Soil Microstructure Evolution Professors and Supervisors

Amy L. Brock-HonView profile

Professor

The University of Tennessee at ChattanoogaUnited States

Amy L. Brock-Hon is the Robert L. Wilson Professor of Geology at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC), part of the College of Arts and Sciences. She specializes in soil science, geomorphology, and pedogenesis, focusing on petrocalcic horizons in arid regions and the Cumberland Plateau's unique depressions. Her work integrates field studies, geophysical techniques, and micromorphological analysis. Teaching includes courses such as Physical Geology, Mineralogy, Geomorphology, and Soil Science. Her research explores the interplay of geomorphic, tectonic, and climatic processes on soil development, with notable projects on Mormon Mesa, NV, and Raccoon Mountain Caverns. Recent grants include studies on Cumberland Plateau depressions and barite mineral characterization in soils. Brock-Hon has supervised multiple undergraduate researchers, including Dylan Dudley, Sarah Morgenthaler, and Jonathan Petsch, whose work focused on soil mineralogy and sediment analysis. Her publications span pedogenic barite, carbonate soil formation, and geophysical surveys of landforms. She advocates for community engagement through geology education and integrates technology like GPR and GIS in her research.

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Juliana Calabria-HolleyView profile

Senior Lecturer

University of BathUnited Kingdom

Dr. Juliana Calabria-Holley is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering at the University of Bath. She holds multiple affiliations with research centers including the Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Centre for Regenerative Design & Engineering, and Centre for Integrated Materials, Processes & Structures. Her research focuses on nanotechnology applications for sustainable construction materials. Education: Doctor of Engineering in Materials Science and Engineering, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Brazil & Imperial College London Master of Engineering in Materials Science and Engineering, Federal University of Minas Gerais Bachelor of Architecture, Federal University of Minas Gerais Research Interests: Dr. Calabria-Holley specializes in nanotechnology-enhanced cementitious systems, sol-gel surface engineering, adsorption processes, and micro/nanostructure design of sustainable building materials. Her interdisciplinary work bridges architecture and materials science, focusing on low-carbon solutions and functional interfaces in construction materials, with applications in heritage conservation and modern sustainable design. Publications: Her 52 research outputs demonstrate consistent focus on nanotechnology applications in construction materials, with recent emphasis on bamboo composites, lime mortar optimization, and pozzolanic activation. Trend analysis reveals progression from fundamental nanostructure studies to applied sustainable material solutions. Projects & Activities: Principal Investigator for 'Pioneering Engineered MYCOmposites' and AHRC Collaborative Doctoral Project on lime-based substrates Co-Investigator for 'REECO-SOIL' (regenerative retrofitting) and 'Scaled-up mechanochemical activation' projects Organizer for 'The Elephant Game – Beyond Bricks and Mortars' seminar (2025)

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Adnan SufianView profile

Senior Lecturer

University of New South WalesAustralia

Academic Profile Dr. Adnan Sufian is a Senior Lecturer in Geotechnical Engineering at the School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney). He holds a PhD (2017) and BE (2012) in Civil Engineering from UNSW, with research visits to MIT. Prior academic roles include positions at Imperial College London and the University of Queensland. He also has industry experience at SMEC Australia on major infrastructure projects. Research Focus Dr. Sufian specializes in multi-scale mechanics of granular materials, investigating fluid-particle interactions through computational (DEM, CFD-DEM), experimental, and theoretical approaches. His work addresses geotechnical challenges including erosion, landslides, and contaminant transport, with applications in infrastructure, environmental management, and industrial processes. Current projects focus on internal erosion in dams, particle migration, and climate-resilient infrastructure. Publications & Trends Recent articles (2019-2025) demonstrate strong emphasis on granular material behavior under hydraulic/mechanical stresses, featuring advanced computational techniques like pore-network modeling and coupled CFD-DEM. Key themes include internal erosion mechanisms, filtration dynamics, soil-fluid interactions, and microstructural analysis. Publications consistently appear in top geotechnical journals including Geotechnique and Computers and Geotechnics . Awards & Recognition Best Paper Award (Early Career Researcher), Australasian Conference on Computational Mechanics (2019) Best Paper Award (Postgraduate Student), Australasian Conference on Computational Mechanics (2015) UNSW Geotechnical Discipline Prize (2011) Grants & Projects ARC Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (2024-2026): Predicting internal erosion in dams using real-time coupled experiments ARC Early Career Industry Fellowship (2023-2026): Safeguarding dams/levees from internal erosion NSERC Alliance Award (2023-2024): Internal erosion in hydroelectric dams (with Zheng) Research Leadership Supervises HDR projects on transport processes in granular media, particle shape effects on erosion, and flood-impacted infrastructure. Collaborates with physicists and mathematicians to study emergent granular phenomena. Co-organizes the European Working Group on Internal Erosion Symposium and holds memberships in the Australian Geomechanics Society and Engineers Australia.

