USGS scientists were deployed to assess land deformation and movement after a large M6.4 earthquake struck Puerto Rico on January 7, 2020. Here is an example of a lateral spread near a stream in Ponce, Puerto Rico.
Steven Sobieszćzyk
Steven Sobieszćzyk is a scientist and spokesperson. While "Sobie" spent most of his career researching landslide hazards, flooding, sediment transport, and stream ecosystems, he now focuses on science communication and promoting scientific literacy. Steve is a multihazard first responder and has spoken extensively about seismic, wildfire, landslide, flooding, and volcanic hazards.
CURRENT WORK
- Media Lead for the USGS Natural Hazards Mission Area
- Public Information Officer for DOI Office of Wildland Fire
- Hydrologist for National DOI Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team
Professional Experience
Public Affairs Specialist • U.S. Geological Survey • 2020 – Present
Develop, create, and execute national-level Bureau communication content (e.g., news releases, social media posts, videos), events (e.g., open houses, press conferences), and media & science communications training. Writer. Illustrator. Videographer. Webmaster. Instructor. Public Speaker.
Public Information Officer & Hydrologist • U.S. Department of Interior • 2017 – Present
Multi-incident first responder. Create talking points, press releases, videos, social media content, and online story maps. Coordinate community meetings and press conferences. DOI Burned Area Emergency Response hydrologist.
Co-founder • Association of Science Communicators • 2016 – 2023
Founding member and executive officer of an international non-profit science communication organization. Help guide internal/external communication and community marketing strategies, including graphic design, branding, and conference development.
Geographer & Hydrologist • U.S. Geological Survey • 2001 – 2020
Study debris flow, flooding, and sediment transport-related issues. Professional background in GIS, including runoff modeling and bathymetric surveys. Advised Leadership on strategies and methods to achieve better public understanding of science content.
Adjunct Professor • Portland State University • 2011 – 2017
Taught Hydrology (GEOG 4/514), GIS for Water Resources (GEOG 4/594), River Restoration, Part II: Ecological Processes (EPP 222), and Site Evaluation and Assessment Tools (EPP 223).
Research Assistant • NASA • 1999
Mapped, analyzed, and compiled a database of crater impacts on Ganymede, the largest moon of Jupiter, using Galileo and Viking satellite images.
Education and Certifications
Portland State University • M.S. • 2010
Landslide Engineering Geology and Hydrology
Portland State University • GISP • 2005
Licensed Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Professional
University of Wisconson - Oshkosh • B.S. • 2000
Geology, minor in Geography
Science and Products
Steven is interested in landslide hazards, sediment transport, water quality, and stream ecosystems and has published numerous scientific reports, journal articles, and data sets on these topics (see subject links below for respective publications).
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
When it comes to talking to others, especially when explaining science, the key is consequences outweigh precision. You should always be honest, tell the truth, but don't sweat the small stuff. People care about relatability, not the mundane. Knowing what information isn't worth sharing is hard. There are professionals out there who can help. Like me.
USGS scientists were deployed to assess land deformation and movement after a large M6.4 earthquake struck Puerto Rico on January 7, 2020. Here is an example of a lateral spread near a stream in Ponce, Puerto Rico.
USGS scientists, like Dr. Alex Grant, were deployed to assess land deformation and movement after a large M6.4 earthquake struck Puerto Rico on January 7, 2020. Here is an example of a lateral spread near a creek in Ponce, Puerto Rico.
USGS scientists, like Dr. Alex Grant, were deployed to assess land deformation and movement after a large M6.4 earthquake struck Puerto Rico on January 7, 2020. Here is an example of a lateral spread near a creek in Ponce, Puerto Rico.
Each year the State of California promotes a ShakeOut event where local citizens practice earthquake response and preparedness. This video shows footage from the 2019 Great California ShakeOut, which was hosted at Biola University in La Mirenda, CA. Video includes footage of the initial ShakeAlert announcement that blared across campus.
Each year the State of California promotes a ShakeOut event where local citizens practice earthquake response and preparedness. This video shows footage from the 2019 Great California ShakeOut, which was hosted at Biola University in La Mirenda, CA. Video includes footage of the initial ShakeAlert announcement that blared across campus.
On October 17, 1989, at 5:04 pm a magnitude M6.9 earthquake struck near Loma Prieta, California. It was a tragic reminder of the destructive power of earthquakes. However, it was also a watershed moment in seismic research. 30 years later, we revisit the earthquake through the eyes of the scientists who experienced it. And studied it. These are their stories.
