Biography
Parsa B. Rad, Ph.D., is a computational scientist specializing in the modeling and quantification of mechanical (acoustic/seismic) wave propagation in subsurface layers. He combines strong theoretical expertise with hands-on experience to extract valuable subsurface information through advanced processing, modeling, and inversion of numerical datasets collected from Earth’s response across multiple scales.
His research focuses on leveraging both classical geophysical methods and high-resolution techniques to improve subsurface characterization—from detecting shallow, high-contrast buried objects to imaging deep structures at kilometer depths. Dr. Rad is particularly interested in the fine-scale components of physical wave propagation, which enable more accurate and detailed interpretations than traditional low-resolution approaches.
In addition, he applies machine learning and deep learning techniques to optimize modeling, prediction, and interpretation of geophysical data acquired from diverse sensors, advancing the integration of computational intelligence with geophysical exploration.
Memberships include:
Environmental and Engineering Geophysical Society (EEGS),
Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG),
European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers (EAGE)
Recent publications include:
Mahmud, Md Lal, R. Holt, C.J. Hickey, A.O'Reilly, L.T. Wodajo, P. Bakhtiari Rad and Samad, Md, Abdus, (2024), Integrating ERT and SP techniques for characterizing aquifers and surface-groundwater interactions. Groundwater, 63(2), 265-279.
P. Bakhtiari Rad and C.J. Hickey, (2022), Utilizing CRS stack for enhanced near-surface seismic reflection imaging: Examples from consolidated and unconsolidated environments. Geophysics, 87(5), EN45-EN56.]
P. Bakhtiari Rad and C.J. Hickey, (2021), Seismic diffraction separation in the near surface: Detection of high-contrast voids in unconsolidated soils. Geophysics, 86(3), WB13-WB23.
L.T. Wodajo, P. Bakhtiari Rad, S.I. Shariff, M.A. Samad, M.L. Mamud, C.J. Hickey and G.V. Wilson, (2021), Agrogeophysical methods for identifying soil pipes. Journal of Applied Geophysics, 192, 104383.
Z. Zou, P. Bakhtiari Rad, L. Macelloni and L. Zhang, (2021), Temporal and spatial variations in three-dimensional seismic oceanography. Oceans Science, 17, 1053-1066.
P. Bakhtiari Rad and L. Macelloni (2020), Improving 3D water column seismic imaging using the Common Reflection Surface method. Journal of Applied Geophysics, 179, 104072.
P. Bakhtiari Rad, L. Macelloni, and D. Gajewski (2019), Diffraction separation based on the projected first Fresnel zone. Journal of Geophysics and Engineering, 15(6), 2507-2515.
P. Bakhtiari Rad, B. Schwarz, D. Gajewski, and C. Vanelle, (2018), Common-reflection-surface-based prestack diffraction separation and imaging, Geophysics, 83(1), S47-S55.
Education
Ph.D. Earth Science, University of Hamburg (2016)