Find Academic Supervisors

Karl Dunbar StephenView profile

Associate Professor

• Reservoir Engineering
• Petroleum Engineering
• Reservoir Simulation
• +5 more

Karl Dunbar Stephen is an Associate Professor at the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society at Heriot-Watt University, holding a joint affiliation with the Institute for GeoEnergy Engineering. His research focuses on reservoir engineering, enhanced oil recovery, and geomechanical modeling, with significant contributions to fractured reservoir simulation, CO₂ sequestration, and production optimization techniques. He has authored over 215 research outputs, including peer-reviewed articles, conference papers, and technical reports. His expertise aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in affordable and clean energy (SDG 7) and climate action (SDG 13). Key research areas include reservoir simulation methodologies, data integration through machine learning, and innovative approaches to history-matching and uncertainty quantification. Dr. Stephen has received the Award for Outstanding Service (2012) and actively participates in international conferences such as EAGE and SEG/SPE workshops. He has served as a peer reviewer for journals like Tectonophysics and organized specialized training programs like the Strategic Reservoir Simulation course. His collaborative projects involve institutions worldwide, focusing on heterogeneous reservoirs, tight gas systems, and carbon capture technologies. Recent research trends emphasize AI-driven reservoir optimization, CO₂-enhanced oil recovery, and fracture stimulation techniques. He has contributed to field studies in Iraq's Sadi Formation and offshore reservoirs, demonstrating practical applications of advanced simulation tools and data mining techniques.

Pouria HafizView profile

Assistant Professor

• Structural Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Sustainable Construction
• +5 more

Pouria Hafiz is an Assistant Professor at Heriot-Watt University’s School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, and concurrently serves as Program Director of Civil Engineering and Senior Lecturer at Heriot-Watt University Dubai. He specializes in civil and structural engineering with a focus on education innovation and industry collaboration. Since 2012, he has contributed to teaching and leadership roles, introducing flipped classrooms, experiential learning, and industry-integrated projects. He played a key role in accrediting Civil Engineering programs with the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) and UAE Ministry of Education (CAA). His industrial experience includes collaborations with Dubai Municipality, contractors, and national water authorities on major infrastructure projects. Research interests include structural analysis under loading scenarios, strengthening techniques, finite element analysis, sustainable concrete, and 3D concrete printing. Notable achievements include leading the Solar Decathlon Middle East 2020 project (400,000 AED prize), designing a 7m 3D-printed wind tower, and establishing the first Constructionarium in Dubai with Dubai Precast. He oversees industry partnerships through the Civil Engineering Industrial Advisory Board, fostering ties with IStructE, ICE, and other professional bodies. Current projects include relocating the SDME house into a permanent 'Living Lab' for student research.

• Structural Engineering
• Materials Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• +5 more

Dr. Tatheer Zahra is a Senior Lecturer in Civil Engineering at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), within the School of Civil & Environmental Engineering. Her research focuses on sustainable construction materials, including auxetic composites and masonry systems, aimed at enhancing structural impact resistance and reducing environmental impact. She actively collaborates with industry to promote mortarless masonry and seismic retrofitting solutions. Education: PhD in Civil Engineering from Queensland University of Technology. Affiliations: Member of Standards Australia BD-004 Committee, Engineers Australia, The Masonry Society (TMS, USA), and Pakistan Engineering Council. Teaching: 14+ years of experience in civil engineering education, specializing in materials, structural analysis, and masonry design. Recognized for excellence in student engagement with awards in 2021. Research Interests: Development of 3D-printed auxetic composites for structural protection. Seismic and impact resistance of masonry structures. Advancement of sustainable construction practices through mortarless masonry and coral concrete. Grants & Projects: Collaborations include the Concrete Masonry Association Australia and industry-led studies on masonry arch bridges. Key projects involve seismic retrofitting and serviceability assessments of heritage structures. Labs & Teams: Affiliated with QUT’s Centre for Materials Science and Centre for the Environment. Leads research into innovative materials and structural systems.