On October 17, 1989, at 5:04 pm a magnitude M6.9 earthquake struck near Loma Prieta, California. It was a tragic reminder of the destructive power of earthquakes. However, it was also a watershed moment in seismic research. 30 years later, we revisit the earthquake through the eyes of the scientists who experienced it. And studied it. These are their stories.
On October 17, 1989, at 5:04 pm a magnitude M6.9 earthquake struck near Loma Prieta, California. It was a tragic reminder of the destructive power of earthquakes. However, it was also a watershed moment in seismic research. 30 years later, we revisit the earthquake through the eyes of the scientists who experienced it. And studied it. These are their stories.
On October 17, 1989, at 5:04 pm a magnitude M6.9 earthquake struck near Loma Prieta, California. It was a tragic reminder of the destructive power of earthquakes. However, it was also a watershed moment in seismic research. 30 years later, we revisit the earthquake through the eyes of the scientists who experienced it. And studied it. These are their stories.
On October 17, 1989, at 5:04 pm a magnitude M6.9 earthquake struck near Loma Prieta, California. It was a tragic reminder of the destructive power of earthquakes. However, it was also a watershed moment in seismic research. 30 years later, we revisit the earthquake through the eyes of the scientists who experienced it. And studied it.
On October 17, 1989, at 5:04 pm a magnitude M6.9 earthquake struck near Loma Prieta, California. It was a tragic reminder of the destructive power of earthquakes. However, it was also a watershed moment in seismic research. 30 years later, we revisit the earthquake through the eyes of the scientists who experienced it. And studied it.
On October 17, 1989, at 5:04 pm a magnitude M6.9 earthquake struck near Loma Prieta, California. It was a tragic reminder of the destructive power of earthquakes. However, it was also a watershed moment in seismic research. 30 years later, we revisit the earthquake through the eyes of the scientists who experienced it. And studied it. These are their stories.
On October 17, 1989, at 5:04 pm a magnitude M6.9 earthquake struck near Loma Prieta, California. It was a tragic reminder of the destructive power of earthquakes. However, it was also a watershed moment in seismic research. 30 years later, we revisit the earthquake through the eyes of the scientists who experienced it. And studied it. These are their stories.
Mule deer are an important part of the Western landscape and are coveted among big-game hunters throughout the country. These animals draw outdoor enthusiasts to states, such as Wyoming, where nearly 800,000 people hunted, fished, and viewed wildlife, and contributed $1.1 billion to the state’s economy.
Mule deer are an important part of the Western landscape and are coveted among big-game hunters throughout the country. These animals draw outdoor enthusiasts to states, such as Wyoming, where nearly 800,000 people hunted, fished, and viewed wildlife, and contributed $1.1 billion to the state’s economy.
Science is done by those who "do." Thank you women in science for all your contributions to USGS and the sciences, as a whole.
Science is done by those who "do." Thank you women in science for all your contributions to USGS and the sciences, as a whole.
Maintenance of high quality ShakeAlert sensor, power and telemetry station in the San Francisco Bay Area in California.
Maintenance of high quality ShakeAlert sensor, power and telemetry station in the San Francisco Bay Area in California.
View along a bluff in Tanner Creek watershed following the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire, Oregon (Columbia Gorge)
View along a bluff in Tanner Creek watershed following the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire, Oregon (Columbia Gorge)
Welcome to the USGS GeoLog Locator, an online tool for viewing and downloading digital borehole geophysical logs. These borehole logs are used to answer scientific questions about things like groundwater availability, geologic structure of the Earth, and certain characteristics of the structure of the soil and rock formations.
Welcome to the USGS GeoLog Locator, an online tool for viewing and downloading digital borehole geophysical logs. These borehole logs are used to answer scientific questions about things like groundwater availability, geologic structure of the Earth, and certain characteristics of the structure of the soil and rock formations.
Soil burn severity for the Eagle Creek Fire, Oregon (2017). Soil burn severity is used for postfire assessments to determine flash flooding and postfire debris flow potential for a recently burned area.
Soil burn severity for the Eagle Creek Fire, Oregon (2017). Soil burn severity is used for postfire assessments to determine flash flooding and postfire debris flow potential for a recently burned area.
Meet Bob.
Bob is a beaver.
Meet Bob.
Bob is a beaver.
USGS team of scientists electro-shocking (fishing) Zollner Creek, OR.
USGS team of scientists electro-shocking (fishing) Zollner Creek, OR.
Scenic view from Siuslaw National Forest, OR.
Scenic view from Siuslaw National Forest, OR.
USGS scientist completing a stream assessement of West Fork Palmer Creek, Oregon.
USGS scientist completing a stream assessement of West Fork Palmer Creek, Oregon.
Photograph of field gear and equipment used in water quality monitoring.
