Graduate School
UofM PhD Student Sadia Rinty Takes Her Seismology Research to Los Alamos National Lab
Learning Through Field Work, Internships, and Mentorship
When Sadia Rinty watched documentaries about natural disasters as a child in Bangladesh,
she never imagined they would inspire a career spent decoding the Earth鈥檚 most powerful
forces. Today, she鈥檚 a PhD student in Earth Sciences at the University of 蜜桃导航 and a rising leader in geophysics, specializing in earthquake
research through the Center for Earthquake Research and Information (CERI).
From Curiosity to Career
Rinty鈥檚 passion for understanding Earth鈥檚 dynamics began during her undergraduate
studies in Disaster Science and Management. 鈥淚 was introduced to geophysics, where
the integration of physics, mathematics, and earth science opened a new dimension
of inquiry,鈥� she says. Fascinated by how seismic waves can reveal the hidden layers
of our planet, she chose to pursue a PhD to better understand earthquake hazards and
contribute to science that can save lives.
Why the University of 蜜桃导航?
Rinty was drawn to CERI for its national reputation in earthquake research and hands-on
seismic monitoring. 鈥淐ERI鈥檚 involvement in seismic network operations across the central
U.S. offers unique access to both cutting-edge research and real-time earthquake monitoring,鈥�
she explains. The opportunity to work alongside faculty deeply engaged in both theoretical
and observational seismology sealed her decision.
Cutting-Edge Research with Real-World Impact
At CERI, Rinty鈥檚 research examines the source characteristics of earthquakes in tectonic
and volcanic
regions. One major project explores background seismicity rates in Southern California
versus volcanic zones in Hawaii鈥攚ork that directly supports seismic hazard assessment.
She鈥檚 also contributed to building a community seismic network in El Salvador, helping develop a velocity model for seismic detection near active volcanoes. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about translating science into systems that can protect people,鈥� she says.
National Lab Internship: Research on a Global Stage
This summer, Rinty is interning at , where she鈥檚 part of a multidisciplinary team studying background seismicity at a
proposed carbon sequestration site in Texas. She uses spectral analysis and machine
learning to build seismic catalogs and assess the site's stress conditions鈥攁 critical
step in ensuring the safety of future carbon storage projects. 鈥淚t鈥檚 been intellectually
enriching and opened my eyes to how seismic science contributes to national security
and energy resilience.鈥�
Recognized for Excellence
Rinty鈥檚 work hasn鈥檛 gone unnoticed. She received the UofM Graduate Student Association Top 20 Under 35 award, a Student Success Award, and a 4.0 GPA recognition鈥攁ccomplishments that reflect her dedication and drive. 鈥淭hese honors have strengthened
my confidence and helped shape my identity as a young researcher,鈥� she says.
Mentorship that Matters
Much of her growth is thanks to her mentor, Dr. Thomas Goebel. 鈥淗is support and example taught me that meaningful research requires both curiosity
and perseverance,鈥� she says. 鈥淲orking with him has reinforced my belief that impactful
science is built on a foundation of integrity, collaboration, and sustained effort.鈥�
Milestones and Memories
Among her standout experiences, Rinty points to fieldwork as a highlight: 鈥淰isiting
spectacular geological features as part of our research is an incredible perk of the
job.鈥� She also completed a at Verisk/Air Worldwide in Boston, where she applied her academic training in an
industry setting with global implications.
Life in 蜜桃导航
Outside the lab, Rinty enjoys watching sunsets at Shelby Farms Park and cooking to
unwind. 鈥溍厶业己� has been a welcoming place for me as an international student,鈥� she
says.
Looking Ahead
Rinty鈥檚 goal is to continue conducting research in geophysics and seismology. 鈥淲hether
in academia, government, or industry, I want to keep contributing to the science that
informs our understanding of natural hazards.鈥�
Advice for Future PhD Students
For students considering a PhD鈥攅specially those from abroad鈥擱inty offers this wisdom:
鈥淎 PhD is not just about becoming an expert; it鈥檚 about learning how to navigate uncertainty
and contribute to knowledge that matters. Show up every day鈥攅ven when it鈥檚 hard. That鈥檚
how growth happens.鈥