Ron Harris

Dr. Ron Harris received his Bachelor's degree in geology from the University of Oregon, his Master's degree from the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks, and his Ph.D. from the University of London.

Dr. Harris' professional interests can be summarized as understanding tectonic processes, the structural processes that develop the earth's crust, and the impact of those processes on man.

He has studied structural geology in North and South America, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, Europe, and Africa, taught at universities in the U.S., Great Britain, Oman, and Indonesia, collaborated with researchers from the U.S., China, Indonesia, India, Turkey, Taiwan, South Africa, and Japan, presented over 50 invited presentations, has over 50 peer-reviewed publications, and garnered several research awards.

But another distinguishing feature of Dr. Harris' work is that not only is he advancing the science, he puts that knowledge to work for the betterment of humanity. He is the founder of the non-profit organization "In Harm's Way" that prepares at-risk areas of the world for future natural disasters, providing education on disaster risk-reduction, preparation, warning, and rapid response programs. In Harm's Way, recognizes that an investment in preparation can be much more beneficial than dollars spent after the disaster. Dr. Harris is also founder of Youth Enjoying Service (YES), a youth group involved in volunteer service projects, and SAFE (Save All From Earthquakes), an organization dedicated to construction of earthquake-resistant schools.