Hongsheng Wang is a Research Fellow at the Bureau of Economic Geology within the Jackson School of Geosciences at The University of Texas at Austin. His research focuses on advancing subsurface energy technologies through interdisciplinary approaches combining geoscience, engineering, and machine learning. Key areas include geological carbon storage, underground hydrogen storage, reservoir simulation, and fracture mechanics. His work emphasizes innovative applications of machine learning for challenges such as CO2 plume migration forecasting, parameterization of 3D saturation data, and fracture conductivity analysis. He also investigates leakage mitigation strategies in hydrogen storage systems and the role of permeability heterogeneity in subsurface processes. Publications highlight contributions to microfluidic experiments, porous media dynamics, and AI-driven reservoir modeling. Current projects involve surrogate models for large-scale simulations and dimension reduction techniques to enhance computational efficiency in carbon storage assessments.
Terrence R. Meyer is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics (by Courtesy) at Purdue University's School of Mechanical Engineering. He leads the Advanced Diagnostics and Propulsion Research Laboratory within the Maurice J. Zucrow Laboratories, focusing on next-generation propulsion systems and laser diagnostics for extreme thermal-fluid environments. His research spans rotating detonation engines (RDEs), scramjet engines, and combustion diagnostics, with applications in hypersonics and propulsion efficiency. Education: BME (University of Minnesota, 1993), MS and PhD (University of Illinois, 1997/2001) His research interests include laser diagnostics development, thermal-fluid behavior in extreme conditions, and performance estimation using optical techniques. Meyer holds multiple fellowships and awards, including the 2025 Combustion Institute Fellowship and the 2023 Aerodynamic Measurement Technology Innovation Award. His work bridges fundamental combustion science with applied propulsion engineering, leveraging advanced diagnostics like burst-mode laser systems and X-ray tomography. Recent projects include the THOR Test Rig for turbine-integrated RDEs and studies on ammonia combustion for aviation. Publications highlight his contributions to detonation wave dynamics, high-speed imaging techniques, and multiphase flow analysis. Meyer is actively involved in academic leadership roles, including editorial boards and conference organization, and has mentored numerous students in propulsion and diagnostics research.
James E Gardner is a Professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at the Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas at Austin, holding the Third Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Yager Professorship. His research focuses on volcanic eruptions, magmatic processes, and experimental petrology, with emphasis on bubble nucleation in magmas and caldera-forming eruptions. He leads a state-of-the-art experimental laboratory capable of simulating high-pressure magma conditions (up to 1400°C and 5000 bars). Key research areas include studying active volcanic systems globally (USA, Mexico, Kamchatka), experimental determination of volatile solubility in magmas, and the role of pre-eruption degassing in eruption dynamics. Recent work addresses multi-component volatile solubility, bubble nucleation mechanisms, and magma ascent rates. His experimental setups include cold-seal and TZM pressure vessels for studying melt degassing under controlled conditions. Publications span 20+ years, emphasizing bubble nucleation kinetics, pyroclastic density currents, and silicic magma evolution. His work integrates field observations with laboratory experiments and numerical models to understand volcanic hazards and eruption processes. The experimental lab under construction will advance studies on magma-volatile interactions and ore body formation linked to magmatism. Notably, Dr. Gardner’s research bridges fundamental magma physics with applied volcanic hazard assessment, contributing to understanding explosive eruption triggers and conduit dynamics. His collaborative projects include NSF-funded studies on bubble nucleation models and lunar magma ocean processes.
Nicola Tisato is an Associate Professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at the Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas at Austin. His research focuses on rock physics, fault mechanics, and seismic wave attenuation, with applications to earthquake physics, planetary cave systems, and carbon sequestration. He leads the Rock Deformation Laboratory at UT Austin and is a member of the ROCKETH-science network. Education: BSc (2004), MSc (2008) in Geology from Italy; PhD (2013, Zurich) in Rock Physics. Postdoctoral research at the University of Toronto (2014–2015) involved X-ray micro-CT studies of rock deformation. His career includes prior roles as a technician at TecnoPenta Srl (2005–2009) and fieldwork in Italy, Canada, and Texas. Research interests span laboratory experiments on seismic wave behavior, fault zone processes, and biogenic cave formations. He investigates mechanisms like wave-induced fluid flow (WIFF), CO2 mineralization in ultramafic rocks, and the role of friction melt in earthquake dynamics. Recent work explores links between rock properties and subduction zone slow-slip events. His lab develops advanced techniques for 4D imaging of rock deformation under micro-CT, pairing quantitative imaging with rotary shear experiments. Collaborations include studies on speleothem formation, extraterrestrial cave biosignatures, and geophysical monitoring of carbon storage sites. Labs/Teams: Rock Deformation Laboratory (UT Austin), ROCKETH-science network. Future work includes planetary cave exploration and improving predictive models for fault behavior using digital rock physics.
