Dr. Richard Masethe | Geophysics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Richard Masethe | Geophysics | Best Researcher Award 

Dr. Richard Masethe | Geophysics | University of KwaZulu Natal | South Africa

Dr. Richard Masethe is a distinguished scholar and professional expert in Geophysics, Rock Engineering, and Seismology, whose work has significantly contributed to the understanding of mining-induced seismicity and rock mass behavior in deep mining environments. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Geophysics and Rock Engineering from the University of the Witwatersrand, where his doctoral research focused on the integration of 3D seismic data analysis techniques and mining-induced seismic data to evaluate the mechanical properties of rock masses in the gold mines of the Witwatersrand Basin. Dr. Richard Masethe also earned his Master of Science (MSc) in Rock Engineering and Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Geophysics from the same prestigious university, reflecting his continuous academic excellence and technical proficiency. His professional experience spans both academic and industrial domains, currently serving as a Senior Lecturer in Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, where he leads research on seismic hazard assessment, rockburst risk mitigation, and geotechnical modeling. Previously, he worked as a Superintendent Seismologist and Section Rock Engineer at Sibanye-Stillwater, one of South Africa’s leading mining companies, where he applied advanced seismological and rock mechanics principles to improve mine safety and operational efficiency. His research interests encompass mining-induced seismicity, 3D geophysical data interpretation, seismic hazard analysis, and numerical modeling of rock behavior, focusing on sustainable and safer mining practices through advanced data-driven methodologies.

Professional Profile: Google Scholar | Scopus

Selected Publications 

  1. Masethe, R. T., Manzi, M. S. D., & Durrheim, R. J. (2023). Using legacy 3D seismic data and source parameters of mining-induced earthquakes to mitigate the risk of rockbursting in Kloof Gold Mine, South Africa. Geophysical Prospecting. (Cited by 7)

  2. Masethe, R. T. (2022). Integration of 3D seismic data analysis techniques and mining-induced seismic data to elucidate the mechanical behaviour of the rock mass in the gold mines of the Witwatersrand Basin. PQDT-Global. (Cited by 6)

  3. Mpunzi, P., Masethe, R., Rizwan, M., & Stacey, T. R. (2015). Enhancement of the tensile strengths of rock and shotcrete by thin spray-on liners. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 49, 369–375. (Cited by 44)

  4. Rathnayaka, S., Nyblade, A., Lund, B., Ammon, C., Durrheim, R., & Masethe, R. (2024). Testing the P/S amplitude seismic source discriminant at local distances using seismic events within and surrounding the Kloof Gold Mine, South Africa, and the Kiruna iron ore mine, northern Sweden. Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America, 114(4), 2237–2250. (Cited by 5)

  5. Masethe, R. T., Durrheim, R. J., & Manzi, M. D. (2022). Investigation of the source mechanism of mining-induced seismic events at Kloof Gold Mine, South Africa. Proceedings of the 10th International Symposium on Rockbursts and Seismicity in Mines (RaSiM 10). (Cited by 5)

Dr. Yang Gao | Seismic Analysis Awards | Best Scholar Award

Dr. Yang Gao | Seismic Analysis Awards | Best Scholar Award 

Dr. Yang Gao, Shale Gas Research Institute, Petro China Southwest Oil and Gas field Company, China

Yang Gao is a PhD candidate in Geophysics at China University of Petroleum – Beijing, specializing in exploration geophysics under the supervision of Professor Guofa Li. His research focuses on advanced seismic data processing techniques, including low-frequency extrapolation, resolution enhancement, and seismic inversion using deep learning methodologies. Yang holds a Master’s degree in Geological Resources and Geological Engineering, also from China University of Petroleum – Beijing, where he conducted research on seismic facies interpretation with CNN-based encoder-decoder networks. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Applied Geophysics at Yangtze University, where he developed a thesis on Q factor estimation based on post-stack seismic data. Yang has actively contributed to several significant research projects and has published extensively in leading journals, highlighting his expertise in deep learning applications in geophysics and seismic signal processing. He has received multiple academic honors, including the Doctoral National Scholarship and the first prize at the “Oriental Cup” National University Student Exploration Geophysics Competition. Fluent in English and a member of the European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers (EAGE), Yang is also skilled in programming languages such as Python and Matlab, and various geophysical software tools.

Professional Profile:

ORCID

Suitability of Yang Gao for the Best Scholar Award

Yang Gao is a highly qualified candidate for the Best Scholar Award, distinguished by his significant contributions to the field of geophysics, particularly in exploration geophysics. His educational background, research experience, and publications demonstrate his commitment to advancing knowledge in seismic signal processing and deep learning applications within geophysics.

Education 🎓

  • PhD in Geophysics (Exploration Geophysics)
    China University of Petroleum – Beijing, Beijing, China (2020–2024)

    • Supervisor: Guofa Li
    • Research Focus: Low-frequency extrapolation, resolution enhancement, and seismic inversion using deep learning.
  • Master in Geological Resources and Geological Engineering (Exploration Geophysics)
    China University of Petroleum – Beijing, Beijing, China (2018–2020)

    • Supervisor: Guofa Li
    • Research: Seismic facies interpretation with CNN-based encoder-decoder networks.
  • Bachelor in Applied Geophysics
    Yangtze University, Wuhan, China (2014–2018)

    • Thesis: Q factor estimation based on post-stack seismic data.

Research Interests 🔍

  • Deep learning applications in geophysics
  • Seismic signal processing
  • Seismic inversion

Research Experience 💡

  • Key Research Member: Research on high-resolution processing methods for deep fusion of multi-source information (Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China, 2019–2024).
  • Key Research Member: Adaptive recognition and absorption attenuation correction of source-consistent Q-wavelet signals (National Natural Science Foundation, 2020).
  • Principal Investigator: Multi-wave reflection interference correction based on adaptive spatial inversion structure (National Natural Science Foundation, 2018).
  • Principal Investigator: Parameterization method for geophysical exploration in Block II, Pengdong Oilfield (CNPC Penglai Oilfield, 2022).
  • Key Research Member: Technology for controlling noise of non-stationary compression waves (CNPC East Geophysical Exploration Company, 2021).
  • Key Research Member: Multiple wave processing technology for shallow marine areas (CNPC East Geophysical Exploration Company, 2019).

Honors and Awards 🏆

  • 2020–2024: The Doctoral First Prize Academic Scholarship, China University of Petroleum – Beijing
  • 2021: First prize at the “Oriental Cup” National University Student Exploration Geophysics Competition
  • 2022: Doctoral National Scholarship, China University of Petroleum – Beijing

Skills 💻

  • Programming: Python, Matlab, C
  • Software: GeoEast, Petrel, Jason, HRS, Madagascar; Pytorch, TensorFlow, Keras
  • Research Tools: Linux, LaTeX, MS Office
  • Languages: Chinese (native), English (fluent)

Publication Top Notes

Structurally-Constrained Unsupervised Deep Learning for Seismic High-Resolution Reconstruction

Deep learning for high-resolution multichannel seismic impedance inversion

Deep Learning Vertical Resolution Enhancement Considering Features of Seismic Data

Incorporating Structural Constraint Into the Machine Learning High-Resolution Seismic Reconstruction