Robert Kayen is a civil engineer, geologist, and professor of civil engineering and environmental engineering at the University of California, Los Angeles, Industry Faculty. He is a leading international expert in the fields of earthquake engineering, soil liquefaction, and ground failure. Kayen's research focuses on geotechnical engineering, engineering characterization of natural hazards and extreme events, and earth science aspects of civil engineering. His works have been applied in earthquake engineering design of building foundations, bridge abutments, and lifeline and environmental systems.