Dr. Mahdi Haddad is a Research Assistant Professor at the Bureau of Economic Geology (BEG) within the Jackson School of Geosciences at The University of Texas at Austin. His expertise spans reservoir geomechanics, subsurface electromagnetic monitoring, hydraulic fracture modeling, and induced seismicity. He leads the revitalized BEG Rock Mechanics Lab and oversees projects at the Advanced Energy Consortium (AEC) lab and Devine Field Test Site (DFTS). His work focuses on developing diagnostic technologies to mitigate risks in subsurface energy operations, including CO2 storage, hydraulic fracturing, and fault reactivation analysis. Education: B.S. in Mechanical and Petroleum Engineering from Sharif University of Technology, Iran; M.S. in Mechanical Engineering (Energy Conversion) from Sharif University; Ph.D. in Petroleum Engineering from UT-Austin. Research Interests: Dr. Haddad specializes in hydraulic fracture dynamics , induced seismicity , poroelastic modeling , and subsurface electromagnetic monitoring . His projects integrate field experiments, numerical simulations, and advanced geophysical techniques to improve subsurface operation safety and efficiency. Awards: Recipient of the 2020 SPE Reservoir Evaluation & Engineering Journal Technical Reviewer Award and 2019 ARMA Future Leader designation. He co-founded the ARMA Induced Seismicity Webinar Series. Advising & Grants: Served as Principal Investigator (PI) on an STTR project for fracturing-induced seismicity diagnostics. Mentored PhD students in petroleum engineering and a lab technician. Active in technical committees for SPE and ARMA. Labs & Teams: Directs the BEG Rock Mechanics Lab and collaborates on initiatives at the AEC Lab and DFTS, advancing technologies for subsurface monitoring and energy resource management.
Deborah Levin is a Professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), holding this position since August 2014. Previously, she served as a Professor at The Pennsylvania State University (2007–2014) and an Associate Professor there (2000–2007). Earlier roles include Research Professor and Lecturer at George Washington University (1998–2000) and Research Staff Member at the Institute for Defense Analyses (1979–1998). Her education includes a PhD in Chemistry from Caltech (1979) and a BS in Chemistry from SUNY Stony Brook (1974). Her research focuses on hypersonics, computational fluid dynamics, combustion, and molecular dynamics. Key areas include radiation modeling in hypersonic flows, direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) methods, and plasma physics. She explores phenomena like shock-layer radiation, nonequilibrium flows, and ion thruster plume dynamics. Her work bridges microscale processes (e.g., molecular dynamics) with macroscale fluid dynamics, addressing challenges in aerospace propulsion and thermal protection systems. Recent studies involve kinetic modeling of ion beam neutralization, particulate behavior in high-speed flows, and carbon sputtering in electric propulsion testing. Her publications span journals like Physics of Fluids , Journal of Propulsion and Power , and AIAA Journal , with a focus on advancing predictive capabilities for aerodynamic heating and plasma-material interactions. Levin’s research has been presented at conferences such as the International Symposium on Rarefied Gas Dynamics and the International Electric Propulsion Conference. Her contributions include developing hybrid models for multiscale flows and advancing computational tools for rarefied gas dynamics.
Dr. Diane Henderson is a Professor in the Department of Mathematics at Pennsylvania State University, affiliated with the Eberly College of Science. Her research focuses on applied mathematics, fluid mechanics, and nonlinear waves, particularly in the context of water wave dynamics. She holds a Ph.D. in Physical Oceanography from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego. Education : Ph.D., Physical Oceanography, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego Research Interests : Dr. Henderson’s work addresses fundamental questions in fluid dynamics, including the behavior of nonlinear waves, surface wave propagation, and the effects of surfactants and variable depth on wave stability. Her studies often combine mathematical modeling with experimental approaches, such as analyzing pressure measurements to reconstruct wave profiles. Key themes include understanding wave dissipation, modulation instability, and the interaction of multiple wave systems in both theoretical and applied contexts. Research Trends : Her recent publications emphasize the development of advanced models for water wave dynamics, such as the spatial Whitham equation, and the application of nonlinear Schrödinger equations to study harmonic generation and wave downshift. Experimental setups, including portable wave tanks and laser beam propagation studies, are integral to validating theoretical findings. Collaborations & Grants : She has led collaborative research projects on water waves, including studies funded by NSF grants focusing on nonlinearity, dissipation, and forcing mechanisms. Her work often bridges applied mathematics and oceanographic engineering, addressing challenges in coastal dynamics and fluid instability. Labs & Teams : Dr. Henderson’s experimental work involves specialized facilities, such as portable wave tanks, to simulate and analyze wave patterns. Her team collaborates across disciplines to explore topics like multiphase flow stability and the role of surfactants in fluid interfaces.