Photograph of field gear and equipment used in water quality monitoring.
Los bosques del noroeste del Pacífico están siendo afectados por la afluencia de especies no nativas de plantas y animales. Sin embargo, con investigación, conservación y restauración conscientes podemos ayudar a detener la propagación de especies invasoras.
Los bosques del noroeste del Pacífico están siendo afectados por la afluencia de especies no nativas de plantas y animales. Sin embargo, con investigación, conservación y restauración conscientes podemos ayudar a detener la propagación de especies invasoras.
Pacific Northwest forests are being impacted by an influx of non-native species of plants and animals. However, with mindful research, conservation, and restoration we can help stop the spread of invasive species.
Pacific Northwest forests are being impacted by an influx of non-native species of plants and animals. However, with mindful research, conservation, and restoration we can help stop the spread of invasive species.
Follow a U.S. Geological Survey hydrologist as he takes part in the National Water-Quality Assessment Program in the Pacific Northwest. In 1991, the U.S.
Follow a U.S. Geological Survey hydrologist as he takes part in the National Water-Quality Assessment Program in the Pacific Northwest. In 1991, the U.S.
Science and Products
Steven is interested in landslide hazards, sediment transport, water quality, and stream ecosystems and has published numerous scientific reports, journal articles, and data sets on these topics (see subject links below for respective publications).
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
When it comes to talking to others, especially when explaining science, the key is consequences outweigh precision. You should always be honest, tell the truth, but don't sweat the small stuff. People care about relatability, not the mundane. Knowing what information isn't worth sharing is hard. There are professionals out there who can help. Like me.
USGS scientists were deployed to assess land deformation and movement after a large M6.4 earthquake struck Puerto Rico on January 7, 2020. Here is an example of a lateral spread near a stream in Ponce, Puerto Rico.
USGS scientists were deployed to assess land deformation and movement after a large M6.4 earthquake struck Puerto Rico on January 7, 2020. Here is an example of a lateral spread near a stream in Ponce, Puerto Rico.
USGS scientists, like Dr. Alex Grant, were deployed to assess land deformation and movement after a large M6.4 earthquake struck Puerto Rico on January 7, 2020. Here is an example of a lateral spread near a creek in Ponce, Puerto Rico.
USGS scientists, like Dr. Alex Grant, were deployed to assess land deformation and movement after a large M6.4 earthquake struck Puerto Rico on January 7, 2020. Here is an example of a lateral spread near a creek in Ponce, Puerto Rico.
Each year the State of California promotes a ShakeOut event where local citizens practice earthquake response and preparedness. This video shows footage from the 2019 Great California ShakeOut, which was hosted at Biola University in La Mirenda, CA. Video includes footage of the initial ShakeAlert announcement that blared across campus.
Each year the State of California promotes a ShakeOut event where local citizens practice earthquake response and preparedness. This video shows footage from the 2019 Great California ShakeOut, which was hosted at Biola University in La Mirenda, CA. Video includes footage of the initial ShakeAlert announcement that blared across campus.
On October 17, 1989, at 5:04 pm a magnitude M6.9 earthquake struck near Loma Prieta, California. It was a tragic reminder of the destructive power of earthquakes. However, it was also a watershed moment in seismic research. 30 years later, we revisit the earthquake through the eyes of the scientists who experienced it. And studied it. These are their stories.
On October 17, 1989, at 5:04 pm a magnitude M6.9 earthquake struck near Loma Prieta, California. It was a tragic reminder of the destructive power of earthquakes. However, it was also a watershed moment in seismic research. 30 years later, we revisit the earthquake through the eyes of the scientists who experienced it. And studied it. These are their stories.
On October 17, 1989, at 5:04 pm a magnitude M6.9 earthquake struck near Loma Prieta, California. It was a tragic reminder of the destructive power of earthquakes. However, it was also a watershed moment in seismic research. 30 years later, we revisit the earthquake through the eyes of the scientists who experienced it. And studied it. These are their stories.
On October 17, 1989, at 5:04 pm a magnitude M6.9 earthquake struck near Loma Prieta, California. It was a tragic reminder of the destructive power of earthquakes. However, it was also a watershed moment in seismic research. 30 years later, we revisit the earthquake through the eyes of the scientists who experienced it. And studied it. These are their stories.
On October 17, 1989, at 5:04 pm a magnitude M6.9 earthquake struck near Loma Prieta, California. It was a tragic reminder of the destructive power of earthquakes. However, it was also a watershed moment in seismic research. 30 years later, we revisit the earthquake through the eyes of the scientists who experienced it. And studied it.
