THMC Experimental and Computational Modelling Professors and Supervisors

Derek ElsworthView profile

Professor

Pennsylvania State UniversityUnited States

Derek Elsworth is the G. Albert Shoemaker Chair and Professor of Energy and Mineral Engineering and Geosciences at Pennsylvania State University. He is a co-founder of the Center for Geomechanics, Geofluids, and Geohazards, where he leads research in computational mechanics, rock mechanics, and fluid flow in fractured systems. His work spans multiple energy-related applications including geothermal energy, CO 2 sequestration, and unconventional hydrocarbon extraction. Professor Elsworth's research focuses on the mechanical and transport characteristics of fractured rocks, with applications spanning multiple domains. His work in computational geomechanics addresses challenges in geothermal energy development , CO 2 geological sequestration , and unconventional hydrocarbon extraction . He investigates fundamental processes including fracture mechanics, permeability evolution, and fault reactivation under various stress and fluid pressure conditions. His laboratory and field studies often integrate advanced computational modeling with experimental approaches to understand complex coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical-chemical (THMC) processes in subsurface systems. Analysis of Professor Elsworth's recent publications reveals a strong focus on cutting-edge challenges in subsurface energy systems. His work increasingly incorporates machine learning and advanced imaging techniques to address complex problems in rock mechanics and fluid flow. Key themes include fracture behavior in shale systems, fault stability during fluid injection operations, and the development of novel characterization methods for subsurface reservoirs. His research bridges fundamental science with practical applications for sustainable energy development. Professor Elsworth has developed and taught numerous courses including Fluid Mechanics (EME 303), Geothermal Energy Engineering, and Computational Geomechanics. He has also led short courses internationally on reservoir geomechanics. His research is supported through multiple projects including studies on volcano dynamics, enhanced geothermal systems, and in situ testing methodologies. As co-founder of the Center for Geomechanics, Geofluids, and Geohazards, he oversees a collaborative research environment focused on subsurface processes relevant to energy and environmental challenges.

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Wojciech SolowskiView profile

Associate Professor

Aalto UniversityFinland

Dr. Wojciech Solowski is an Associate Professor at Aalto University , specializing in computational simulations of soils and granular materials with a focus on numerical methods and constitutive modeling. His research spans geotechnical engineering, environmental geomechanics, and computational mechanics. Research Interests : Numerical modeling (FEM/MPM), THMC behavior of soils, unsaturated soil mechanics, soil improvement, frost susceptibility, ground vibrations, and laboratory testing. Scientific Contributions : Dr. Solowski has extensively advanced the Material Point Method (MPM) for large deformation problems in geotechnics and developed the in-house finite element code Thebes for THMC coupling simulations. His work addresses critical challenges in nuclear waste repositories, soft soil stabilization, and offshore sediment characterization. Publication Trends : Recent articles focus on MPM for marine clay analysis, THMC coupling in bentonite barriers, 3D shrinkage deformation measurements, and geophysical-geotechnical integration for offshore wind farms. His research emphasizes practical applications in energy transition and infrastructure resilience. Affiliations : Mineral Based Materials and Mechanics research group at Aalto University. Committee Roles : International Secretary of the Finnish Geotechnical Society; member of ISSMGE TC106 (unsaturated soils) and ERTC7 (numerical methods).

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Hamidreza M. NickView profile

Researcher

Technical University of DenmarkDenmark

Hamidreza M. Nick is a Senior Researcher in GeoEnergy Engineering at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), affiliated with the Danish Offshore Technology Centre and the Laboratory for Off-Shore Production Sciences. He is actively engaged in cutting-edge research on subsurface energy systems, including CO₂ storage, geothermal energy, hydrogen storage, and coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical-chemical (THMC) processes in porous and fractured geological formations. His research interests span a broad range of topics in subsurface engineering, including fluid flow in porous and fractured media, reactive transport, geomechanics of chalk reservoirs, numerical modeling using finite element methods, microbial processes in underground reservoirs, and the application of machine learning to reservoir simulation. His work contributes significantly to global efforts in climate change mitigation and sustainable energy solutions, aligning with several UN Sustainable Development Goals. The trends in his recent publications (2021–2025) reflect a strong focus on CO₂ sequestration in depleted reservoirs, particularly chalk fields, with emphasis on mechanical integrity, chemical interactions, and coupled simulations. He also explores emerging areas such as in situ hydrogen generation, microbial impacts on storage integrity, and deep learning applications for sparse data environments in reservoir modeling. Hamidreza M. Nick actively supervises multiple PhD students and leads research on key projects related to subsurface fluid dynamics, clogging phenomena, and reservoir simulation. His collaborative network includes researchers across Europe and beyond, and he regularly presents at major international conferences such as EAGE. Scientific Contributions and Supervision: Supervises PhD projects on bio-chemical clogging, subsurface fluid leaks, coupled flow, and formation damage. Active contributor to 297 publications and 23 research projects. Develops advanced numerical models for CO₂ and hydrogen storage, integrating physical, chemical, and biological processes. Engaged in field-scale modeling and validation using real-world data from North Sea reservoirs. Laboratories and Research Groups: He is a key member of the Laboratory for Off-Shore Production Sciences and the Danish Offshore Technology Centre at DTU, where he conducts experimental and computational research on offshore and subsurface energy systems.