Professor Andreas Yiotis is an Associate Professor at the School of Mineral Resources Engineering at the Technical University of Crete (TUC), Greece. His research focuses on theoretical and numerical modeling of transport processes in porous media, including multiphase flows in geologic formations, with applications in Enhanced Oil Recovery, Soil Remediation, and CO2 sequestration. He leads projects involving pore-scale modeling, microfluidic experiments, and high-performance computing. Notable collaborations include work with Prof. Dominique Salin (CNRS), Prof. Yanis Yortsos (USC), and Prof. Ruben Juanes (MIT). His team operates the Environmental Research Laboratory, equipped with a 240-core supercomputing cluster for parallel simulations in environmental modeling and molecular dynamics. Recent work includes studies on ganglia dynamics, blob population behavior in porous media, and nanofluid dielectric properties for power transformers. He has advised doctoral students such as Ioannis Zarikos (PhD defense 2018) and Dimitri [surname unspecified]. Research emphasizes bridging pore-scale phenomena to macroscopic behavior, using lattice Boltzmann methods and pore network models. Key contributions include experimental validation of 3D porous media micromodels and analysis of immiscible flow dynamics in heterogeneous domains. His work has been presented at conferences like INTERPORE and featured in interdisciplinary short courses on microfluidics.
Sally M. Benson is the Precourt Family Professor in the Department of Energy Resources Engineering at Stanford University's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences, with joint appointments as Senior Fellow at the Woods Institute for the Environment and Precourt Institute for Energy. Her research specializes in decarbonization pathways, including geological CO₂ storage and energy system transitions. From 2021–2023, she served as Energy Division Director at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Previously, she led the Stanford Center for Carbon Storage (2013–2020) and Global Climate and Energy Project (2009–2019). She holds board positions at the Global Carbon Capture and Storage Institute and Breakthrough Energy Innovation Council. Education Ph.D., Material Science & Mineral Engineering, University of California, Berkeley (1988) M.Sc., Material Science & Mineral Engineering, University of California, Berkeley (1984) B.A., Geology, Barnard College, Columbia University (1977) Research Focus Benson's work integrates experimental, computational, and policy approaches to advance carbon management. Key areas include: 1) Geological CO₂ storage , with emphasis on trapping mechanisms, monitoring, and heterogeneity impacts; 2) Energy system decarbonization through technoeconomic analysis of batteries, hydrogen, and grid integration; and 3) Climate mitigation frameworks for industrial and infrastructure transitions. Publication Trends Her recent articles (2022–2025) demonstrate three dominant themes: 1) Carbon storage optimization through advanced ML models, real-time monitoring, and multiscale heterogeneity studies; 2) Energy storage systems including battery recycling, sodium-ion tech, and grid flexibility; and 3) Cross-sector decarbonization of buildings, pipelines, and industrial processes. Methodologies emphasize machine learning, high-resolution imaging, and field validations. Awards American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2023) Leadership & Infrastructure She directs the Benson Lab and co-founded Stanford's carbon initiatives including the Center for Carbon Storage and Carbon Removal Initiative . Her teams collaborate globally on subsurface characterization, energy policy, and technology deployment.
Dr. Nikolai Priezjev is a Part-Time Lecturer in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Howard University's College of Engineering and Architecture. He holds a Ph.D. in Soft Matter Physics from Brown University and specializes in atomistic simulations of metallic glasses, nanofluidics, and surface wetting phenomena. Recognized among the top 2% of scientists worldwide (Stanford University 2023), his research has been funded by the American Chemical Society Petroleum Research Fund. His research examines structural transformations in amorphous materials, fatigue behavior of metallic glasses, and fluid dynamics at nanostructured interfaces. Recent publications explore cyclic deformation effects on glassy alloys and slip phenomena in nanofluidic systems. Dr. Priezjev develops computational methods for studying material behavior under extreme conditions and has contributed to understanding polymer transport over nanoparticles. His work combines molecular dynamics simulations with experimental validation for materials design applications. Scientific Awards: Ranked Among Top 2% World's Scientists - Stanford University 2023
Dr. Chadwick Sevart is a Research Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering at the University of South Carolina, specializing in computational modeling and optimization of engineering systems. His work combines data-driven methods with fundamental physics to solve complex problems in energy systems and aerospace engineering. Current NASA-funded research focuses on aerostructural control algorithms and sensor placement optimization for aerospace applications. Additional projects include exoskeleton optimization, multiphase flow modeling, and material design using machine learning approaches. Dr. Sevart earned his Ph.D. from the University of Kansas, where he developed novel topology optimization methods for thermal management systems. His research has been published in the Journal of Heat Transfer and presented at AIAA forums.
