Dr. Bobby Karimi

Dr. Karimi is a Tectonophysicist and Assistant Professor in the Civil and Environmental Engineering department. His primary research interests include Tectonics, Structural Geology, Geophysics, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and Remote Sensing (RS). His most primary and current research is focused on characterizing and understanding past/present tectonic boundaries using GIS/RS, computational methods, pattern detection, and field/geophysical methods. Current regions of study include the transform boundary housing the North Anatolian Fault (NAF) in Turkey and Greece, and the passive (formerly convergent) Eastern North American Margin (ENAM). Additionally, he is interested in geophysical research on landslides to (1) identify slope failures with greater detail, accuracy, and efficiency and (2) better understand stressful conditions that lead to failure on high-risk slopes. He has also been involved with research on CO2 sequestration, volcanic ash cloud migration, and crustal thickness evolution (Bolivian Andes). Dr. Karimi has taught a range of courses at various levels in the Geosciences, but his particular expertise are in Geophysics, Structural Geology, Tectonics, Petroleum Resources, and GIS/RS. His pedagogical techniques in teaching the sciences include a focus on critical thinking, science communication, philosophy of science, and developing problem solving skills. Dr. Karimi believes in a non-traditional classroom environment where students are encouraged to explore science, and he strongly believes in the power of real-world and field experiences to drive student motivation and learning.

• Assistant Professor of Geology: Wilkes University, 2017 – present
• Visiting Assistant Professor of Geology: Colorado College, 2016 – 2017
• Geology Instructor: Clarion University, 2015 – 2016
• Visiting Assistant Professor of Geology: Millersville University, 2014 – 2015
• Teaching Fellow: University of Pittsburgh, 2009 – 2014

• Ph.D. Geology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA (2014)
• B.S. Geology, University of Pittsburgh, Johnstown, PA (2008)

• Introduction to Geology
• Ocean Sciences
• Structural Geology
• Geophysics
• Tectonics

•  Karimi, B.Using stress modeling to determine the through-going active fault geometry of the western North Anatolian Fault. Geotectonics. In Press.
• Karimi, B., and Karimi, H.A. (2017, February 22^nd). An automated method for the detection of topographic patterns at tectonic boundaries. In Manaert, H., Iwahori, Y., Mirnig, A., Ortis, A., Perez, C., and Daykin, J. PATTERNS 2017: The Ninth International Conferences on Pervasive Patterns and Applications, Athens, Greece (72-77). ThinkMind
• Eichelberger, N., McQuarrie, N., Ryan, J., Karimi, B., Beck, S., Zandt, G. (2015). Evolution of crustal thickening in the central Andes, Bolivia. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, Vol. 426, pp. 191-203
• Karimi, B., McQuarrie, N., Lin, J.S., Harbert, W. (2014). Determining the geometry of the North Anatolian fault east of the Marmara Sea through integrated geophysical modeling and remote sensing techniques. Tectonophysics, Vol. 623, pp. 14-22
• Karimi, B.,and Bryant K. Recognizing patterns in geospatial data using persistent homology: a study of geologic fractures. Geospatial Data Science and Applications. Taylor & Frances Group, LLC
• Popova, O.H., Small, M.J., McCoy, S.T., Thomas, A.C., Rose, S., Karimi, B., and Goodman, A. (2014). Spatial stochastic modeling of sedimentary formations to assess CO₂ storage potential. Environmental Science & Technology, Vol. 48, No. 11, pp. 6247-6255.
• Popova, O.H., Small, M.J., McCoy, S.T., Thomas, A.C., Karimi, B., Goodman, A., and Carter, K. (2012). Comparative analysis of carbon dioxide storage resource assessment methodologies. Environmental Geosciences, Vol. 19, No. 3, pp. 105-124 

• University of Pittsburgh Elizabeth Baranger Excellence in Teaching Award (2012)