Subsurface Flow Phenomena Professors and Supervisors | ApplySharif

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Ruben JuanesView profile

Professor

Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyUnited States

Ruben Juanes is a Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences at MIT. His research focuses on multiphase flow in porous media, energy resources, and CO₂ sequestration. He holds appointments in both departments and has a strong interdisciplinary focus on geosciences and environmental engineering. His work bridges theory, simulation, and experimentation to address energy and environmental challenges. Education: Ingeniero de Caminos (Civil Engineering), University of La Coruña, Spain (1997) MS in Civil Engineering, UC Berkeley (1999) PhD in Civil Engineering, UC Berkeley (2003) Research interests emphasize fluid dynamics in geologic media, especially CO₂ storage, methane hydrates, and ecohydrology. His group develops computational models to predict large-scale Earth processes, with applications to carbon capture and storage, energy resource management, and subsurface engineering. Notable contributions include advancing understanding of fluid displacement mechanisms, capillary trapping in aquifers, and induced seismicity risks during CO₂ injection. His work has been recognized through awards like the APS Fellowship (2024), DOE Early Career Award (2010), and ARCO Energy Professorship (2008). Advising and Grants: Juanes advises graduate students in CEE and EAPS, focusing on thesis research in multiphase flow and geomechanics. His grants include NSF and DOE funding for projects on subsurface energy systems and induced seismicity. His lab, the Juanes Research Group, collaborates on experimental facilities like the FluidFlower CO₂ storage simulator. Labs/Teams: Active in MIT's Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) initiatives and the MIT Energy Initiative (MITEI). Collaborates with industry partners on field-scale CO₂ storage validation and subsurface monitoring technologies.

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Xiaojing (Ruby) FuView profile

Assistant Professor

California Institute of Technology (Caltech)United States

Xiaojing (Ruby) Fu is an Assistant Professor of Mechanical and Civil Engineering at the California Institute of Technology and a William H. Hurt Scholar (2024-present). Her research focuses on multiphase fluid mechanics in porous media, integrating theory, computation, experiments, and field observations to address geoscience and engineering challenges. Her educational background includes: B.S. in Engineering from Clarkson University (2011) M.S. from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2015) Ph.D. from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2017) Professor Fu's research centers on cryosphere hydrology, subsurface engineering, and phase transitions in porous media. She investigates multiphase flow dynamics in contexts like permafrost thaw, snow metamorphism, and carbon sequestration using phase-field modeling and experimental techniques. Her work bridges fundamental physics with applications in environmental resilience and energy systems, emphasizing predictive capabilities for large-scale phenomena through simplified multiscale theories. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals intense focus on cryosphere processes (snow, permafrost) using advanced phase-field modeling and fiber-optic sensing. Key trends include freezing infiltration patterns, meltwater transport in layered snow, and seismic monitoring of soil moisture. Her work increasingly integrates field validation with computational models for environmental applications like drought monitoring and carbon sequestration. Her scientific recognition includes: William H. Hurt Scholar (2024) Professor Fu actively mentors graduate students, as evidenced by qualified students in her research group. She teaches core courses including Thermal Science (ME 11 abc) and Computational Methods for Flow in Porous Media (ME/CE/Ge/ESE 146), training students in both theoretical foundations and applied techniques for subsurface flow problems. She leads the Fu Research Group on Mechanics and Physics of Porous Media Flow, which develops multiscale theories to predict large-scale environmental and energy system behaviors. The group combines mathematical modeling, laboratory experiments, and field observations to address problems in geologic carbon storage, cryosphere dynamics, and subsurface resource management, with recent emphasis on climate change impacts and monitoring technologies.

