Robert Ladislav Parker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Ladislav Parker
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| Born | 24 February 1942 |
| Education | University of Cambridge, UK |
| Known for | Geophysical Inverse Theory |
| Spouse(s) | Florence Monica Dirac |
| Awards | John Adam Fleming Medal
Gold Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society Fellow, Royal Society of London |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Geophysicist and Mathematician |
| Institutions | Scripps Institution of Oceanography |
| Thesis | Geophysical Studies in Electromagnetic Induction (1966) |
| Doctoral advisor | Edward Bullard |
Robert L. Parker is an American scientist who studies the Earth and uses math to understand it. He is a geophysicist (someone who studies the Earth's physical processes) and a mathematician (someone who uses math to solve problems). He is currently a Professor Emeritus of Geophysics at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. This is part of the University of California, San Diego, located in La Jolla, California.
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Studying the Earth with Math
Robert Parker studied in England at Downing College, Cambridge. He earned his first degree in Natural Sciences in 1963. He then continued his studies, getting his master's degree in 1964 and his Ph.D. in Geophysics in 1966.
After finishing his education, Dr. Parker moved to the United States. He began working at the Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics (IGPP). Here, he built on the work of other scientists like Freeman Gilbert and George Backus.
What is Inverse Theory?
Dr. Parker is famous for his work on something called inverse theory. Imagine you have a wrapped gift, and you want to know what's inside without opening it. You might shake it, weigh it, or listen to it. Inverse theory is a bit like that for scientists.
It's a way to figure out what's happening deep inside the Earth, or other complex systems, by looking at things we can measure on the outside. For example, scientists might use inverse theory to understand the Earth's core by studying how earthquake waves travel through it. Dr. Parker even wrote an important book about this topic called Geophysical Inverse Theory. He also used to be the director of the IGPP.
A Scientist's Hobbies
Outside of his scientific work, Robert Parker enjoys bicycling. He is a very dedicated cyclist and even keeps track of all the miles he rides! He has also written about the science behind how bicycles work and the energy involved in riding them.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Robert Parker has received many important awards for his contributions to science. These awards recognize his excellent work in geophysics and mathematics.
- John Adam Fleming Medal, American Geophysical Union (2008)
- Gold Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society (1998)
- Fellow, Royal Society of London (1989)
- Fellow, American Geophysical Union (1976)
- James B. Macelwane Medal of the American Geophysical Union (1976)
- Guggenheim Fellowship (1975)
- Sloan Fellowship (1969–1971)
- Downing College Bye Fellowship (1965–1966)
- Downing College, Major Open Scholarship (1960–1963)
- State Scholarship Grant (1960–1963)