On October 17, 1989, at 5:04 pm a magnitude M6.9 earthquake struck near Loma Prieta, California. It was a tragic reminder of the destructive power of earthquakes. However, it was also a watershed moment in seismic research. 30 years later, we revisit the earthquake through the eyes of the scientists who experienced it. And studied it.
On October 17, 1989, at 5:04 pm a magnitude M6.9 earthquake struck near Loma Prieta, California. It was a tragic reminder of the destructive power of earthquakes. However, it was also a watershed moment in seismic research. 30 years later, we revisit the earthquake through the eyes of the scientists who experienced it. And studied it. These are their stories.
On October 17, 1989, at 5:04 pm a magnitude M6.9 earthquake struck near Loma Prieta, California. It was a tragic reminder of the destructive power of earthquakes. However, it was also a watershed moment in seismic research. 30 years later, we revisit the earthquake through the eyes of the scientists who experienced it. And studied it. These are their stories.
Mule deer are an important part of the Western landscape and are coveted among big-game hunters throughout the country. These animals draw outdoor enthusiasts to states, such as Wyoming, where nearly 800,000 people hunted, fished, and viewed wildlife, and contributed $1.1 billion to the state’s economy.
Mule deer are an important part of the Western landscape and are coveted among big-game hunters throughout the country. These animals draw outdoor enthusiasts to states, such as Wyoming, where nearly 800,000 people hunted, fished, and viewed wildlife, and contributed $1.1 billion to the state’s economy.
Science is done by those who "do." Thank you women in science for all your contributions to USGS and the sciences, as a whole.
Science is done by those who "do." Thank you women in science for all your contributions to USGS and the sciences, as a whole.
Maintenance of high quality ShakeAlert sensor, power and telemetry station in the San Francisco Bay Area in California.
Maintenance of high quality ShakeAlert sensor, power and telemetry station in the San Francisco Bay Area in California.
View along a bluff in Tanner Creek watershed following the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire, Oregon (Columbia Gorge)
View along a bluff in Tanner Creek watershed following the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire, Oregon (Columbia Gorge)
Welcome to the USGS GeoLog Locator, an online tool for viewing and downloading digital borehole geophysical logs. These borehole logs are used to answer scientific questions about things like groundwater availability, geologic structure of the Earth, and certain characteristics of the structure of the soil and rock formations.
Welcome to the USGS GeoLog Locator, an online tool for viewing and downloading digital borehole geophysical logs. These borehole logs are used to answer scientific questions about things like groundwater availability, geologic structure of the Earth, and certain characteristics of the structure of the soil and rock formations.
Soil burn severity for the Eagle Creek Fire, Oregon (2017). Soil burn severity is used for postfire assessments to determine flash flooding and postfire debris flow potential for a recently burned area.
Soil burn severity for the Eagle Creek Fire, Oregon (2017). Soil burn severity is used for postfire assessments to determine flash flooding and postfire debris flow potential for a recently burned area.
Meet Bob.
Bob is a beaver.
Meet Bob.
Bob is a beaver.
USGS team of scientists electro-shocking (fishing) Zollner Creek, OR.
USGS team of scientists electro-shocking (fishing) Zollner Creek, OR.
Scenic view from Siuslaw National Forest, OR.
Scenic view from Siuslaw National Forest, OR.
USGS scientist completing a stream assessement of West Fork Palmer Creek, Oregon.
USGS scientist completing a stream assessement of West Fork Palmer Creek, Oregon.
Photograph of field gear and equipment used in water quality monitoring.
Photograph of field gear and equipment used in water quality monitoring.
Los bosques del noroeste del Pacífico están siendo afectados por la afluencia de especies no nativas de plantas y animales. Sin embargo, con investigación, conservación y restauración conscientes podemos ayudar a detener la propagación de especies invasoras.
Los bosques del noroeste del Pacífico están siendo afectados por la afluencia de especies no nativas de plantas y animales. Sin embargo, con investigación, conservación y restauración conscientes podemos ayudar a detener la propagación de especies invasoras.
Pacific Northwest forests are being impacted by an influx of non-native species of plants and animals. However, with mindful research, conservation, and restoration we can help stop the spread of invasive species.
Pacific Northwest forests are being impacted by an influx of non-native species of plants and animals. However, with mindful research, conservation, and restoration we can help stop the spread of invasive species.
Follow a U.S. Geological Survey hydrologist as he takes part in the National Water-Quality Assessment Program in the Pacific Northwest. In 1991, the U.S.
Follow a U.S. Geological Survey hydrologist as he takes part in the National Water-Quality Assessment Program in the Pacific Northwest. In 1991, the U.S.