Ph.D. Candidate · Computational Seismology and Tectonics (CSaT)

Vincent
Sassard

Seismologist, Tectonicist

Earth, Atmospheric & Planetary Sciences · Purdue University · Lafayette, IN

Hi there!

I am a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences at Purdue University. I am working with Dr. Xiaotao Yang in the Computational Seismology and Tectonics (CSaT) lab. My Ph.D. dissertation focuses on seismic imaging of the Alaskan lithospheric system, from the ocean to the continental interior and its interactions with the asthenosphere.

My work combines seismic observations and geodynamics. I use techniques such as full-wave ambient noise tomography, receiver functions, and shear-wave splitting to shed light on inherited lithospheric structures and their tectonic implications at subduction zones, large-scale strike-slip systems, and spreading ridges. I am particularly drawn to multi-disciplinary approaches to connect deep processes and their surficial expressions.

Before Purdue, I completed a Master's in Geophysics at Universiteit Utrecht (The Netherlands) and a Bachelor's in Earth Sciences at Université de Poitiers (France). I also spent a semester abroad at the University of Oregon, where I first became involved in seismological research as an undergraduate with Dr. Miles Bodmer.

Outside of research, over the past few years, I have been committed to science outreach efforts in teaching children from the local community about earthquakes, volcanoes, and planetary processes through events like STEAM Camp and Science Saturday at Imagination Station in Lafayette.

Research Interests

Lithosphere–asthenosphere interactions using seismic methods and numerical modeling.
Subduction zone structure and dynamics using seismic imaging.

Education

2022 – 2027 (expected)
Doctor of Philosophy — Purdue University
Computational Seismology and Tectonics lab · Earth, Atmospheric & Planetary Sciences · West Lafayette, IN
Advisor: Dr. Xiaotao Yang.
Dissertation title: Seismic imaging of the Alaskan lithospheric system from the ocean to the continental interior and its tectonic implications.
2020 – 2022
Master's of Science — Universiteit Utrecht
Geophysics, Earth Structure & Dynamics · Utrecht, The Netherlands
Advisor: Dr. Ylona van Dinther.
Thesis: What Controls Lateral Segmentation in Cascadia? Sub-slab Density Anomalies or Slab Age Variations?
Jan – Jun 2020
Semester Abroad — University of Oregon
Eugene, OR, USA
2017 – 2020
Bachelor's of Science — Université de Poitiers
Earth Sciences · Poitiers, France

Honors & Awards

May 2026
Bilsland Dissertation Fellowship
Earth, Atmospheric & Planetary Sciences, Purdue University
May 2026
William J. Hinze Graduate Award in Exploration Geophysics
Earth, Atmospheric & Planetary Sciences, Purdue University
May 2026
Cedric J. Newby Award
Earth, Atmospheric & Planetary Sciences, Purdue University
May 2025
Gerald H. Krockover Graduate Fellowship
Purdue University — Awarded for outreach efforts
May 2025
William J. Hinze Graduate Award in Exploration Geophysics
Earth, Atmospheric & Planetary Sciences, Purdue University
Apr 2024
Cedric J. Newby Award
Earth, Atmospheric & Planetary Sciences, Purdue University
Jul 2023
Outstanding Student Service Award
EAPS Department, Purdue University
Apr 2023
Cedric J. Newby Award
Earth, Atmospheric & Planetary Sciences, Purdue University
Nov 2020
Bourse Eole
Réseau Franco-néerlandais — For pursuing MSc in The Netherlands
Jun 2020
Earth Sciences Spring Award
University of Oregon — James Stovall Fellowship Fund (Brunton compass)