Robert Kayen
About Robert Kayen
Robert Kayen is a Senior Research Scientist at the U.S. Geological Survey and a Professor at the University of California, Berkeley, specializing in geotechnical earthquake engineering. He has held various academic positions, received multiple awards, and authored approximately 400 publications in his field.
Work at U.S. Geological Survey
Robert Kayen has been serving as a Senior Research Scientist at the U.S. Geological Survey since 1983. His extensive tenure at this organization spans over 41 years, during which he has contributed significantly to research in geotechnical earthquake engineering and related fields. His role involves conducting studies and providing insights that inform public policy and safety measures regarding geological hazards.
Education and Expertise
Robert Kayen holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering and Earth Science from Tufts University, completed between 1977 and 1981. He furthered his education at the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned a Master of Science in Geology in 1988 and a Ph.D. in Engineering with a focus on Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering from 1988 to 1993. His academic background supports his expertise in geotechnical engineering and earthquake hazards.
Background
Robert Kayen has held various academic positions throughout his career. He served as a Visiting Professor in Civil and Architectural Engineering at Kobe University, Japan, from 2001 to 2002, and worked as a professor at UCLA's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences from 2007 to 2018. Currently, he is a Professor at the College of Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley, where he has been since 2014.
Achievements
Throughout his career, Robert Kayen has received several notable awards, including a Commendation Award from the United States Department of Justice, Environmental Division, and the 2010 NASA - Ames Honor Award from NASA - Ames Research Center. He has also been recognized with the ASCE Thomas A. Middlebrooks Award. His contributions to the field include editing the U.S. Geological Professional Paper 1661 on earthquake hazards and serving on editorial boards for various engineering journals.
Publications and Contributions
Robert Kayen has authored approximately 400 publications, including journal articles, conference papers, and reports, focusing on topics such as geotechnical earthquake engineering and terrestrial laser scanning. His work has significantly contributed to the understanding of earthquake hazards and the development of engineering practices to mitigate risks associated with geological events.