Susan D. Hovorka

Dr. Susan D. Hovorka is a Research Professor at the Bureau of Economic Geology, The University of Texas at Austin, specializing in geological techniques for environmental applications. She focuses on subsurface permeability dynamics in both tight and highly transmissive systems, with a primary emphasis on geological carbon sequestration and CO₂ storage security.

• Ph.D. in Geology (1990), The University of Texas at Austin
• M.A. in Geology (1981), The University of Texas at Austin
• B.A. in Geology (1974), Earlham College

Her research addresses critical challenges in carbon geological storage, including:

• Characterizing salt formations as containment materials
• Analyzing carbonate fabrics for karst aquifer flow understanding
• Field CO₂ injection experiments for sequestration assessment
• Developing composite confining systems for secure CO₂ retention

The articles she has contributed to since 2002 demonstrate a consistent focus on:

• Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies
• Reservoir pressure dynamics and fault permeability
• Permit-ready site workflows and risk mitigation
• Geological analogs from petroleum systems

Dr. Hovorka actively collaborates with institutions like the Gulf Coast Carbon Center (GCCC) and participates in international CCS initiatives. Her work integrates sedimentology, geophysics, and environmental policy to advance subsurface carbon management solutions.