NAE Member Mark Zoback Visits USTC

Prof. Mark D Zoback of Stanford University, Member of U.S. National Academy of Engineering, visited USTC on Mar. 28. Vice President CHEN Chusheng hosted him.

CHEN welcomed Prof.Zoback and gave an introduction on educational goals, education strategy, outstanding alumni, recent research highlights, and international cooperation of USTC. Mark was highly impressed.

Then the two sides had a discussion on the Graduate similarities and differences of USTC and Stanford. Zoback had a strong interest in "Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program ", he thought it is very useful to improve scientific research capabilities that the students do some primary research under the guidance of instructors from USTC and institutes. He also discussed graduates trends, graduate programs and other issues with CHEN.

Zoback paid a visit on the Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale before talks.

In the afternoon Prof. Zoback gave a lecture on "The SAFOD Experiment: Scientific Drilling into the San Andreas Fault". The lecture is hosted by Professor Jie Zhang, from Department of Earth and Space Sciences.Zoback presented the fantastic drilling work conducted by his research team, and its significance in deciding geological structures, assessing earthquake hazards and monitering geophysical activities. He also shared his experiences and insights of research with audiences "I still have a lot of ideas to exchange with Professor Zoback", said an undergraduate, "I cannot wait for the coming dialogue tonight with him."

Figure 2: Prof. Zoback is giving a lecture/SONG Shan  USTC

The lecture was held by the newly founded USTC SEG Student Chapter (SEG is Science of Exploration Geophysics for short) together with School of Earth and Space Sciences. The USTC SEG Student Chapter has currently 202 members, made up of undergraduates and graduates from various departments, sharing a common interest in the promotion of geophysics. It is under developed now, and will regularly conduct other geophysical academic activities.

Professional Activities of Mark Zoback

Walter S. Bucher Medal, American Geophysical Union (2008); Advisory Board, Department of Geosciences, University of Arizona (2008); New Zealand Geophysics Prize (2006); Emil Wiechert Medal, German Geophysical Society (2006); Best of What's New, Popular Science (2004); honorary fellow, European Union of Geoscience (1999); Outstanding Alumni Award, University of Arizona Dept. Geosciences (1999); School of Earth Sciences Excellence in Teaching Award (2004); Kenneth Cuthbertson Award for Exceptional Contributions to Stanford University (1998); University Fellow, Stanford University (1998); chair, Stanford Faculty Senate (1999-2000); chair, Department of Geophysics (1991-97); chair, Science Advisory Group, ICDP (1999-2006); president, Tectonophysics Section, AGU (1988-89); member, Scientific Earthquake Studies Advisory Group of USGS (2007); fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Geophysical Union, and Geological Society of America, Member of U.S. National Academy of Engineering(2011)