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John GermaineView profile

Research Professor

• Geotechnical Engineering
• Laboratory Testing
• Automation
• +5 more

John Germaine is a Research Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Tufts School of Engineering. He specializes in experimental methods for geotechnical analysis, focusing on the mechanical and physical properties of geo-materials. His work spans geomechanics, sediment behavior, and material science, with a recent emphasis on mudrock compression, gas hydrate reservoirs, and fracture mechanics. Education : Sc.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1982) S.M., Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1980) B.S., Worcester Polytechnic Institute (1976) Research Interests : Germaine’s research characterizes the complex interactions of geo-materials under stress, using state-of-the-art techniques. Key areas include: Small-strain nonlinearity in clays Creep and geopressure development Hydraulic fracturing and fracture mechanics Mudrock and sediment properties Awards : Woodland G. Shockley Memorial Award (2008) Effective Teaching Award (2013) First Charles C. Ladd Memorial Lecturer (2015) Grants & Labs : He leads the UT Geofluids Research Consortia, investigating mudrock properties and offshore reservoir mechanics. Recent grants include studies on Gulf of Mexico sediment behavior and fracture processes. Teaching : Teaches courses such as Introductory Geotechnical Engineering and Soil Properties Measurement at Tufts.

• Experimental geomechanics
• Soil microstructure
• Unsaturated geomaterials
• +2 more

Dr. Jubert Pineda is an Associate Professor at the School of Engineering within the University of Newcastle's College of Engineering, Science and Environment. His research focuses on experimental geomechanics, soil/rock microstructure, and unsaturated geomaterials. He serves as Deputy Head of School for Research Training and teaches courses in geotechnical site characterization and transportation engineering. Research interests include: Mechanics of hard soils-soft rocks under varying saturation conditions Microstructural evolution during hydraulic cycling Sampling disturbance effects in soft clays Environmental degradation of geomaterials Recent publications predominantly explore suction effects, mine waste mechanics, and soil-pipe interactions. Work frequently involves mercury porosimetry analysis, field testing facilities (Ballina), and advanced constitutive modeling. Administrative roles include HDR Directorship and leadership in the Priority Research Centre for Geotechnical Science and Engineering. Collaborations span international institutions including UPC Barcelona and National University of Colombia.

• Geotechnical Engineering
• Clay Micromechanics
• Soil Sciences
• +7 more

Dr. Angela Casarella is an Assistant Professor in Geotechnical Engineering within the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Imperial College London, part of the Faculty of Engineering. Her research bridges geotechnical engineering and materials science, focusing on the micromechanical behavior of clays and engineered geomaterials for civil and environmental applications. Education: PhD in Geotechnical Engineering, Grenoble Alpes University, France (2018–2022) MSc in Geomechanics, Civil Engineering and Risks, Grenoble Alpes University, France (2017–2018) MEngSc in Geotechnical Engineering, Polytechnic University of Turin, Italy (2016–2018) BEng in Civil Engineering, Polytechnic University of Turin, Italy (2013–2016) Her research interests lie at the intersection of geotechnical engineering and materials science, with a strong emphasis on clay micromechanics, thermomechanical behavior, and microstructural characterization. She employs experimental techniques such as synchrotron nano-tomography and SAXS/WAXS, combined with numerical and analytical modeling, to study particle-scale mechanisms in clays. Her work has significant implications for energy geostructures, soil stabilization, and geological hazard assessment. The analysis of her recent publications reveals a consistent focus on the fundamental behavior of clays across scales—from nanometric interactions governed by DLVO forces to macroscopic thermo-hydro-mechanical responses. Her work integrates advanced imaging, particle-scale modeling, and constitutive development, particularly in the context of temperature effects and energy applications. A strong trend toward multi-scale and interdisciplinary approaches is evident, combining colloid science, mechanics, and geotechnics. Dr. Casarella has not been awarded any listed scientific awards or fellowships in the provided text. She has not publicly listed any graduate students or advisees. Her research is supported through institutional affiliations and likely involves collaborations within the Geotechnics Section at Imperial and the International Research Center for Clay Micromechanics. She previously held a postdoctoral position at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden (2023–2025), where she led experimental campaigns on quick clays using advanced imaging techniques. Her research is conducted within the Geotechnics Section of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Imperial College London, which hosts the MSc in Geotechnical Engineering and fosters interdisciplinary research in soil mechanics, energy geostructures, and advanced materials characterization.

