Turning Seismic Science into Action

Diego Melgar earned his PhD in geophysics from Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego in 2014. He came to Scripps in search of cutting-edge earthquake science — and found not only world-class research, but unforgettable adventures at sea and a lifelong passion for turning science into real-world impact. Now an associate professor at the University of Oregon and director of the Cascadia Region Earthquake Science Center, Melgar works at the intersection of discovery and preparedness, helping communities better understand and respond to earthquake hazards.

Why did you choose to study at Scripps?

A faculty member at my university recommended it as the place where cutting-edge research was being done on new technologies to rapidly characterize large earthquakes. After I visited the open house and saw the fantastic location and atmosphere, it was hard to go anywhere else.

What was your most memorable experience during your time at Scripps?

Being the chief scientist on a 28-day cruise onboard R/V Revelle from Sri Lanka to Taiwan! Absolutely memorable experience working with my friends and colleagues in really challenging circumstances.

What was your first job after graduating from Scripps?

I was a postdoc working on ShakeAlert, the West Coast earthquake early warning system, at the Seismology Lab at the University of California, Berkeley.

What is your current role?

I’m an associate professor at the University of Oregon and director of the Cascadia Region Earthquake Science Center (CRESCENT).

What is your favorite thing about your career?

My career sits at the intersection of basic and applied science. My favorite place, where we learn about the mysteries of the planet, but we also get to put science into action and have a real-world impact by helping people and communities prepare for earthquake hazards.

What was most helpful in transitioning to your career?

Finding a good work/life balance and learning about mindfulness. The complexity of a career in science is daunting at times, and it helped me to find ways to take care of myself, unwind, relax, and be somewhere else for a minute. Having that space makes me more creative and efficient when I am present.

What advice do you have for current students?

Don’t be pigeonholed by preconceptions of what a career in science can be. You can have an impact in more ways than those defined by the ‘traditional” paths, find something you care about, that makes you feel good and excited to get to work in the mornings and forge that path even if it looks different or outside the norm.   

What do you like to do for fun?

Exercise! I run and do yoga to reset and refocus. I cook and bake, I read as much as I can about subjects far from my chosen field, and I spend a lot of time with my partner Leah and the dogs Sitka and Artemis — we all love to be outside.

You can connect with Diego on LinkedIn and Bluesky.