Environmental and Geohazard Monitoring using Fibre-optic sensing

A new generation of sensing technologies is transforming how we observe the Earth. Our research uses high-resolution fibre-optic sensing datasets to extract physical insight from complex seismic wavefields, linking observations to the processes driving geohazards and environmental change.

Work to date includes DAS deployments in cities, coastal regions, and fault zones, and continues to develop new approaches for subsurface imaging and hazard monitoring, focusing on geohazards and environmental processes in Southeast Asia with broader relevance to Earth systems globally.

Research Themes

• Fault-zone structures and processes (e.g., seismicity detection, waveform modelling, ground motion, subsurface imaging)
• Coastal and environmental processes (e.g., ocean waves, sediment transport, ocean–land interactions)
• Geohazards in structurally complex environments (e.g., cities, volcanoes, subduction zones)
• Source characterization through integration of multiple observation types (e.g., seismic arrays, DAS, infrasound, other fibre-optic sensing techniques)

Who We Are Looking For

We are seeking highly motivated PhD students who:

• Have strong quantitative skills (degree in geophysics, Earth sciences, physics, engineering, or related fields)
• Have experience in seismology, waveform modelling and/or signal processing
  (experience with DAS is advantageous but not required)
• Have strong programming skills (e.g., Python; experience with high-performance computing or GPUs is an advantage)
• Have experience and/or interest in fieldwork
• Demonstrate the ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Are curious, self-motivated, and enthusiastic about research at the intersection of observational seismology, emerging sensing technologies, and environmental monitoring

PhD students will develop strong analytical, field, and computational skills while working with large geophysical datasets. They will be supported in presenting their work at international conferences, building scientific confidence and independence over time.

To express interest, please send the following to voonhui.lai@ntu.edu.sg:
(1) a 1-2 page cover letter describing your research experience, skills, and motivation,
(2) a full CV,
(3) representative publications (if any),
(4) contact information for two referees (name, email address, and affiliation), and
(5) academic transcripts