout my undergrad, I worked with Professor Emilie Hooft on finding the subsurface seismic velocity structure of Santorini Volcano using tomographic inversions. The Cascadia2021 project allowed me to get into the field to place seismometers that future researchers will use for their tomographic inversions. Being able to round out my research experience with fieldwork and spend time in the Oregon Coast Range was an amazing experience.
Larry is a PhD Student, studying environmental instrumentation and sensor systems under Doug Toomey at the University of Oregon. He retired from the USAF in 2013 after serving 22 years as an Arabic Language Analyst. He earned two B.S. degrees in electronics engineering and physics in the years following his retirement. Larry is originally from York, PA, but has enjoyed posts across the United States, Europe, and the Middle East. He relocated to Eugene, OR from Augusta, GA with his wife and youngest daughter last year, so that he and his daughter can attend UO.
“What attracted me to earth sciences is the knowledge that my work can have immediate, beneficial impacts to large segments of society. Secondarily, I enjoy visiting new, remote places, and have a desire to spend more time outdoors in my occupation. In this study, I have traveled through and to more fascinating places in Oregon in two weeks than I would have in a whole year, all the while working with instruments and sensors with a view toward improving earthquake warning. Thank you, Emilie, for inviting me to play some small part in this effort.”
–Larry
I heard about the Cascadia2021 Project through HSU’s Geology Department. My undergrad advisor, Dr. Laura Levy, sent an email about it to everyone in the Geology Department at Humboldt State. It’s difficult to pick one favorite thing. A few of my favorite parts about the fieldwork were being outdoors, activating the nodes and finally getting that “heartbeat” once installed, wildlife signs and sightings, and the recovery of the nodes. The node recovery was a bit like a treasure hunt since we had to use our notes, coordinates, and any photos taken to figure out where the nodes were buried at each site! The ‘heartbeat’ reference for activating the nodes is explained in this blog, but essentially once the seismometer is activated and acquires a GPS signal, the light on it flashes in a heartbeat pattern. Driving along sketchy wilderness and logging roads was definitely exciting as well! This whole project has been an exciting adventure!
Geology Undergrad
Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA
From Los Angeles, CA