14 I joined BPSoG in Spring 2025, specializing in near-surface geophysics to investigate groundwater, mineral exploration, geothermal energy, and hydrocarbon systems. My research focuses on continental break-up mechanisms in non-magmatic environments, using potential field methods and geophysical techniques, supported by an NSF grant. Our team has presented over 20 abstracts at national and international conferences, with seven publications in review. My latest paper, coauthored with colleagues, explores the legacy of potential field methods in the East African Rift System. I actively mentor students in the Wichita Research Group, applying airborne geophysics for subsurface imaging. My master’s students work on geothermal energy, carbon capture, groundwater studies, and cavern imaging. This semester, I am teaching Fundamentals of Geophysics, an essential course in geophysical methods. I’m thrilled to return to BPSoG and contribute to my alma mater’s success! More Faculty News In the background is the Popocatépetl volcano spewing smoke. For someone like me, it was an “oh wow” moment. For Puebla-ians, this is a common sight. They couldn’t care less. The picture is taken at Santuario de la Virgen de los Remedios, a church on top of an ancient (pre-Aztec) pyramid. As part of an NSF I-Corps grant, I traveled to Mexico to conduct customer discovery focused on structural health monitoring of heritage buildings. The goal was to better understand the needs and challenges faced by engineers, conservationists, and public officials in safeguarding culturally significant structures, especially in earthquake-prone regions. Through this immersive experience, I engaged with a range of stakeholders - from municipal engineers and historical preservationists to emergency planners and university researchers. These conversations not only validated the relevance of my technology but also revealed a clear demand for cost-effective, minimally invasive tools that can provide real-time structural integrity data. This groundwork led to an exciting partnership with the Puebla City Society of Civil Engineers. Together, we explored the installation of accelerometers on several heritage buildings in the city. These sensors are designed to capture subtle vibrations and shifts in structural behavior over time, offering valuable data to support maintenance decisions, risk assessment, and disaster preparedness. The collaboration marks a significant step toward integrating modern sensing technologies with heritage conservation practices. It also exemplifies how academic research and entrepreneurial innovation can intersect with public infrastructure needs in a meaningful, impactful way. This experience has not only deepened my understanding of international infrastructure challenges but also demonstrated how culturally sensitive engineering solutions can be deployed through community-based partnerships. PRIYANK JAISWAL PROFESSOR Director of Professional Science Master’s in Geoscience, Seismology, Inverse Theory, Petroleum Systems, and Gas Hydrates ANDREW KATUMWEHE ASSISTANT PROFESSOR Environmental Geophysics and Structural Geology spring.2025
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