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Mohamed AmaraView profile

Professor

University of Pau and the Adour RegionsFrance

Mohamed Amara is a full-time Professor at the University of Pau and the Pays de l'Adour (UPPA) since 1996, affiliated with the Laboratory of Mathematics and their Applications (CNRS-UMR 5142). He served as its director (1999-2007), Director of the Doctoral School of Exact Sciences (ED211, 2007-2008), and UPPA's Scientific Council Vice-President (2008-2012). He has been UPPA's President since 2012 (re-elected until 2020). Education: Mathematics from University of Algiers (1973), Pierre and Marie Curie University (DEA 1974, Doctorate 1978, State Doctorate 1983) Academic Roles: Research Associate at Ecole Polytechnique (1978-1982), Algerian Electricity and Gas Company (1983-1992), Professor in Algiers (1988-1994), Tunis (1994-1995), and Associate Professor at Paris 6 (1995-1996) His research focuses on numerical simulation of partial differential equations for environmental/energy applications, including mechanics in porous media (petroleum engineering, geoscience), fluid mechanics (aerodynamics, estuarine hydrodynamics), non-Newtonian flows, and wave propagation. Articles highlight expertise in discontinuous Galerkin methods, Helmholtz problems, finite element discretization, and multiphysics systems. He managed 20 doctoral theses and led national mathematics programs at ANR (2007-2011). He chairs the Cocktail association for higher education IT systems and collaborates with INRIA's Magique 3D team (since 2006).

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Fabian BurmannView profile

Lecturer

ETH ZurichSwitzerland

Dr. Fabian Burmann is a Lecturer at the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences (D-EAPS) at ETH Zurich. His research focuses on geophysical fluid dynamics, particularly experimental investigations of planetary interior flows, dynamo theory, and rotational fluid phenomena. He holds a PhD from ETH Zurich (2020) titled 'An experimental investigation of the effects of topography in planetary fluid dynamics.' Key research interests include: Fluid dynamics in planetary cores and subsurface oceans Precession-driven flows and non-axisymmetric geometries Inertial waves and evanescent wave dynamics Experimental methods for rotating fluids (e.g., ultrasonic velocimetry) Topographic effects on geophysical flows His work has been supported by grants such as 'Developing the next generation of inviscid, inertialess dynamo models' (ETHZ) and 'Unravelling Earth’s magnetic history' (EU). Recent contributions include studies on early-Earth dynamos (2025), precession-driven fluid instabilities (2024), and laboratory experiments exploring planetary-scale fluid behavior.

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Ian MainView profile

Professor

Graz University of TechnologyAustria

Ian Main is a Professor of Seismology and Rock Physics at the University of Edinburgh since 2000, within the School of GeoSciences. Previously, he held roles as Reader (1996–2000) and Lecturer (1989–1996) in similar fields. He earned a BSc in Physics from the University of St Andrews, an MSc in Geophysics from the University of Durham, and a PhD in Seismology from the University of Edinburgh. His research focuses on quantifying natural hazards, catastrophic failure mechanisms (e.g., earthquakes, volcanic eruptions), and fluid-rock interactions. He explores these phenomena through complex systems theory and non-linear dynamics, with applications to subsurface processes and urban disaster resilience. Main has held leadership roles including Director of Research at the School of GeoSciences and membership in national/international bodies such as the Natural Environment Research Council Science Committee and the Royal Society of Edinburgh Research Committee. He contributed to high-profile initiatives like the UKRI GCRF Multi-Hazard Urban Disaster Risk Transitions Hub and the International Commission on Earthquake Forecasting. Notable awards include the Louis Néel Medal (2014) and the Ed Lorenz Lecture (2019). He has been a visiting scholar at institutions like Stanford University and the Centre for Mathematical Research, Barcelona.

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Jan Martin NordbottenView profile

Professor

University of BergenNorway

Jan Martin Nordbotten is a full-time Professor at the Department of Mathematics, University of Bergen (UiB), with adjunct positions at Princeton University and NORCE. His research focuses on applied mathematics, particularly in porous media, CO2 storage, fluid dynamics, and interdisciplinary applications in hydrology, biomedicine, and ecology. He completed his PhD at UiB in 2004 and became Norway's third youngest professor in 2007. His work emphasizes numerical methods, multiscale modeling, and experimental validation. Affiliations: UiB (full-time), Princeton (adjunct), NORCE (adjunct) Research Group: Center for Sustainable Subsurface Resources Research interests span mathematical modeling of subsurface processes, including flow in fractured media, geomechanics, and phase-field fracture. Notable contributions include analytical and numerical solutions for CO2 leakage, multiphase flow, and development of tools like DarSIA for image processing in porous media. Publications highlight advancements in mixed-dimensional models, finite element methods, and experimental validation of CO2 storage forecasts. His work bridges theoretical mathematics with practical applications in energy and environmental systems.

