Dr. Zhongwen Zhan

Professor

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Biography

Zhongwen Zhan is a professor of Geophysics at the California Institute of Technology, where he also holds the Clarence R. Allen Leadership Chair and serves as the Director of the Seismological Laboratory. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Geophysics from the University of Science and Technology of China in 2006, followed by a Master of Science in the same field in 2008. He completed his Ph.D. at Caltech in 2013. Prior to his current position as Professor, he served as an Assistant Professor at Caltech from 2015 to 2022. His research interests span the field of seismology, focusing on ambient seismic noise and subduction zone processes. Zhan is particularly interested in seismic imaging of Earth's structure using dense arrays and studying rupture processes that influence both shallow and deep earthquakes. He aims to utilize ambient noise to improve imaging of glacial structures. He has guided numerous research projects in these areas and is actively involved in teaching various courses related to geophysics and seismology, emphasizing quantitative and mathematical methods in understanding complex natural processes.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

2022-01-01 — Present

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA

Professor of Geophysics; Clarence R. Allen Leadership Chair, Director of the Seismological Laboratory.

Assistant Professor

2015-01-01 — 2022-01-01

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA

Assistant Professor in the Department of Geophysics.

Courses

Methods Field Geophysics Seismology Advanced Seismology

Requirements for California Institute of Technology

Doctorate Program
Requirements
TOEFL
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or equivalent Strong background in mathematics and physical sciences
Application Checklist
  • Online Application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Transcripts
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

Most Caltech graduate programs are PhD-only. GRE General and Subject tests vary by department; many have made them optional or no longer accept them.