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Craig WarrenView profile

Associate Professor

• Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
• Electromagnetic Sensing Systems
• Computational Modelling
• +3 more

Craig Warren is an Associate Professor at Northumbria University's Mechanical and Construction Engineering Department. He joined the university in 2017 after seven years at The University of Edinburgh, where he held teaching and research roles. His research focuses on computational modeling of electromagnetic (EM) sensing systems, particularly Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), and he leads development of the open-source software gprMax, widely used in academia and industry. Warren holds degrees in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering (BEng, 2003), Civil Engineering (Ph.D., 2009), and a PGCert in Academic Practice (2014). Professional Memberships: CEng, FICE, FHEA, MIMechE, SEG Research Interests: GPR systems, FDTD simulation, engineering education Notable Achievements: Leader of COST Action TU1208's GPR workgroup, developer of gprMax His research combines fundamental EM theory with applied engineering challenges, including planetary exploration (e.g., Chang’E-4 mission analysis) and infrastructure inspection. He has authored over 60 publications and contributed to 6 patents. Warren's software contributions and interdisciplinary work bridge geophysics, civil engineering, and computer science. His recent studies focus on machine learning integration with GPR data analysis for lunar and Martian environments, as well as novel inversion techniques for subsurface characterization.

• Geology
• Geophysics
• Rock Physics
• +1 more

Travis Hager serves as a Research Fellow at the University of Maryland, College Park, affiliated with the Geology department. His office is located in CHM 1211B of the Chemistry Building at 8051 Regents Drive, College Park, MD 20742, with mailing address 8000 Regents Drive, College Park, MD 20742. He maintains a professional association with the Laboratory for Rock Physics. His research centers on Rock Physics and Geophysics, focusing on experimental analysis of rock mechanical properties, seismic wave propagation through geological formations, and development of advanced rock characterization techniques. This work bridges fundamental geoscience with practical applications in subsurface resource exploration and crustal deformation studies. Dr. Hager operates within the Laboratory for Rock Physics, where he conducts experimental investigations of rock behavior under varying pressure and temperature conditions. The laboratory serves as a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration in earth materials research, utilizing specialized equipment for acoustic velocity measurements and deformation testing of geological specimens.

Qiangyong ZhangView profile

Professor

• Rock mechanics
• Geotechnical engineering
• Numerical simulation
• +4 more

Qiangyong Zhang is a Professor and PhD Tutor at the School of Civil Engineering , Shandong University , serving as Deputy Dean. His work focuses on geotechnical engineering, particularly deep underground structures and rock mechanics. Stability analysis of surrounding rock in deep caves Numerical and physical simulation of geotechnical systems Mechanical properties of fractured rock masses High slope reinforcement Rock-soil interaction mechanics Underground engineering disaster risk control Tunnel construction mechanics His research trends emphasize zonal disintegration mechanisms, time-dependent rock behavior, seepage-stress coupling, and advanced numerical/experimental methods for underground energy storage. Scientific contributions include: Over 15 recent publications in high-impact journals Development of specialized geomechanical test systems Fundamental studies on creep, fracturing, and reinforcement Scientific awards : Recognized as Taishan Scholar Distinguished Expert . Collaborative network spans multiple institutions, with co-authors from Chinese academia and industry in energy/geotechnical sectors.

Christopher K ZahmView profile

Researcher

• Reservoir Characterization
• Flow Modeling in Fractured Reservoirs
• Porosity-Permeability Evolution
• +2 more

Christopher K Zahm serves as a Researcher at the Bureau of Economic Geology within the Jackson School of Geosciences at The University of Texas at Austin, holding the position Research Engineering/Scientist Associate V (4207). He has instructed GEO 391 Petroleum Basin Evaluation-Iba during Spring semesters of 2014 and 2015. His research concentrates on critical petroleum systems analysis: Reservoir characterization methodologies Fluid flow dynamics in fractured geological formations Pore structure evolution affecting hydrocarbon permeability These specialties address fundamental challenges in hydrocarbon extraction efficiency and reservoir management, directly supporting energy sector applications through advanced geological modeling. As part of the Bureau of Economic Geology—a premier energy research unit—Dr. Zahm contributes to integrated geoscience solutions for subsurface resource evaluation while maintaining active industry collaboration through the Jackson School's extensive energy partnerships.