• Geotechnical Engineering
• Offshore Foundations
• Submarine Landslides
• +5 more

Gudmund Reidar Eiksund is a Professor in Geotechnical Engineering at NTNU's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, within the Faculty of Engineering. He holds a PhD from NTNU (1994) and has extensive experience in geotechnical design of offshore foundations, including roles at SINTEF and Geopartner Marin. His research focuses on submarine landslides, offshore wind turbine foundations, and soil-structure interaction. Education: PhD in Geotechnical Engineering, NTNU (1994) Research Interests: Dr. Eiksund specializes in geotechnical challenges for offshore infrastructure, including: Numerical modeling of submarine landslides using advanced methods like MPM-CFD coupling Dynamic and cyclic behavior of monopile foundations in clay/sand Installation effects on pile performance Risk assessment and reliability analysis for offshore geotechnical systems Publications: His recent work emphasizes innovative approaches to: Submarine landslide mechanics and impact forces on offshore structures Pore-pressure development in frozen soils Macro-element models for integrated structural-geotechnical analyses Lab/Team Affiliations: Active in multidisciplinary projects involving computational geotechnics and physical modeling, collaborating with SINTEF and international researchers.

• Quantum Mechanics
• Cosmology
• Quantum Gravity
• +3 more

Dr. Ashmeet Singh is an Assistant Professor of Physics at Whitman College, located in Walla Walla, WA. His research focuses on quantum mechanics, cosmology, and quantum gravity, with particular interests in theoretical frameworks like information field theory and the application of computational tools such as GPU modeling. Prior to his faculty position, he was a postdoctoral Research Scholar at Caltech and a Visiting Affiliate at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. He holds a Ph.D. and Master's from Caltech (2020 and 2018) and an Integrated Master's from the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (2015). His work bridges foundational physics with experimental implications, including proposals for space missions like the Gravity Probe and GODDESS to detect dark energy. He is also passionate about teaching, having instructed the entire core physics curriculum at Caltech. His recent publications explore holographic principles, quantum field theory in finite-dimensional systems, and interdisciplinary ventures like AI in medical imaging. Though no formal awards are listed, his contributions span theoretical physics and applied collaborations. Advising and grant details are unspecified, but his research groups likely focus on quantum gravity and cosmology. He maintains a strong interest in amateur astronomy and astrophotography, reflecting his broader curiosity about the universe.

Paolo ParonView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Remote Sensing
• Geomorphology
• Hydrology
• +3 more

Paolo Paron is a Senior Lecturer in Earth Science and Remote Sensing at IHE Delft, specializing in geomorphological mapping, hydro-meteorological hazards, and low-cost remote sensing technologies. He leads Mapping and Remote Sensing activities within the River Basin Development chair group. His research focuses on open-source software applications, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and structure-from-motion (SfM) techniques for river morphology and ecosystem service mapping. He has extensive field experience in developing countries including Kenya, Mozambique, and Ethiopia. Paron holds a MSc in Geology from the University of Roma3 (2000) and a PhD in Fluvial Geomorphology from the University of Chieti (2005). He edited two UN FAO atlases for Somalia and an Afghan digital atlas for NGOs, and chairs sessions at international conferences like EGU. He serves as Associate Editor for the Journal of Maps and Topic Editor for the ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information . Key research areas include free/low-cost remote sensing data applications, sediment dynamics, and sustainable development in arid regions. His work involves 40+ countries across Africa and Asia, emphasizing humanitarian preparedness and environmental monitoring. Paron collaborates with global institutions like IAHR on drone technology and contributes to projects such as WiODER. His expertise bridges geoscience with practical field applications, addressing water resource challenges and disaster risk reduction in data-scarce regions.

