Bridget Smith-Konter

About

Dr. Bridget R. Smith-Konter joined Northern Arizona University’s School of Earth and Sustainability as a Professor in January 2025. She brings extensive expertise in geophysics and tectonics, having previously served as a Full Professor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Dr. Smith-Konter is an NAU alumna, having earned her B.S. in Physics & Astronomy from NAU in 1999.

Research Interests

Earthquake Cycle Modeling

• 4-dimensional computer simulations of fault system deformation
• Integration of geologic, geodetic, and seismic data
• Earthquake cycle processes and fault behavior
• Stress evolution and seismic hazard assessment
• Long-term fault system dynamics

Fault System Mechanics

• San Andreas Fault System structure and behavior
• Strike-slip fault mechanics and kinematics
• Interseismic deformation and locking depths
• Postseismic deformation and viscoelastic relaxation
• Transform fault systems and plate boundaries

Crustal Deformation and Stress

• Geodetic analysis of crustal motion
• Stress field evolution and earthquake triggering
• Topographic controls on crustal stress
• Differential stress limits in continental lithosphere
• Tectonic loading and unloading cycles

Computational Geophysics

• Fourier (spectral) deformation modeling of tectonic processes
• Multi-physics simulations of earthquake systems
• High-performance computing applications
• Numerical methods for geophysical problems
• Data integration and model validation

Education

• Ph.D. Earth Science/Geophysics, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego (2005)
  • Dissertation: “Three dimensional deformation and stress models: Exploring one thousand years of earthquake history along the San Andreas Fault System”
• B.S. Physics & Astronomy (minor in Mathematics), Northern Arizona University (1999)
  • Magna cum laude, Outstanding Graduating Senior in Arts and Sciences (1998)

Professional Experience

Academic Positions

• Professor, Northern Arizona University (January 2025-present)
• Full Professor, University of Hawaii at Manoa (June 2021-December 2024)
• Associate Professor with Tenure, University of Hawaii at Manoa (August 2016-June 2021)
• Assistant Professor, University of Hawaii at Manoa (January 2014-August 2016)
• Associate Professor with Tenure, University of Texas at El Paso (August 2012-January 2024)
• Assistant Professor, University of Hawaii at Manoa (January 2008-August 2012)

Research Leadership

• Chair, Geophysics & Tectonics Division, University of Hawaii (previous position)
• UNAVCO Board of Directors, University NAVSTAR Consortium, a non-profit university governed consortium and World Data Center (comprised of 235 member institutions) that facilitates geoscience research and education using geodesy (2020-2022)
• Director, Earth Science on Volcanic Islands Research Experience for Undergraduates (2019-2025)
• Principal Investigator, Multiple NSF-funded research projects
• Research Collaborator, International geophysics and planetary science projects

Research Impact

Dr. Smith-Konter has made significant contributions to earthquake science and computational geophysics with extensive publications in top-tier journals including Nature, Science, and specialized geophysics publications. Her research directly informs seismic hazard assessment and earthquake preparedness efforts.

Major Research Contributions

San Andreas Fault System Research

Earthquake Cycle Modeling

• Semi-analytic 4D models of San Andreas Fault System deformation
• Millennium-scale simulations of earthquake history and stress evolution
• Integration of paleoseismic data with computational models
• Seismic hazard implications for California earthquake preparedness

Geodetic and Seismic Analysis

• Locking depths estimation from geodesy and seismology
• Interseismic deformation patterns along major fault segments
• Stress evolution during earthquake cycles
• Postseismic deformation following major earthquakes

Regional Tectonic Studies

Southern California Tectonics

• Crustal differential stress analysis using topography and earthquake data
• Earthquake focal mechanisms and stress field orientation
• Vertical deformation associated with earthquake cycles
• Regional fault system interactions and stress transfer

Death Valley Fault Zone

• Interseismic deformation modeling and stress evolution
• Fault system geometry and kinematic analysis
• Seismic moment release patterns and implications
• Long-term fault behavior and earthquake recurrence

