Find Academic Supervisors

Mohd Ahmad Syed is a Senior Lecturer in Geotechnical Engineering at the University of Manchester's Department of Civil Engineering and Management. His research focuses on climate change impacts on geotechnical infrastructure, resilient and sustainable infrastructure design, and earthquake engineering. He holds a PhD from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay and has industry experience with firms like Consulting Engineering Services (I) Pvt. Ltd and Dar Al-Handasah Consultants. Education: BTech (Hons) in Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (2001) MTech in Geotechnical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (2003) PhD in Seismic Analyses of Waterfront Structures, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (2009) Research Interests: Climate change modelling for geotechnical infrastructure resilience Development of sustainable construction materials (e.g., bagasse ash) Seismic risk analysis for dams and tunnels in West Africa Artificial soil weathering techniques for laboratory testing Coupled numerical methods for embankment stability under climate scenarios Editorial Activities: Assistant Editor, International Journal of Geomechanics (ASCE) Assistant Editor, Indian Geotechnical Journal (Springer) Key Achievements: Developed first-of-its-kind displacement-based S-curve for seismic earth pressure analysis Co-developed methodologies for post-liquefaction pile behavior and blast-loaded tunnels Guided 10 PhD/MSc students in geotechnical resilience and sustainability topics

• Climate Change Modelling
• Resilient Infrastructure
• Environmental Sustainability
• +3 more

Dr. Xiaoli Li is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering at the University of Kansas. Her research laboratory (PVT Lab) focuses on complex fluid behavior in energy systems, with particular emphasis on phase equilibria, gas transport phenomena, and enhanced hydrocarbon recovery techniques. She maintains active research programs in unconventional reservoirs, CO 2 geostorage, hydrate technology, and nanoscale fluid dynamics. Her core research domains include: Confined phase behavior: Thermodynamics of fluids in nanoporous media Gas transport mechanisms: Rarefied flow and apparent permeability modeling Hydrate science: Structure stability and phase boundaries CO 2 utilization: Enhanced oil recovery and geological sequestration Asphaltene dynamics: Precipitation mechanisms in EOR processes Dr. Li teaches across the petroleum engineering curriculum, including core courses: Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics (C&PE 221), Reservoir Engineering (C&PE 327), Well Logging (C&PE 528), and Petroleum Engineering Design (C&PE 628). Her instructional portfolio emphasizes fundamental thermodynamics, reservoir characterization, and practical field applications. Her publication record (35+ articles) demonstrates consistent focus on reservoir thermodynamics and transport phenomena, with recent emphasis on: CO 2 -oil interactions (2020-2023), gas hydrate stability (2020-2022), shale gas transport (2019-2021), and equation of state modifications for confined fluids (2018-2020). Research methodologies combine molecular simulations, experimental studies, and novel thermodynamic modeling approaches.

• Unconventional Reservoirs
• Gas Transport in Porous Media
• Phase Behavior Thermodynamics
• +3 more

Ashkan Jahanbani Ghahfarokhi is an Associate Professor in Reservoir Engineering at NTNU’s Department of Geosciences since 2019. He leads the CEORS Gemini Centre (CO2 Enhanced Oil Recovery & Storage) and is a core member of the BRU21 Reservoir Management group. His research focuses on data-driven subsurface modeling, CO2 storage, and optimization of oil recovery processes. Education: PhD, NTNU (2015); MEng, University of Calgary (2009); MSc/BSc, Petroleum University of Technology, Iran (2006–2009). Roles: Head of Reservoir Engineering Group (2021–2022), Project Manager for NORHED II (2022), and NTNU’s Outstanding Academic Fellow (2022–2026). Research interests include CO2-EOR/Storage, machine learning applications, proxy modeling, and reservoir simulation. He has supervised 20+ students and published over 40 journal/conference papers. Awards include DNVA postdoc scholarship (2015–2017) and PoreLab postdoc (wettability studies). Teaching: Masters/PhD courses in reservoir fluids, simulation, and geomechanics. Guest editor for Energies (AI in Oil & Gas).