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David CarrView profile

Researcher

University of VirginiaUnited States

David Carr is a Researcher at the University of Virginia's Blandy Experimental Farm, focusing on plant ecology and evolutionary biology. His work integrates plant mating systems, pollinator interactions, and invasive species dynamics. Key research areas include inbreeding effects on ecological interactions, pollen reward strategies influencing bee foraging, and invasive species' ecological impacts. Research Interests: Inbreeding's role in plant-herbivore/pathogen/pollinator relationships Pollen quality and foraging efficiency in bumblebees Invasive plant species' success and native biodiversity impacts Dr. Carr's studies often utilize the genus Mimulus as a model system, exploring how genetic factors and environmental conditions shape plant traits and ecological outcomes. His recent work examines roadside habitat modifications, 3D-printed ecological structures, and light pollution effects on plant growth. Publications Trends: Recent articles emphasize plant adaptation mechanisms under environmental stressors (e.g., drought, CO2 enrichment), pollinator sensory biases, and community-level effects of invasive species. His research bridges basic ecological theory with applied conservation challenges. Labs/Teams: Primary research location is the Blandy Experimental Farm, a 700-acre field station supporting long-term ecological studies in Virginia's Piedmont region.

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Thomas MüllerView profile

Professor

Carl von Ossietzky University of OldenburgGermany

Prof. Dr. Thomas Müller is a Professor of Inorganic Chemistry at Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, leading the Müller Research Group. His work focuses on Lewis pairs, frustrated Lewis systems, and catalysis using main-group elements like silicon and phosphorus. He has pioneered research on environmentally friendly catalysts for industrial applications, such as hydrogen splitting and CO₂ reduction. His group collaborates internationally with institutions like Tohoku University and the University of Western Ontario. Research Highlights: Frustrierte Lewis-Paare (FLPs), silicium-based catalysts, and sustainable chemistry. Notable Achievements: Co-developed FLPs for hydrogen activation, earned awards for student research, and published in Angewandte Chemie . Key research interests include synthetic inorganic chemistry, materials science, and applications of main-group elements in green chemistry. His team's work on silicium-based Lewis acids has advanced hydrodefluorination and other catalytic processes. Students: Supervised numerous PhD and master’s students, including Marie Würdemann (prize winner), Saskia Rathjen, and Zhaowen Dong (Best PhD Thesis, 2018). Labs/Teams: Active in experimental and theoretical studies of main-group element chemistry, with facilities for advanced spectroscopy and synthesis.

