Dr. Miaki Ishii stands as a distinguished leader in the field of seismology and earthquake studies, renowned for her innovative approaches to understanding Earth's internal dynamics. She currently serves as Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Harvard University, where she has built a world-class research program since joining the faculty in 2006. After earning her B.Sc. from the University of Toronto in 1998, she pursued doctoral studies at Harvard University under the guidance of Professor Jeroen Tromp, completing her thesis on "Large-Scale Structure of the Earth's Mantle and Inner Core" in 2003. Her exceptional promise was recognized early with Student Paper Awards from the American Geophysical Union in both 1998 and 1999 during her graduate studies. Rising through the academic ranks with remarkable speed, she was promoted to Associate Professor in 2010 and attained full Professorship in 2013.
Dr. Ishii's groundbreaking research has fundamentally reshaped our understanding of Earth's deepest interior, most notably through her discovery of the "innermost inner core," a distinct region approximately 300 kilometers in radius at the very center of our planet that exhibits unique anisotropic properties. This seminal work, which earned her the prestigious James B. Macelwane Medal from the American Geophysical Union, challenged prevailing theories about Earth's core structure and has spurred extensive follow-up research worldwide. Additionally, her investigation into the driving forces behind plate tectonics revealed that the slowest parts of the lowermost mantle are denser than average, contrary to the long-held assumption that they were lighter, revolutionizing the theoretical framework for understanding mantle convection. Her development of innovative back projection methods has enabled more precise earthquake characterization and location, establishing new standards for seismic analysis that have been widely adopted by researchers globally. These contributions have made her one of the most influential voices in modern seismology.
Beyond her research contributions, Professor Ishii has become a central figure in advancing the field of seismology through her leadership in developing sophisticated methodologies that integrate global seismic network data with GPS measurements to map earthquake wave trajectories with unprecedented accuracy. Her work on understanding convection cycles within Earth's mantle continues to provide critical insights that may ultimately enhance earthquake detection and warning systems, demonstrating her commitment to translating fundamental research into practical applications for public safety. She actively mentors the next generation of geoscientists through her research group at Harvard, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages innovative thinking and rigorous scientific inquiry. As she continues to refine techniques for imaging Earth's internal structure and earthquake dynamics, Professor Ishii remains at the forefront of seismological research, with her work setting the agenda for future exploration of our planet's deepest secrets.