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Andrew WellsView profile

Associate Professor

University of OxfordUnited Kingdom

Andrew Wells is an Associate Professor of Physical Climate Science at the University of Oxford's Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Planetary Physics. His research focuses on fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and geophysical processes, with a particular emphasis on sea ice dynamics, ice-ocean interactions, and turbulent convection. He is affiliated with the Ice and Fluid Dynamics research group and conducts studies using mathematical modeling, numerical simulations, and laboratory experiments. His work explores phenomena such as mushy layer growth in sea ice, buoyant plumes under ice shelves, and the impact of salinity on melt pond evolution. Key contributions include studies on Enceladus' geysers, frazil ice crystal interactions, and thermal convection in porous media. His research has implications for climate modeling, astrobiology, and geophysical fluid dynamics. Wells has published extensively in journals like *Journal of Fluid Mechanics*, *Geophysical Research Letters*, and *Proceedings of the Royal Society A*. His recent work emphasizes the interplay between phase changes, convection patterns, and environmental processes in polar and planetary systems.

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Valeriy VyatkinView profile

Professor

Aalto UniversityFinland

Valeriy Vyatkin is a Professor at the Department of Electrical Engineering and Automation, Aalto University. His research focuses on advancing industrial automation, control systems, and their integration with emerging technologies like machine learning and digital twins. He specializes in standards such as IEC 61499, addressing interoperability, formal verification, and performance optimization in distributed automation systems. Key research interests include: Physics-informed machine learning for industrial processes (e.g., steel rolling, reservoir engineering) Formal methods for control system validation and safety-critical applications Development of adaptive automation frameworks for Industry 5.0 challenges, including human-robot collaboration and energy systems Interoperability between legacy and modern industrial standards (OPAS, OPC UA) Recent work emphasizes real-time simulation, FPGA-based control prototyping, and AI-driven solutions for energy efficiency and sustainability in manufacturing, horticulture, and process industries. Publications span topics like robotic walker design, probabilistic model checking, and decentralized learning management systems. He collaborates on EU and industry-funded projects, focusing on digital twin implementation, edge computing, and virtual commissioning. His team develops tools for automated code generation, system migration, and anomaly detection in complex industrial settings.

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Ian C. BourgView profile

Associate Professor

Princeton UniversityUnited States

Ian C. Bourg is an Associate Professor at Princeton University with dual appointments in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and High Meadows Environmental Institute . He directs undergraduate studies in CEE and leads the Interfacial Water Group , focusing on atomistic-level simulations and macroscopic modeling of environmental systems. His concurrent affiliations include the Princeton Institute for the Science and Technology of Materials and Chemical and Biological Engineering department. Education Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California-Berkeley (2004) MSc in Chemical Engineering, INSA Toulouse (1999) B.Eng. in Chemical Engineering, INSA Toulouse (1999) Research Interests span clay mineral surface geochemistry, geologic CO 2 sequestration, kinetic isotope effects, water behavior at interfaces, and coupling geochemistry with geomechanics in porous media. His work integrates molecular simulations with experimental validation to study environmental phenomena like contaminant transport, soil carbon storage, and water dynamics in clays. Publications from 2023-2025 reveal expertise in molecular dynamics of clay-water systems, organic contaminant partitioning, cement hydration, and isotope fractionation. Key themes include Environmental Nanoscience , Geochemical Modeling , and Soft Matter Physics applications to environmental systems. Scientific Recognition NSF CAREER Awardee (2018) Advising includes mentoring 12 current and former PhD/postdoc researchers, with notable alumni at institutions like Cornell, University of Poitiers, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. His group has produced 20+ undergraduate advisees now in academia and industry. Laboratory develops multiscale simulation tools like HybridBiotInterFoam and HybridPorousInterFoam, with active collaborations in nuclear waste management, soil remediation, and sustainable construction materials.