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Nadja RayView profile

Professor

University of Erlangen–NurembergGermany

Nadja Ray is a Professor for Geomatics and Geomathematics at the School of Mathematics, Information, Data Science (MIDS) at Katholische Universität Eichstätt-Ingolstadt since September 2022. She also serves as Head of a Junior Research Group at Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg and is Principal Investigator for multiple research projects including DFG SPP 2089, DAAD PPP Finland, and DFG RTG 2339. Her educational background includes a Habilitation in Applied Mathematics (2016-2020), a PhD in Applied Mathematics (2008-2013), and a Diploma in Mathematics with minor in theoretical physics (2002-2008), all from Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg. Dr. Ray's research focuses on multiscale modeling, upscaling, and homogenization with applications in porous media, particularly soil microaggregates and electrohydrodynamics. Her work bridges mathematical theory with practical applications in soil science, environmental engineering, and geosciences. She develops mechanistic models that incorporate evolving microstructures to understand complex phenomena in porous media. Her recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on micro-macro modeling approaches for reactive transport in porous media, permeability estimation using machine learning techniques, and pore-scale modeling of soil processes. Her work spans mathematical analysis, numerical methods, and interdisciplinary applications in soil science and geosciences. Habilitation prize from Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg for outstanding habilitation Women's prize from the faculty of natural sciences at Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg Dr.-Körper-Preis 2014 from GAMM for outstanding PhD thesis Multiple prestigious scholarships including from Studienstiftung des Deutschen Volkes and Deutsche Telekom Stiftung Dr. Ray has secured significant research funding as Principal Investigator for multiple DFG and DAAD projects. She regularly presents her research at international conferences including the SIAM Conference on Mathematical and Computational Issues in the Geosciences and the European Geosciences Union General Assembly. She teaches in the B.Sc. Data Science program at KU Eichstätt-Ingolstadt and has completed the Certificate for Teaching in Higher Education of the Bavarian Universities. Her international collaborations include research visits to institutions in Belgium, Slovakia, Norway, and the Netherlands, demonstrating her strong international research network.

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Dimitrios TerzisView profile

Lecturer

Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in LausanneSwitzerland

Dimitrios Terzis is a Lecturer and Research & Teaching Associate at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) , within the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC) and the Soil Mechanics Laboratory (LMS) . He is also a principal lecturer for the course "Innovation for construction and the environment". His work bridges advanced geotechnical engineering with bio-mediated soil improvement technologies. Education: Diploma in Civil Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece (2014) PhD in Mechanics, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland (2017) Research Interests: Dimitrios Terzis focuses on bio-cementation and microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP) for soil improvement. His research integrates microscopy , X-ray tomography , and predictive modeling to understand and scale bio-mediated processes for geotechnical applications. He also explores innovation in construction and technology transfer . Scientific Contributions & Awards: Co-inventor of 3 EPFL patents Author of 10+ peer-reviewed publications (h-index: 6) Recipient of over CHF 3 million in grants and awards Notable awards: EPFL Innogrant Fellowship (2018), SNSF BRIDGE Grant (2019), Gebert Rüf Stiftung Innobooster Grant Teaching & Advising: Since 2019, he has been the principal lecturer for the course "Innovation for construction and the environment" (CIVIL-424). He has advised PhD students including Ray Harran and Ariadni Elmaloglou . Labs & Teams: He is actively affiliated with: EPFL ENAC IIC LMS (Soil Mechanics Laboratory) EPFL ENAC SGC-ENS (Teaching unit) EPFL ENAC DOENAC (Diversity Office)

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Lukas KellerView profile

Researcher

Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW)Switzerland

Dr. Lukas Keller is a Researcher at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), School of Engineering, within the Department of ICP Multiphysics Modeling and Imaging. He leads multiple projects focused on clay rock characterization, including ongoing work on fracture sealing in clay rock and completed studies on gas transport mechanisms in clay materials. His research centers on the geophysical and mechanical properties of clay formations, particularly Opalinus Clay. Key interests include 3D microstructure analysis using X-ray computed tomography (XCT), hydromechanical behavior of fractures, permeability modeling, and pore-scale simulations. His work bridges experimental data with computational approaches to understand fluid flow, elastic properties, and transport phenomena in geological materials. Keller's publications (2014-2023) demonstrate consistent focus on clay microstructure, digital rock physics, and multiscale modeling. Recent articles explore pore geometry effects on rock elasticity, anisotropy in shale mechanics, and advanced tomography techniques. His research provides critical insights for applications in nuclear waste containment and geotechnical engineering.

