Dr. Costas Synolakis

Professor

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Biography

Costas Synolakis is a prominent researcher focusing on the impact of natural hazards, particularly tsunamis and extreme flooding events. He has participated in over 30 scientific expeditions across twenty countries, contributing significantly to our understanding of these phenomena. Synolakis began his academic career as an assistant professor in Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Southern California (USC) in 1985 and was promoted to professor in 1996. He founded the USC Tsunami Research Center, which has developed operational codes used by tsunami warning centers in the United States and Australia. His work has been highly regarded and widely cited, particularly his analytical solutions regarding solitary waves and their relevance to tsunami modeling. In recognition of his contributions, he has received numerous accolades, including the Moffat Nichol Coastal Engineering Award and the Sergey Soloviev Medal from the European Geophysical Union. He is a member of the Academy of Athens and has appeared in various documentaries and media discussing natural hazards and their implications.

Research Interests

Experience

Gordon S. Marshall Professor

1996-01-01 — Present

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, leading research in natural hazards.

Awards

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Moffat Nichol Coastal Engineering Award

2015-01-01
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Soloviev Medal

2014-01-01
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County Los Angeles Award for Leadership in Emergency Preparedness

2001-01-01
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Presidential Young Investigator

1989-01-01

Requirements for University of Southern California

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:100
GRE General
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in engineering or related science
Application Checklist
  • Official transcripts
  • GRE General scores
  • TOEFL scores (International)
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Personal Statement
Specialization Notes

Requires general GRE for all graduate degrees.