Professor Ana Ferreira is a leading seismologist at University College London, focusing on deep Earth structure and earthquake source processes. Her research integrates seismic and geodetic data to understand planetary dynamics from the surface to the lowermost mantle. Her work includes pioneering seismic tomography, such as the SGLOBE-rani 3D anisotropy model, and earthquake source analysis using InSAR and normal mode data. She leads the Seismological Laboratory and teaches Seismology II and Field Geophysics. Recent projects include the UPFLOW experiment, which deployed 49 ocean bottom seismometers in the Atlantic, and studies on Greenland ice sheet evolution and Tonga volcanic eruptions. Her EU-funded research emphasizes multidisciplinary data integration and numerical modeling. Key article trends cover mantle anisotropy, global tomography, earthquake source inversion, cosmology-inspired machine learning, and ocean bottom seismology applications in geodynamics and cryospheric processes.
Dr. Conrad Childs is an Assistant Professor/Lecturer in Structural Geology at University College Dublin (UCD), School of Earth Sciences. He holds a PhD from the University of Liverpool (2000) and has held roles including Senior Research Fellow at UCD's Fault Analysis Group (2000–2009) and Research Fellow at the University of Liverpool (1997–2000). His research focuses on fault zone dynamics, basin evolution, and structural geology with emphasis on offshore Ireland. Key interests include fault geometry, hydraulic properties, numerical modeling, and tectonostratigraphic evolution of sedimentary basins. Education: BSc Geology, University College Cork (1985) MSc Structural Geology & Rock Mechanics, Imperial College London (1986) PhD, University of Liverpool, 'The structure and hydraulic properties of fault zones' (2000) Research Interests: 3D geometry and evolution of faults Basin analysis and offshore Ireland's structural evolution Fault seal capacity and hydraulic properties Integration of deep learning with seismic interpretation Impact of basement fabrics on basin development Teaching: Coordinates modules such as 'Applied Structural Geology,' 'Field Geology Level 1,' and 'Geoscience Research Project,' emphasizing hands-on structural analysis and fieldwork. Grants: Led the PRTLI 5 grant (2011–2016) supporting PhD research in Earth Sciences. Active in collaborative projects addressing fault reactivation risks and subsurface storage potential. Awards: No specific awards listed, though his extensive publications highlight sustained research excellence. Labs & Collaboration: Part of UCD's Fault Analysis Group, contributing to interdisciplinary studies on fault zone mechanics and basin evolution.
Samuel Kounaves is a Professor of Chemistry at Tufts University and a Visiting Professor at Imperial College London's Department of Earth Science & Engineering. His research focuses on planetary chemical analysis and astrobiology, particularly the search for life on Mars and icy moons like Enceladus and Europa. He led the Wet Chemistry Lab (WCL) on NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander, discovering perchlorate in Martian soil, a finding revolutionizing understanding of Mars' habitability. His work also includes studying oxychlorine chemistry's effects on biomarkers and developing in-situ analytical instruments for extraterrestrial exploration. Education: DSc (PhD) in Chemistry, Université de Genève (1985) MS and BS in Chemistry, California State University, San Diego (1978, 1975) Research Interests: Planetary geochemistry, astrobiology, Mars habitability, oxychlorine chemistry, and development of analytical instruments for space missions. His team investigates how biomarkers degrade under Martian conditions and designs sensors for detecting life on icy ocean worlds. Recent Contributions: Key publications include studies on perchlorate's role in Mars' chemistry, microbial survival in extreme environments, and mission concepts for Enceladus exploration. He has received awards such as the Kavli Foundation Award and NASA Achievement Awards for his Phoenix mission leadership. Grants & Funding: Major NASA grants for oxychlorine research, sensor development (e.g., MICA), and studies on Mars' organic matter preservation. Awards: Fellowships from the Geological Society, Royal Society of Chemistry, and AAAS, alongside NASA recognitions.
