Mateo Acosta

Mateo Acosta is an Assistant Professor of Geomechanics at Virginia Tech, specializing in earthquake mechanics, crustal deformation, and geomorphic processes. He serves as Center Director of the Center for Geomechanics and Mitigation of Geohazards (GMG) and Associate Director of the Center for Autonomous Systems and Technologies, bridging geoscience with engineering applications.

His research integrates field observations, seismological and geodetic measurements, remote sensing, and laboratory experiments to develop kinematic and dynamic models. Key projects include seismicity forecasting in subsurface engineering operations, hydrology-crustal deformation interactions, Martian dune dynamics, Himalayan and Tibetan tectonic studies, and postseismic deformation analysis.

Recent publications focus on induced seismicity mitigation, geothermal reservoir optimization, fault hydraulic properties, and earthquake nucleation mechanisms. These works span 2017-2025 with recurring themes in geothermal energy applications, CO2 storage safety, and computational geomechanical modeling.

Scientific awards:

• Resnick Graduate Scholar

Acosta contributes to earthquake physics outreach through media appearances, including a PBS Interview on geothermal systems. His work connects geological processes with practical engineering solutions for geohazard mitigation.