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Joel GagnonView profile

Professor

• Analytical Environmental Chemistry
• Geochemistry
• Mass Spectrometry
• +4 more

Joel Gagnon is a Professor at the University of Windsor's School of the Environment with a hybrid appointment at the Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research (GLIER). He leads the Element and Heavy Isotope Analytical Laboratories, focusing on analytical environmental chemistry and geochemistry. His expertise includes laser ablation mass spectrometry, microanalytical method development, and environmental forensics. Education: B.Sc. (Honours) in Geology, University of Windsor M.Sc. in Geology, University of Windsor Ph.D. in Geology, McGill University Research Interests: Joel's work spans analytical geochemistry, laser ablation techniques (e.g., excimer/femtosecond lasers), and environmental applications such as heavy metal pollution assessment. He explores mineral deposits, hydrothermal systems, and biogeochemical processes using advanced instrumentation. His lab develops methods for elemental/isotopic analysis of geological and biological materials (e.g., fluid inclusions, otoliths). Labs & Facilities: He oversees state-of-the-art facilities including excimer and femtosecond laser ablation systems, ICP-MS, and other analytical tools. These support collaborative projects in environmental monitoring and mineral exploration. Advising & Opportunities: His research group seeks motivated students for M.Sc./Ph.D. projects in environmental geochemistry, method development, or mineral deposit studies. Projects integrate analytical innovation with environmental or geological applications.

Bart ProrokView profile

Professor

• Additive Manufacturing
• Neutron Irradiation
• Materials Characterization
• +2 more

Dr. Bart Prorok serves as Professor and Program Chair of Materials Engineering at Auburn University's Samuel Ginn College of Engineering. He holds a Ph.D. in Materials Science from the University of Illinois-Chicago and M.S. degrees from the University of Pittsburgh and UIC. His research encompasses additive manufacturing, neutron irradiation effects, nanoindentation, and materials characterization. Recent work focuses on microstructure-property relationships in alloys under extreme conditions, leveraging machine learning for process optimization. His publications reveal consistent themes: radiation-induced hardening in Inconel alloys, defect characterization via X-ray tomography, and computational modeling of additive processes. Awards: SSHRC Insight Grant (2019-2024), Marston LaFrance Research Fellowship (2017-2018) He leads investigations into nuclear materials performance and directs student research on laser-based manufacturing techniques.

Daniel GageView profile

Professor

• Microbial Symbiosis
• Protist Biology
• Termite Symbioses
• +5 more

Professor Daniel Gage is a faculty member in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology at the University of Connecticut (Storrs campus), where he also serves as Associate Head for Undergraduate Research and Education. His research focuses on microbial interactions, particularly symbiotic relationships between bacteria, protists, and plants. Gage holds a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan and completed postdoctoral studies at Stanford University. His research interests include: Regulation of symbiotic nitrogen fixation in Sinorhizobium meliloti with alfalfa Functional roles of soil protists in plant health and microbial transport Evolutionary and metabolic traits of termite gut protists and their endosymbionts Development of bacterial biosensors for soil and environmental monitoring Microbial dynamics in rhizosphere ecosystems Current projects involve protist-mediated transport of beneficial bacteria along plant roots, optogenetic control of bacterial biofilms, and genomic analysis of termite gut microbiota. Collaborations with engineers (e.g., Leslie Shor, Yongku Cho) enable interdisciplinary approaches in microfluidics and synthetic biology. His lab has trained numerous graduate and undergraduate students, many of whom now work in academic, industrial, and clinical settings. The Gage Lab is supported by USDA grants and industry partnerships, focusing on sustainable agricultural applications of microbial systems. Contact: daniel.gage@uconn.edu , Biology/Physics Building 406

