Robert Ladislav Parker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Ladislav Parker
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| Born | 24 February 1942 |
| Nationality | American |
| 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. He studies the Earth using physics and math. He is a Professor Emeritus of Geophysics at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. This institution is part of the University of California, San Diego. It is located in La Jolla, California.
Contents
What Does a Geophysicist Do?
A geophysicist studies the Earth using physics. They look at things like earthquakes, volcanoes, and the Earth's magnetic field. They use math to understand how the Earth works. Robert Parker is an expert in this field.
Robert Parker's Education and Work
Robert Parker studied at Downing College, Cambridge in England. He earned several degrees there. He got his Ph.D. in Geophysics in 1966. After finishing his studies, Parker moved to the United States.
Working at Scripps Institution of Oceanography
He started working at the Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics (IGPP). This institute is part of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Parker became a world expert on something called inverse theory. He even wrote an important book about it. He used to be the director of the IGPP.
What is Inverse Theory?
Inverse theory is a way to figure out what's happening inside the Earth. Scientists use measurements taken on the surface. For example, they might measure gravity or magnetic fields. Then, they use math to guess what the Earth's inside looks like. It's like trying to guess what's in a wrapped present by shaking it.
Robert Parker's Personal Interests
Outside of his scientific work, Parker enjoys bicycling. He keeps track of how many miles he rides. He has also written about the physics of how bicycles work.
Awards and Honors
Robert Parker has received many important awards for his work. These awards recognize his contributions to science.
- 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)