• Earthquake Engineering
• Structural Mechanics
• Reinforced Concrete Structures
• +1 more

Prof. Dr. Kadir Guler is a Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at Istanbul Technical University (ITU), specializing in Earthquake Engineering, Structural Mechanics, and Reinforced Concrete Structures. He has held roles such as Head of the Civil Engineering Department (2014–2020) and has extensive experience in academic leadership and research. His educational background includes a PhD in Structural Engineering from ITU (1990–1992), a Master’s in Structure from Yildiz University (1981), and a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering from Istanbul State Engineering and Architecture Academy (1976). Research interests focus on seismic performance assessment, structural behavior under extreme loads, and innovative retrofitting techniques for buildings. Key areas include earthquake-resistant design, structural dynamics of high-rise buildings, and the application of machine learning in civil engineering. His work addresses challenges such as tunnel excavation effects on structures, blast-resistant modular systems, and post-earthquake vulnerability analysis of rural masonry buildings. Recent publications emphasize data-driven modeling for confined masonry, seismic performance indicators for residential buildings, and design standards compliance. He has collaborated on projects like the Istanbul Airport Viaduct’s seismic assessment and studies on historical building preservation using FEM. Prof. Guler is a member of EERI, the Turkish Earthquake Foundation, and the Chamber of Civil Engineers. His contributions span over 100 peer-reviewed articles, focusing on advancing structural resilience through theoretical and experimental research. Current research includes machine learning applications for load capacity prediction and strengthening methods for post-disaster recovery.

• Structural Dynamics
• Reinforced Concrete Structures
• Earthquake Engineering
• +3 more

Furkan Çalım is a Researcher at the Department of Civil Engineering at Istanbul Technical University (ITU). He holds a PhD in Structural Engineering from ITU (2020), following an MSc in Structural Engineering (2018) and a BSc in Civil Engineering (2013), all from ITU. His research focuses on structural dynamics, seismic analysis, and energy dissipation systems, with a strong emphasis on structural dampers and finite element analysis. Key areas include lead extrusion dampers, seismic input energy distribution in moment-resisting frames, and the evaluation of reinforced concrete structures under seismic loads. His work combines experimental investigations (e.g., shake table tests) with numerical modeling to improve structural performance and safety. Recent studies address the Kahramanmaraş Earthquake (2023), exploring the application of Turkish seismic design codes (TBDY-2018) and optimizing damper designs for enhanced seismic resilience. His contributions span material characterization, energy-based constitutive models, and the evaluation of ground motion records for nonlinear dynamic analysis. Furkan’s research also extends to rail systems, including the flexural performance of slab tracks and rail fastening systems. He actively publishes on structural retrofitting, energy dissipation mechanisms, and the integration of innovative damping technologies into civil infrastructure.

Jesús Carrera RamirezView profile

Research Professor

• Groundwater Hydrology
• Reactive Transport Modelling
• Environmental Engineering
• +7 more

Jesús Carrera Ramirez is a Research Professor at the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and former Full Professor at the Technical University of Catalonia (UPC). He holds an appointment in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering within UPC's Barcelona School of Civil Engineering. His career includes roles as Vicepresident for Research and Dean of Civil Engineering at UPC (1992-1998). A globally recognized hydrogeologist, he focuses on groundwater modeling, reactive transport, and coupled hydro-thermo-mechanical-chemical processes. His research addresses challenges like CO2 storage, geothermal energy, and induced seismicity from geoenergy projects. He leads the Groundwater Hydrology Group (GHS), developing codes like INVERT and CODEBRIGHT for subsurface flow and transport simulations. Collaborations include international aid projects in Ethiopia, Peru, and Cambodia. Key awards include the Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water (2014) and AGU Fellow (2006). His work spans over 400 publications, with recent studies emphasizing biofilm impacts on water quality and seismicity mitigation strategies. He advises national water councils and participates in major infrastructure projects like Barcelona's water supply systems. Education: Civil Engineer (Technical University of Madrid, 1979), PhD in Hydrology (University of Arizona, 1984). Research interests integrate theoretical models with field applications, emphasizing subsurface heterogeneity and reactive processes. Recent articles highlight advancements in hydromechanical modeling, induced seismicity analysis, and microbial-driven contaminant attenuation during soil aquifer treatment.

