UH Mānoa Students: Research experiences as an undergrad can extend your education beyond the classroom, clarify career goals, and prepare you for graduate study in scientific fields. My research typically involves earth science, physics, math, and programming. I am happy to help discuss possible research projects. Opportunities may be available for specific projects (check at the bottom of this page), but I am always happy to advise students through the UROP program, senior theses, or for general research experience.

Non-UH Mānoa Students: We offer a summer REU program: Earth Science on Volcanic Islands. Apply to join us for a 9-week long summer program. Research projects available will vary by year. Check the program site to see if I am participating.

If you are interested in conducting research in geophysics/seismology, I encourage you to apply to the graduate program in Earth Sciences at UH Manoa. I typically seek students that demonstrate enthusiasm, curiosity, and perseverance with a strong background in physics, math, programming, and earth sciences. The most important thing you can do if you are interested in working with me is to email me before you submit an application! This is so that I can let you know if I have funds to admit a student in the current application cycle before you apply. I’d love to hear about why you are interested in studying earth sciences, any previous research experience you have, and what is motivating you to consider applying to graduate school. If you are interested, but are worried you may not have an appropriate academic background, please still consider getting in touch and we can discuss your concerns.

I am a field seismologist, which means I sometimes spend time in local or far-flung locations on land or at sea deploying seismometers. There may be opportunities for you to participate in field work, and I am supportive of students participating in other field experiences. However, field work is not a requirement to work with me - there are plenty of ways to use seismic data from the comfort of your office!

As a graduate student you will conduct novel research, engage with the scientific community, and take courses. Typically you will receive a stipend through my research grants or teaching assistantships. You should also consider applying for external funding opportunities. The NSF GRFP is a fellowship I encourage all eligible students to apply for. SOEST also maintains a list of other potential funding opportunities. UH Mānoa seeks to serve as a model of a Hawaiian place of learning, and I encourage students who bring diverse experiences and perspectives to apply.

I expect postdocs to be highly motivated, independent researchers, and for you to have your own ideas in formulating a research topic. If you are interested, please get in touch to discuss possible projects and opportunities for funding.