Eileen Martin is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geophysics and Applied Math and Statistics at the Colorado School of Mines. Her research focuses on near-surface geophysics, environmental monitoring, and the application of distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) technology. She leads projects involving fiber-optic sensing for permafrost degradation, urban seismic monitoring, and mining safety. Martin has developed open-source tools like DASCore and contributes to scalable computational methods for geophysical data analysis. Education: PhD (2018) in Computational and Mathematical Engineering from Stanford University; MS (2017) in Geophysics from Stanford; BS (2012) in Mathematics and Physics from UT Austin. Research interests include fiber-optic sensing systems, seismic imaging, data-intensive computing, and applications in environmental science. Her work bridges geophysics with computational methods, emphasizing real-world deployment in challenging environments like arctic permafrost sites and underground mines. Her recent work explores DAS for glacier monitoring, mine seismicity detection, and urban infrastructure assessment. Collaborative projects include Arctic permafrost monitoring and developing public datasets for geoscience research (PubDAS repository). Grants and lab activities include NSF CAREER funding for scalable computational seismology and partnerships with industry on fiber-optic monitoring solutions.
Prof. Philipp Reiss is a Professor of Lunar and Planetary Exploration Technologies at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), part of the TUM School of Engineering and Design. His academic journey includes a doctorate in lunar exploration (2018) and postdoctoral leadership of a research group, followed by ESA work on lunar mission instruments. He was appointed to his current role in 2022. Education: Bachelor's/Master's in Aerospace Engineering from Bremen University of Applied Sciences and TUM Doctorate in Lunar Exploration (TUM, 2018) Research Focus: Development of instruments for in-situ resource characterization (e.g., water detection on the Moon) Simulation of heat/mass transport in extraterrestrial environments Technologies for extreme environment exploration Legal and ethical frameworks for space resource utilization Recent Article Trends: Recent work emphasizes lunar water cycle analysis, space resource extraction technologies, and ESA mission instrument development. Key projects include PROSPECT payload design and thermal extraction of volatiles from regolith. Awards and Roles: ERC Grant Awardee (2024), Honorary Fellow at TUM Institute for Advanced Study Principal Investigator at ORIGINS Excellence Cluster (2022–present) Member of ESA’s PROSPECT science team (2019–present) Contributions to UN space resource legal discussions Advising & Grants: Supervises research projects on lunar rover systems and resource utilization. Secured funding through ERC grants and ESA collaborations. Advises on international space policy initiatives. Labs/Teams: Leads the Lunar and Planetary Exploration Professorship group at TUM, collaborating with ESA, JAXA, and the European Lunar Symposium. Active in developing planetary exploration tools like the PROSPECT permittivity sensor and MULE instrumentation.
Roland N. Horne is the Thomas Davies Barrow Professor of Earth Sciences at Stanford University and Senior Fellow at the Precourt Institute for Energy. He holds positions in the Department of Energy Science & Engineering and is an Affiliate at the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment. With degrees from the University of Auckland (BE, PhD, DSc), Horne has established himself as a leading expert in geothermal reservoir engineering and energy production optimization. His research focuses on inverse problems in reservoir modeling, including tracer analysis of fractures, computer-aided well test analysis, production schedule optimization, and automated history matching. Horne has made significant contributions to understanding geothermal reservoir engineering and multiphase flow of boiling fluids through porous materials and fractures. The analysis of his recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong emphasis on enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), with particular focus on flexible operations, economic modeling, and advanced characterization techniques. His work increasingly incorporates machine learning approaches for reservoir analysis and has expanded into microbial tracing methods for interwell connectivity assessment. There's also significant attention to US geothermal resource potential and integration into the broader energy transition. Honorary Member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers Member of the US National Academy of Engineering Multiple SPE Distinguished Lecturer appointments (1998, 2009, 2020) John Franklin Carl Award recipient Five Best Paper awards from Geothermal Resources Council Patricius Medal from German Geothermal Society Core Values Award from Women in Geothermal (2023) Horne has supervised 60 PhD and 135 MS students throughout his career. His current teaching includes undergraduate and graduate courses in Fundamentals of Energy Processes, Geothermal Reservoir Engineering, Mass and Energy Transport in Porous Media, and Well Test Analysis. He previously served as President of the International Geothermal Association (2010-2013) and Technical Program Chair for multiple World Geothermal Congress events. Horne maintains active research collaborations worldwide, including with the University of Tokyo (where he was a Fellow of the School of Engineering in 2016) and China University of Petroleum. His current research group focuses on advancing EGS technologies and developing more accurate reservoir characterization methods for geothermal applications.