Qiqi WangView profile

Research Fellow

• Structural Geology
• Sedimentary Petrology
• Reservoir Characterization
• +4 more

Qiqi Wang serves as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Bureau of Economic Geology within the Jackson School of Geosciences, The University of Texas at Austin. Her work bridges structural geology and sedimentary petrology to address critical challenges in hydrocarbon extraction, geothermal energy, and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) through international collaborative research. Her research expertise spans fracture pattern formation , clastic diagenesis , reservoir characterization , and reservoir quality predictive modeling . She employs advanced methodologies including petrography, scanning electron microscopy, fluid inclusion micro thermometry, field/core-based fracture analysis, image log interpretation, diagenetic/rock physics modeling (Touchstone), geo-cellular modeling, and integrated machine learning-statistics frameworks. Current projects focus on fracture evolution and progressive diagenesis in low porosity rocks , while past work includes bedding-parallel fracture characterization in shale . Recent publications reveal consistent innovation in fracture-spatial analysis (e.g., Wyoming reservoir anticlines), diagenesis-deformation coupling in sandstones, and ultra-deep fracture history in sedimentary basins. Her work increasingly integrates machine learning for predictive reservoir modeling, with significant focus on unconventional resources like shale systems. Key recognitions include: Best of Petroleum Geoscience Collection (Geological Society London, 2021) JSG Research Analytical Fund (UT Austin, 2021) Jackson School Off-campus Research Award (2020) AAPG Top 10 Poster Award (2015) Missouri S&T Field Camp & Undergraduate Research Awards (2013) Wang actively contributes to academic service as Vice President of AAPG UT chapter (2020-2022), GSA Energy Geology Division Student Representative (2019-present), and ARMA UT Austin Event Organizer (2019-present). Her research is supported by competitive UT Austin grants and professional society awards, operating within the Bureau of Economic Geology's interdisciplinary framework for energy and environmental geoscience solutions. She collaborates within the Bureau of Economic Geology's international research teams, leveraging cross-disciplinary expertise to advance subsurface characterization methodologies for energy transition applications.

• Geosciences
• Environmental Engineering
• Rock Mechanics
• +5 more

Clay Wood is a Research Fellow in the Hildebrand Department of Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin , part of the Jackson School of Geosciences. His research focuses on fractured rock mechanics, CO 2 mineralization, and the interplay between elastic, hydraulic, and fracture properties under geomechanical stresses. He investigates fault stability, pore pressure effects, and dynamic stressing using experimental and multi-physics approaches. Education: Details not provided in the text. Research Interests: Clay’s work integrates experimental geophysics and rock mechanics to study subsurface processes. Key areas include (1) CO 2 sequestration in ultramafic rocks, (2) fracture permeability and reaction-driven cracking, (3) elastodynamic and hydraulic property coupling in fractured media, and (4) fault slip dynamics under fluid pressure variations. His studies employ advanced techniques like synchrotron X-ray imaging and coupled numerical-experimental frameworks. Articles Trends: Recent publications (2022–2024) emphasize experimental investigations into CO 2 mineralization impacts, fracture mechanics under dynamic stressing, and the relationship between pore fluid dynamics and fault instability. A notable focus is on imaging-based analysis of rock interfaces and their nonlinear acoustic responses. Awards: None explicitly mentioned. Advising & Grants: No student advisees or grant details provided. Likely contributes to collaborative projects within the Jackson School’s Bureau of Economic Geology or related units. Labs/Teams: Engaged with rock physics and geomechanics research groups at UT Austin, possibly affiliated with the Bureau of Economic Geology’s experimental facilities.

Laura J. Pyrak-NolteView profile

Professor

• Geophysics
• Rock Mechanics
• Seismic Wave Propagation
• +5 more

Laura J. Pyrak-Nolte is a Distinguished Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Purdue University, with a joint appointment in Civil Engineering and Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences. Her expertise bridges geophysics, rock mechanics, and material science, focusing on fracture dynamics, seismic wave interactions, and fluid flow in porous media. She leads the Rock Physics Research Group, pioneering synthetic rock studies using 3D printing to model real-world geological processes. Education: B.S. in Engineering Science, SUNY Buffalo (1981) M.S. in Geological Sciences, Virginia Tech (1983) Ph.D. in Materials Science and Mineral Engineering, UC Berkeley (1988) Research Interests: Her work explores the interplay between mechanical, hydraulic, and seismic properties of fractured rock systems. Key areas include fracture geometry’s impact on wave propagation, fluid flow prediction via seismic data, and novel applications of additive manufacturing in geology. Recent innovations involve bassanite-based 3D-printed synthetic rocks to simulate fracture evolution under stress. Awards & Honors: Member, National Academy of Engineering (2021) Member, American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2022) Reginald Fessenden Award (2020) Fellowships: AGU (2020), AAAS (2020), and American Rock Mechanics Association (2013) Academic Leadership: Served as President of the American Rock Mechanics Association (2017–2019) and International Society for Porous Media (2019–present). Active in DOE advisory roles on Earth and Chemical Sciences.