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Abbas TaheriView profile

Associate Professor

Queen's University at KingstonCanada

Dr. Abbas Taheri is a Tenured Associate Professor and Chair in Mine Design at the Robert M. Buchan Department of Mining, Queen’s University, Canada. He has over 20 years of experience in geotechnical engineering, rock mechanics, and mining engineering, with academic roles at the University of Adelaide (2011-2021) and Tokyo University of Science. Education: BASc in Mining Engineering (1999), MASc in Rock Mechanics (2002) from Amir Kabir University; PhD in Geotechnical Engineering (2008) from Yokohama National University Dr. Taheri specializes in modeling surface/underground excavations, rock engineering properties, experimental geomechanics, and backfill material optimization. His work spans deep/high-stress mining, expansive soil stabilization, and geotechnical testing innovations like AUSBIT (Adelaide University Snap-Back Indirect Tensile Test). Research Trends: Recent publications focus on intelligent tunnel construction via UDi, temperature-dependent hydration behavior of backfill materials, brittleness indices for rocks, and digital twin applications for rock mass modeling. Scientific Awards: ISRM Rocha Medal 2010 Runner-up (Proxime Accessit) JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship (2008) As President of ISRM's Deep Mining Commission, Dr. Taheri contributes to rockburst prediction frameworks and geotechnical safety protocols. He has authored over 160 refereed publications and organized international mining symposiums.

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Sanjay NimbalkarView profile

Associate Professor

University of Technology SydneyAustralia

Dr. Sanjay Nimbalkar is an Associate Professor at the University of Technology Sydney's School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, with over two decades of experience in geotechnical engineering, railway infrastructure, and sustainable pavement design. As a Chartered Professional Civil Engineer (CPEng) and Fellow of Engineers Australia (FIEAust), he bridges theoretical research with practical applications in transport geotechnics. Developed pseudo-dynamic methods for earth-retaining structures Specializes in 3D finite element modeling, constitutive framework development, and field monitoring of infrastructure Recipient of multiple awards: Thomas Telford Premium (2014), Second Sussman Best Paper Prize (2019), and Editor's Choice Award (2020) His research examines nanomaterials for coastal infrastructure (Nano-MgO/SiO2), vibration isolation systems, and recycled materials for sustainable pavements. With over 225 research outputs and top 5% ranking in geotechnical engineering, his work addresses critical challenges in railway track stability, seawater corrosion resistance, and climate change mitigation. Supervising HDR candidates and serving as Adjunct Faculty at IIT Madras and Visiting Associate Professor at IIT Bombay, Nimbalkar leads contract research projects across Australia-India partnerships. His editorial roles span Frontiers in Built Environment, Canadian Geotechnical Journal, and Sustainability, while mentoring through Publons Academy and Engineers Without Borders Australia.

