Research 

My research crosses different scientific disciplines while maintaining the core of geosciences and mechanics. Specifically, I am actively engaged in two main research thrusts: engineering seismology and bio-geo-technology. 

In research, I balance basic and apply research oriented to reducing geological and environmental hazards. Both research thrusts, novel and unique in Israel, required establishing new research groups and cooperation with colleagues in Israel and around the world. 

Basic research studies the interactions between different components of natural and complex systems: geology and seismology, geochemistry, and biology. Seismic modeling and monitoring of complex sedimentary basins aim to gain a basic understanding of the basin's effect on ground motions and improve the estimation of seismic ground hazard in regions of low seismic rate and partial spatial coverage.

Recently, we began studying the dynamic fragility of Fragile Geological Features in the Negev Desert to constrain the region's seismic hazard. The study involves remote sensing and numerical modeling. But more importantly, it is based on ground truth attained by direct access to the rock mass, including various techniques, including rappelling.  Science is fun!

I am actively involved in research on bio-stimulated microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP) as a ground modification technique, with applications ranging from liquefaction mitigation to desert crust stabilization.