Opening doors for undergraduates to engage in cutting-edge earthquake science through two unique programs: SURE and SOURCES.
Nytica Artiaga
Cal Poly Pomona
SURE Intern
Gabrielle Tepp
Caltech / SCSN
SURE Mentor
Evaluation of Distributed Acoustic Sensing Phase Pick Quality and Performance for Operational Earthquake Monitoring, by Nytica Artiaga, Ettore Biondi, Gabrielle Tepp, & Allen L. Husker
PhaseNet-DAS, a phase picker for Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) data, shows promise for real-time earthquake monitoring by leveraging dense seismic arrays, despite challenges like unknown ground coupling and higher noise levels.
Bryan Sarabia
USC
SURE Intern
Mark Benthien
USC / SCEC
SURE Mentor
Developing Consensus-Based Post-Earthquake Messaging for use by News Media, by Bryan Sarabia, Mark Benthien, & Gabriela R. Noriega
We are developing a media guide for journalists to provide life-saving information and recommendations for the public after a major California earthquake, ensuring consistent and accurate reporting.
Miguel Alvarez-Martinez
UCSB
SURE Intern
Lingsen Meng
UCLA
SURE Mentor
Impact of Empirical Green’s Functions on Estimating Rupture Velocity with Back-Projection Across Various Rupture Scenarios, by Miguel Álvarez-Martinez, Liuwei Xu, & Lingsen Meng
We developed a method using waveform data from aftershocks of the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake to form Empirical Green’s Functions for simulating rupture scenarios, enhancing rupture velocity estimation and earthquake response.
Karen Rodriguez
Stanford
SOURCES Intern
Greg Beroza
Stanford
SOURCES Mentor
Discovering Hidden Earthquakes in the San Francisco Bay Area Using Template Matching, by Karen Rodriguez, Albert L. Aguilar, & Gregory C. Beroza
We used template matching to identify 63 previously undetected earthquakes in the San Francisco Bay Area, highlighting the potential of advanced detection techniques to improve seismic hazard assessment.
Destini Paton
PCC
SOURCES Intern
Xiaofeng Meng
USC / SCEC
SOURCES Mentor
The Organizational Process of the Database of Fragile Geologic Features in S. California and Nevada, by Destini M. Paton, & Xiaofeng Meng
We organized geotagged images of Precariously Balanced Rocks (PBRs) to enhance the SCEC PBR interactive database and map, aiding seismic hazard studies and infrastructure planning.
Sagar Kapri
UC Berkeley
SOURCES Intern
Xiaofeng Meng
USC / SCEC
SOURCES Mentor
Expanding a Centralized Fragile Geologic Feature Database for Seismic Hazard Assessment, by Sagar Kapri, & Xiaofeng Meng
We expanded the Fragile Geological Features (FGFs) database to include central and northern California and Nevada, enhancing seismic hazard assessment and infrastructure resilience in earthquake-prone regions.
Katina Carranza
PCC
SOURCES Intern
Christos Kyriakopoulos
Memphis / CERI
SOURCES Mentor
A Virtual Reality Experience Combining the California Fault System with Elements of Urban Environment, by Katina Carranza, Katie M. Baraggiotta, & Christodoulos Kyriakopoulos
We enhanced the VR Paraview platform to visualize earthquake faults and urban landmarks, helping the public better understand fault scale and impact, thus aiding seismic hazard education and urban planning.
Celina Driver
OSU
SURE Intern
Ramon Arrowsmith
ASU
SURE Mentor
Updated mapping of active fault traces along the Calaveras Fault from high resolution 3DEP topography, by Celina Driver, Madeline F. Schwarz, Malinda G. Zuckerman, Ramon Arrowsmith, Chelsea P. Scott, & Austin J. Elliott
High-resolution topographic mapping of the Calaveras Fault reveals greater fault complexity and discontinuity, which enhances understanding of seismic hazards in the southern San Francisco Bay Area.
Rigoberto Rincon
UC Riverside
SURE Intern
Gareth Funning
UC Riverside
SURE Mentor
Updating GNSS data in southern and central California, by Rigoberto Rincon, Gareth J. Funning, & Karlee M. Rivera
We conducted a GNSS field campaign in central and southern California, surveying 37 sites to improve data coverage, refine seismic hazard models, and enhance earthquake response and geodetic observations.
Kate Baraggiotta
CSULB
SOURCES Intern
Christos Kyriakopoulos
Memphis / CERI
SOURCES Mentor
An Immersive Experience of the Brawley Seismic Zone Using Virtual Reality, by Katie M. Baraggiotta, Katina M. Carranza, & Christodoulos Kyriakopoulos
We created a VR experience to help elementary students understand seismic activity in California’s Brawley Seismic Zone through immersive, interactive tools and surveys.