Penny WieserView profile

Assistant Professor

• Igneous Petrology
• Volcanology
• Geochemistry
• +3 more

Penny Wieser is an Assistant Professor at the University of California, Berkeley, specializing in igneous petrology and volcanology. Her research focuses on understanding volcanic systems through analysis of erupted materials (melts, crystals, gases, aerosols) and advanced analytical techniques like Raman spectroscopy, SEM, and LA-ICP-MS. She leads a research group investigating magma storage depths and volatile release mechanisms in volcanoes, particularly in Hawaii and other oceanic island systems. Her work emphasizes rapid-response methodologies and open-source Python tools for data analysis, such as VolFe and pyMELTScalc. Key research areas include magma reservoir geometry, volatile degassing processes, and the interplay between petrological data and volcanic monitoring. Recent studies have addressed the plumbing systems of Mauna Loa, Kīlauea, and La Palma, with a focus on magma storage depth estimation using fluid inclusions and microstructural analysis. Wieser’s contributions bridge laboratory-based petrology with field observations, enhancing understanding of volcanic hazards and Earth’s dynamic processes. Her office is located in Room 449 McCone Hall, and she maintains an active research group at her academic website . Notable tools developed include VESIcal and Thermobar for thermodynamic modeling of magmatic systems.

• Granular Media
• Solid mechanics
• Constitutive and multiscale modeling
• +6 more

Émilien Azéma is a Professor at the University of Montpellier since 2023, affiliated with the Department of Mechanics in the Faculty of Sciences and the Mechanics and Civil Engineering Laboratory (LMGC). Since 2024, he also holds an Associate Professor position at Polytechnique Montréal in the Department of Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering. Primary Institution: University of Montpellier, France Secondary Appointment: Polytechnique Montréal, Canada Research Recognition: French University Institute (IUF) Research Chair (2020-2025) Dr. Azéma received his complete education at the University of Montpellier, earning degrees in Mathematics, Solid Mechanics, and completing his Doctorate and Habilitation (HDR) in Mechanics. His doctoral research focused on railway ballast behavior using Discrete Element Method (DEM) simulations, supported by a joint CNRS and SNCF grant. Licence/Maîtrise (Master 1) in Mathematics DEA (Master 2) in Solid Mechanics Doctorate in Mechanics Habilitation (HDR) in Mechanics His research program centers on the micromechanics of granular systems with realistic microstructure. Using innovative Discrete Element Method (DEM) approaches, he systematically investigates the nonlinear effects of particle shape characteristics (angularity, non-convexity, elongation) and size polydispersity on granular rheology across flow regimes from quasi-static to rapid. His work extends to evolving granular systems where particles can fragment or undergo large deformations, with applications to geomechanical materials, industrial powders, and extraterrestrial granular systems. An analysis of his recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong emphasis on particle shape effects, cohesive strength mechanisms, and polydisperse system behavior. His research bridges fundamental granular physics with practical applications in railway engineering, planetary science (particularly asteroid regolith modeling), and geomechanics, appearing in high-impact journals including Physical Review E, Granular Matter, and Icarus. Dr. Azéma's significant research contributions have been recognized through: A prestigious Research Chair from the French University Institute (IUF) as Junior Member (2020-2025) An extensive publication record with 81 publications across multiple high-impact journals He teaches core courses in solid mechanics, numerical computation, finite element method, discrete approaches, and rheology of granular media. His administrative responsibilities include: International affairs coordinator at the Faculty of Sciences (since 2018) Responsible for the first year curriculum of the Mechanical Engineering Master's program (since 2021) His primary research laboratory is the Mechanics and Civil Engineering Laboratory (LMGC) at the University of Montpellier, where he conducts his investigations into granular media and solid mechanics phenomena, with significant collaborations extending to Polytechnique Montréal and international institutions.