• Sedimentary Basin Analysis
• Carbonate Reef Geology
• Sequence Stratigraphy
• +2 more

Professor Annette George heads the School of Earth and Oceans at UWA. Her research examines tectonic influences on sedimentary basins from Archean to modern systems, with focus on carbonate reefs, mass extinctions, and resource-bearing formations. Specializes in integrated basin analysis combining sedimentology, biostratigraphy, and seismic stratigraphy. Recent work investigates microbialite development in Devonian reefs and shelf-margin architecture. Awarded Dorothy Hill Medal for contributions to Australian earth science and Senior Fellowship in higher education. Leads industry collaborations with energy and mining sectors on subsurface characterization.

Charles KeransView profile

Professor

• Carbonate Geology
• Sequence Stratigraphy
• Reservoir Characterization
• +5 more

Charles Kerans is a Professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at the University of Texas at Austin's Jackson School of Geosciences. He holds the Robert K. Goldhammer Chair of Carbonate Geology and is a Senior Research Scientist at the Bureau of Economic Geology. His roles include co-Principal Investigator of the Carbonate Reservoir Characterization Research Laboratory and Morgan J. Davis Centennial Chair in Geosciences. Kerans specializes in carbonate sequence stratigraphy, reservoir characterization, and integrating outcrop data with subsurface studies. Research focuses on carbonate platform evolution, paleoenvironmental reconstruction, and stratigraphic architecture. Key areas include Last Interglacial sea-level changes, Permian Basin sedimentology, and Jurassic-Cretaceous Arabian plate geochemistry. His work bridges geological time scales with modern environmental processes. Awarded AAPG Grover Murray Distinguished Educator (2014) Recipient of SEPM Francis J. Pettijohn Medal (2014) SEPM Honorary Membership (2017) Carlos Dengo Award (2008) and multiple Wallace Pratt Awards Advising contributions include mentoring students and postdocs in carbonate geology and reservoir studies. Research labs include the Carbonate Reservoir Characterization Lab. Teaching focuses on carbonate sedimentology and diagenesis courses. Fieldwork spans the Bahamas, Texas Permian Basin, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia, emphasizing outcrop analogs for subsurface reservoirs. Ongoing projects explore sea-level fluctuations, mixed clastic-carbonate systems, and paleoenvironmental impacts on sedimentation.

• Planetary Science
• Geophysics
• Glaciology
• +6 more

Cyril Grima is a Research Assistant Professor at the Institute for Geophysics within the Jackson School of Geosciences at The University of Texas at Austin. His work focuses on planetary geophysics, with expertise in radar remote sensing techniques applied to Mars, Europa, and Titan. He contributes to major missions like the Europa Clipper and utilizes radar data to study ice sheets, surface roughness, and subsurface structures. His research interests span planetary radar instrumentation, glaciology, and ionospheric physics. Key areas include subsurface ice detection on Mars and Europa, radar signal processing for planetary missions, and the analysis of subglacial water systems in polar regions. Grima’s studies leverage machine learning and statistical methods to improve data interpretation from ice-penetrating radar systems. Recent work highlights include advancing Europa’s subsurface composition understanding through the REASON radar instrument, analyzing Martian surface heterogeneity with decametric-scale radar statistics, and developing ice thickness estimation algorithms using deep learning frameworks. His contributions are critical for future planetary exploration missions and climate change studies in polar environments. Laboratory affiliations include the Institute for Geophysics, where he collaborates on mission planning and instrument development. His research has led to breakthroughs in detecting subglacial lakes and improving radar imaging techniques for icy planetary bodies.

Douglas HemingwayView profile

Academic

• Planetary Geophysics
• Gravitational and Magnetic Field Modeling
• Icy Moons Interiors
• +3 more

Douglas Hemingway is a Research Assistant Professor at the Institute for Geophysics within the Jackson School of Geosciences at The University of Texas at Austin. His research focuses on planetary geophysics, particularly the internal structures and evolutionary processes of planetary bodies like icy moons (e.g., Enceladus, Europa), Mars, and the Moon. He employs geophysical modeling techniques constrained by spacecraft data to study gravitational/magnetic fields, tidal interactions, and surface deformation patterns. Key research areas include: Interior composition and dynamics of icy satellites Evolution of Martian and lunar magnetic fields Space weathering effects on lunar surfaces Geophysical exploration strategies for future planetary missions Recent work emphasizes: Seismic studies of Mars' solid inner core Enceladus' ice shell structure and subsurface ocean Assessment of geological activity potential on Europan seafloors Gravitational field modeling for Uranian moons He collaborates on mission concepts such as Uranus orbiter investigations and NanoSWARM nanosatellite projects. His research bridges theoretical modeling with observational data from missions like Cassini and InSight.

