Dr. Joshi Catherine K. is a Senior Principal Scientist at the CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), Hyderabad, India. Her extensive career in geophysics spans multiple roles, starting from Junior Scientist to Senior Principal Scientist. Her research primarily focuses on geophysical studies related to tectonic geodesy, crustal deformation, geodynamics, and earthquake occurrence at plate boundaries. Dr. Catherine has contributed significantly to understanding seismic processes and geophysical parameters through the use of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and other advanced tools. She has a well-established network of international collaborations with renowned experts across the globe, particularly in the areas of seismic hazard assessment and geodetic constraints on tectonic activities. She has authored several high-impact research papers and has been a pivotal figure in seismic studies across regions including the Andaman, Himalayas, and Antarctica.

Professional Profile

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Education:

Dr. Joshi Catherine K. obtained her Ph.D. in Geophysics from CSIR-NGRI in 2002, where she conducted research on crustal deformation using GPS, particularly focusing on the Indian Plate. Her doctoral work was supervised by Dr. Harsh K. Gupta. Prior to that, she completed her M.Sc. (Tech) in Geophysics from Andhra University in 1993, earning a Merit Scholarship. Her academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Dr. Catherine’s solid academic foundation has been instrumental in her later contributions to the field of geophysics. Her continued commitment to learning is evident in her international research collaborations and post-doctoral fellowships, including a prestigious BOYSCAST Fellowship at the University of California, Berkeley, from 2009-2010.

Professional Experience:

Dr. Catherine’s professional career spans over two decades at CSIR-NGRI, where she has advanced through the ranks from Junior Scientist to Senior Principal Scientist. Since 2024, she has held her current position, leading various high-impact projects in tectonic geodesy, earthquake occurrence processes, and crustal deformation. Prior to this, she served as a Principal Scientist from 2017-2024 and Senior Scientist from 2013-2017. Dr. Catherine’s significant experience includes working under the Women Scientists Scheme of DST and the CSIR-SRF fellowship. Her expertise in geophysical modeling and earthquake studies has led to collaborations with leading institutions globally, including those in the U.S. and Europe.

Research Interest:

Dr. Catherine’s research interests include tectonic geodesy, geodynamics, and crustal deformation, with a focus on earthquake occurrence processes at plate boundaries and in the interior regions. Her work involves using GPS measurements to assess and model geophysical phenomena such as seismic hazards, ionospheric disturbances, and tropospheric parameters. She is also interested in the study of seismic hazards and their implications for infrastructure development. Over the years, Dr. Catherine has conducted numerous studies on earthquake rupture processes, tectonic plate interactions, and geodynamic evolution, with a strong emphasis on regions such as the Andaman Islands, Himalayas, and the Indo-Burmese wedge. Her interdisciplinary approach combines geodesy, seismic analysis, and atmospheric observations.

Research Skills:

Dr. Catherine possesses strong expertise in using advanced geophysical tools such as GPS, seismic instrumentation, and remote sensing techniques. Her research skills extend to geodynamic modeling, earthquake source mechanisms, and post-seismic deformation studies. She has worked extensively with GPS and other geodetic technologies to monitor crustal movement and seismic activity. Her skills also encompass ionospheric research, particularly in seismo-ionospheric coupling and the study of ionospheric disturbances induced by seismic events. Dr. Catherine has successfully led and contributed to various collaborative research efforts, both nationally and internationally, in the areas of crustal deformation, seismic hazard assessment, and geophysical parameter estimation.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Joshi Catherine K. has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to geophysics and geodesy through several prestigious awards and honors. Notably, she was awarded the Merit Scholarship in the final year of her M.Sc. and received the BOYSCAST Fellowship at the University of California, Berkeley, from 2009-2010. Additionally, she was a recipient of the CSIR-SRF Fellowship, highlighting her academic excellence and research capabilities. Her work has been recognized globally, with multiple invitations for collaborative research from top institutions and universities. Dr. Catherine’s contributions to the scientific community have garnered her numerous accolades in recognition of her groundbreaking research and leadership in geophysical sciences.

Conclusion:

Dr. Joshi Catherine K. is a distinguished geophysicist whose extensive research on tectonic processes, seismic hazards, and crustal deformation has made a significant impact on the understanding of Earth’s dynamic systems. Her ability to lead and mentor research teams, combined with her strong academic background, has positioned her as a leader in the field. With a rich history of collaboration with esteemed international researchers, she has contributed to numerous groundbreaking studies in the realm of geophysics. Dr. Catherine’s exceptional skill set, ongoing commitment to advancing scientific knowledge, and her proven ability to tackle complex geophysical challenges make her a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her continued work promises further innovations in seismic studies and geophysical modeling, with broader implications for disaster risk management and infrastructure planning.

Publication Top Notes:

• Constraints on 2004 Sumatra–Andaman earthquake rupture from GPS measurements in Andaman–Nicobar Islands
  • Authors: VK Gahalaut, B Nagarajan, JK Catherine, S Kumar
  • Year: 2006
  • Citations: 199
• Aseismic plate boundary in the Indo-Burmese wedge, northwest Sunda Arc
  • Authors: VK Gahalaut, B Kundu, SS Laishram, J Catherine, A Kumar, MD Singh, …
  • Year: 2013
  • Citations: 138
• Rigid Indian plate: constraints from GPS measurements
  • Authors: P Mahesh, JK Catherine, VK Gahalaut, B Kundu, A Ambikapathy, …
  • Year: 2012
  • Citations: 90
• Strong seismic coupling underneath Garhwal–Kumaun region, NW Himalaya, India
  • Authors: RK Yadav, VK Gahalaut, AK Bansal, SP Sati, J Catherine, P Gautam, …
  • Year: 2019
  • Citations: 80
• Global positioning system (GPS) measurements of crustal deformation across the frontal eastern Himalayan syntaxis and seismic‐hazard assessment
  • Authors: M Devachandra, B Kundu, J Catherine, A Kumar, VK Gahalaut
  • Year: 2014
  • Citations: 63
• The 2005 volcano‐tectonic earthquake swarm in the Andaman Sea: Triggered by the 2004 great Sumatra‐Andaman earthquake
  • Authors: B Kundu, D Legrand, K Gahalaut, VK Gahalaut, P Mahesh, …
  • Year: 2012
  • Citations: 62
• Coseismic offsets due to the 11 April 2012 Indian Ocean earthquakes (Mw 8.6 and 8.2) derived from GPS measurements
  • Authors: RK Yadav, B Kundu, K Gahalaut, J Catherine, VK Gahalaut, A Ambikapthy, …
  • Year: 2013
  • Citations: 58
• GPS measurements of postseismic deformation in the Andaman‐Nicobar region following the giant 2004 Sumatra‐Andaman earthquake
  • Authors: VK Gahalaut, S Jade, JK Catherine, R Gireesh, MB Ananda, P Kumar, …
  • Year: 2008
  • Citations: 58
• Slow rupture in Andaman during 2004 Sumatra–Andaman earthquake: a probable consequence of subduction of 90 E ridge
  • Authors: VK Gahalaut, C Subrahmanyam, B Kundu, JK Catherine, A Ambikapathy
  • Year: 2010
  • Citations: 57
• Constraints on rupture of the December 26, 2004, Sumatra earthquake from far-field GPS observations
  • Authors: JK Catherine, VK Gahalaut, VK Sahu
  • Year: 2005
  • Citations: 45