Jingjing Zong, a 2019 Ph.D. graduate of the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (EAS) at the 兔子先生, has been named a recipient of the 2025 J. Clarence Karcher Award from the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG). The award recognizes her pioneering work in ultradeep vertical seismic profiling (VSP) acquisition and processing, as well as her extensive service to the SEG community.
Presented annually, the Karcher Award honors young geophysicists under the age of 35 who have made significant contributions to the science and technology of exploration geophysics. It is named in memory of J. Clarence Karcher, a key figure in the development of reflection seismology. Zong will receive the award at the , scheduled for Aug. 25鈥�28, 2025, in Houston. More about Karcher and past recipients of the award can be found on the .
Dr. Zong currently serves as a professor at the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC), where she leads advanced research in distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) and VSP technologies. She also serves as the project leader for the ultradeep, borehole vertical seismic profile (VSP) project in the Tarim Basin, a major initiative in advanced seismic data acquisition for one of the largest and deepest basins in northwestern China.
In addition to her technical contributions, Zong has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the geophysical community through active service within SEG. She currently represents District 11 on the SEG Council, advises the UESTC student section, and is a member of the SEG China Advisory Group and SEG Research Committee. She also serves as an Associate Editor for the prestigious academic journal, Geophysics. Colleagues note Jingjing's dedication to geophysical research and teaching as well as her thoughtfulness and mentoring of students and young professionals.
Zong is widely respected for her mentorship, collegiality, and commitment to advancing geophysical education and research. As a doctoral student at UH from 2014 to 2019, she conducted research under Professor Robert Stewart. Her dissertation, titled 鈥�Elastic properties of rock salt: Ultrasonic lab, numerical and physical modeling, and Gulf of Mexico well logs and VSP,鈥� produced a well-cited publication in Geophysics and continues to influence research in the field. A full list of her publications, including those from this study and her work in China, is available on .
Zong鈥檚 recognition with the Karcher Award highlights the global impact of her research and service to the geophysical community. Her achievements reflect the spirit of innovation and mentorship fostered during her time at UH.