• Reservoir Engineering
• CO2 Enhanced Oil Recovery & Storage
• Data-Driven Reservoir Modeling
• +5 more

Dario Viberti is a Full Professor at the Polytechnic University of Turin, affiliated with the Department of Environmental, Land and Infrastructure Engineering (DIATI). He is a member of the Interdepartmental Center Ec-L - Energy Center Lab and actively contributes to the Master's and Continuing Education School. He serves as Coordinator for both Master’s levels I and II of the Natural Resources Development and Storage program and participates in doctoral colleges for Civil and Environmental Engineering and Materials, Sustainable Processes, and Systems for the Transition. His research focuses on flow in underground porous media , geoenergy , and underground energy storage , particularly hydrogen and CO₂ storage. His expertise spans numerical modeling, reservoir engineering, fluid mechanics, well testing, and energy transition systems. He is involved in commercial research projects with ENI Corporate University and leads initiatives related to sustainable energy applications. His recent publications reveal a strong trend in underground hydrogen storage , biogeochemical modeling , pore-scale simulation , and PVT analysis of gas mixtures . These works emphasize safety, efficiency, and long-term integrity of subsurface storage systems using advanced computational and experimental methods. Scientific Manager, Underground CO2 Storage Project (2022) Scientific Manager, Reservoir Modeling Project (2022) Coordinator, Master’s Program in Natural Resources Development and Storage Member, SEASTAR Competence Center Committee (2020–2025) He mentors several PhD students, including Michel Tawil, Marialuna Loffredo, Alice Raeli, and Alice Massimiani, supporting research in microfluidics, Lattice Boltzmann simulations, and thermodynamic characterization. He teaches courses such as Numerical Modeling for Multiphase Flow , Underground Energy Storage , and Well Logging and Testing across multiple degree programs. His work aligns with UN SDGs 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and 13 (Climate Action).

• Flow in underground porous media
• Geoenergy
• Underground energy storage
• +12 more

Ali Haider is a Doctoral Researcher in the Department of Energy and Mechanical Engineering at the School of Engineering. His work focuses on sustainable combustion processes and energy conversion systems. Institution: School of Engineering Department: Department of Energy and Mechanical Engineering Research Interests: Ali actively investigates advanced combustion technologies, including methane utilization in industrial gas turbines, turbulent combustion modeling, and emission reduction strategies. His work spans thermocatalytic decomposition, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and energy efficiency optimization. Publication Trends: His recent publications highlight applications of CFD in combustion stability, LES modeling for turbulent flows, and innovations in solar energy systems. Key areas include gas turbine injectors, nanocatalysts for methane decomposition, and PVT systems enhanced with nanofluids. Collaborations: Ali collaborates on interdisciplinary projects involving energy systems, aerospace combustion, and thermal comfort analysis, with a focus on sustainable and efficient engineering solutions.

• Mechanical Engineering
• Energy Conversion
• Sustainable Combustion
• +3 more

Muhammet Kayfeci is a Professor at Karabük University , Faculty of Technology, Department of Energy Systems Engineering, Turkey. He holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Süleyman Demirel University (2011) and a Master's in Mechanical Education from Zonguldak Karaelmas University (2005). His academic career spans roles from Instructor (2008-2011) to Associate Professor (2016-2021) and Professor (since 2021), with administrative roles including Dean (2021-2024) . Education : PhD (Mechanical Engineering) - Süleyman Demirel University (2006-2011) Master's (Mechanical Education) - Zonguldak Karaelmas University (2004-2005) BSc (Mechanical Engineering) - Bartın University (2014-2016) Kayfeci’s research focuses on thermodynamics , renewable energy systems , and hydrogen storage , particularly through metal hydride reactors and nanofluid applications . His work integrates computational modeling and experimental validation for energy efficiency improvements in photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) systems and hydrogen storage technologies. Recent publications indicate a strong trend in nanofluid-enhanced cooling systems for solar panels, metal hydride reactor optimization , and machine learning applications for energy systems. He has supervised 13 theses (PhD and Master’s) and secured funding for projects like "Biomimetic Flow Channels in PEM Electrolysis Development" (2025-2026). Scientific Awards : TÜBİTAK-ULAKBİM International Scientific Publications Encouragement (UBYT) Award (2009-2014) He teaches courses including Fuel Cells and Electricity Production (Doctoral), Heat Exchangers , and Thermodynamics at undergraduate and graduate levels.

• Thermodynamics
• Renewable Energy
• Heat Transfer
• +3 more

Professor Tadhg O’Donovan is the Chief Scientist and Deputy Vice Principal (Academic Leadership) at Heriot-Watt University’s Dubai Campus, holding a Professorship in Mechanical Engineering. He earned a BSc (2001) and PhD (2005) from Trinity College Dublin, followed by roles as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow and Lecturer at Trinity before joining Heriot-Watt in 2007. He advanced to Associate Professor (2015) and Professor (2019), while leading the School of Engineering & Physical Sciences (Dubai) since 2018 and the Institute of Mechanical, Process, and Energy Engineering since 2021. Education: Bachelor’s in Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering, Trinity College Dublin (2001) PhD, Trinity College Dublin (2005) His research focuses on Green Technology , particularly solar energy conversion, storage systems, and phase change materials . He emphasizes techno-economic approaches for renewable energy components, securing over £4M in grants as PI/Co-I, including Energy Catalyst and Knowledge Transfer Partnership projects. He established Renewable Energy Test Sites in Edinburgh and Dubai to optimize solar technologies under varied climatic conditions. Awards: EUROTHERM Young Scientist Award (2008) Grants & Collaboration: Secured £4M+ in research grants Industry partnerships for renewable energy systems Labs & Facilities: Manages the Renewable Energy Test Site, supporting solar device testing and renewable system optimization. Active in outreach, such as the 2015 'I'm an Engineer' Energy Zone event.

