Gigniks's video: Seismic Geophysicist

WHAT YOU DO: Use computer simulations to look at how the Earth's surface moves over time, compare this with information from satellites to better understand the earthquake cycle, and use it to create disaster response products and plans. EDUCATION: Depending on whether you want to teach at a college, go into industry, or work for a research lab, your educational path will be slightly different. Start with an undergraduate degree, usually in Earth Science; you'll need at least a master's degree if you want to teach, and to be a tenured professor at a research institution, a PhD. Strong background in math, physics, Earth science, and solid mechanics is also important. USEFUL SKILLS: Computer programming, writing (for writing grant proposals), communication, and leadership skills. How to get in: Working in labs as a student, publishing papers (as a part of a professor's or student's research team), and going to scientific meetings to network are all ways to get yourself out there and meet people that can help you. If you're interested in research, you'll need your name on as many publications as possible by the time you start looking for a job. CAREER PATH: In industry or a research lab, getting an internship while in school then pursuing a job at any lab or related company will get your foot in the door. In academic positions, you'll start out as a researcher with some teaching responsibilities; after years of research and experience, you can become a professor with full tenure. PAYBACK: For an academic researcher with a master's degree and 3-5 years of experience, the average salary is about $69,000. With a PhD, you'll make more. If you work in industry, you can work with a bachelor's or a master's and make anywhere from $40,000-$50,000, depending on degree and experience. DOWNSIDES: Securing funding can be a challenge. You spend a good part of your time writing proposals to make sure that your research is paid for, so that you can continue working on what you love. FUTURE OF JOB: Teaching positions at universities are becoming increasingly competitive, as are positions at research labs. Jobs in industry (oil, mining, geotechnical) vary, depending on the market, but can also be competitive depending on the economy and region. NETWORKING: Professional Societies: American Geophysical Union Seismological Society of America Geological Society of America Other Resources: Southern California Earthquake Center (has student internships and other educational resources) Jet Propulsion Laboratory (look on Education page, has lots of resources) NASA (education page has resources) US Geological Survey (has a bunch of educational resources) Earth Science departments at universities/colleges Produced, shot and edited for the National Science Foundation by instructors from the Gigniks program. -Ali Sanford (LACES 12th grade)