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About Stephen S. Gao

Dr. Gao’s research interests include: Pure and applied geophysics with emphasis on earthquake seismology. Seismological investigations of the Earth's crust and mantle using seismic tomography, anisotropy, and receiver function analyses. Distribution of earthquakes in space and time, crustal deformation, and earthquake hazard prediction and mitigation. Areas of study include Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Japan, Kenya, Mongolia, Russia, South Africa, the United States, and Zimbabwe etc.

His research emphasizes the combination of geology, physics, mathematics, and computer science to explore the Earth, imaging the structure of the Earth's deep interior using elastic waves produced by earthquakes, and study the distribution of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions in space and time.

On the practical side, research projects are conducted and courses offered in the area of exploration (mostly seismic) geophysics. Applications of geophysical techniques include locating oil, gas, and minerals, as well as locating objects or substances related to the understanding and protection of the environment.


CREE Research Investigator

Positions

2018 - Present Chair, Geology and Geophysics Program, Missouri University of Science and Technology Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering
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December 2018 - Present Professor of Geophysics, Missouri University of Science and Technology Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering
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2016 - Present Senior Investigator, Missouri University of Science and Technology Rock Mechanics and Explosives Research Center
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Present Research Investigator, Missouri University of Science and Technology Center for Research in Energy and Environment (CREE)
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2009 - 2018 Professor of Geology and Geophysics, Missouri University of Science and Technology
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2006 - 2009 Associate Professor of Geology and Geophysics, Missouri University of Science and Technology
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2004 - 2006 Associate Professor, Kansas State University ‐ Geology
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1999 - 2004 Assistant Professor, Kansas State University ‐ Geology
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Curriculum Vitae




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Honors and Awards

  • Elected fellow of Geological Society of America, 2012
  • 2016 Faculty Service Award
  • 2016 Faculty Teaching Award
  • University Outstanding Teaching Awards 2015-2016 academic year, 2014-2015 academic year, 2013-2014 academic year, 2012-2013 academic year, 2011-2012 academic year, 2009-2010 academic year, 2008-2009 academic year
  • S&T Outstanding Teaching Award, 2016-17
  • Missouri S&T Faculty Research Award, 2017
  • Missouri S&T Sustained Excellence in Outstanding Teaching Award, 2017-18

Education

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1995 Ph.D. in Geophysics and Space Physics, University of California, Los Angeles ‐ Earth & Space Sciences
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1993 M.S.. in Geophysics and Space Physics, University of California, Los Angeles
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1984 B.S. in Marine Geology and Geophysics, Ocean University of China
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Contact Information

Missouri University of Science and Technology
B-35 McNutt Hall
Rolla, MO  65409

(573) 341-6676
Fax: (573) 341-6935

Email:



Research Works (238)