• Green Technology
• Solar Energy
• Renewable Energy Systems
• +3 more

Curtis Hays Whitson is a Professor at the Institute of Geo Sciences, NTNU, affiliated with the Petroleum Technical Center. His research focuses on reservoir fluid characterization, CO2 sequestration, unconventional reservoirs, and enhanced oil recovery (EOR). He has advised numerous PhD students and contributed to over 100 peer-reviewed publications since 1980, including seminal works on PVT modeling, diffusion mechanisms, and shale gas optimization. His recent work emphasizes field-scale EOR optimization and CO2 injection in fractured systems. Whitson has supervised doctoral theses on topics like CO2-EOR in Iran’s Haft Kel field and gas-cycling benchmarking. His research integrates reservoir simulation, material balance analysis, and multiphase flow dynamics. Key research themes include: (1) CO2 injection in chalk and unconventional reservoirs, (2) diffusion-driven recovery mechanisms, (3) shale gas depletion performance, and (4) integrated field optimization. His articles span fluid property characterization, numerical modeling of transport phenomena, and production optimization strategies. Whitson collaborates widely with industry partners on projects involving experimental fluid analysis and reservoir-plant integration.

• Petroleum Engineering
• Reservoir Fluid Characterization
• CO2 Sequestration
• +5 more

Curtis Hays Whitson is Professor at NTNU's Department of Geoscience, specializing in petroleum reservoir engineering and fluid phase behavior. His research encompasses PVT modeling of complex fluids, CO2 injection in fractured chalk, and unconventional resource development. Recent work advances compositional tracking for gas-condensate systems and hydrogen storage in depleted fields. With 40+ years of publications, he has contributed foundational methods in diffusion coefficient estimation, material balance for high-pressure reservoirs, and black-oil proxies for thermal recovery. Industry collaborations include benchmarking bottomhole pressure calculations and fluid heterogeneity analysis in tight formations.

• Reservoir Engineering
• PVT Modeling
• CO2 Injection
• +3 more

Paweł Ocłoń is a Professor at the Department of Energy, Faculty of Environmental Engineering and Energy, Cracow University of Technology. His research focuses on thermal systems, renewable energy, heat transfer, and energy efficiency. He has authored 153 publications with an h-index of 28 (Scopus) and 24 (Web of Science), and has supervised 5 promoted theses. His work addresses topics such as heat exchanger optimization, solar energy integration, and underground thermal storage. Research Interests: Environmental Engineering, Energy Systems, Heat Transfer Enhancement, Thermal Analysis, Fluid Dynamics. Key Achievements: Over 150 publications, 5 promoted theses, and contributions to sustainable energy solutions. Notable projects include the RESHeat system for renewable energy integration and studies on thermal energy storage in soil. He actively participates in international conferences and collaborates on process optimization for industrial sustainability. Awards: 2 notable achievements recognized in his profile. Grants & Advising: Extensive experience in research funding and mentoring doctoral students in energy-related fields.

• Environmental Engineering
• Energy Systems
• Heat Transfer
• +7 more

Gowtham Mohan is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Engineering Technology at the University of Houston's Cullen College of Engineering. His research focuses on advancing renewable energy systems, thermal engineering, and sustainable technologies. He leads projects in solar thermal systems, particle flow dynamics, and energy storage materials. His work integrates experimental and computational methods to optimize energy efficiency and system performance. Key research areas include solar agrivoltaic systems, high-temperature particle receivers, and PVT (Photovoltaic Thermal) systems. He has conducted extensive studies on thermal energy storage materials, corrosion-resistant alloys, and non-intrusive measurement techniques for particle plumes. His contributions span interdisciplinary applications such as sustainable desalination, combined cycle power plant optimization, and environmental integration of energy systems. Dr. Mohan's publications emphasize novel methodologies for particle velocity estimation, thermal imaging analysis, and system feasibility studies. His work bridges theoretical innovation with practical applications in energy sustainability and thermal engineering. He collaborates closely with industry and academic partners to translate research into real-world solutions.