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Anne PluymakersView profile

Assistant Professor

Delft University of TechnologyNetherlands

Anne Pluymakers is an Assistant Professor at the Applied Geophysics and Petrophysics department of Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) , with prior postdoctoral experience at both TU Delft (2018-2020) and the University of Oslo (2015-2017). Her research focuses on experimental rock mechanics and thermo-hydro-mechano-chemical (THMC) fluid-rock interaction , particularly investigating how mechanical and transport properties of rocks evolve under realistic subsurface conditions. Education: Doctorate (2015) in Frictional and sealing behaviour of simulated anhydrite fault gouge , Universiteit Utrecht Master's (2010) in Earth Sciences, Universiteit Utrecht Bachelor's (2008) in Earth Sciences, Universiteit Utrecht Her recent work spans CO2 storage , wellbore integrity , and microstructural analysis using neutron/X-ray imaging, with applications to geothermal energy and subsurface energy systems . Collaborative projects include Constraining uncertainties across scales and REFLECT , focusing on geoenergy transitions. Scientific Awards: Veni grant, Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO), 2017 She actively contributes to public engagement , including media appearances on CO2 storage beneath the North Sea and educational initiatives like the Geo-resources for the future minor program.

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Alessio FerrariView profile

Research Professor

Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in LausanneSwitzerland

Research Associate at EPFL's Soil Mechanics Laboratory and Lecturer in Civil Engineering. Vice-Chair of ISSMGE Technical Committee on Energy Geotechnics. Research focuses on multiphysical behavior of geomaterials for nuclear waste containment and CO2 storage. Co-director of the Winter School on Geomechanics for Energy and the Environment. Investigates hydro-mechanical properties of shales, bentonite barriers, and clay-sulfate rocks using advanced laboratory testing and machine learning models. Recent projects analyze gas migration in repository host rocks and swelling damage mechanisms. Editorial roles include Editor-in-Chief of Geomechanics for Energy and the Environment. Leads multinational collaborations on radioactive waste disposal safety assessment, including experimental work at Mont Terri Rock Laboratory. Swiss representative for ISSMGE technical committees on laboratory testing and unsaturated soils.

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Yida ZhangView profile

Associate Professor

University of ColoradoUnited States

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

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Wojciech SołowskiView profile

Associate Professor

Aalto UniversityFinland

Wojciech Sołowski is an Associate Professor at Aalto University's Department of Civil Engineering, specializing in computational geotechnical engineering. His research focuses on numerical modeling techniques like the Finite Element Method (FEM) and Material Point Method (MPM), applied to geotechnical challenges such as soil behavior, unsaturated soils, and offshore site characterization. He holds a Doctoral degree from Durham University (2009). His work addresses topics including THMC coupling in soils, soil improvement methods, and vibration mitigation. He leads projects like GEOMEASURE, advancing offshore geotechnical analysis, and COMPACTIT, promoting low-carbon soil improvement. His recent publications emphasize numerical simulations of seabed shear strength, cone penetrometer testing, and slope stability analysis. He actively contributes to international committees such as the International Society for Soil Mechanics and the European Regional Technical Committee for Numerical Methods.

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Thanh Son NguyenView profile