Chris Pringle is a Senior Lecturer in Fluid Dynamics at Coventry University, split between the Research Centre for Fluid and Complex Systems and the School of Computing, Electronics and Mathematics. He holds a PhD in Mathematics from the University of Bristol and has conducted postdoctoral research at the Universities of Nottingham and Reading. His work focuses on fluid dynamics, plasma physics, and multiphase systems. Education: PhD in Mathematics, University of Bristol Postdoctoral Research, University of Nottingham and University of Reading Research Interests: Transition in subcritical systems Nonlinear and linear stability analysis Multiphase flows and non-Newtonian fluids Computational fluid dynamics and plasma dynamics Recent Contributions: Recent work includes studies on MHD simulations in accretion discs, plasma flow transitions, and instability mechanisms in particulate flows. His research bridges fluid dynamics, plasma physics, and numerical methods, addressing turbulence, stability, and multiphase interactions. Collaborations: Active collaborations in fluid dynamics and plasma systems, including work on subcritical plasmas and tokamak dynamics. Advising & Grants: Supervised 2 works (details not specified). No grants explicitly mentioned, but active in research activities like the Euromech Colloquium 2014.
Tanvir I. Farouk is Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in Mechanical Engineering at University of South Carolina. Leads the Reacting Systems and Advanced Energy Research (RASAER) Lab investigating plasma discharges, combustion dynamics, and multiphase reacting flows. Ph.D. from Drexel University with NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship at Princeton. Research focuses on microgravity droplet combustion phenomena, plasma-assisted energy conversion, and nuclear fuel drying technologies. Key discoveries include oscillatory cool flame behavior and atmospheric plasma functionalization techniques. Current projects funded by DARPA, DOE, NASA and NSF. Awards: NASA Group Achievement Award (2020), Ralph R. Teetor Award (2019) Teaching: Combustion, Plasma Systems, Advanced Thermofluids
Lucy Zhang is a Professor and Associate Dean for Research Innovations, Partnerships, and Workforce Development at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). She holds a Ph.D. from Northwestern University and previously served as an assistant professor at Tulane University before Hurricane Katrina. Her primary affiliation is in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering, with a secondary affiliation in Biomedical Engineering within the School of Engineering. Dr. Zhang’s research focuses on computational mechanics, particularly fluid-structure interactions, computational biomechanics, and multiphysics-multiscale simulations. Her work bridges engineering and biomedical applications, including aerodynamics, cardiovascular modeling, and material corrosion analysis. Notable contributions include the development of the OpenIFEM software framework for fluid-structure interaction simulations and studies on respiratory droplet dynamics during pandemics. Her recent research integrates machine learning with fluid dynamics solvers, explores material degradation under extreme conditions, and addresses challenges in neurorehabilitation modeling through NSF-funded initiatives. Dr. Zhang collaborates across disciplines, leveraging high-performance computing and numerical methods to solve complex engineering and biomedical problems. Her NSF grant on fibrous material performance under real-world conditions underscores her commitment to translational research.
Shengzhe (Jackson) Wang is an Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering at the University of Colorado Denver, affiliated with the College of Engineering, Design and Computing. His research focuses on coastal and floating structures, thin-shell architecture, and climate adaptation solutions. He holds a Ph.D. from Princeton University, an MPhil from the University of Sydney, and a BEng from the University of Auckland. Education: Ph.D., Civil & Environmental Engineering, Princeton University MPhil, Civil Engineering, University of Sydney BEng, Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Auckland Research Interests: Dr. Wang explores the intersection of structural engineering and environmental resilience. His work includes: Hydrodynamic interactions between extreme waves and coastal infrastructure Thin-shell structural mechanics and geometric optimization Urban resilience through floating architecture and climate-adaptive designs Machine learning for predictive structural analysis His methodologies blend numerical simulations (e.g., SPH, FEA) with experimental validation. Key Contributions: Recent work emphasizes floating cities, mangrove-based coastal protection, and Felix Candela’s hyperbolic paraboloid structures. His research bridges engineering, architecture, and environmental science. Advising & Grants: No advisees listed; active in securing grants for climate-resilient infrastructure projects. Lab: CASE Lab (website: caselab.dev ).
