Lisa Winhausen

Lisa Winhausen serves as a Senior Scientist and Research Associate at the Department of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology within the Faculty for Georessources and Material Science at RWTH Aachen University. Her work focuses on experimental investigations of clay shale behavior with particular relevance to nuclear waste repository applications. She maintains an active research program examining the thermo-hydro-mechanical properties of clay formations, especially Opalinus Clay, which is considered a potential host rock for radioactive waste disposal.

Her educational background includes:

• Dr.rer.nat (2022/2023) from RWTH Aachen University, Faculty for Georessources and Material Science
• MSc Applied Geosciences (2015-2018) from RWTH Aachen University with specialization in Energy and Mineral Resources
• BSc Geoscience (2012-2015) from University of Mainz
• Semester abroad at National University of San Juan, Argentina (2017)

Winhausen's research interests center on experimental geomechanics, particularly thermo-hydro-mechanical coupled problems in clay formations. She investigates multi-scale analysis of fracture and shear zones from nano to meter scale, and focuses on quantifying effective thermo-hydro-mechanical and petrophysical parameters. Her work has significant implications for understanding long-term rock behavior in nuclear waste repositories.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on the mechanical behavior of Opalinus Clay under various conditions. Her research consistently examines anisotropy, time-dependent deformation, and the influence of environmental factors like temperature and burial history. Winhausen employs advanced experimental techniques including triaxial testing, microstructural analysis with BIB-SEM, and comparative permeability measurements to understand clay shale behavior across multiple scales.

While no specific awards are listed in the available materials, her research has generated substantial scientific impact with numerous publications in reputable journals and conference proceedings. Her work is frequently cited in the field of clay shale geomechanics, particularly regarding nuclear waste repository applications.

Winhausen has been actively involved in multiple research projects related to nuclear waste disposal, including the Einstein Telescope feasibility study in the Euregio Meuse-Rhine region. She collaborates extensively with Florian Amann's research group and has participated in international research initiatives, including a planned research stay at the University of Minnesota in 2025. Her work contributes significantly to understanding the long-term stability of clay formations for nuclear waste storage applications.

She is affiliated with the Laboratory for Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology (LIH) at RWTH Aachen, which conducts research on geomechanics, rock mechanics, and natural hazards. The laboratory participates in major research initiatives including the ERC-Synergy Grant project on Fault Activation and Earthquake Rupture (FEAR) and the Einstein Telescope feasibility study.