Elizabeth Safran

By training I am a geomorphologist — a geologist who studies processes that sculpt Earth’s surface, like landslides and floods. My current research focuses primarily on natural disasters, especially earthquakes. I work with colleagues in psychology, computer science, and media studies to research what motivates young adults to prepare for disasters. I worry a good deal about the Cascadia subduction zone earthquake that will eventually strike this region and our lack of a widespread “earthquake culture.” 

I am originally from the Boston area but have been on the west coast throughout my graduate and post-doctoral work, which I did at the University of Washington, University of California (UC), Santa Barbara and UC Santa Cruz.  I was first drawn into geology through a class taught by Stephen Jay Gould, with the modest title of “The History of Earth and of Life.”  Once I learned that field trips and camping were required elements of the geology major, I was hooked.  I have been at Lewis & Clark College since 2000.  For me, this is a wonderful professional setting, where I get to interact with intellects from vastly different fields and with inquisitive, gung-ho students.