Nadine (Igonin) Ushakov

PhD - Geophysics
University of Calgary, Canada - 2021

BSc - Geophysics
University of Calgary, Canada - 2016

Castillo, E., Ushakov, N., and Savvaidis, A., 2026, Sensitivity Analysis of Earthquake Depths in the Culberson–Mentone Earthquake Zone, Delaware Basin, Seismological Research Letters 2026 - publications

Bolton, D., Igonin, N., Savvaidis, A., Hennings, P., 2024, Foreshocks to the 2020 Mw 4.8 Mentone Earthquake in west Texas: Insights into earthquake nucleation and earthquake triggering, Seismica. 2024 - publications

Biegel, K., Dettmer, J., Igonin, N., and Eaton, D., 2024, Double-pair relocation improves depth precision and highlights detailed 3D fault geometry for induced seismicity in Alberta, Canada, Seismological Research Letters 2024 - publications

Igonin, N., Trugman, D., Gonzalez, K., and Eaton, D., 2023, Spectral characteristics of hydraulic-fracturing induced seismicity can distinguish between activation of faults and fractures. Seismological Research Letters 2023 - publications

Ma, Y., Eaton, D., Igonin, N., and Wang, C., 2023, Machine learning-assisted processing workflow for multi-fiber DAS microseismic data. Frontiers in Earth Science 2023 - publications

Chatterjee, A., Igonin, N., and Trugman, D., 2023, A real-time and data-driven ground motion prediction framework for earthquake early warning. Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America, doi: 10.1785/0120220180. 2023 - publications

Igonin, N., Verdon, J.P., and Eaton, D., 2022, Seismic anisotropy reveals stress changes around a fault as it is activated by hydraulic fracturing. Seismological Research Letters 2022 - publications

Igonin, N., Verdon, J., Kendall, J.M., and Eaton, D., 2021, Large‐scale fracture systems are permeable pathways for fault activation during hydraulic fracturing. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth 2021 - publications

Assistant Professor
University of Texas in Dallas [2023–Present]
Director of the Applied SEISMology Industry Consortium (ASEISMIC) and Co-director of the Permian Basin Research Lab (PBRL)

SAGE Instructor
Summer of Applied Geophysical Research [2022–Present]
https://www.summerofappliedgeophysicalexperience.org

Postdoctoral Fellow
University of Texas at Austin [2021–2023]

Research Assistant
ExxonMobil [2020–2020]

Nadine (Igonin) Ushakov CV

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/agrzs60anj0e5oxk0t1s6/IgoninCV_June2026.pdf?rlkey=gnctsi391huwh95kyn50p5o4q&dl=0

Current Openings

We are looking for students interesting on working on aseismic slip, seismology statistics, and stress drop. We also have projects related to fluid migration in the subsurface due to oil and gas activities. 

PhD Student Recruitment

Announcement: I am recruiting two exceptional PhD students in Seismology at the University of Texas at Dallas for Fall 2027.

Are you interested in advancing earthquake science and understanding its intersection with the energy sector?

Projects:
- Observational seismology: Advanced waveform analysis and machine-learning-enhanced analysis of induced vs. natural events.
- Stress-drop evolution: High-resolution space-time mapping using spectral methods for earthquake hazard assessment.
- Reservoir-induced seismicity: Monitoring and modelling induced seismicity due to reservoir level changes across the USA.
- Seismic-aseismic coupling: Quantifying slow-slip transients and their interplay with dynamic rupture using dense array data.

Requirements:
- M.S. (or equivalent research experience) in seismology, geophysics, or closely related field with GPA ≥ 3.5/4.0(or international equivalent).
- Demonstrated research output: First-author conference presentation or peer-reviewed publication (preprint acceptable if under review).
- Quantitative rigor: Coursework or projects showing mastery of physics, geophysics, and numerical methods.
- Programming proficiency: Fluent in Python (ObsPy) or Matlab.
- Communication excellence: Evidence of excellent verbal and written communication, strong English scores.

To apply (deadline for full consideration: 15 Jan 2027): Email nadine.ushakov@utdallas.edu. 

Attach:
- CV highlighting quantitative coursework and research experience.
- Research statement linking your past work to one specific project above.
- Unofficial transcripts.

Only candidates with proven excellence in geophysics and a clear research trajectory should apply. Competitive applicants will be invited for a 30-min technical interview in November/December.

Study Maps Stress Changes Around Fault Activated by Hydraulic Fracturing

Researchers were able to observe stress changes before and during an earthquake induced by hydraulic fracturing in Alberta, Canada, with the help of a phenomenon called seismic anisotropy.

TAIRI Affiliated Faculty

2026/01
https://tairi.utdallas.edu/