Navin Thapa: Shaking Up Earthquake Research with Purpose and Innovation

This spring, Navin Thapa, a doctoral candidate in Geophysics at the University of Memphis, was honored with the Top 30 Under 35 Award during the Graduate Student Association’s Award Ceremony. Navin also celebrated another major milestone this May—his graduation from the University of Memphis, capping off years of cutting-edge research, academic achievement, and global impact.

Originally from Nepal, a region cradled by the Himalayas and frequently rocked by seismic activity, Navin’s interest in geophysics is deeply personal. “The 2015 Gorkha earthquake sequence changed everything for me,” he says. “While working on my master’s degree, I collaborated with international researchers monitoring aftershocks in real time. That experience ignited my passion to understand how and why earthquakes happen.”

That passion brought Navin to the Center for Earthquake Research and Information (CERI) at the UofM, one of the leading earthquake science institutions in the country. Here, his research centers on understanding fault mechanics and seismic patterns under varied conditions—especially those linked to human activity, such as elevated pore pressure during geothermal energy development.

Transforming Science into Solutions

Navin’s work blends experimental seismology, statistical analysis, and real-world monitoring. In the lab, he simulates earthquakes using tiny seismic events—known as “labquakes”—to explore how fluid pressure and stress changes influence fault behavior. One key insight came when he realized these miniature tremors mirror real-world quakes, solidifying the lab’s role as a window into Earth's deeper processes.

He presented these findings at AGU 2024, one of the world’s most prestigious geophysics conferences, and recently submitted a first-author manuscript to Geophysical Research Letters.

But his impact extends far beyond academic journals. Navin co-led the installation of a seismic monitoring network in Santa Ana, El Salvador, aimed at detecting volcanic seismicity. He also helped launch a startup through the NSF I-Corps Program, applying machine learning to real-time earthquake detection—technology that could soon enhance seismic safety worldwide.

A Mission Beyond the Lab

Navin’s long-term goal is to bridge the gap between science and public safety. “I want my work to support safer communities, especially those in resource-limited, high-risk regions like Nepal,” he explains. “That means not only improving how we detect and understand earthquakes but also making sure our technology reaches the people who need it most.”

With climate change pushing the need for sustainable energy, Navin is especially focused on geothermal development and the safe management of induced seismicity—an increasingly relevant concern as more countries transition to zero-carbon energy.

Rooted in Mentorship and Community

Navin credits much of his success to the supportive environment at UofM, especially his advisor, Dr. Thomas Goebel, whose interdisciplinary approach to seismology and fault mechanics has helped shape his academic journey.

What’s Next?

As Navin wraps up his PhD, he looks ahead to a career that blends scientific discovery, innovation, and societal impact. Whether in academia, applied research, or the startup space, his goal remains the same: to turn deep knowledge into meaningful action.

“I want to lead research that not only advances our understanding of earthquakes but also translates into tools that save lives and strengthen communities,” he says. “The work isn’t done when the paper is published—it’s done when the science makes a difference.”