University of Nevada, Reno Geophysics Professor John Anderson was awarded the esteemed international Bruce A. Bolt Medal for his work in strong-motion earthquake research. This annual honor is designated to an individual from a pool of candidates worldwide whose accomplishments in the field of strong-motion earthquake data have led to improved seismic safety.  

The Bruce Bolt Medal is co-awarded by Consortium of Organizations for Strong Motion Observation Systems, the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute and the Seismological Society of America. The award is given in memory of Seismologist and Earthquake Hazard Expert Bruce Bolt for his pioneering work in engineering seismology during his lifetime.

"I felt deeply honored that the Bruce Bolt committee and the Boards of EERI, SSA, and COSMOS would choose me for this medal," Anderson, in the University's College of Science, said. "Being recognized that my activities have led to improved seismic safety is meaningful for me. It is a goal that is worth achieving."

Anderson has focused on ground-motion data of major earthquakes during his 27-year tenure at the University and served as the director of the Nevada Seismological Lab from 1998 to 2009. He is currently the chair for the National Steering Committee for National Seismic Hazard and Risk Assessment in support of the U.S. Geological Survey National Seismic Hazard Maps. He has been a member of the Nevada Earthquake Safety Council and various national committees. He has also been instrumental in earthquake engineering graduate education and contributed to many graduate and doctoral committees for the University civil and environmental engineering students.

According to Anderson, the award speaks not only to his work in the field of strong-motion earthquake research but also the work of his colleagues.

"This award isn't just about me," Anderson said. "I received this award because I've had the chance to interact with a lot of other very talented people, both here at the University, around the country and around the world."

Anderson will be presented the Bruce A. Bolt Medal at the Seismological Society of America's annual meeting held April 21 - 23 in Pasadena, Calif.

For more information about the University's Nevada Seismological Laboratory, visit seismo.unr.edu.