Background

Originally educated in France, J.P. received his PhD from the California Institute of Technology in 1984, and joined USC shortly after. J.P. has published over 100 technical publications in geo-mechanics, geo-information, geotechnical engineering, and earthquake engineering. His post-earthquake reconnaissance reports of devastating earthquakes in California, Japan, Turkey, Taiwan, and India have been recognized by the Frontiers of Engineering program and awarded the Gilbreth lecture of the National Academy of Engineering. J.P. contributed to constructing the System Integration of the George E. Brown Jr. Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation, one of the largest projects ever sponsored by the National Science Foundation in the field of earthquake engineering. He is actively involved in reforming engineering education with the California Engineering Education Council, and at the national level with the American Society of Civil Engineers. J.P. is presently leading a major multidisciplinary research initiative on Megacities at the USC.