About

I am Dr. Yuxiang (Gideon) Tang (唐玉翔), a dedicated researcher and innovator in engineering seismology and safety engineering. Currently, I hold a continuing Level B Research Fellow position at the University of Melbourne, Australia, where I bridge the gap between seismology and earthquake engineering to address one of humanity’s most pressing challenges: mitigating disaster risks and fostering resilient communities.

My work focuses on refining seismic hazard assessment and risk analysis methodologies to translate complex geophysical processes into actionable engineering solutions. Over the years, I have developed specialized expertise in ground motion modeling and simulation—a critical tool for predicting how earthquakes interact with the built environment. To advance this field, I designed and implemented three generations of the Ground Motion Simulation System (GMSS) software. Additionally, I have contributed to Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis (PSHA), a framework for quantifying ground-shaking risks to infrastructure.

My current research centers on Probabilistic Fault Displacement Hazard Analysis (PFDHA) for intraplate regions—a pioneering effort to quantify the likelihood of surface ruptures in areas with sparse historical data, such as Australia and stable continental interiors. This work aims to inform land-use planning and infrastructure siting, particularly for critical lifeline systems like pipelines and dams.

While my primary focus is earthquake hazards, my interest extends to modeling and risk assessment for diverse natural hazards, including landslides, tsunamis, windstorms, and bushfires. I am deeply interested in understanding how climate change amplifies these risks, with a growing emphasis on climate-induced hazards such as intensified storm systems, shifting wildfire patterns, and coastal inundation.

Beyond research, I am an avid photographer and fitness enthusiast. My photography captures Earth’s raw power and fragility—from Alaska’s glaciated peaks to Saudi Arabia’s stark Empty Quarter and Istanbul’s bustling bazaars. Specializing in landscape and architectural photography, I employ long-exposure techniques to emphasize motion and time—a subtle nod to my work in dynamic seismic processes. A staunch believer in “a healthy mind in a healthy body,” I dedicate 5–7 hours weekly to strength training, HIIT and swimming.

Whether you are a researcher seeking collaboration, a policymaker exploring risk reduction strategies, a fellow photography enthusiast, or someone interested in disaster preparedness—I welcome dialogue. Feel free to reach out.

Education

• Ph.D. (2020), Civil Engineering | University of Melbourne, Australia

• M.S. (2015), Safety Science & Engineering | Beijing Institute of Technology, China

• B.E. & B.A. (2013), Safety Engineering | China University of Petroleum (Beijing), China

Experience

• Research Fellow (2024–Present) | University of Melbourne, Australia

• Postdoctoral Fellow (2021–2024) | King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Saudi Arabia

• Visiting Fellow (2024) | University of Tokyo, Japan