Marlise Colling Cassel

Dr Marlise Colling Cassel is Chair of Organic Biogeochemistry in Geo-Systems at RWTH Aachen University, Germany, and member of the Geological Institute / Chair of Geology and Sedimentary Systems. Located at Lochnerstraße 4-20, 52056 Aachen, she leads a group investigating sedimentary basins, claystone diagenesis and organic geochemistry across scales.

Education
While specific degrees are not listed in the provided text, her Chair-level appointment implies doctoral and post-doctoral training in geosciences.

Research Interests

• Organic biogeochemistry: molecular and isotopic characterisation of organic matter in sedimentary rocks.
• Claystone diagenesis & burial history: understanding physical and chemical evolution of fine-grained rocks under increasing temperature and pressure.
• Basin modelling & petroleum systems: integrating seismic, well and geochemical data to predict hydrocarbon generation, migration and overpressure development.
• Seismic stratigraphy & attributes: advanced 3-D seismic interpretation for volcanic rifted margins and submarine fans.
• South Atlantic margin evolution: tectono-sedimentary response to break-up volcanism, palaeoclimate and ocean circulation changes.
• Geo-storage applications: assessing claystones for nuclear waste repositories and CO₂ storage.

Publication Trends
Between 2018 and 2025, Dr Cassel has published extensively on the interplay of tectonics, volcanism and sedimentation along the Pelotas margin (South Atlantic), on cyclo- and chemostratigraphy of the Permian Irati Formation (Paraná Basin), and on diagenetic controls on claystone physical properties. A clear methodological trajectory emerges: integration of high-resolution geochronology, seismic attribute analysis, numerical basin modelling and organic geochemistry to solve problems spanning hydrocarbon exploration to nuclear-waste disposal.

Scientific Awards
No specific awards are listed in the provided text.

Advising & Grants
While no explicit student lists or funded grant numbers are given, the presence of research assistants and the breadth of recent publications indicate an active supervisory and grant portfolio within RWTH Aachen’s geoscience programmes.

Laboratories & Teams
Dr Cassel heads the Chair of Organic Biogeochemistry in Geo-Systems, working closely with the Chair of Geology and Sedimentary Systems and supervising research assistants located in both the EMR (Energy & Mineral Resources) building and the historic Mining building at RWTH Aachen.