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Sohrab ZendehboudiView profile

Professor

Memorial University of NewfoundlandCanada

Dr. Sohrab Zendehboudi is an Equinor Chair Professor and research lead in the Department of Chemical and Process Engineering at Memorial University's Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science. His work focuses on energy and environmental challenges through experimental and modeling approaches. He has over 15 years of experience across academia and industry in Iran, Kuwait, the U.S., and Canada. He holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering (specializing in transport phenomena) from the University of Waterloo. Research interests include carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS), renewable energy systems, process systems engineering, and advanced wastewater treatment. He leads a large research team addressing theoretical and practical challenges in energy sustainability and environmental protection. Key achievements include the 2023 Lectureship Award. His publications span topics like hydrogen production, CO2 storage, solar energy systems, and novel adsorbent materials. He actively seeks graduate students and researchers skilled in experimental work, numerical modeling, and machine learning for energy applications. Education: PhD in Chemical Engineering (University of Waterloo) Key Areas: CO2 Management, Bioenergy, Adsorption Technologies Labs/Teams: Large interdisciplinary research group Grants: Focus on renewable energy and sustainability projects

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Niklas LindeView profile

Professor

University of LausanneSwitzerland

Niklas Linde is a full professor at the University of Lausanne's Faculty of Geosciences and Environment, leading the Department of Earth Sciences. He holds a PhD in Geophysics from Uppsala University (2005) and has held roles including Assistant Professor (2008), Associate Professor (2013), and Full Professor (2019). His research focuses on transforming geophysical signals into realistic hydrogeological models with rigorous uncertainty quantification. Key areas include probabilistic inversion, Bayesian methods, and geostatistical modeling applied to environmental and subsurface processes. Education: PhD in Geophysics (Uppsala University, 2005), postdoctoral positions at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab (USA), CNRS-CEREGE (France), and ETH Zurich (Switzerland). He joined UNIL in 2008 as an Assistant Professor in Environmental Geophysics. Research interests span geophysical inversion techniques, subsurface heterogeneity characterization, and the integration of geophysical and hydrological data. Current projects emphasize Bayesian approaches for model selection and rare event estimation, supported by grants from the European Commission and Swiss National Science Foundation. Collaborations involve international teams addressing challenges in hydrogeology, rock fracture dynamics, and 4D hydrogeology. Publications reflect advancements in inverse problem solving, stochastic simulation, and machine learning applications. His work bridges theory and practice, with field studies in alpine environments, fractured media, and environmental monitoring. Students under his supervision have explored topics like deep generative networks and Bayesian hydrogeological inversion. Advising: Supervised over a dozen PhD students, including recent works on variational Bayesian methods and geophysical data fusion. Grants include projects on uncertainty quantification and experimental design. Active in scientific societies and editorial roles, contributing to methodological advancements in Earth sciences.

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Patrick JennyView profile

Professor

ETH ZurichSwitzerland

Prof. Patrick Jenny is a Full Professor at the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering and Head of the Institute of Fluid Dynamics at ETH Zurich. His research focuses on computational fluid dynamics (CFD), numerical methods for turbulent and multiphase flows, and reservoir simulation. He has held positions at ChevronTexaco and Cornell University, and received the National Latsis Prize 2005. PhD in CFD from ETH Zurich (1997) Postdoctoral work at Cornell University (1997–1999) Senior Researcher at ChevronTexaco (1999–2003) Research interests include: turbulent reactive flows, PDF modeling, multi-scale reservoir simulation, and data assimilation in engineering systems. He teaches courses on fluid dynamics, turbulence, and computational methods. Over 100 peer-reviewed publications span topics like fracture modeling, LES/RANS coupling, and particle-laden flows. His work bridges academia and industry, addressing challenges in energy systems, environmental engineering, and numerical algorithms. Winner: National Latsis Prize 2005 Led over 20 PhD projects and collaborates with institutions globally. His lab develops open-source tools for CFD and energy systems analysis.

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Pouyan AhmadiView profile

Researcher

Helmholtz Centre for Environmental ResearchGermany

Dr. Pouyan Ahmadi is a Researcher in the Department of Hydrogeology at the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, focusing on computational fluid dynamics (CFD), microplastic transport, and multiphase flow in porous media. He holds a PhD in Hydrogeology (2023) and M.Sc. in Reservoir Engineering (2017) from institutions including UFZ and Shiraz University. His research addresses environmental challenges such as microplastic distribution in lakes and the hyporheic zone, supported by projects like the TRACER PhD college and Helmholtz International Research School. Education: 2024–current: Researcher, UFZ Hydrogeology 2019–2023: PhD in Hydrogeology, UFZ & University of Bayreuth 2017–2018: Reservoir Engineer, Shiraz University 2014–2017: M.Sc., Reservoir Engineering, Shiraz University Research interests span CFD modeling, microplastic fate, and rock-fluid interactions. His work contributes to initiatives like the Sonderforschungsbereich 1357 on microplastics, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to environmental sustainability.

