NORMAN, OKLA. – The Mewbourne College of Earth and Energy recognizes Brett Carpenter, associate professor and Willard L. Miller Chair in the School of Geosciences, as a recipient of the prestigious Brian E. and Sandra O’Brien Presidential Professorship.
Carpenter's research explores how fault structure and small-scale processes influence the broader behavior of faults and the Earth's crust. He is particularly focused on understanding how Earth materials behave under the shallow to mid-crustal conditions where many destructive earthquakes originate and propagate. His work supports improved forecasting of natural hazards and has critical applications in energy development and carbon sequestration.
Combining field-based structural observations from outcrops and boreholes with laboratory experiments, Carpenter investigates the mechanical, hydrologic, and acoustic properties of fault-related materials collected from around the world. His innovative approach enhances our understanding of the Earth’s dynamic systems and underscores the real-world impact of geoscience research.
The Brian E. and Sandra O’Brien Presidential Professorship honors faculty who demonstrate exceptional scholarly achievements and a strong commitment to teaching and research. Brett Carpenter exemplifies these qualities through his impactful teaching, research, and dedication to advancing the field of geosciences.
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