2022 Jim Ansell Geophysics Scholarship winner:
Andrea Perez-Silva
In her PhD research, Andrea is applying numerical modelling to investigate the generation of slow slip events in the Hikurangi subduction zone. Few studies to date have focused on numerical modelling of slow slip event generation, so her PhD project has the potential to answer some of the outstanding questions regarding the origin of episodic, slow slip behaviour, a research topic of global significance.
Past Jim Ansell Geophysics Scholarship winners
| Year | Person | University |
| 2021 | El Mestel | Victoria |
| 2020 | Bryant Chow | Victoria |
| 2019 | Tayla Hill | Otago |
| 2018 | Shreya Kanakiya | Auckland |
| 2017 | Clarrie Macklin | Victoria |
| 2016 | Hubert Zal | Victoria |
| 2015 | Steven Sewell | Victoria |
| 2014 | Calum Chamberlain | Victoria |
| 2013 | Rachel Heckels | Victoria |
| 2011 | Carolin Boese | Victoria |
| 2010 | Zara Rawlinson | Victoria |
| 2009 | Jessica Johnson | Victoria |
| 2008 | Daniel Bassett | Victoria |
| 2007 | Gareth Crutchley | Otago |
| 2006 | Katherine Bodger | Canterbury |
| 2005 | Stacey Dravitski | Victoria |
| 2004 | Frank Drost | Victoria |
| 2003 | ||
| 2002 | Jennifer Eccles | Auckland |
| 2001 | Wanda Stratford | Victoria |
| 2000 | Anna Pulford | Victoria |
| 1999 | Niels Bormann | Victoria |
| 1998 | Darryn Wise | Auckland |
| 1997 | Stefan Kleffmann | Victoria |
| 1996 | Andrew Cavill | Victoria |
| 1995 | Vaughan Stagpoole | Victoria |
Jim Ansell
Hailing from Hawkes Bay Jim studied Maths at Victoria University of Wellington before travelling to Cambridge, England to complete his PhD in applied Mathematics. It was there, not in shaky New Zealand, that it was suggested he study seismology. He is quoted in the VUW News in 1993 saying: "It's a bit ironic that I was born in Napier and went to university in Wellington, yet the impetus for me to get involved in earthquake research came from the people at Cambridge - they suggested it as an appropriate subject for my PhD thesis".
Upon his return to Victoria University of Wellington, Jim lectured in mathematics. He also became part of the Institute of Geophysics and helped to establish the NZ Geophysics Society. He was appointed Professor of Geophysics in 1989, and until late 1992 was Chair of the Research School of Earth Sciences.
The Jim Ansell Geophysics Scholarship was founded by major grants from the Ansell family, IASPEI94 conference, Research School of Earth Sciences at Victoria University of Wellington, and GNS. Significant individual contributions were received from members of the New Zealand Geophysical Society and academic colleagues and friends of Jim Ansell.
Thank you to the NZ Mathematical Society for providing biographical information on Jim.