Toti E LarsonView profile

Academic

• Subsurface Geology
• Machine Learning in Geoscience
• Geochemistry
• +3 more

Toti E Larson is a Research Associate Professor and Principal Investigator of the Mudrock Systems Research Laboratory (MSRL) at the University of Texas at Austin's Bureau of Economic Geology and Jackson School of Geosciences. He also serves as a Lecturer in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences. His work focuses on integrating geochemistry, geology, and machine learning to develop predictive subsurface characterization models for energy applications. Larson leads the MSRL consortium, collaborating with energy companies to address subsurface geology challenges. He developed CorePy, an open-source Python package for subsurface data analysis, emphasizing chemofacies classification through XRF data and machine learning. Research interests include subsurface geology, geochemical modeling, and the application of AI to geological data integration. His studies span sedimentary systems, shale gas reservoirs, and environmental impacts of geological processes. Larson's work has contributed to understanding Paleozoic to Cretaceous stratigraphy, basin-scale redox dynamics, and CO2 sequestration risks. He has advised students on projects related to core characterization, fault zone analysis, and geochemical fingerprinting of shale plays. Larson's lab, MSRL, focuses on mudrock systems critical for energy resources and geological carbon storage. His research integrates field data, laboratory analysis, and computational tools to bridge core-scale observations with basin-scale models. Notable contributions include machine learning workflows for reservoir prediction and novel methods for tracing methane migration pathways in aquifers.

• Geologic Carbon Storage
• Subsurface Fluid Flow
• Environmental Engineering
• +3 more

Hailun Ni is a Research Assistant Professor at the Bureau of Economic Geology within the Jackson School of Geosciences at the University of Texas at Austin. She leads the Sandtank Lab, focusing on geologic carbon storage research, particularly investigating how subsurface heterogeneity impacts CO2 migration and trapping mechanisms. Her work bridges laboratory experiments with field-scale simulations to enhance understanding of subsurface fluid dynamics. Education: PhD in Energy Resources Engineering, Stanford University Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Gulf Coast Carbon Center Research Interests: CO2 plume migration dynamics in heterogeneous reservoirs Laboratory-scale sand tank modeling for field experiment validation Capillary trapping mechanisms and multiphase flow in porous media Development of composite confining systems for CO2 sequestration Publications focus on experimental validation of CO2 storage processes, with recent work addressing small-scale heterogeneity effects, buoyancy-driven flows, and machine learning applications in subsurface monitoring. Her research emphasizes translating lab-scale findings to real-world storage feasibility assessments. Advising and Grants: While no students are listed, her role managing the Sandtank Lab indicates active involvement in collaborative research projects. Her work directly supports technical advancements for large-scale CO2 storage deployment. Labs & Teams: Principal investigator and lab manager of the Sandtank Lab, part of the Gulf Coast Carbon Center, which specializes in geologic storage solutions for carbon capture and sequestration.

Jean NicotView profile

Research Professor

• Carbon Sequestration
• Geosciences
• Environmental Science
• +3 more

Jean Nicot is a Research Professor at the Bureau of Economic Geology, part of the Jackson School of Geosciences at The University of Texas at Austin. He is a staff member of the Gulf Coast Carbon Center (GCCC), focused on carbon storage and geoscience research. His work addresses critical issues in energy and environmental sustainability. Research interests include carbon capture and storage (CCS), subsurface reservoir characterization, and geological sequestration technologies. His contributions help advance understanding of CO2 storage potential and environmental impacts in coastal regions. Professional activities include leadership in the GCCC, collaboration on large-scale carbon sequestration projects, and participation in industry-academic partnerships. Contact: jp.nicot@beg.utexas.edu | Office: BEG 2.102K

Hongliu ZengView profile

Research Professor

• Seismic Sedimentology
• Seismic Chronostratigraphy
• Reservoir Characterization
• +5 more

Hongliu Zeng is a Research Professor at the Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School of Geosciences, The University of Texas at Austin. He holds a B.S. and M.S. in Geology from the Petroleum University of China (1982, 1985) and a Ph.D. in Geophysics from UT Austin (1994). His research focuses on Seismic sedimentology Seismic chronostratigraphy Reservoir characterization Carbonate systems Paleokarst analysis Machine learning in geophysics Recent work emphasizes high-resolution subsurface imaging, including studies on evaporite facies in Qaidam Basin, Lower Wilcox sandstone reservoirs in Texas, and volcanic-carbonate interactions in the South Texas Gulf Coast. Publications span seismic attribute analysis, 3D reservoir modeling, and sedimentological interpretations across diverse basins. Awards: None explicitly listed. Grants and Advising: No student names or grant details provided. Labs/Teams: Active within the Bureau of Economic Geology, leading research on seismic-driven reservoir characterization and basin evolution studies.