Gregory BonitoView profile

Associate Professor

• Mycology
• Plant-Fungal Interactions
• Truffle Ecology
• +3 more

Gregory Bonito, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences at Michigan State University (MSU), within the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources. His research focuses on fungal-bacterial plant interactions, particularly truffle ecology, mycology, and microbiome dynamics. He holds a Ph.D. in Biology from Duke University, an M.S. in Conservation Ecology from the University of Georgia, and a B.S. in Ecology from Appalachian State University. His lab investigates the ecology and evolution of plant-associated fungi, using phylogenetics, genomics, and –omics approaches. Key research areas include the functional diversity of root-associated fungi, bacterial symbionts in fungi, and microbiome-driven nutrient cycling. Applications span sustainable agriculture, forestry, and biodiversity conservation. Dr. Bonito’s work bridges fundamental research and applied solutions, including truffle cultivation and bioenergy crop microbiome optimization. He teaches Advanced Mycology (PLB 847) and collaborates on projects like the Bonito Lab at MSU, which explores symbiotic relationships in soils and plant microbiomes. His lab’s recent studies involve new truffle species discovery, fungal endosymbiont genomics, and the impact of genetic modifications on crop microbiomes. Education: Ph.D., Biology, Duke University M.S., Conservation Ecology & Sustainable Development, University of Georgia B.S., Ecology & Environmental Biology, Appalachian State University Lab & Collaborations: Bonito Lab at MSU International Mycological Congress collaborations Edible Ectomycorrhizal Mushroom research His research has been featured in journals like Science , Molecular Ecology , and Environmental Microbiology . Current projects include truffle biodiversity in North America and the role of fungal endosymbionts in stress tolerance.

ISMAEL CORONADO VILAView profile

Professor

• Palaeontology
• Coral Biomineralization
• Carbonate Sedimentology
• +6 more

Ismael Coronado Vila is a Professor at the University of León, affiliated with the Department of Geography and Geology under the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters. His research focuses on palaeontology, biomineralization, and carbonate sedimentology. Doctorate: Universidad Complutense de Madrid (Thesis: Biomineralization of Carboniferous Auloporid Corals, 2015) Research interests include: Taphonomic analysis of Silurian coral-like structures Post-mortem recrystallization of biogenic calcium carbonate Geochemical signatures in brachiopod shells for paleoclimate studies Biodiversity trends in Carboniferous coral assemblages Diagenetic overprints in fossil records Scientific contributions span 15 recent publications on: Foraminiferal biostratigraphy (2023) Quaternary environmental geology (2022) Biomineralization processes in cnidarians (2016-2024) Geoheritage management of geosites (2022) Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy applications (2017)

Mel SandellsView profile

Associate Professor

• Snow Microwave Radiative Transfer
• Cryosphere Physics
• Remote Sensing
• +4 more

Mel Sandells serves as Associate Professor at Northumbria University within the School of Geography and Natural Sciences. Her research focuses on applying physics principles to interpret cryospheric changes through computer simulations of microwave scattering in snow, supporting ground-based, airborne, and satellite remote sensing observations. Her research interests center on snow microwave radiative transfer modeling, particularly through the Snow Microwave Radiative Transfer (SMRT) Model developed since 2015. She investigates how snow microstructure measurements inform simulations of microwave behavior in snow, land ice, and sea ice. Current projects include: AKROSS: Fieldwork in Eureka, Canada evaluating SMRT in altimetry mode for sea ice thickness retrievals AESOP: Using SMRT to remove snow influence on satellite observations for numerical weather prediction SCANSAS: Dual active-passive SMRT evaluation with Swiss Alps data Her publication trends show consistent focus on cryospheric remote sensing, with recent work emphasizing continental-scale snow modeling (2025), North American snow water equivalent uncertainty (2021), and fundamental improvements to snow emission models (2019-2016). Key research themes span microwave radiative transfer theory, snow microstructure characterization, and satellite data interpretation for climate monitoring. Professional activities include active collaboration across international research networks as evidenced by multi-institutional publications, though specific awards aren't documented in available sources. Her supervised work includes at least one graduate project, though student names aren't listed in the source material. Sandells' work operates at the intersection of computational physics and environmental monitoring, with ongoing fieldwork components in Arctic and Alpine regions supporting model validation efforts for satellite-based cryospheric observation systems.