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Lateef AkanjiView profile

Senior Lecturer

University of AberdeenUnited Kingdom

Dr. Lateef Akanji is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Petroleum Engineering at the School of Engineering, University of Aberdeen, where he has been contributing since 2014. He previously served as Lecturer and Head of the Petroleum Technology Research Group at the University of Salford, Assistant Professor at King Saud University, and Visiting Lecturer at the University of Leoben. His academic journey includes a PhD from Imperial College London and degrees from the University of Ibadan. University: University of Aberdeen School: School of Engineering Position: Senior Lecturer, Petroleum Engineering Email: l.akanji@abdn.ac.uk Education: PhD, Petroleum Engineering, Imperial College London M.Sc., Petroleum Engineering, University of Ibadan B.Sc. (Honours), Petroleum Engineering, University of Ibadan DIC (Diploma of Imperial College) Research Interests: Dr. Akanji's research centers on multiphase flow in porous and permeable media, with applications in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) in clastic, carbonate, and unconventional shale reservoirs. His work integrates theoretical, experimental, and computational fluid dynamics, utilizing platforms like Python, C++, and Fortran. He is pioneering the application of artificial intelligence in petroleum engineering, particularly in EOR screening and production optimization. His research includes pore-scale modeling, gas-lift systems, and nuclear reactor flow dynamics. Publication Trends: His recent publications (2025–2021) reflect a strong focus on fluid displacement in porous media, shale reservoir characterization, AI applications in energy, and nuclear safety. Notable themes include computational modeling of multiphase flow, biosurfactant EOR, and advanced numerical methods for reservoir simulation. Scientific Awards and Honors: Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) Chartered Engineer (CEng) Chartered Petroleum Engineer European Engineer (Eur Ing) Member of the Energy Institute (MEI) Advising and Grants: Dr. Akanji supervises numerous PhD students in areas such as AI-based production optimization, permeability upscaling, and biosurfactant EOR. He leads research funded by PTDF, TETFUND, Sonangol, and Elphinstone, focusing on high-pressure high-temperature flow loops, gas-lift pilot rigs, and neuro-fuzzy screening systems. His collaborative projects involve institutions in the UK, Austria, and Australia. Laboratories and Research Platforms: He contributes to the development of the Complex System Modelling Platform (CSMP++), a C++-based API for simulating multi-physics flow in porous systems, co-developed with ETH Zurich and Montanuniversität Leoben. He also leads a technology innovation platform for EOR, including experimental rigs for biosurfactant screening and gas-lift stability testing.

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Hugo N. UlloaView profile

Assistant Professor

University of PennsylvaniaUnited States

Hugo N. Ulloa is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Earth & Environmental at the University of Pennsylvania School of Arts & Sciences . His research focuses on geophysical and environmental fluid dynamics, particularly transport and mixing processes in natural waters such as lakes and coastal seas. He integrates theory, numerical modeling, laboratory experiments, and field observations to develop mathematical models explaining aquatic environment dynamics. Education: Ph.D. (2015): Fluid Dynamics, Universidad de Chile Civil Engineer Diploma (2011), Universidad de Chile B.Sc. Engineering Sciences & Geophysics (2010), Universidad de Chile Research Interests: Study of mechanically and buoyancy-driven flows in rotating/stratified environments, confinement effects on fluid dynamics, suspended/dissolved tracer behavior, and thermal siphon dynamics in stratified basins. His work emphasizes practical applications to climate change impacts on waterbodies and cryospheric systems. Teaching: Hydrology (EESC 4630/5630) Environmental Fluid Dynamics (4360/6360) Independent Study: Geophysical/Environmental Fluid Dynamics Affiliations: Regular member of AGU, EGU, IAHR, and EUROMECH. Key Research Themes: Thermal convection in ice-covered lakes, buoyancy-driven flows in superconfined systems, and hydrodynamic interactions in aquatic ecosystems. His computational models address both fundamental physics and real-world environmental challenges.

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