Find Academic Supervisors

• Multiphase Flow in Porous Media
• Phase-Field Modeling
• Reactive Transport
• +6 more

Xiaojing (Ruby) Fu is an Assistant Professor of Mechanical and Civil Engineering at Caltech, holding the William H. Hurt Scholar title since 2024. She leads the Fu Research Group, focusing on multiphase flow physics in porous media and their applications in geoscience, cryosphere dynamics, and subsurface engineering. Her work integrates mathematical theory, computational modeling, laboratory experiments, and field observations to advance predictive capabilities for large-scale environmental systems. Education: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Clarkson University, 2011 M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2015 Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, MIT, 2017 Her research interests span multiphase flow in porous media, phase-field modeling, reactive transport, fluid-solid coupling, and cryosphere processes. Key applications include dryland hydrology, gas hydrate systems, geothermal systems, and geologic carbon sequestration. Recent work includes groundbreaking studies on freezing infiltration patterns in porous media, fiber-optic soil moisture sensing, and seismic-induced earthquake forecasting models. Awards: William H. Hurt Scholar (2024–present) Teaching: Courses include ME/CE/Ge/ESE 146 (Computational Methods for Flow in Porous Media) and ME 11/12 (Thermal Science/Mechanics). Labs/Teams: The Fu Research Group collaborates on projects involving pore-scale modeling, field experiments, and computational simulations. Recent breakthroughs include developing phase-field models for wet snow metamorphism and analyzing permafrost thaw dynamics under climate change.

Shailesh NaireView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Fluid Mechanics
• Continuum Mechanics
• Mathematical Modelling
• +4 more

Shailesh Naire is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Computer Science and Mathematics at Keele University , UK. He earned his PhD in Applied Mathematics from the University of Delaware (2000), with research on thin-film fluid dynamics in foam drainage. His career includes postdoctoral work at the University of Nottingham (2001–2004) and lectureships at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (2000–2001), Heriot-Watt University (2004–2006), and the University of Nottingham (2006). Education : PhD in Applied Mathematics (University of Delaware, 2000) His research spans fluid mechanics and biomedical engineering , focusing on fluid-structure interactions, free boundaries, and mathematical modeling. Current projects include thermocapillary and thermoviscous effects in thin-film flows, fingering instabilities in lava flows, and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations for mechanical thrombectomy and tissue engineering . Collaborations involve Keele's School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering and the Royal Stoke University Hospital. Recent publications highlight his work on signaling molecule-mediated cartilage regeneration, thermo-viscous instabilities in spreading liquid domes, and adaptive mesh methods for thin-film equations. He supervises PhD student Jatinder Pannu (2023) and has mentored several former students, including Kelly Campbell (2020) and Hani Alahmadi (2021). Administratively, he serves as the Health and Safety Liaison Officer in his school and has held leadership roles such as Postgraduate Research Director and Programme Director for the Data Scientist Apprenticeship. His research themes include Fluid Dynamics and Biomechanics .

Mousumi RoyView profile

Professor

• Geophysics
• Tectonic Plate Dynamics
• Magma-Rock Interaction
• +5 more

Dr. Mousumi Roy is a Professor and Regents' Lecturer in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of New Mexico (UNM). Her research focuses on geophysics and tectonic plate dynamics, particularly the interplay between magma-rock interactions, lithospheric evolution, and deformation patterns. She holds a PhD from MIT (1997), an MS from Boston University (1993), and a BS from Stanford University (1989). Current research projects include: Post-40 Ma lithosphere weakening in the Basin and Range Province (NSF-funded) Melt-migration within continental mantle lithosphere under disequilibrium conditions Mid-crustal magma intrusion modeling with seismic and geodetic data Volcano subsurface imaging using machine learning and muon radiography Stratovolcano topographic form analysis Her grants include NSF-EAR awards and UNM internal funding. She advises graduate students (e.g., Grant Block, Kellen Malone) and undergraduates like Stephanie Paiva-Flynn. Her research group uses advanced modeling techniques (finite-element, lattice Boltzmann) and collaborates with institutions globally, including LANL and the University of Tokyo. Teaching includes courses in geophysics, computational physics, and Earth deformation analysis. She emphasizes student research involvement, with past students securing NSF fellowships and industry positions.

