Academic Credentials
  • Ph.D., Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 2022
  • B.Sc., Geophysics, University of Washington, 2015
Professional Honors
  • National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program Award, 2018
Professional Affiliations
  • American Geophysical Union, Geological Society of America

Dr. Medwedeff specializes in geomorphology, near-surface geophysics, landslide hazard analysis, geospatial analytics, and tectonics. He has experience characterizing subsurface conditions of soils and weathered rock. 

Dr. Medwedeff also has experience with analysis and interpretation of satellite imagery, spectral data, and digital elevation data including LiDAR and photogrammetry-derived products. He uses these remote sensing tools for hazard mapping and evaluation of regional slope stability following earthquakes and/or large rainstorms. Dr. Medwedeff has significant fieldwork experience in remote areas, including post-earthquake hazard reconnaissance, geophysical surveys, and rock mass characterization. He provides technical expertise on the implementation of statistical analyses and development of numerical models for regional slope stability.

Prior to joining Exponent, Dr. Medwedeff earned his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan. His graduate research focused on understanding the controls on regional patterns in rock weathering and rock strength in central Nepal. In addressing this research, Dr. Medwedeff applied field-based techniques including compressional and surface wave seismic surveys, rockmass characterization with the Geological Strength Index (GSI) and Hoek and Brown Criterion, and Schmidt Hammer measurements. He also analyzed landslide size statistics and developed slope stability inverse modelling approaches to investigate how variations in shallow rock strength are reflected in regional landslide distributions. Dr. Medwedeff's research considered how variations in the thickness of bedrock weathering profiles reflect erosion rates and landscape evolution over geologic timescales. This aspect of his research involved the characterization of fault slip rates and erosion rates with (U-Th)/He thermochronology and inverse thermal modeling in central Nepal.

While at the University of Michigan Dr. Medwedeff was awarded a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship. He also served as a graduate student instructor for four undergraduate courses over five semesters, including geographic information systems (GIS), applied geophysics, structural geology, and a structural mapping course at University of Michigan's field camp in Jackson Wyoming.