Amelia Kratzer
CMU
SOURCES Intern
Scott Callaghan
USC / SCEC
SOURCES Mentor
Interpolation Methods for CyberShake Seismic Hazard Analysis Data Products, by Amelia Kratzer, Kevin R. Milner, & Scott Callaghan
We explored bilinear interpolation and machine learning to efficiently interpolate CyberShake seismic hazard data, finding that interpolating intensity measures (IMs) directly is more accurate than interpolating hazard curves.
Through hands-on research and professional development, SCEC interns acquire skills in data analysis, problem-solving, and systems thinking, collaborating with a diverse community of experts from over 90 institutions. SURE offers immersive, in-person research, while SOURCES provides accessible, remote opportunities. Both programs empower students to deepen their knowledge, expand professional networks, and contribute to impactful projects that address pressing geoscience challenges.
Join a program that values your unique perspective, supports your growth, and connects you to a vibrant STEM community dedicated to empowering future leaders.
SURE: Summer Undergraduate Research Experience
The SURE program pairs passionate undergraduate students with top researchers for an unforgettable 8-week, hands-on journey into the world of geoscience. Dive into real projects like seismic modeling and earthquake engineering, gain skills in labs and field sites across the nation, and connect with peers on the epic All-Intern Field Trip along the San Andreas Fault. Conclude by presenting your work at the SCEC Annual Meeting! With travel and lodging covered, SURE is your pathway to impactful research and career-defining connections. APPLY NOW
SOURCES: Supported Opportunities for Undergraduates and Researchers to Collaborate on Earthquake Science
SOURCES offers undergrads nationwide the chance to conduct research through remote mentorship with leading experts. Interns explore STEM careers, develop essential research and data analysis skills, and gain valuable scientific experience. They join the All-Intern Field Trip along the San Andreas Fault and present their research at the SCEC Annual Meeting, building connections with peers and experts. SOURCES provides an accessible pathway to geosciences. APPLY NOW
Stipend and Resources
Receive a $700 weekly stipend for 8–10 weeks, plus additional funding for travel and research needs (software, equipment, or datasets).
Professional Development
Participate in exciting weekly workshops and skill-building sessions, featuring inspiring career pathway talks by SCEC professionals.
Research Presentations
Showcase your research results at the SCEC Annual Meeting, with opportunities to present at other professional conferences in geosciences.
Research Your Way
Engage in remote or in-person research experiences, with an option to extend beyond summer for continued projects and mentorship.
SCEC recruits students from diverse academic and demographic backgrounds. Our intern programs aim to increase the participation of women, minorities, and first-generation college students in STEM careers.
We focus our recruitment efforts on students from institutions with limited research resources, targeting those interested in Math, Science, Engineering, and Computer Programming to expand their access to meaningful STEM research opportunities.
December – February
First-priority applications accepted online
March – April
Applications reviewed, mentors and mentees matched, and notifications sent to interns
June – August
SURE and SOURCES summer internships
September
Interns present at the SCEC Annual Meeting
Contact Gabriela Noriega if you have questions about upcoming deadlines.
Become a mentor to a SCEC intern and inspire future geoscientists! Whether analyzing data, optimizing software, or collaborating on projects, mentoring advances your research and supports student growth. As a mentor, you will design a research project, participate in the matching process, and guide students over the 8-10 week program. Mentor individually, co-mentor, or lead a team. Complete the mentor survey to start shaping the future of earthquake science.
SCEC’s internship programs, active since 1994, foster diversity and inclusion in STEM by engaging underrepresented groups. Through mentorship, research, and community initiatives, we offer opportunities for professional development, networking, and career advancement. With over 30 years of experience, SCEC has refined our programs to broaden participation and train a skilled workforce. One-third of SCEC interns are first generation college students and/or underrepresented minorities. Notably, our alumni have achieved success in STEM careers.
Magali Barba, 2009
Product Engineer, Esri
“The most impactful part of the experience was launching my academic and professional network.”
Kevin Milner, 2006
Research Geophysicist, USGS
“My SCEC internship was one of the largest bifurcation points in my life, redirecting me into an unexpected and incredibly rewarding career as a researcher.”
Resherle Verna, 2017
Graduate Student, Univ of Texas
“SCEC provided me with invaluable technical skills that I applied as both a data scientist at Southern California Edison and as a graduate research fellow at UT Austin.”
Mercedes Quintana, 2021
Graduate Student, Georgia Tech
“It made me realize that I love research and that I was able to get creative and follow the data. I am so grateful to have been part of such a supportive community!”
Vanessa Herrera, 2022
Graduate Student, SDSU
“The most valuable experience was the mentorship from my PI and Dr. Noriega, who continue to support my academic and professional goals.”
Elvis Carrillo, 2018, 2019
Director of Programs, A World Fit for Kids
“SCEC has supported my professional and personal endeavors and provided me with friends I can rely on in various STEM fields.”
Major Funding From
ABOUT SCEC
HEADQUARTERS AT
Statewide California Earthquake Center
University of Southern California
3651 Trousdale Parkway #169
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0742
