Dr. Jamie Farrell is a geophysicist, seismologist, and Research Associate Professor in the Department of Geology & Geophysics at the University of Utah. He is also the Chief Seismologist of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, where he helps scientists monitor and better understand earthquakes and volcanic activity in the Yellowstone region.
Much of Dr. Farrell’s research focuses on what is happening deep beneath the Earth’s surface. He studies earthquakes, volcanoes, seismic hazards, and the underground structure of volcanic systems. His work at Yellowstone has included using earthquake data to create images of the crust beneath the Yellowstone Caldera and studying how the volcanic system interacts with large faults in the surrounding region.
Dr. Farrell earned his bachelor’s degree in geology from Utah State University before earning both his master’s degree and Ph.D. in geophysics from the University of Utah. His doctoral research focused on earthquake activity and imaging the magmatic and tectonic system beneath Yellowstone.
Through his work, Dr. Farrell helps scientists better understand how earthquakes and volcanoes behave and how researchers can use seismic waves to investigate parts of our planet that we cannot see directly. His career gives students a fascinating look at how geology, physics, technology, and exploration come together to study one of the most dynamic places on Earth.