Onyedika IgbokweView profile

Lecturer

• Structural Geology
• GIS and Remote Sensing
• Carbonate Geology
• +3 more

Dr. Onyedika Igbokwe is an Associate Lecturer in Geoscience & GIS at the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of St Andrews (since 2022). He holds a PhD in Structural and Carbonate Geology from Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Germany, alongside multiple advanced degrees including an MSc in Geospatial Technologies (Germany/Spain/Portugal) and an MSc in Water and Environmental Management from Loughborough University, UK. Research Focus: Structural geology, fracture network characterization, remote sensing, GIS applications in geothermal reservoirs, and carbonate diagenesis. Teaching: Courses include GIS and Spatial Analysis for Earth Scientists (ES3003), Environmental Management (ID5011), and Earth's Resource Challenges (ES1002). His research integrates geomechanical modeling, drone imagery, and microstructural analysis to study fracture networks in carbonate systems. Notable projects include stress regime impacts on permeability in the Latemar Dolomites and fault zone effects on geothermal reservoir properties. Over 15 years of professional experience includes roles as a Research Associate at Ruhr-Universität Bochum (2016–2022), Assistant Lecturer at Alex Ekwueme Federal University (since 2014), and Exploration Geologist at Hampoc-AG Ltd (2005–2009). Publications emphasize carbonate diagenesis, fluid inclusion studies, and fault zone evolution. Collaborations span institutions in Germany, Spain, Italy, and Nigeria.

• Geotechnical Engineering
• Discrete Element Method (DEM)
• Soil Mechanics
• +4 more

Khoi Nguyen is a Lecturer in Geotechnical Engineering at the University of South Australia (UniSA STEM) , with a focus on soil mechanics and climate change impacts on infrastructure. His research spans Discrete Element Method (DEM) simulations for granular materials, expansive soil behavior , and climate-resilient geotechnical design . Recent work includes DEM studies on particle shape effects on soil stability, TMI mapping for predicting soil suction changes under climate scenarios, and innovative retaining wall systems (PT-MSEW) to improve structural performance. He collaborates on multi-institutional projects related to geosynthetic reinforcement and soil-vegetation-atmosphere interaction modeling . His contributions appear in Geotechnique , Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering , and conference proceedings for the International Conference on Soil Mechanics and Transportation Geotechnics . He is actively involved in supervising research projects and exploring solutions for climate-adaptive infrastructure in Australia.

Martin H. GerzabekView profile

Professor

• Agriculture and Forestry
• Fisheries
• Soil Science
• +1 more

Martin H. Gerzabek is a Full Member of the Division of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at the Vienna University of Agricultural Sciences since 2023. His research spans soil science , environmental toxicology , and agricultural sustainability . His work focuses on: Soil microstructure and micromineralogy Molecular modeling of soil organic matter Microbial dynamics in fertilized soils Recent publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches combining geology , chemistry , and ecology to study soil evolution and pollution impacts. Notable honors include: Grand Decoration of Honour in Gold (Republic of Austria) Honorary Membership (International Union of Soil Sciences) Four honorary doctorates Golden Commander's Cross (Lower Austria) Golden Ring of Honor (University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna)

Tom DijkstraView profile

Professor

• Geohazards
• Climate Change
• Engineering Geomorphology
• +3 more

Dr. Tom Dijkstra is a Reader in Engineering Geomorphology with over 30 years of experience in geohazards research, focusing on climate change impacts on slopes and transport infrastructure resilience. His work integrates hydrological modeling, geophysical monitoring, and engineering solutions to address global challenges in landslide susceptibility, infrastructure deterioration, and community vulnerability. Research affiliations include collaborations with Lanzhou University (China), the British Geological Survey, and institutions in Bhutan, Rwanda, and the Caribbean. Key projects include the ACHILLES Programme Grant (EPSRC), iSMART, and FUTURENET, which explore resilient transport networks under climate change. He also leads interdisciplinary studies on disaster self-recovery in Nepal and the Philippines, emphasizing cultural and risk perception factors. His research interests span landslide dynamics, loess geotechnics, and early warning systems, with a strong emphasis on bridging science and policy through stakeholder engagement. Notable contributions include developing water balance models for landslide hazard assessments, advancing 4D geoelectrical imaging, and pioneering lime stabilization techniques for earthworks. Scientific Awards: BEST STUDENT PAPER AWARD (2013) Grants: EPSRC Programme Grants (ACHILLES, iSMART), NERC FLASH, UK-China Newton Fund Global Collaborations: China, Bhutan, Rwanda, Caribbean Labs/Teams: Active in the Geotechnics and Geomatics research group, leading fieldwork in southern Gansu, Zhouqu County (China), and the Himalayan region.

