LAX Leader

On October 17 at 10:17 a.m., the Great ShakeOut will engage participants worldwide in earthquake preparedness exercises. This annual event, now in its 16th year, involves millions from various sectors including schools, businesses, and government agencies.

The University of Southern California (USC), home to the Statewide California Earthquake Center (SCEC), offers access to experts for interviews on topics ranging from earthquake physics to the economic impacts of natural disasters.

Sylvain Barbot, an associate professor at USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, specializes in geophysics and studies earth movements using satellite data. He can be contacted at sbarbot@usc.edu.

John Vidale, a dean’s professor at USC Dornsife and former SCEC director, is known for his work in earthquake physics and forecasting. His contact email is seismoguy@mac.com.

Mark Benthien serves as the director of communication for SCEC and has been involved with the Great ShakeOut since it began. He coordinates ShakeOut activities globally and can discuss its history and future plans. Reach him at benthien@usc.edu.

Yehuda Ben-Zion, current SCEC director and professor at USC Dornsife, focuses on earthquake physics through theoretical tools and simulations. He is available via benzion@usc.edu.

James Dolan is a professor specializing in tectonics and seismic hazards at USC Dornsife. His expertise includes fault behavior during earthquakes. Contact him at dolan@usc.edu.

For more information or to arrange interviews with these experts, contact Will Kwong at willkwon@usc.edu or uscnews@usc.edu.