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Miladin RadovicView profile

Professor

Texas A&M UniversityUnited States

Miladin Radovic serves as Professor and Associate Department Head in the Department of Materials Science & Engineering at Texas A&M University, where he also directs the Materials Characterization Facility. His research bridges fundamental materials science with practical applications in energy systems and infrastructure, with particular emphasis on advanced ceramics and emerging nanomaterials. Education: Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Drexel University (2001) M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, University of Belgrade (1997) B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, University of Belgrade (1992) Research Focus: Radovic's work centers on high-temperature materials for energy applications, advanced ceramic processing, mechanical property characterization of ceramics and metals, fuel cell materials, and resonant ultrasound spectroscopy. His recent research has expanded into MXene nanomaterials for energy storage and barriers, and geopolymer composites for sustainable infrastructure, reflecting a strategic shift toward environmentally conscious materials solutions. Publication Trends: Analysis of his recent publications (2023-2025) reveals three dominant trajectories: MXene-based systems (for energy storage, gas barriers, and conductive composites), geopolymer engineering (for soil stabilization and low-carbon construction), and MAX phase ceramics (focusing on high-temperature oxidation and mechanical behavior). This triad demonstrates his ability to pivot between fundamental nanomaterials science and large-scale civil engineering applications. Scientific Recognition: Marquis Who’s Who in America listing (2006) ASM International screen server feature for microphotographs (2005) Journal of American Ceramic Society cover (2004) Multiple early-career awards including Gordon Research Conference scholarship and A.W. Grosvenor Award Research Leadership: As Director of the Materials Characterization Facility, Radovic oversees advanced instrumentation for materials analysis. His publication record indicates extensive collaboration with national labs and industry partners, particularly in energy materials research. While specific grant details aren't provided, his work aligns with DOE and NSF priorities in sustainable materials and infrastructure. Facility Impact: The Materials Characterization Facility under his direction supports interdisciplinary research across campus, with particular emphasis on high-temperature testing, mechanical property quantification, and nanoscale characterization techniques essential for next-generation materials development.

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Kristen DeAngelisView profile

Professor

University of Massachusetts AmherstUnited States

Kristen DeAngelis is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, focusing on microbial ecology in the context of climate change and biofuels. Her research spans microbial physiology, community dynamics, and biogeochemistry. Institution: University of Massachusetts Amherst Department: Department of Microbiology Contact: deangelis@umass.edu Her work examines how climate change affects soil microbial communities, particularly in rhizosphere carbon dynamics and anaerobic decomposition. She aims to apply findings to improve biofuel development and understand greenhouse gas emissions in terrestrial ecosystems. Recent publications emphasize microbial responses to soil warming, manganese-mediated organic matter degradation, and genomic insights into thermal adaptation. Her lab integrates biogeochemical and molecular microbiology approaches to address climate perturbations. Kristen's lab, the Molecular Microbial Ecology Lab, includes members Megan Mitchell, Ilana Krebs, Maria Montero Sanchez, Cam Anderson, Anna Budman, Li Han Alicia Chan, and Melissa Shinfuku. The lab emphasizes microbial diversity, community interactions, and visual communication of science.

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Thierry AugerView profile

Research Fellow

ParisTech School of BridgesFrance

Thierry Auger is a Research Fellow at the PIMM laboratory (Arts et Métiers Sciences et Technologies) since October 2017, where he leads research in the CoMet team focusing on Behavior and Microstructure of Metals. His extensive academic career spans over two decades with previous positions at the Laboratory of Mechanics of Structures, Soils and Materials (Ecole CentraleSupélec/MSSMAT, 2008-2017) and the Laboratory Centre for the Study of Metallurgical Chemistry (CNRS/CECM, 2001-2008). Dr. Auger's research centers on liquid metal embrittlement phenomena, metallurgy, and fracture mechanics. His work investigates how liquid metals interact with structural materials causing embrittlement, with particular focus on nuclear materials exposed to liquid sodium, lead, and lead-bismuth eutectic. His expertise spans from fundamental understanding of embrittlement mechanisms to practical applications in nuclear engineering systems. His recent publications (2021-2025) demonstrate a strong focus on high-entropy alloys exposed to liquid metals, advanced characterization of embrittlement mechanisms, and multi-scale modeling approaches. These works appear in leading journals including Corrosion Science, Scripta Materialia, and Journal of Nuclear Materials, reflecting his significant contributions to understanding material degradation in extreme environments. Dr. Auger actively contributes to nuclear materials research through multiple collaborative projects including ANR Gauguin and Meso3D, and maintains strong connections with national and international research institutions working on advanced nuclear systems and liquid metal technologies. His teaching portfolio includes Structural Integrity and Continuum Mechanics courses at ENSAM for Energy Engineering students, bridging his research expertise with educational responsibilities in materials science and mechanical engineering.

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