Highlighting the College Star: Dara Goldberg at Scripps

A Graduate Student's Quest to Warn of Earthquakes and Tsunamis

Dara Goldberg, a fifth-year graduate student at the University of California San Diego (UCSD), is on a mission to protect lives and infrastructure from the devastating effects of earthquakes and tsunamis. Her research focus lies in the use of a unique combination of seismic and geodetic (GPS) instruments to develop an early warning system.

Born and raised in Croton-on-Hudson, New York, Goldberg's academic journey led her to Brown University in Rhode Island, where she studied geophysics and engineering. It was there that her undergraduate advisors guided her towards Scripps Oceanography, one of the world's most important centers for global earth science research and education.

Goldberg chose Scripps for its wide range of research expertise, particularly within the geophysics curricular group. She is currently studying under the guidance of Yehuda Bock in his lab.

Goldberg's research involves studying the properties of large earthquakes and developing tools to characterize earthquakes quickly and reliably. She uses a combination of traditional seismic instruments with GPS measurements to identify the size and orientation of earthquakes.

The human impact of Goldberg's work is particularly significant in the western U.S., where a large earthquake is expected to occur. Her work aims to mitigate seismic hazard and ensure that communities are better prepared for such events.

Goldberg's research has taken her on numerous international trips, with an average of once or twice a year. Her latest journey to Japan involved meetings in multiple cities and lasted almost a month.

Scripps, a hub of innovation and exploration, offers unparalleled education and training for the next generation of scientific and environmental leaders. The institution operates a fleet of four oceanographic research vessels and is home to Birch Aquarium at Scripps, which welcomes 500,000 visitors each year.

After completing her PhD, Goldberg plans to continue pursuing research, focusing on science communication, public outreach, and science policy. Her dedication to her field and her commitment to making the world a safer place are a testament to the spirit of innovation and change that UCSD fosters.