• Solar Energy Systems
• Thermal Engineering
• Energy Storage
• +4 more

Michał Wasik is a Researcher at the Division of Thermodynamics , Faculty of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology. His work focuses on numerical modeling of heat and mass transfer, drying processes, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) using Ansys Fluent software. Office hours: Monday & Friday 10:00-11:00 Email: michal.wasik@itc.pw.edu.pl Research highlights include: Thermal extent analysis of industrial chimney outlet streams Heat-moisture transfer in porous building materials Optimization of photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) systems for geothermal applications He contributes to projects like DryWall (POIR.04.01.02-00-0099/16) and has published in journals such as Przemysł Chemiczny and Civil and Environmental Engineering Reports .

• Numerical modeling of heat and mass transfer
• Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
• Drying process modeling
• +2 more

Jon Kleppe is a Professor in Petroleum Engineering at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) since 1981. He has held leadership roles such as Center Director of SFI IO (2007-2015), Department Head for ~20 years, and Dean of Earth Sciences (1990-96). He has also served as a Visiting Professor at Stanford University (1988-1989) and a Visiting Researcher at Elf (1996-1997). Education: Ph.D. in Petroleum Engineering, Texas A&M University, 1974 M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (SDSMT), 1971 B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, SDSMT, 1970 Research Interests: Kleppe's work focuses on Petroleum Engineering , Reservoir Simulation , Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) , CO2 Storage , and Fractured Reservoirs . His recent publications emphasize surfactant flooding, single-well chemical tracer tests, and geochemical interactions in carbonate reservoirs. Scientific Awards: Oilman of the Year 2014 (SPE Norway) Regional Distinguished Achievement Award for Petroleum Engineering Faculty 2015 NTNU's Internationalization Award 2015 Advising & Grants: He has supervised numerous doctoral students, including Mkinga Oras Joseph (2020), Cheng Xiaoqian (2019), and Jahanbani Ghahfarokhi Ashkan (2012). His research has involved collaboration with institutions like Stanford University and Elf, as well as industry projects in Saudi Arabia and Norway.

• Petroleum Engineering
• Reservoir Simulation
• Enhanced Oil Recovery
• +3 more

Danjana Theis is a Lecturer at Saarland University of Applied Sciences, specializing in Renewable Energy / Energy Systems Engineering within the School of Engineering. She leads the Solar Energy Systems Laboratory at the University Technology Center (InnovationsCampus Saar) and has been teaching in the EEB/UIB programs since 2015. Her academic career spans over three decades, including leadership roles in solar technology research and development. Graduated in Mechanical Engineering (1994) from Saarland University of Applied Sciences Master of Arts in Safety Management (2022) focusing on solar system modeling and stagnation protection Her research interests center on solar thermal systems, photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) collectors, energy storage solutions, decentralized energy networks, and system simulation tools like TRNSYS and Polysun. She investigates area-efficient solar collectors, retrofitting PV systems for thermal integration, and 5th generation heating networks through experimental and computational methods. Recent publications highlight her work on PVT collector modeling, solar heat pump systems, wind turbine optimization, and IoT-enabled energy simulations. She has supervised numerous student theses on topics ranging from dynamic collector testing to solar system parameter identification, frequently employing TRNSYS and GenOpt for performance analysis. As technical director of the Solar Energy Systems Laboratory, she oversees experimental performance characterization and simulation studies. Her career includes involvement in international standardization committees (CEN/TC 312, ISO/TC 180) and collaborations with organizations like IEA SHC Task 60. She has conducted extensive research on stagnation safety, solar system reliability, and low-temperature heating networks.

• Solar Thermal Energy
• Photovoltaic-Thermal (PVT) Systems
• Energy Storage
• +3 more

J. Steven Brown is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Senior Vice Provost at The Catholic University of America , where he also serves as Interim Dean of the College of Engineering, Physics, and Computing. He earned his B.S. (1987) and Ph.D. (1991) in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech and MIT, respectively. Academic Leadership : Former Chairperson of Mechanical Engineering (1998–2016), Associate Dean of Engineering, and Senior Vice Provost since 2016. Research Focus : Specializes in low-GWP refrigerants , heat transfer optimization , and vapor compression cycles . His recent publications analyze hydrofluoroolefins and binary blends for sustainable HVAC&R systems, with a focus on thermodynamic properties, pressure drop modeling, and energy efficiency. He has served as Associate Editor for Science and Technology for the Built Environment (2010–2018) and as an ABET Program Evaluator (2006–2018). Scientific Awards : ASHRAE Distinguished Service Award (2015) Best Paper Awards (ASHRAE Journal, International Journal of Refrigeration) Fellow of ASHRAE Expertise : Thermodynamics, refrigeration technologies, and fluid mechanics. Consulting : Collaborated with NIST, NASA, Ford Motor Company, and law firms for patent-related expert testimony in IPR, PGR, and court proceedings.

• Fluid Mechanics
• Heat Transfer
• Thermodynamics
• +3 more