Greeshma Gadikota is an Associate Professor and Croll Sesquicentennial Fellow at Cornell University's School of Civil and Environmental Engineering. She directs the Sustainable Energy and Resource Recovery Group, focusing on carbon capture, mineralization, and sustainable energy technologies. Her work addresses global challenges in decarbonizing industries like steel, aluminum, and mining while advancing low-carbon materials. Education: B.S., Chemical Engineering, Michigan State University (2007) M.S., Operations Research, Columbia University (2008) M.S., Chemical Engineering, Columbia University (2011) Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, Columbia University (2014) Research: Dr. Gadikota’s research integrates multiphase chemical interactions to engineer CO2 capture and utilization. Key areas include carbon-negative mining, geothermal lithium extraction, and mineralizing CO2 into construction materials. Her innovations aim to close material and carbon cycles in industries like cement production and steel manufacturing. Awards & Recognition: DOE CAREER Award MIT Rising Stars in CEE Thrust Lead for DOE-EFRC MUSE Best Paper Award (Carbon Mitigation Initiative/BP) Grants & Partnerships: DOE-funded decarbonization of cement via CO2 mineralization Partnerships with Nucor Steel and Stillwater Critical Minerals for sustainable mining NSF Innovation Corps grant for carbon mineralization startups Labs & Teams: Leads the Gadikota Research Group and collaborates with Oak Ridge National Laboratory and industry partners on projects like the MINER Program for carbon-negative mineral recovery.
Kan Wu is an Associate Professor in the Harold Vance Department of Petroleum Engineering at Texas A&M University, part of the College of Engineering. He holds the Class of ’75 DVG Associate Professorship and is a Chancellor EDGES Fellow. His research focuses on advanced modeling techniques for subsurface systems, including data interpretation of fiber optic sensing, hydraulic fracture optimization, and carbon storage monitoring. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin and degrees from China University of Petroleum (East). Education : Ph.D., Petroleum Engineering, University of Texas at Austin M.S., Petroleum Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East) B.S., Petroleum Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East) Research Highlights : Dr. Wu’s work bridges physics-based and data-driven approaches, addressing challenges in fracture propagation, subsurface monitoring, and multi-scale modeling. His team develops real-time data interpretation tools for distributed fiber optic measurements and investigates fracture interactions in unconventional reservoirs. Key Awards : 2024: Completions Optimization and Technology Award (SPE Gulf Coast) 2023: Best of Paper Award (URTEC) 2023: Karen E. Olson & Louis H. Turner Research Award Grants & Leadership : He leads the Advanced Geomechanics Fracture & Reservoir Application Consortium (AGFRAC), focusing on subsurface engineering systems. His Chevron Corporation Faculty Fellowship (2017–2022) supported collaborative industry research. Office: RICH 501Q.
Prof. Bernd Domer is an Associate Professor at the Geneva School of Landscape, Engineering and Architecture (HES-SO) specializing in Building Information Modeling (BIM) , Geographic Information Systems (GIS) , and digital transformation of civil engineering . He leads multiple ongoing research projects including CU_OFROU_PAB (CHF278,844) focused on BIM-GIS workflows for noise barriers, and SousEtoile (CHF50,000) developing subsurface prediction models for urban planning. His work addresses critical challenges in software interoperability and point cloud processing for infrastructure digital twins. BA HES-SO in Architecture (HEPIA) BSc Civil Engineering (EPFL) BSc HES-SO in Civil Engineering (HEPIA) MSc HES-SO in Engineering (HES-SO Master) His research explores digital workflows for infrastructure projects, with over 15 recent publications examining topics like: Semantic segmentation of point clouds (2024) IFC standard optimization (2023) Underground confidence level modeling (2021) Swiss BIM implementation frameworks (2020) Construction waste management platforms (2018) He serves as Head of the MIC Group and co-directs the CAS in BIM Coordination . Active in international committees like EG-ICE and Bauen digital Schweiz , his work bridges academic research with practical implementation through collaborations with HEPIA , HEIG-VD , and institutions like the Swiss Federal Roads Office (OFROU) .
