Before leaving office, President Joe Biden awarded nearly 400 scientists and engineers the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on outstanding scientists and engineers early in their careers. Earth and Space Sciences affiliate faculty Erin Wirth was among those named.

Wirth’s research focuses on earthquake hazards, specifically in subduction zones. She uses 3-D numerical simulations to predict earthquake ground motions associated with large earthquakes in the Cascadia subduction zone, as well as on crustal faults systems. She integrates her work with geologic and geophysical observations from previous earthquakes, and works closely with engineers and social scientists to improve earthquake resilience in the Pacific Northwest. Her other research interests focus on using seismic observations and modeling to characterize the structure and dynamics of Earth’s interior.

“It is such a privilege to do this work every day in support of communities in the Pacific Northwest and with my colleagues at the U.S. Geological Survey and University of Washington. I’m honored to receive this award on behalf of the work we all do,” said Wirth.

Wirth holds a Ph.D. from Yale University, and in 2014 became a postdoctoral research associate in the UW College of the Environment’s Department of Earth and Space Sciences. Since 2017, she has served as a research geophysicist with the U.S. Geological Survey in Seattle, and as an affiliate assistant professor of Earth and Space Sciences. 

Established by President Clinton in 1996, PECASE recognizes scientists and engineers who show exceptional potential for leadership early in their research careers. The award recognizes innovative and far-reaching developments in science and technology, expands awareness of careers in science and engineering, recognizes the scientific missions of participating agencies, enhances connections between research and impacts on society, and highlights the importance of science and technology for our nation’s future. – ESS UW News