• Structural Engineering
• Historical Constructions
• Masonry Mechanics
• +4 more

Marialuigia Sangirardi is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Oxford's Department of Engineering Science, affiliated with Mansfield College. Prior to Oxford, she worked at UMinho - ISISE (Portugal), La Sapienza, and Roma Tre (Italy). Her research focuses on masonry constitutive modeling , historic buildings , and soil-structure interaction , with emphasis on low-impact retrofitting strategies and computer vision-based structural monitoring . Current projects include MINT (in-situ testing methods for historic masonry) and collaborations with Professor Sinan Acikgoz. Publications highlight her expertise in lime mortar elasticity , seismic retrofitting , and numerical simulation of historical structures. She serves as a reviewer for international journals in structural preservation and mechanics.

• Paleoclimatology
• Geochemistry
• Sedimentology
• +3 more

Dr Richard Pearce is a Research Fellow and Laboratory Manager of the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) laboratories within Ocean and Earth Science at the University of Southampton. With over 20 years of experience, he specializes in advanced microscopy and mineralogical analysis, supporting both academic and commercial research. His expertise spans lab management, instrument maintenance, and consultancy across diverse disciplines. Research interests focus on paleoclimatology through varve analysis, clay mineralogy, and archaeological materials. Key projects include studying past climate shifts via marine and freshwater sediments, and applying SEM techniques to ancient artifacts. He contributes to interdisciplinary collaborations, including the Windermere Research project investigating environmental changes. Publications highlight his work on sediment microfabrics, climate proxies, and resource potential of oceanic crusts. Pearce also leads lab operations critical to geoscience and archaeological studies, emphasizing cutting-edge analytical methods.

Zach EilonView profile

Professor

• Seismology
• Geophysics
• Mantle Dynamics
• +4 more

Zach Eilon is a Professor in the Earth Science Department at the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB). He leads the EilonLab , focused on geophysical imaging of the lithosphere and mantle, with expertise in seismic tomography, mantle dynamics, and oceanic lithosphere structure. His work integrates field data collection, advanced computational methods, and interdisciplinary approaches. Research interests include mid-ocean ridge dynamics, continental rifting processes (e.g., East African Rift), Alaska upper mantle structure, and the development of novel techniques for analyzing ocean-bottom seismometer (OBS) data. Key projects involve the Pacific ORCA experiment and the Eastern North American Margin seismic experiment. Eilon’s advising spans 13+ graduate and undergraduate researchers since 2017. Notable collaborations include work with Colleen Dalton (Brown University) on surface wave tomography and contributions to international initiatives like the PacificArray. His teaching includes courses like Earth 2 (Physical Geology), Earth 133 (Plate Tectonics), and Earth 175 (MATLAB for Geoscientists). Recent focus areas include imaging small-scale mantle convection beneath the Pacific, quantifying mantle flow at mid-ocean ridges, and developing machine learning tools for earthquake detection. His lab maintains active fieldwork in the Santa Ynez Mountains and oceanic environments.

Hiroko KitajimaView profile

Associate Professor

• Experimental Rock and Soil Mechanics
• Hydromechanical Properties of Rocks
• Subduction Zone Deformation
• +5 more