Ethan Williams is an Assistant Professor at the University of California, Santa Cruz, Department of Earth & Planetary Sciences. His research focuses on distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) applications in seismology, oceanography, and environmental monitoring, particularly studying wave dynamics, subduction geohazards, and ocean-solid Earth interactions. Ph.D. in Geophysics, California Institute of Technology (2023) M.S. in Geophysics, California Institute of Technology (2019) B.S. in Geophysics and B.A. in Music, Stanford University (2017) Research Interests: Williams specializes in DAS technology, subduction zone geohazards, surface wave dynamics, and ocean-solid Earth coupling. His work bridges seismic monitoring, marine geophysics, and environmental sensing. Publication Trends: His recent articles emphasize DAS innovation for offshore seismic monitoring, wave propagation analysis, and integrating fiber-optic data with conventional measurements. Themes include earthquake detection, climate change impacts, and multi-scale ocean dynamics. Scientific Awards: 2022 SSA Student Presentation Award for 'Continuous seismic monitoring of a building over 20 years' Advising & Collaboration: Williams collaborates with institutions like the University of Washington and Caltech, working on NSF-funded projects such as the Ocean Observatories Initiative. He invites prospective students/postdocs to contact him via email.
Catherine Neish is an Associate Professor in the Department of Earth Sciences at The University of Western Ontario. She serves as the Associate Director of Research for Western Space and is a Co-Investigator on NASA's Dragonfly mission to Titan. Her research focuses on planetary radar observations, impact cratering processes, and the geological evolution of planetary surfaces, particularly on the Moon, Titan, and other Solar System bodies. Ph.D. in Planetary Sciences, University of Arizona (2008) B.Sc. in Combined Honours Physics and Astronomy, University of British Columbia (2004) Her recent publications highlight studies on lunar impact crater thermophysics, Titan's impact melt dynamics, and radar-based analyses of planetary surfaces. She has contributed to missions including Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (Mini-RF), Cassini RADAR, and Dragonfly. Scientific Awards: College of New Scholars, Royal Society of Canada (2021) Early Researcher Award, Ontario (2017) Minor Planet 16972 Neish (2017) AGU Ron Greeley Award (2014) NASA Postdoctoral Fellowship (2012) NASA Group Achievement Award (2010) NSERC Postgraduate Scholarship (2005-2008) Julie Payette-NSERC Research Scholarship (2004-2005) Dr. Neish supervises a dynamic lab with current and former students investigating planetary geology, impact cratering, and remote sensing. Her work bridges field studies (e.g., Earth analogs), laboratory experiments, and spacecraft data analysis.
Ralf Jaumann is a Professor at the Free University of Berlin within the Institute of Geological Sciences, Department of Planetary Sciences and Remote Sensing . He serves as Deputy Director of the Institute of Planetary Research and previously led the Planetary Geology Department at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Berlin-Adlershof until January 2020. As Principal Investigator of the High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) on ESA's Mars Express mission (2013-2021), he has significantly contributed to Mars geology studies. Co-PI of Mastcam-Z on NASA's Mars 2020 mission Co-I on instruments for Rosetta , Cassini , Dawn , and ExoMars missions Coordinated global Mars color mosaics and long-term surface change detection using HRSC data His research focuses on planetary geology , remote sensing , and space mission instrumentation , particularly analyzing geological processes on Mars, asteroids, and icy satellites. Recent publications examine spectral properties of asteroid regolith, Martian aeolian processes, and hydration dynamics on the Moon. Despite his extensive involvement in mission operations, no specific student advisement records or scientific awards are mentioned in the provided data. Jaumann teaches Planetary Exploration: Space Missions and Planetologie Literaturseminar at the graduate level.
