SANTA BARBARA HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

2026 Distinguished Alum: Dr. Peter Malin '67

The Alumni Association is proud to honor Dr. Peter E. Malin ‘67 as the 2026 Distinguished Alum. We celebrate him and his distinguished career which has been defined by scientific innovation, global impact, and a lifelong commitment to advancing our understanding of the Earth.
A distinguished geophysicist and educator, Dr. Malin is an

Emeritus Professor of Earth and Climate Science at Duke University. Over the course of his career, he has made significant contributions to the study of earthquakes, tectonics, and geothermal energy systems—fields that are critical to both public safety and the future of sustainable energy.
Dr. Malin’s connection to Santa Barbara is both professional and impactful. Earlier in his career, he spent a decade working in the Santa Barbara area, where he collaborated with students and researchers on seismic monitoring and earthquake research. During this time, he helped develop innovative approaches to studying fault systems, including work connected to California’s earthquake-prone regions.
This period in Santa Barbara helped shape Dr. Malin’s career and reflects the region’s strong tradition of scientific inquiry and environmental stewardship. Through his research on the San Andreas Fault and seismic activity linked to hydraulic fracturing, Dr. Malin has helped develop approaches that reduce earthquake risk—informing monitoring systems, guiding safer energy practices, and strengthening public safety efforts across California.
Dr. Malin’s work has taken him around the world, from California’s fault systems to geothermal regions in Iceland, Kenya, Japan, Central America and New Zealand. In New Zealand he was selected to create and direct the Institute of Earth Science and Engineering (IESE) and has been advancing technologies used to monitor the Earth’s subsurface and explore renewable energy solutions.
The Alumni Association is honored to recognize Dr. Malin as the 2026 Distinguished Alum. His connection to Santa Barbara—paired with his global contributions to science—embodies the spirit of curiosity, innovation, and community impact that defines the Don legacy. His achievements serve as an inspiration to current students, reminding us that the path from Santa Barbara can lead to meaningful contributions around the world.

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We now have an online database of all 60,000+ SBHS alumni! Follow the directions below to update your information and search for other alumni.

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Vision Statement
To partner with Santa Barbara High School through programs and services that foster Dons traditions, support our diverse community, and preserve a passion for life-long involvement with the school and our alumni.
Mission Statement
The Santa Barbara High School Alumni Association was created in 1975 to advance the interests and welfare of Santa Barbara High School and its students, staff, and alumni. We provide educational scholarships, support reunions, allocate monetary assistance to classroom projects, grant awards, beautify the campus, and preserve the history and archives of the school. We promote unity and equity and encourage Dons spirit to honor our shared legacy.