Skip to main content

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

2023 - Present Professor and Department Chair, Missouri University of Science and Technology ‐ Earth Sciences and Engineering Department
to
2009 - Present Professor of Geology and Geophysics, Missouri University of Science and Technology
to
2022 - 2023 Interim Department Chair, Missouri University of Science and Technology ‐ Computer Science Department
to
2018 - 2022 Chair, Geology and Geophysics Program, Missouri University of Science and Technology ‐ Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering
to
2006 - 2009 Associate Professor of Geology and Geophysics, Missouri University of Science and Technology
to
2004 - 2006 Associate Professor, Kansas State University ‐ Geology
to
1999 - 2004 Assistant Professor, Kansas State University ‐ Geology
to

Curriculum Vitae

Disciplines

Research Interests

$
to
Enter a valid date range.
to
Enter a valid date range.

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

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

Links

Contact Information

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

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

Email:

ORCID

Research Works (242)