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

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

• Sustainable Construction Materials
• Geopolymer Concrete
• Recycled Materials in Construction
• +4 more

Jonathan Oti is an Associate Professor of Civil Engineering at the University of South Wales, within the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science. With a background in Chartered Civil Engineering and over a decade of industry experience in construction project management, he transitioned to academia to focus on teaching, research, and policy development. His expertise spans geotechnics, construction management, and sustainable materials innovation, particularly in low-carbon concrete and geopolymer technology. Dr. Oti's research emphasizes recycling industrial by-products (e.g., fly ash, slag) into construction materials to reduce environmental impact. He has authored over 50 peer-reviewed articles and technical reports, collaborating with governmental bodies like the Welsh Assembly Government. He actively contributes to national/international technical committees and academic panels, shaping educational standards and quality assurance processes. His teaching includes modules on construction materials, geotechnics, and sustainable engineering practices. He supervises undergraduate and postgraduate students while advancing policies to enhance student experience and academic achievement. Notable research focuses include soil stabilization, recycled aggregate composites, and eco-friendly brick development using hemp and clay. Publications highlight innovative applications like geopolymer concrete using pumice-derived activators and waste plastic aggregates. His work bridges engineering innovation with environmental responsibility, addressing global challenges in sustainable construction and resource efficiency.

Luise Theil KuhnView profile

Professor

• Neutron Diffraction and Imaging
• Materials Science
• Energy Conversion and Storage
• +3 more

Luise Theil Kuhn is a Professor and Head of the Structural Analysis and Modelling section at the Department of Energy Conversion and Storage, Technical University of Denmark (DTU). She specializes in advanced materials characterization using neutron imaging, diffraction, and X-ray techniques. Her research focuses on energy materials, nanostructured materials, and in-situ analysis of electrochemical systems. Her work contributes to Sustainable Development Goals related to clean energy and industrial innovation. Key areas include neutron-based studies of solid oxide fuel cells, battery materials, and superconductors. She has pioneered techniques like polarized neutron imaging for current estimation in superconducting tapes and operando analysis of lithium-ion electrode dynamics. Dr. Kuhn has supervised multiple PhD students, including projects on energy materials, neutron/X-ray tomography, and battery failure mechanisms. She received the National Teaching Prize in 2020 for her contributions to education. Her lab develops cutting-edge detectors and imaging tools for high-flux neutron detection and material analysis.

Yida ZhangView profile

Associate Professor

• Geomechanics
• Geotechnical Engineering
• Granular Materials
• +3 more

Yida Zhang is an Associate Professor of Geotechnical Engineering & Geomechanics at the University of Colorado Boulder, affiliated with the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering. They hold a PhD from Northwestern University (2016), an MS from Louisiana State University (2012), and a BS from Zhejiang University (2010). Their research focuses on constitutive modeling of geomaterials interacting with environmental factors, micromechanics of granular materials, unsaturated soil behaviors, and numerical modeling in geotechnical engineering and energy geotechnics. Educations: PhD in Civil Engineering, Northwestern University, 2016 MS in Civil Engineering, Louisiana State University, 2012 BS in Civil Engineering, Zhejiang University, 2010 Research interests include the interplay between environmental factors (adsorption, dissolution, temperature) and geomaterial behavior, granular micromechanics, and numerical simulations. Their work bridges continuum mechanics, physics, and thermodynamics to understand multi-scale processes in porous and granular media. Notable articles explore topics like jamming phase diagrams, environmental cracking of solids, and suffusion in granular soils. Awards include the NSF CAREER Award (2023) and CU Boulder's Early Career Research Award (2022). Grants and advising: Yida Zhang has secured significant research funding and leads projects on energy geotechnics and environmental effects on geomaterials. They are a member of ASCE’s Engineering Mechanics Institute and Unsaturated Soils committees. Labs/Teams: Their research group actively collaborates on projects involving coupled THMC processes and advanced numerical modeling techniques.

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.

