Alexis Saez Uribe

Alexis Saez Uribe is a Postdoctoral Scholar Research Associate in Geology at the California Institute of Technology's Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences, working with Prof. Jean-Philippe Avouac since April 2024. Previously, he earned his PhD in Mechanics from École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) under the supervision of Prof. Brice Lecampion.

His research focuses on understanding the mechanical behavior of the subsurface related to energy transition technologies and geo-hazard mitigation. He combines theoretical and computational continuum mechanics with applied mathematics to develop physics-based models informed by geological, geophysical, and laboratory observations. His work addresses critical challenges in deep geothermal energy, geological carbon storage, and earthquake hazard assessment.

His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on fluid-driven frictional ruptures, injection-induced seismicity, and slow earthquake mechanisms. The research shows progression from theoretical modeling of fault mechanics to practical applications for energy technologies and hazard mitigation. His work frequently appears in high-impact journals including Science Advances and the Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids.

Dr. Saez Uribe has conducted international research collaborations, including stays at the University of Tokyo's Earthquake Research Institute and Dalhousie University with Prof. Dmitry Garagash. His work has received attention in Swiss media for contributions to understanding post-injection-induced seismicity.

• Current position: Postdoctoral Scholar Research Associate at Caltech (since April 2024)
• PhD: Mechanics, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
• Research locations: Caltech, University of Tokyo, Dalhousie University
• Primary research focus: Mechanics of subsurface processes for energy transition and hazard mitigation