Originally From: Klamath Falls, Ore.
Fellowship Start Date: Fall 2021
Research Subdiscipline: Structural and Earthquake Engineering
Research Advisor Dr. Petrone

What inspired you to pursue a PhD?

I am pursuing a doctoral degree to deepen my knowledge in structural seismic design with the ultimate goal of sustainably mitigating damage and casualties in earthquake-prone areas. Further development of seismic design is paramount for the civil engineering field, particularly for those on the United States’ west coast due to the Cascadia Subduction Zone’s impending threat. A doctoral degree will allow me to tackle advanced challenges in engineering, such as developing sustainable seismic retrofits and effective structural dampers. A doctorate would also allow me to reach my secondary goals of becoming a professor later in my life, facilitating the next generation of civil engineers’ growth.

What are you most interested in learning more about during your PhD study?

I am interested in developing complex numerical models and then implementing machine learning to analyze the results to find previously unseen patterns. This interests me because high level risk analysis and seismic risk studies require an enormous amount of time, money, and computing power, so machine learning could simplify this process while still maintaining a high level of accuracy.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I like to learn new things, but especially new perspectives and stories from new people.