Allison Tumarkin-DeratzianView profile

Professor

• Vertebrate Paleontology
• Bone Microstructure
• Dinosaur Ontogeny
• +3 more

Dr. Allison Tumarkin-Deratzian is a Professor of Instruction and Undergraduate Advisor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Science at Temple University's College of Science and Technology. She holds a B.S. in Geology from Lafayette College (1997) and a Ph.D. in Earth and Environmental Science from the University of Pennsylvania (2003). Her research bridges geology and biology, focusing on vertebrate paleontology, bone microstructure, and taphonomy. She has taught at Temple since 2006, previously serving as a Visiting Assistant Professor at Vassar College and an adjunct instructor in Biodiversity, Earth and Environmental Science at Drexel University. Her research emphasizes dinosaur ontogeny, fossil preservation, and comparative osteology. Notable projects include studies of ceratopsian dinosaurs, Arctic fossil diagenesis, and bone healing in extinct vertebrates. She has published extensively on topics ranging from microfossil analysis to pathological bone features in modern and fossil specimens. Dr. Tumarkin-Deratzian designs inclusive field courses and integrates museum collections into teaching. Her work highlights interdisciplinary approaches to understanding vertebrate evolution and paleoenvironments. She actively advises undergraduate students and contributes to STEM education initiatives.

Alison MacLeodView profile

Associate Professor

• Quaternary Environmental Change
• Abrupt Climate Change
• Paleoclimatology
• +7 more

Alison MacLeod is an Associate Professor in the School of Archaeology, Geography and Environmental Science at the University of Reading, where she serves as Deputy School Director of Teaching and Learning and module convenor for Research Training for Geography and Environmental Science. She conducts research on abrupt past environmental and climate change during the Quaternary period using high-resolution lake sediment records, tephrochronology, and advanced chronological methods. University: University of Reading School: School of Archaeology, Geography and Environmental Science Academic Rank: Associate Professor Role: Deputy School Director of Teaching and Learning Teaching: Geomorphology, Natural Hazards, Research Training, Dissertation Supervision Alison’s research focuses on reconstructing abrupt climate and environmental changes during the Quaternary, particularly through the analysis of annually resolved lake sediment records. Her work integrates tephrochronology, sedimentology, and geochronological techniques such as radiocarbon dating and Bayesian age modeling to understand landscape responses to rapid climatic shifts in regions like the UK and Sweden. She applies novel methods like XRF core scanning to generate high-resolution datasets that inform climate models and improve predictions of future climate impacts. Her recent publications span high-impact journals including Nature Ecology & Evolution , Science , and Quaternary Science Reviews , with a strong emphasis on tephrostratigraphy, paleolimnology, and glacial lake systems. The research shows consistent focus on refining chronological frameworks, correlating tephra layers across regions, and reconstructing paleoenvironments during critical transitions such as the Last Glacial-Interglacial Transition and the Younger Dryas. Scientific Awards and Recognition: Leverhulme Trust Early Career Fellowship Advising and Grants: Alison supervises PhD students at the University of Reading, Plymouth, and Royal Holloway, University of London. Her research has been supported through prestigious fellowships and collaborative projects focused on Quaternary climate dynamics. She has contributed to major interdisciplinary initiatives such as the INTIMATE project, integrating ice-core, marine, and terrestrial records for precise event stratigraphy. Labs and Research Groups: Alison is affiliated with the Environmental Science Research Division at the University of Reading, contributing to research in paleoenvironmental change and Quaternary science. Her work involves collaboration with international teams analyzing distal tephra records and glacial lake sediments.

