Dr. William Ellsworth

Professor

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Biography

William Ellsworth is a Professor (Research) of Geophysics at Stanford University and a leading expert in the study of active faults and earthquake generation physics. His major objective is to improve knowledge of earthquake hazards through a physics-based understanding of the underlying processes. As Co-Director of the Stanford Center for Induced and Triggered Seismicity, he supervises students and postdoctoral researchers in multidisciplinary studies on the causes and consequences of anthropogenic earthquakes across a variety of settings. Ellsworth has been committed to earthquake risk reduction, working to translate scientific understanding of hazards into actionable knowledge for the public, businesses, and policymakers. Prior to joining Stanford in 2015, he spent over 40 years at the U.S. Geological Survey in Menlo Park, California, focusing on seismicity, seismotectonics, and probabilistic earthquake forecasting. He also held various leadership roles at the U.S. Geological Survey, including Chief of the Branch of Seismology, and has served as President of the Seismological Society of America.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor (Research)

— Present

Stanford University • Stanford, California

Focuses on the study of active faults and earthquake generation.

Emeritus Faculty

— Present

Stanford University • Stanford, California

Co-Director of the Stanford Center for Induced and Triggered Seismicity.

Geophysicist

— Present

U.S. Geological Survey • Menlo Park, California

Conducted research on earthquake seismicity and forecasting.

Awards

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Meritorious Service Award

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Gilbert Fellow

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Fellow

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Distinguished Service Award

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EarthScope National Lecturer

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Gutenberg Lecture

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Harry Fielding Reid Medal

Courses

GEOPHYS 130 (Aut) GEOPHYS 385Q (Aut, Win, Spr) GEOPHYS 400 (Win, Spr) GEOPHYS 196 (Win, Spr)

Requirements for Stanford University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:26
Reading
Required:26
Writing
Required:26
Speaking
Required:26
Total
Required:100
GRE General
Verbal
Required:160
Quantitative
Required:165
Analytical Writing
Required:4.5
Overall
Required:4.5
Prerequisites
Bachelor degree from an accredited institution Strong background in mathematics and programming
Application Checklist
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

The Computer Science department emphasizes research potential. GRE General is currently optional but recommended for some tracks.