Hiroko Kitajima is an Associate Professor and Texas A&M Presidential Impact Fellow at Texas A&M University, holding the Francesco Paolo di Gangi/Heep Endowed Professorship in Theoretical Geophysics. She serves as Graduate Director for Experimental Rock and Soil Mechanics. Her primary affiliation is the Department of Experimental Rock and Soil Mechanics at Texas A&M University. She earned her B.S. from Kyoto University (2004) and Ph.D. from Texas A&M University (2010). Her career includes postdoctoral research at Penn State (2010-2012) and Geological Survey of Japan (2012-2014). Research focuses on experimental rock mechanics and geophysics, integrating laboratory experiments with numerical modeling and fieldwork. Key interests include subduction zone deformation, fluid-rock interactions, and fault mechanics at high pressures/temperatures. She investigates sediment compaction, pore pressure dynamics, and seismic slip processes through interdisciplinary approaches combining ocean drilling data, geophysical observations, and high-velocity friction experiments. Her work has advanced understanding of slow slip events, megathrust fault behavior, and fluid flow in accretionary prisms. Notable contributions include studies on the Nankai Trough, Alpine Fault, and San Andreas Fault zones. Awards: 2022 Asahiko Taira Prize (AGU/JGU) 2019 NSF CAREER Award NSF-MARGINS Postdoctoral Fellowship (2010-2012) Kitajima leads the Center for Tectonophysics and maintains active collaborations in international drilling programs. Her research bridges laboratory to field scales, emphasizing translational studies between controlled experiments and natural systems.

Julia ReeceView profile

Associate Professor

• Sedimentology
• Sediment Mechanics
• Submarine Slope Failure
• +7 more

Dr. Julia Reece is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Graduate Admissions Committee at Texas A&M University’s Department of Geology & Geophysics within the College of Geosciences. She leads the Sediment Mechanics Lab, focusing on marine sediment hydromechanics, submarine slope stability, and shale reservoirs. Her research leverages IODP samples and integrates field, lab, and imaging techniques. Education: Ph.D. Geosciences, University of Texas at Austin (2011) Diplom (M.S.) and B.S. Geosciences, University of Bremen, Germany (2006, 2004) Research Interests: Her work explores sediment mechanics, early diagenesis, submarine landslides, and shale reservoirs. Key projects include microbial influences on mudstone properties, diatom-driven submarine slope failures, and geomaterial characterization of lunar simulants via NASA collaborations. Awards: 2020 NSF CAREER Award 2021 Dean's Distinguished Achievement Award for Excellence in Teaching 2010 Schlanger Ocean Drilling Fellowship Grants & Labs: Leads the NSF CAREER-funded project on submarine landslides and collaborates on NASA's EXTEC initiative. Her lab’s work on lunar simulant properties addresses challenges for future lunar infrastructure. Publications: Recent work includes studies on microfossil effects, diagenetic processes, and IODP-derived data analysis. Articles focus on hydromechanical behavior, sediment stability, and reservoir engineering applications.

Farshid VahedifardView profile

Professor

• Resilient Infrastructure
• Climate Change Impact
• Unsaturated Soil Mechanics
• +4 more

Farshid Vahedifard is a Professor and Louis Berger Chair in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Tufts University’s School of Engineering. His research focuses on resilient infrastructure, climate adaptation, and environmental justice, with an emphasis on geotechnical engineering challenges posed by extreme events like floods, wildfires, and droughts. He holds affiliations with the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment, and Health and previously served at Mississippi State University. Dr. Vahedifard has authored over 200 peer-reviewed publications and secured grants from NSF, NASA, NOAA, and DOD. Education: PhD (Civil Engineering, University of Delaware, 2011), MCE (University of Delaware, 2009), MSc (Bu-Ali Sina University, Iran, 2005), BSc (K.N.Toosi University, Iran, 2001). Research Interests: Resilient and equitable infrastructure; climate impacts on infrastructure and communities; unsaturated soil mechanics; multi-physics processes in soils; geotechnical modeling. He leads transdisciplinary projects integrating climate science, data science, and social science to address infrastructure vulnerabilities in disadvantaged communities. His 15 most recent articles focus on climate anxiety, levee failure risks, soil desiccation, and compound hazards. Key awards include the Norman Medal and ASCE Fellow recognition. He supervises over 50 postdocs and students, chairs NSF-funded projects, and advises on equitable infrastructure policies. His work spans geotechnical labs, remote sensing collaborations, and community resilience initiatives.