• Soil Organic Matter Stabilization
• Environmental Toxicology
• Isotope Applications in Soil Science
• +3 more

Martin Gerzabek is a full-time Professor at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna , specializing in Environmental Toxicology and Isotope Applications within the Department of Forest and Soil Sciences. His research focuses on soil formation processes, pollutant interactions with soil minerals, and biogeochemical cycles in extreme volcanic environments. Key research areas include: Adsorption mechanisms of organic pollutants and radionuclides Soil development along million-year chronosequences Soil-plant contamination pathways Molecular modeling of soil organic matter The 2023-2025 publications highlight his systematic studies on Galápagos volcanic soils, revealing critical insights about carbon sequestration, nutrient limitation patterns, and contaminant behavior in tropical ecosystems. His work combines field studies with molecular simulations to understand soil-organic-clay interactions.

Amine AmmarView profile

Professor

• Multiscale Modeling
• Rheology
• Numerical Simulation
• +4 more

Amine Ammar is a full Professor at Arts et Métiers University , where he serves as Deputy Director of the LAMPA laboratory and Scientific Director of the Doctorate at ENSAM. His academic career spans multiple institutions including Joseph Fourier University of Grenoble and ENS de Cachan. PhD in Mechanical Engineering (ENS de Cachan, 2001) Authorization to Direct Research (University Joseph Fourier, 2006) DEA in Solids & Structures (Paris VI, 1998) Engineering Degree (ENSAM Lille/Paris, 1998) A leading expert in multiscale computational modeling , his research focuses on rheological flows , dimensional reduction techniques , and digital twin technologies for polymer processing and composite materials. He pioneered the application of Proper Generalized Decomposition (PGD) in viscoelastic flow simulations and microstructure modeling. His scientific contributions have been recognized with the ESAFORM 2009 Scientific Award and Jean Mandel Prize . With an H-index of 28 (Scopus), he has supervised key research projects on polymer crystallization and fiber suspension dynamics. Co-author of Springer monograph on Stream-Tube Method (2021) Editor of Publibook on PGD for Materials Modeling (2012) As National Facilitator for Disciplinary Teaching at ENSAM, he has developed innovative courses on computational mechanics and rheology, mentoring students like S. Montésino and E. Prulière in their thesis work on polymer microstructuring.

Arya Assadi LangroudiView profile

Associate Professor

• Geotechnical Engineering
• Micromechanics
• Emerging Geohazards
• +4 more

Dr. Arya Assadi Langroudi serves as Associate Professor in Geotechnical Engineering at the University of East London (UEL), where he leads the Engineering Cluster and directs the Emerging Geohazards Lab. He oversees Civil Engineering BEng/MEng programs and Civil Engineering with Environmental Management MSc courses. Additionally, he holds a Visiting Professorship in Geomechanics at South Africa's Central University of Technology and chairs the international Nature-inspired Solutions for the Built Environment initiative. His educational foundation includes a PhD from the University of Birmingham (2014) focused on micromechanics of collapse in loess, followed by research roles at Atkins and Newcastle University. This background informs his expertise in soil behavior and ground engineering. Langroudi's research centers on emerging geohazards through micromechanical analysis, investigating soil ageing, fatigue, liquefaction, and sinkholes in urban environments. His biomimetic approach develops decision-support systems and sustainable ground improvement techniques using advanced testing, 3D scanning, and nanomaterials. Current work emphasizes circular economy principles and nature-inspired solutions for resilient infrastructure. Recent publications reveal strong interdisciplinary trends: 60% focus on sustainable material innovation (nanosilica, biomimetics), 30% on geohazard mechanics (liquefaction, collapsible soils), and 10% on construction supply chain optimization. His work bridges geotechnical engineering, environmental science, and sustainable construction practices. Key recognitions include: Social Entrepreneurship Award from HEFCE (2012) DST-NRF Fellowship from Royal Society-DST-NRF (2018) He has secured £6.5M+ in research funding since 2011, including £5.8M as Co-I for UKPNR infrastructure projects and multiple Royal Academy of Engineering grants. His Geohazards Lab supervises PhD students through internal studentships and develops nature-inspired solutions for urban ground risks. The Emerging Geohazards Lab pioneers biomimetic ground improvement techniques and decision-support systems for urban infrastructure resilience, focusing on micro-mechanical understanding of soil behavior under extreme conditions.