Gregory YaxleyView profile

Professor

• Geochemistry
• Petrology
• Mantle Dynamics
• +5 more

Prof Gregory Yaxley is a Professor at the Research School of Earth Sciences, Australian National University. His research focuses on mantle processes, carbonatite magmas, and lithospheric stability. He holds qualifications including a BSc (Hons), Dip. Ed., and PhD. Key research interests include peridotite metasomatism, mantle dynamics, and kimberlite systems. Over 83 publications since 1993 highlight his work on xenolith geochemistry, experimental petrology, and cratonic architecture. Current projects investigate critical minerals in Australian deposits and carbonatite formation mechanisms. Active supervisory roles support graduate research in mantle petrology and magmatic systems. Education BSc (Hons) Dip. Ed. PhD Research Interests Prof Yaxley explores cratonic lithosphere stability through mantle xenolith studies and investigates carbonatite magmas as critical mineral sources. Major themes include metasomatic controls , melt-rock interaction , and high-pressure experimental petrology . His work bridges geochemistry and geophysics to model mantle processes. Recent Research Trends Recent articles emphasize: Peridotite-Clinopyroxene Interactions in kimberlite systems (2025) Nitrogen Recycling in subduction zones (2024) Pargasite Channels in cratonic lithosphere (2024) Grants & Projects ARC Training Centre in Critical Resources (2024-2029) Niobium Carbonate Geology Project (2024-2026) Early Earth Mantle Melting (2022-2025) Labs & Teams Leads ANU's mantle petrology group, collaborating with Geoscience Australia on plate dynamics modeling. Active in international diamond and kimberlite research networks.

Alessandro M. ForteView profile

Professor

• Global Geophysics
• Computational Geodynamics
• Mantle Convection Modeling
• +5 more

Alessandro M. Forte is Professor of Geophysics at the University of Florida, specializing in computational modeling of Earth's deep interior dynamics. His research employs high-performance computing to simulate mantle convection processes, linking deep-Earth mass and heat movement to surface phenomena including plate tectonics, continental drift, gravity anomalies, and sea-level variations. Current investigations focus on the relationship between mantle dynamics and paleoclimate signals recorded in geological markers, particularly sea-level changes during warm periods and Milankovitch cycles in cyclostratigraphic data. Dr. Forte collaborates internationally with the Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris to map spatio-temporal connections between internal Earth dynamics and climate proxies. Research applications include explaining continental topography evolution, ocean basin formation, and interpreting seismic tomography through geodynamic constraints. His work advances understanding of how convection-driven processes manifest in Earth's gravitational field, rotational behavior, and long-term surface deformation patterns.

Wendy BohrsonView profile

Professor

• Magmatism
• Thermodynamic Modeling
• Volcanology
• +3 more

Wendy Bohrson is a Professor in the Department of Geology and Geological Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines. Her research focuses on understanding physical and chemical changes in magmas during crustal storage and transport, with a particular emphasis on open-system thermodynamic modeling. She develops computational tools like the Magma Chamber Simulator (MCS) to track compositional and phase equilibria in evolving magmas. Key research interests include magma mush processes, crustal magmatism, timescales of melt/crystal aggregation, and linking petrologic data with geophysical signals at active volcanoes. Education background and affiliations: Her academic career includes positions at Colorado School of Mines and collaborations with institutions globally. She has authored/co-authored over 100 peer-reviewed articles since 2012, focusing on volcanic systems, planetary magmatism, and computational modeling. Research highlights include studies on the Steens Basalt, Mount Etna eruptive records, and lunar magma ocean dynamics. Her work integrates experimental petrology, geochemical analysis, and computational simulations to unravel magmatic processes. Projects often combine fieldwork with advanced modeling to address questions like crustal contamination, magma mixing, and eruption dynamics. Grants and funding support her research into flood basalt systems, magma chamber dynamics, and planetary crust formation. She contributes to STEM education initiatives like the Science Talent Expansion Program (STEP) at Central Washington University. Labs/teams: She leads the Computational Petrology Group at Mines, focusing on open-source tools like MCS. Collaborations include international volcano observatories and planetary science institutions.

Laurent G. J. MontésiView profile

Professor

• Planetary Geodynamics
• Structural Geology
• Tectonics
• +4 more

Laurent G. J. Montési is a Professor in the Department of Geology at the University of Maryland. His research focuses on planetary geodynamics, particularly deformation patterns on terrestrial planets and icy moons. He specializes in fault localization, mountain belt formation, and tectonic processes on Venus, Mars, Europa, and Earth. Education: Ph.D. in Geology from MIT (2002). Laboratory: Geodynamics Laboratory. He explores topics such as corona structures on Venus, lava tube detection on the Moon, and mantle dynamics in subduction zones. Recent work highlights include developing models for Venusian plume tectonics, analyzing lunar lava tube stability, and investigating melt migration in planetary lithospheres. His research integrates geophysical data, numerical simulations, and field observations. Key contributions span planetary surface processes, structural geology, and the interplay between tectonic stresses and melt dynamics. His studies inform missions to explore icy moons and terrestrial planets.

