The College of the Environment is pleased to announce that Harold Tobin has been named director of the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network and professor within the Department of Earth and Space Sciences. Tobin will start his new position at the University of Washington on September 1, 2018.
Tobin’s research involves interdisciplinary and integrative studies of subduction zone processes, with a focus on fault mechanics and seismic structure. Among other research activities and projects, he has lead the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program NanTroSEIZE project — the largest sustained scientific drilling project — for 15 years. Prior to starting at UW, Tobin was a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Department of Geoscience specializing in fault mechanics, marine geophysics and rock physics.
“I’m tremendously excited to get started. I’ve worked on subduction zones all over the world — including Cascadia — my entire career. Moving to the Pacific Northwest feels like coming home,” Tobin said.
Tobin says that PNSN has been providing excellent data and information to researchers and the public for almost half a century. His goal is to build from that foundation, expanding the organization in new directions — like the earthquake early warning system and adding offshore sensors to the network.
“I want PNSN and UW to be the go-to source for information on earthquakes, natural hazards and the geologic forces that continue to shape this beautiful region,” he said.
In addition to his new appointment at the College, Tobin was recently awarded the Paul G. Silver Award for Outstanding Service from the American Geophysical Union. The award is given annually to a scientist in recognition of contributions to the fields of geodesy, seismology, or tectonophysics through mentoring of junior colleagues, leadership of community research initiatives, or other forms of unselfish collaboration in research.
“The Pacific Northwest Seismic Network’s research and technology solutions are key to saving lives and building community resilience in earthquake country,” said Lisa Graumlich, dean of the College of the Environment and Mary Laird Wood professor. “Harold’s recent awards reflect his commitment to co-creating solutions for one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time. It is an honor to welcome him into the College.”