Recent Earthquake Research

2019 Ridgecrest Earthquake Sequence

• Vertical postseismic deformation analysis and modeling
• Coseismic and postseismic stress changes
• Fault system response to major earthquake sequences
• Implications for regional seismic hazard assessment

Planetary Geophysics

Icy Moon Tectonics

• Ganymede strike-slip tectonics and structural analysis
• Enceladus tectonics and tiger stripe formation
• Tidal stress modeling on icy satellite surfaces
• Comparative planetology applications to Earth processes

Current Research Focus

Dr. Smith-Konter’s ongoing research emphasizes:

• Next-generation earthquake cycle models incorporating new geodetic constraints
• Multi-hazard assessment combining seismic and other geological hazards
• Planetary analog studies for understanding Earth’s tectonic processes
• Community education and seismic hazard communication

Teaching and Mentorship

Dr. Smith-Konter is committed to:

• Graduate student training in computational geophysics
• Undergraduate research opportunities and mentorship
• Place-based learning experiences for K-12 students
• Public education about earthquake science and hazards
• Virtual field trip development for geoscience courses and research

Professional Service

Editorial and Review Activities

• Reviewer for major geophysics and earth science journals
• Grant review panels for NSF and other funding agencies
• Conference session organizer for professional meetings
• Editorial board service for specialized publications

Professional Organizations

• American Geophysical Union - Active member and session organizer
• Seismological Society of America - Research contributions and service
• Geological Society of America - Collaborative research and outreach

Awards and Recognition

• University of Hawaii Board of Regents’ Excellence in Teaching Award, University of Hawaii (2022)
• SOEST Teaching Excellence Award, University of Hawaii (2022)
• University of Texas System Regents’ Outstanding Teaching Award University of Texas System (2011), University of Texas (2011)
• Office of Research and Sponsored Projects Outstanding Research Award, University of Texas at El Paso (2009)
• Faculty Early Career Award, National Science Foundation (2009)
• Outstanding Postdoctoral Research Award, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (2007)
• Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego (2005)
• Outstanding Geodesy Student Paper Award, American Geophysical Union Annual Meeting (2004)
• E. Frieman Director’s Prize for Outstanding Graduate Research, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego (2003)
• NASA Earth System Science Fellowship, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (2003)
• National Science Foundation Graduate Fellowship, National Science Foundation (1999)
• Outstanding Graduating Senior in Arts and Sciences, Northern Arizona University (1999)
• Multiple competitive research grants from NSF and other agencies
• High-impact publications in Nature and other top-tier journals
• International collaboration recognition and invited presentations

Computational Resources and Methods

Modeling Capabilities

• High-performance computing applications for large-scale simulations
• Fourier (spectral) analysis of tectonic processes
• Multi-physics modeling integrating different geological processes
• Data assimilation and model validation techniques

Research Infrastructure

• Geodetic data analysis capabilities
• Seismic data processing and interpretation
• Geographic information systems for spatial analysis
• Collaborative computing resources and partnerships

Future Directions

Dr. Smith-Konter’s research at NAU will advance:

• Earthquake hazard assessment for the southwestern United States
• Remote sensing applications in geodesy (GNSS and InSAR)
• Computational methods for complex geophysical systems
• Student training in modern geophysical research methods
• Community engagement in earthquake preparedness and education
• Interdisciplinary collaboration across Earth and planetary sciences

Return to NAU

Dr. Smith-Konter’s return to Northern Arizona University represents:

• Full-circle career path from undergraduate to professor
• Enhanced geophysics program at NAU’s School of Earth and Sustainability
• Strengthened computational capabilities for Earth science research
• New opportunities for student research and training
• Expanded research collaborations in the southwestern United States

Research Philosophy

Dr. Smith-Konter’s approach emphasizes the integration of observational data with sophisticated computational models to understand complex Earth systems. Her work consistently bridges fundamental research with practical applications for earthquake hazard assessment and public awareness.

Community Impact

Dr. Smith-Konter’s research contributes to:

• Seismic hazard maps used for building codes and emergency planning
• Earthquake preparedness education and outreach
• Scientific understanding of fault system behavior
• Training of next-generation geophysicists and earthquake scientists
• International collaboration in earthquake science and planetary research