Associate Professor

University of OttawaCanada

Thanh Son Nguyen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Ottawa. He also holds an associate professor position at McGill University since 1996 and has been affiliated with the University of Ottawa since 2008. Professionally, he serves as a senior geoscience specialist at the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), where he has worked since 1982. His educational background includes a PhD in Civil Engineering and Applied Mechanics from McGill University (1995), and both M.Sc.A and B.Sc.A in Applied Science (Civil Engineering) from the University of Sherbrooke (1982 and 1979, respectively). Dr. Nguyen's research focuses on the application of physics, mathematics, and experimentation to problems in geomechanics and hydrogeology , particularly in the context of nuclear waste management. Key areas include: Finite element modeling of Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical-Chemical (THMC) coupling in geological formations Development of constitutive models for unsaturated swelling clays and sedimentary/crystalline rocks using plasticity and damage mechanics Multiphase flow and contaminant transport in engineered and geological barriers Soil and structural dynamics Although no specific publications are listed, his research output centers on theoretical and experimental studies related to the long-term safety of deep geological repositories. He collaborates extensively with international bodies such as the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA), International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), French Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN), and the German Geological Survey. He co-supervises graduate and postdoctoral researchers and actively seeks motivated candidates in engineering science and computational modeling for doctoral and postdoctoral positions. His work is supported by collaborative research programs between CNSC and academic institutions. Dr. Nguyen is perfectly bilingual in English and French, reflecting Canada’s official languages. He regularly presents seminars and is frequently consulted internationally on geoscientific aspects of radioactive waste disposal.

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Hamid RoshanView profile

Professor

University of New South WalesAustralia

Professor Hamid Roshan is a faculty member at the School of Minerals and Energy Resources Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering at UNSW Sydney. He graduated with a PhD in Petroleum Geomechanics Engineering from UNSW Sydney in 2012, followed by 3.5 years of postdoctoral training in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering. He was appointed to his current position in 2016 after gaining valuable industry experience with the Underground Gas Storage Company, where he worked on the Sarajeh field gas storage project. Professor Roshan's research spans multiphysics geomechanics and rock characterization, with applications across Mining, Civil, and Petroleum Engineering sectors. His work integrates theoretical, numerical, and experimental approaches to solve complex geomechanical problems. Since 2017, he has developed the advanced GeoEngineering Research Lab at UNSW, where next-generation equipment for coupled geomechanics-rock characterization has been designed and built, offering state-of-the-art services to industry. His research interests include THMC Experimental and Computational Modelling in CCUS, Coal Seam Gas and Shale Gas Engineering, Geophysics and Data-driven Rock Mass Characterization, Borehole Geotechnical Logging, In-situ Stress Measurement and Estimation, and Fundamentals of Rock Mechanics with a focus on Multiphysics Geomechanics. His recent publications demonstrate expertise in ultramafic rock interactions, geothermal energy storage, shale gas reservoirs, and advanced computational modeling techniques. Professor Roshan has developed and patented field-scale downhole logging tools for stress-mechanical property measurements along with software solutions for the mining industry. His work has practical applications in carbon sequestration, underground hydrogen storage, and unconventional gas extraction. Professional Recognition: American Rock Mechanics Association Future Leader Professional Memberships: Australian Geomechanics Society, International Society of Rock Mechanics, Society of Petroleum Engineers Professor Roshan teaches Petrophysics (PTRL2020), Formation Evaluation (PTRL5107), Integrated Oil and Gas Reservoir Evaluation (PTRL4010), and Geomechanics A, while actively seeking students with strong academic backgrounds for research opportunities.

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Raj Kumar GondleView profile

Associate Professor

University of Massachusetts LowellUnited States

Raj Kumar Gondle serves as an Associate Teaching Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Massachusetts Lowell's Francis College of Engineering. His expertise spans geotechnical engineering, computational geomechanics, and numerical modeling for energy and environmental applications. His educational background includes: Ph.D. in Civil Engineering (Geomechanics), West Virginia University, 2010 M.S. in Civil Engineering, West Virginia University, 2006 B.S. in Civil Engineering, Jawaharlal Nehru Technology University, Hyderabad, India, 2003 Professor Gondle's research centers on experimental and computational geomechanics for energy and environmental challenges. He specializes in finite element analysis, multiphase fluid flow, and coupled THMC processes. His current work addresses carbon sequestration, hydraulic fracturing, geothermal recovery, and enhanced oil recovery, aiming to improve understanding of reservoir behavior and environmental impacts through advanced computational and experimental methods. His publication record demonstrates expertise in geomechanical modeling for energy applications, particularly in CO2 sequestration and reservoir engineering. Research trends show consistent focus on numerical simulation of geological media under multiphase flow conditions, with increasing emphasis on environmental sustainability in energy extraction processes. He has been recognized with: Outstanding Classroom Teaching Award Professional service includes technical reviewing for international journals and active membership in: American Society of Civil Engineers American Rock Mechanics Association United States Universities Council on Geotechnical Engineering Research Professor Gondle has served on numerous M.S. and Ph.D. thesis committees. His prior research roles at West Virginia University and the National Energy Technology Laboratory involved federally funded projects in geomechanics and energy applications, though specific grant details are not provided in the source material.

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