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Lauren N Schaefer

Lauren Schaefer joined the USGS Geologic Hazards Science Center in June 2020. Lauren is a researcher with the Landslide Hazards Program investigating landslide hazards using a variety of geotechnical engineering and remote sensing techniques.

Her research interests include multidisciplinary applications of synthetic aperture radar and spectral imaging, landslide and volcano monitoring, experimental rock mechanics, and material evolution in dynamic systems. She is additionally interested in natural hazard emergency management and improving diversity, equity, and inclusion in the geosciences. She has previously served as a volunteer for the Red Cross, AmeriCorps, and GeoCorps America. 

Professional Experience

  • 2020-2021: U.S. Geological Survey Mendenhall Research Fellow

  • 2019-2020: Research Associate, Colorado School of Mines, USA

  • 2016-2019: Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Canterbury, New Zealand

Education and Certifications

  • 2013-2016: PhD, Geological Engineering, Michigan Technological University, USA

  • 2010-2012: MS, Geology, Michigan Technological University and Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Italy

  • 2005-2009: BA, Environmental Geoscience, DePauw University, USA

Honors and Awards

  • U.S. Geological Survey Mendenhall Research Fellowship

  • American Geophysical Union Natural Hazards Graduate Research Award

  • NASA Earth and Space Science Fellowship

  • National Science Foundation East Asia and Pacific Summer Institute Fellowship

  • Michigan Space Grant Consortium Graduate Fellowship

  • Association for Environmental and Engineering Geology Marliave Scholar Award

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