Lucas GoehringView profile

Professor

• Pattern Formation
• Complex Fluids
• Fracture Mechanics
• +5 more

Lucas Goehring is a Professor in the Physics and Maths department at Nottingham Trent University (NTU), where he leads an experimental research group studying pattern formation and complex fluids. His work spans fundamental physics of mechanical instabilities to interdisciplinary applications in geophysics and biophysics. He teaches condensed matter physics, forensic image processing, and first-year physics labs, with prior teaching experience in environmental physics, non-linear dynamics, and soft matter physics. Goehring's educational background includes a PhD from the University of Toronto on columnar joints (e.g., Giant's Causeway), followed by postdoctoral research at the University of Cambridge studying colloidal drying and cracking. He later habilitated while teaching at the University of Göttingen during his tenure as a research group leader at the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organisation. His research centers on complex fluids and solids – multi-phase materials where microscopic structure determines macroscopic properties. Key themes include: Mechanical instabilities (fractures, wrinkling, buckling) Geophysical pattern formation (salt polygons, columnar joints, mud cracks) Colloidal dispersion dynamics (drying paint, biogenic systems) Cross-scale physics connecting nano/micro to macro behavior This work addresses fundamental questions about structural emergence in nature, applying solid mechanics and complex systems theory to diverse phenomena from reptile scales to Martian permafrost. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals dominant trends in porous media convection (salt lakes, dry soils), biophysical pattern formation (cyanobacteria mats), and colloidal drying mechanics . These span interdisciplinary fields including geophysics, soft matter physics, and active matter, with consistent focus on experimental validation through microfluidics and advanced imaging techniques. Goehring actively supervises PhD students including P.S. Atkinson (2024) and M. Emerse (2023), with research opportunities available in MPhil/PhD programs at NTU. His major international collaborations include Bernard Cabane (ESPCI ParisTech), Ran Holtzman (Hebrew University), Eleni Katifori (University of Pennsylvania), and Max Planck Institute researchers in biophysics. He maintains an affiliated position at the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organisation and serves on the editorial board of Proceedings of the Royal Society A , while leading an experimental lab focused on pattern formation in complex materials.

Paul H. SimmsView profile

Professor

• Mine Waste Management
• Thickened Tailings Disposal
• Unsaturated Soil Mechanics
• +3 more

Paul H. Simms is a Professor at Carleton University, affiliated with the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. He holds degrees including B.E.Sc., M.E.Sc., and Ph.D. from Western Ontario and is a licensed Professional Engineer (P.Eng.). His office is located in room 3432 of the C.J. Mackenzie Building in Ottawa, Canada. Education: B.E.Sc., M.E.Sc., Ph.D. (Western Ontario), P.Eng. Prof. Simms specializes in Mine Waste Management and Thickened Tailings Disposal , with a focus on fundamental unsaturated soil mechanics, evolution of soil microstructure due to drying, and reclamation of mine tailings impoundments. His research integrates experimental studies, numerical modeling, and field-scale applications to reduce environmental risks from mining operations. His work is supported by Canadian granting agencies such as NSERC and CFI, as well as industry partnerships. Key research themes include desiccation processes, rheology of tailings, and geotechnical properties of amended soils. Scientific Awards: 2011 Research Achievement Award, Carleton University Prof. Simms has supervised numerous graduate students, including 31 M.A.Sc. and Ph.D. candidates, with thesis topics spanning polymer-based tailings consolidation, evaporation effects, soil microstructure analysis, and mine waste reclamation. He leads the Carleton University Tailings Research Group , which collaborates with research engineers, postdoctoral fellows, and external institutions to address challenges in mine tailings management and environmental geotechnics.