Leanne Mary WakeView profile

Researcher

• Earth System Science
• Climate Dynamics
• Arctic and Boreal Ecosystems
• +5 more

Leanne Mary Wake is an Earth system scientist affiliated with Northumbria University, focusing on geophysical processes in the Earth-land-atmosphere system. She holds a Geography PhD (2010) and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2017). Her research emphasizes land-atmosphere interactions, snow dynamics in boreal forests, and Holocene behavior of the Greenland Ice Sheet. Research interests include Arctic tundra studies, permafrost dynamics, and climate modeling. She has contributed to interdisciplinary work in STEM education equity through collaborative projects. Key areas: Snow thermal conductivity, Greenland sea level changes, and Arctic ecosystem modeling Recent publications focus on climate feedback mechanisms and cryosphere dynamics Scientific awards: Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2017).

Eduardo De Souza NetoView profile

Professor

• Computational Mechanics
• Multi-scale Modelling
• Solid Mechanics
• +5 more

Professor Eduardo De Souza Neto is Chair of Civil Engineering at Swansea University's School of Aerospace, Civil, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering. His office is located in the Engineering Central Building at Bay Campus. He is available for postgraduate supervision and maintains an active research profile in computational mechanics. Research Focus: Professor De Souza Neto specializes in multi-scale modeling of solids using computational homogenization methods. His work investigates complex material behaviors across physical scales, with applications including: Constitutive modeling of biological tissues (e.g., human arteries) Polycrystalline metal behavior prediction Heat conduction problems Microstructural optimization via topological derivatives Computational efficiency enhancements for multi-scale frameworks Current research explores sensitivity of macroscopic material properties to microstructural changes and fracture modeling in heterogeneous materials. Publication Trends: His recent articles (2016-2025) demonstrate strong focus on multi-scale computational frameworks, particularly: Development of virtual power methods for homogenization Advanced fracture and damage modeling techniques Computational efficiency in material failure analysis Applications in biomechanics, composites, and geomechanics Teaching & Supervision: He teaches undergraduate and postgraduate modules including Finite Elements for Civil Engineers (EG-3067/EG-M92), Construction Methods in Infrastructure Works (EG-M345), and Construction Methods in Building Works (EG-M347). He currently supervises PhD students in computational mechanics topics including boundary element methods, machine learning-aided material modeling, and computer vision-based microstructure reconstruction.

• Computational mechanics
• Contact mechanics
• Snow mechanics
• +11 more

Mauro Borri Brunetto is an Associate Professor in the Department of Structural, Building and Geotechnical Engineering (DISEG) at the Politecnico di Torino , Italy. He is a member of the Interdepartmental Center SISCON (Safety of Infrastructures and Constructions) and serves on the Joint Committee for Teaching. His academic and research activities are deeply rooted in civil engineering, with a focus on computational and structural mechanics. University: Politecnico di Torino Department: Department of Structural, Building and Geotechnical Engineering (DISEG) Academic Rank: Associate Professor (L. 240) Email: mauro.borri@polito.it His research interests lie at the intersection of solid mechanics and natural hazard engineering. Key areas include: Computational mechanics and numerical modeling Contact mechanics of rough surfaces Mechanical behavior and constitutive modeling of snow Soil and rock mechanics Cellular automata models for snow avalanche dynamics Experimental study of avalanche impacts on buildings History of construction science and structural mechanics The recent publications reflect a consistent focus on modeling snow behavior and assessing rock failure in deep excavations. His work combines theoretical development, numerical simulation, and experimental validation, particularly in cold regions engineering and geomechanics. There is a strong emphasis on safety of infrastructures, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 11. Scientific Contributions Development of elasto-visco-plastic constitutive models for snow Experimental investigation of snow-mortar interface shear strength Brittle failure prediction in deep rock tunnels Historical analysis of engineering at Politecnico di Torino Borri Brunetto actively supervises PhD students, including Lorenzo Milan and Gianmarco Vallero , guiding research in rock mechanics and snow modeling. He teaches Nonlinear Solid Mechanics at the PhD level and Structural Theory and Building Science modules in undergraduate and Master's programs in Civil and Building Engineering and Architecture. He is also involved in doctoral colleges for the PhD program in Civil and Environmental Engineering. His research is supported by expertise in computational modeling and experimental design, particularly in the context of natural hazards like avalanches and rockfalls. He contributes to interdisciplinary efforts through the SISCON center, focusing on infrastructure resilience and monitoring-based safety assessment.