Xiaowei Chen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geology and Geophysics at Texas A&M University. His research focuses on observational seismology, with an emphasis on earthquake rupture processes, induced seismicity, subsurface structure analysis, and applications of distributed acoustic sensing (DAS). He holds a PhD from the University of California, San Diego (2013), and has held prior academic positions including the Stubbeman-Drace Presidential Professorship at the University of Oklahoma (2020). His work integrates field observations, dense seismic arrays, and advanced computational methods to address critical questions in crustal dynamics and seismic hazard assessment. **Education:** PhD, University of California, San Diego, 2013 MS, University of California, San Diego, 2010 BS, University of Science and Technology of China, 2007 **Research Interests:** Chen investigates how anthropogenic activities influence fault behavior, interactions between seismic and aseismic slip, and factors controlling earthquake rupture characteristics. He studies these phenomena in tectonically active regions (e.g., western US, Japan) and intraplate settings (e.g., Oklahoma), leveraging DAS technology for high-resolution subsurface imaging. Recent projects include forecasting induced seismicity via machine learning and analyzing pore-pressure diffusion mechanisms in Oklahoma. **Awards:** Stubbeman-Drace Presidential Professor, University of Oklahoma (2020) Editor's citation for excellence in refereeing, JGR-Solid Earth (2018) **Advising & Grants:** While no formal advisees are listed, Chen’s collaborative research involves multidisciplinary teams addressing induced seismicity, fault dynamics, and crustal structure. His work is supported by grants from agencies like the USGS and SCEC. **Labs & Teams:** Engages with the Texas A&M Seismology Group and collaborates with institutions like the University of Oklahoma and the University of California system on projects involving seismic array deployments and DAS applications.
Keith D. Paulsen is the MacLean Professor of Engineering at Dartmouth College’s Thayer School of Engineering and holds the title of Professor of Radiology & Surgery at the Geisel School of Medicine. He serves as Scientific Director of the Center for Surgical Innovation at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and Co-Director of the Translational Engineering in Cancer Research Program at the Norris Cotton Cancer Center. His roles emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration between engineering, medicine, and oncology. Paulsen earned a BSc in Biomedical Engineering from Duke University (1981), followed by MS (1984) and PhD (1986) degrees in Engineering Sciences from Dartmouth College. His research focuses on biomedical imaging, cancer therapeutics, and image-guided surgery, with particular expertise in optical and electromagnetic methodologies. He has pioneered technologies such as fluorescence-guided surgery, quantitative scatter imaging, and non-linear image reconstruction techniques, aiming to enhance surgical precision and cancer diagnosis. His awards include fellowships from OSA, SPIE, AIMBE, IEEE, and the National Academy of Inventors. Paulsen’s work has led to startups like CairnSurgical (where he serves as CTO) and InSight Surgical Technologies, translating research into clinical tools. Key projects include intraoperative imaging systems for brain and spine surgery, microwave imaging for breast cancer, and optical molecular imaging for real-time surgical guidance. Paulsen teaches advanced computational methods (ENGS 205, 105) and courses on medical device innovation (ENGM 189.1/2). His lab, part of Dartmouth’s Optics in Medicine cluster, collaborates with radiology, surgery, and oncology departments to develop clinical technologies funded by NIH, NCI, and DoD grants.
Professor Brett Harris is a faculty member at Curtin University, affiliated with the School of Earth and Planetary Sciences (EPS) within the Faculty of Science and Engineering. He holds a prominent role in the Office of the Provost. His research focuses on subsurface resource technologies, including mineral exploration, CO2 sequestration, and geothermal energy. He has led major initiatives like the DET CRC and MinEx CRC projects, advancing in-hole electromagnetic sensing and distributed acoustic sensing techniques. His expertise spans hydrogeology, geophysics, and environmental geoscience, with notable contributions to aquifer characterization, fault zone dynamics, and CO2 storage monitoring. He coordinates undergraduate courses in electromagnetism, potential fields, and environmental geophysics, while supervising multiple PhD students. Key collaborations include work with government agencies on fractured aquifer detection and geothermal systems. Recent research emphasizes innovative sensor technologies for subsurface imaging, CO2 leakage monitoring, and groundwater sustainability. His work bridges geophysics with applied engineering solutions for resource exploration and environmental stewardship.
