Ehsan Ghazanfari

Ehsan Ghazanfari is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Vermont (UVM), within the College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences. He holds dual roles as UVM's Sustainability Fellow and Fellow of the Gund Institute for Environment. His research focuses on geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering, with an emphasis on geoenergy systems (e.g., geothermal, shale energy, CO2 storage) and subsurface sensing technologies (e.g., intelligent compaction, extraterrestrial regolith characterization).

Dr. Ghazanfari earned his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Lehigh University. He has mentored 6 graduate and over 10 undergraduate students since joining UVM in 2013. He teaches courses such as CE 180 (Geotechnical Principles), CE 285 (Geo-energy Systems), and CE 395 (Environmental Geotechnics).

His research integrates theoretical and experimental methods, leveraging advanced instruments for studies on fracture mechanics, subsurface energy systems, and environmental protection. Key areas include: 1) geomechanical behavior of energy-related rocks (e.g., Marcellus Shale, sandstone), 2) CO2 sequestration impacts on rock properties, and 3) sensor networks for subsurface monitoring. Recent work explores data analytics for seismic risk assessment and sustainable material applications.

Notable achievements include developing calibration models for geothermal energy piles and advancing electrodialysis methods for shale gas wastewater treatment. His awards reflect institutional and environmental leadership roles within UVM's sustainability initiatives.