In January 1994, Mark Benthien was just an undergraduate student studying applied geophysics at UCLA. He had a passion for earthquake science and hoped to one day make a career out of helping people prepare for earthquakes. On the morning of the Northridge Earthquake, he was sound asleep when the powerful shaking shook him awake. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI remember my belongings were hurled across the room and scattered on my floor. I had to walk through the mess to even find my shoes,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thirty years later, he is the director of Communication, Education and Outreach at the Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC). Headquartered at USC, SCEC is a research organization funded by the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Geological Survey that aims to gather data on earthquakes, interpret that data and communicate those understandings to build a resilient, earthquake-prepared community. The non profit organization partners with different institutions around the world to create a virtual network of collaboration and advocacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As the director of Communication, Education and Outreach, Benthien focuses on making sure the public is informed and prepared for the next major earthquake. One of the largest projects he coordinates every year since its inception is the Great ShakeOut earthquake drills. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSince 2007, we\u2019ve taught thousands of students the proper way to protect themselves during an earthquake,\u201d he said. \u201cThe Great ShakeOut began as a one-time, statewide event to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the Northridge Earthquake. The goal was to get as many students across the state to Drop, Cover, Hold On for one day. Now, fifteen years later, we are teaching millions of people around the world to practice this.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n