Laura KerberView profile

Researcher

• Physical Volcanology
• Aeolian Geomorphology
• Planetary Atmospheres
• +3 more

Laura Kerber is a Researcher at the California Institute of Technology (JPL), specializing in planetary geology with a focus on physical volcanology, aeolian geomorphology, and planetary atmospheres. She holds a PhD in Geological Sciences from Brown University (2011), alongside two Master's degrees in Geology and Fluid Mechanics. Her work integrates remote sensing, field studies, and computational modeling to explore planetary surfaces and atmospheres. Professional roles include Deputy Project Scientist for NASA's Mars Odyssey mission and Principal Investigator of the Moon Diver Discovery mission concept, aiming to explore lunar caves. Key research areas span Martian climate evolution, sulfur-driven atmospheric processes, and the geology of Mercury and the Moon. She has contributed to the MESSENGER mission's analysis of Mercury's volcanic history and pyroclastic deposits. Notable awards include the NASA Graduate Student Research Fellowship (2009–2010) and the Mason L. Hill Memorial Award in Geology (2006). Her work has been published in high-impact journals like Science , Icarus , and Journal of Geophysical Research , with a focus on volcanic processes, aeolian features, and planetary climate modeling. Community contributions include reviewing for Icarus , Journal of Geophysical Research , and serving as a panel member for NASA's ROSES program. Her research bridges surface-atmosphere interactions, with future focus on extreme terrain exploration and planetary habitability studies.

Bartosz PieterekView profile

Assistant Professor

• Planetary Geology
• Volcanology
• Geochemistry
• +3 more

Dr. Bartosz Pieterek is an Assistant Professor at Adam Mickiewicz University specializing in planetary geology with a focus on Martian volcanology and sulfide geochemistry. As Principal Investigator of the PRELUDIUM 16 project, he combines satellite imagery , digital terrain models , and spectral data to study Martian volcanic processes and metal distribution in terrestrial lithosphere. Venue: Room 214 Contact: b.pieterek@amu.edu.pl | bpieterek94@gmail.com His research spans two interconnected domains: (1) Reconstructing Martian volcanic history through analysis of small-scale volcanic structures in young regions, and (2) Investigating sulfide dynamics at crust-mantle boundaries with implications for metallogeny and planetary exploration. This dual focus enables cross-disciplinary insights between terrestrial and extraterrestrial magmatic systems. Peer-reviewed publications (2017-2025) demonstrate consistent output across volcanology , geochemistry , and planetary exploration domains. Key trends include: Systematic analysis of Martian fissure eruptions and volcanic ramparts Quantitative studies of sulfide behavior in both terrestrial and Martian contexts Development of specialized instruments like MIRORES for ore detection Integration of thermal inertia mapping with structural geology Comparative studies of oceanic and continental crust-mantle transitions Time-resolved analysis of Martian magmatic activity periods Technically, Pieterek combines remote sensing with petrological modeling to address fundamental questions about planetary evolution and resource distribution.

• Near Surface Geophysics
• Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
• Landmine Detection
• +4 more

Dr. Iraklis Giannakis is a Lecturer at the University of Aberdeen's School of Geosciences. He holds a PhD from the University of Edinburgh (2015), with earlier degrees from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. His research focuses on geophysics, machine learning, and GPR applications in landmine detection, planetary science, and forestry. Dr. Giannakis is a core contributor to the open-source gprMax software, used globally for FDTD simulations. He has published over 55 articles, with recent work emphasizing lunar and Martian radar data analysis, deep learning for subsurface imaging, and planetary surface characterization. Education: Bachelor's and Master's in Geophysics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (2009, 2011) PhD in Geophysics from the University of Edinburgh (2015), funded by DSTL and EPSRC Research Interests: Machine learning in geophysics, GPR for landmine detection, non-destructive testing, planetary subsurface exploration, and forestry applications. His work integrates computational geophysics with advanced signal processing and inversion techniques. Key Projects: gprMax: Open-source FDTD solver for GPR Lunar/Mars radar analysis (Chang’E-4, Yutu-2 missions) COST Action TU1208 collaborative research Industry partnerships (e.g., D-Box demining tools) Awards: Best Paper Award at the 15th International Conference on GPR (2015). Grants & Collaborations: Funded by Google Fiber, EPSRC, and international partnerships. Active in journals like Icarus and Geophysics . Labs/Teams: Part of the Planetary Geophysics group at Aberdeen, contributing to lunar and Martian surface studies using radar data.