Dr. Kelly Liu

Professor of Geophysics, Department of Geosciences & Geological & Petroleum Engineering

Biography

Dr. Kelly Liu is a geophysicist with teaching and research specialized in exploration geophysics and solid-earth geophysics. Her expertise includes 3-D seismic data interpretation, digital signal processing, computational and observational seismology, seismic hazard mitigation, and detection of layered structures in the Earth’s mantle. Engaged in significant research, Dr. Liu’s work aims to contribute to a broader understanding of seismic activities and the Earth’s structure. She also explores strategies for seismic hazard mitigation.

Disciplines

Digital Signal Processing; Exploration Geophysics; Solid-Earth Geophysics; Seismic Data Interpretation; Computational Seismology; Observational Seismology; Seismic Hazard Mitigation; Layered Structure Detection in Earth’s Mantle and Crust

Education

  • 1998 – Ph.D. in Geophysics and Space Physics, University of California, Los Angeles.
    • Dissertation: Path and site effects on localized damage caused by the 1994 Northridge earthquake. Committee members: Paul Davis (Chair), William Kaula, Leon Knopoff, and John Vidale
  • 1993 – M.S. in Geophysics and Space Physics, University of California, Los Angeles
  • 1984 – B.S. in Exploration Geophysics, China University of Petroleum, P.R. China

Work Experience

  • 09/2022-present, Interim Associate Chair for Research, GGPE
  • 09/2022-present, Interim Head, Geology & Geophysics Program
  • 09/2010-present, Professor, Geology and Geophysics Program, S&T
  • 08/2006-08/2010, Associate Professor (tenured), Geology and Geophysics Program, S&T
  • 2016-Present: Senior investigator, Rock Mechanics and Explosives Research Center
  • 07/2005-08/2006, Associate Professor (tenured), Department of Geology, Kansas State University (K-State)
  • 08/2000-06/2005, Assistant Professor, Department of Geology, K-State
  • 08/1999-08/2000, Research Assistant Professor, Department of Geology, K-State
  • 05/1998-08/1999, Post-doctoral Associate, Carnegie for Science. Advisor: Paul Silver
  • 02/1997-05/1998, Pre-doctoral Fellow, Carnegie for Science. Advisor: Paul Silver
  • 09/1992-05/1998, Graduate Research Assistant, UCLA
  • 11/1990-08/1992, Visiting Scholar, UCLA
  • 07/1984-10/1990, Faculty of Exploration Geophysics, China University of Petroleum

Honors & Awards