Robert M. Holt is a Professor in the Department of Geology and Geological Engineering at the University of Mississippi. His research focuses on geological CO2 sequestration, fluid transport in porous media, and hydrogeological characterization for nuclear waste disposal. Holt investigates how fluid behavior in heterogeneous geological formations impacts environmental processes ranging from carbon storage to groundwater contamination. His work examines the fundamental physics governing multiphase flow through porous and fractured geological media, with applications to contaminant transport, energy resources, and waste isolation. Holt has developed experimental methods for visualizing and modeling fluid behavior in heterogeneous subsurface environments, improving understanding of capillary processes and flow dynamics. Holt's research includes field studies of evaporite karst systems, geochemical assessments of aquifer systems, and investigations of hydraulic properties in low-permeability mudrocks. His work on CO2 injection monitoring has contributed to safer implementation of carbon sequestration technologies.
Prof. Dr. Florian Scholz is a Professor of Geology and Biogeochemistry at the University of Hamburg , affiliated with the Institute of Geology within the Department of Earth System Sciences . He joined the university in 2024, following leadership of an Emmy-Noether research group at GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel. His academic training includes a doctorate (summa cum laude) and habilitation from Kiel University, and a Marie Curie postdoctoral fellowship at Oregon State University. Ph.D., Geomar Helmholtz-Zentrum & University of Kiel (2010) Habilitation, University of Kiel (2019) Diploma in Geoecology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology & University of Bordeaux (2007) His research lies at the intersection of marine geochemistry , biogeochemistry , and paleoceanography , with a focus on sediment-water interactions , early diagenesis , and the impact of environmental change on biogeochemical cycles . He investigates trace metal cycling (e.g., Fe, Mo, W, Ni), redox processes, and authigenic mineral formation in marine sediments, using field data, laboratory analyses, and geochemical modeling. His recent publications (2024–2025) reveal a strong trend in paleo-redox proxy development (Mo, W, Ni isotopes), trace metal flux quantification in oxygen minimum zones, carbon cycle impacts of sediment disturbance, and ocean-based carbon dioxide removal via seafloor alkalinity enhancement. His work frequently appears in high-impact journals such as Earth and Planetary Science Letters , Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta , and Communications Earth & Environment . Emmy-Noether-Gruppenleiter, GEOMAR (2016–2023) Marie Curie Fellow, Oregon State University & GEOMAR (2012–2015) Postdoctoral Researcher, SFB 574 & 754 (2010–2012) Prof. Scholz teaches courses including Marine Biogeochemistry , Environmental Geochemistry , and Field Geology at both undergraduate and graduate levels. He leads an active research group focused on marine sediment geochemistry and collaborates widely across international oceanographic projects. His work contributes significantly to understanding past and present ocean chemistry and developing strategies for climate change mitigation.
Jonathan B. Martin is a Professor at the University of Florida's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on hydrogeochemical processes in diverse environments including carbonate karst aquifers, coastal systems affected by sea-level change, and deglaciated watersheds in Greenland. He leads the Research Coordination Network on Carbonate Critical Zones and holds an NSF grant for Greenland watershed studies. Education: BA in Environmental Science, Wesleyan University (1980) MS in Geology, Duke University (1987) PhD in Earth Sciences, University of California, San Diego (Scripps Institution of Oceanography) (1993) Research Interests: Martin's work examines geochemical fluxes driven by biogeochemical reactions coupled with hydrological flow. This includes: (1) Water-solute-isotope dynamics in carbonate karst aquifers like Florida's Floridan Aquifer and Bahamian/Yucatan systems; (2) Coastal aquifer-estuary exchanges impacting metal mobilization and greenhouse gas fluxes; and (3) Weathering processes in deglaciated landscapes affecting global carbon cycles. His lab develops field methods to quantify submarine groundwater discharge and contaminant transport. Publications: Recent articles demonstrate strong emphasis on climate-aquifer interactions, with recurring themes including Greenland glacial meltwater biogeochemistry, coastal karst aquifer responses to sea-level rise, and carbonate mineral reactions in global carbon cycling. Work frequently integrates field measurements with geochemical modeling. Laboratory: Directs the Hydrogeochemistry Laboratory with capabilities including ion chromatography, cavity ring-down spectroscopy, nutrient autoanalysis, and fluorescence spectrometry for studies of water-rock interactions.
Professor Bradley D Eyre is a leading academic at Southern Cross University, serving as a Professor in the Faculty of Science and Engineering and as the Foundation Director of the Centre for Coastal Biogeochemistry (CCB). His work spans the land-ocean continuum, with a focus on carbon and nitrogen biogeochemistry in coastal and estuarine systems under global change pressures. Education: BAppSc(Hons), University of Adelaide PhD, Queensland University of Technology His research centers on ecosystem-scale biogeochemical processes, particularly the impacts of climate change, ocean acidification, and eutrophication on greenhouse gas emissions and carbonate dynamics. He employs multi-scale approaches, from field measurements to global modeling. His recent work highlights how methane and nitrous oxide fluxes alter the climate benefit of blue carbon ecosystems and how ocean acidification drives net dissolution of coral reef sediments. An analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on quantifying greenhouse gas fluxes in aquatic systems, with an emphasis on upscaling methods, geomorphic controls, and climate feedbacks. His work frequently appears in high-impact journals such as Nature , Science , and Nature Climate Change , reflecting broad disciplinary influence in environmental science, biogeochemistry, and climate research. Scientific Awards and Recognitions: Fellow, Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO), since 2018 Member, ARC College of Experts, since 2022 Deputy Chair, 2024 MPCE DECRA Panel Professor Eyre has supervised 32 PhD students to completion and currently mentors 13 more, in addition to 22 early- and mid-career researchers. His research has attracted over $20 million in funding, including 32 ARC grants (>$10 million), 11 ARC Linkage projects (> $7.5 million), and over $3 million in contract research. His collaborations span federal and state agencies, local governments, private sector partners, and multiple universities across Australia and internationally, demonstrating extensive impact on policy and practice. He leads the Centre for Coastal Biogeochemistry, which played a key role in securing SCU’s ERA Rank 5 (well above world standard) in Geochemistry. His team conducts interdisciplinary research on coastal carbon cycling, sediment dynamics, and climate change impacts, contributing significantly to national and global environmental assessments.
Jan Martin Nordbotten is a full-time Professor at the Department of Mathematics, University of Bergen (UiB), with adjunct positions at Princeton University and NORCE. His research focuses on applied mathematics, particularly in porous media, CO2 storage, fluid dynamics, and interdisciplinary applications in hydrology, biomedicine, and ecology. He completed his PhD at UiB in 2004 and became Norway's third youngest professor in 2007. His work emphasizes numerical methods, multiscale modeling, and experimental validation. Affiliations: UiB (full-time), Princeton (adjunct), NORCE (adjunct) Research Group: Center for Sustainable Subsurface Resources Research interests span mathematical modeling of subsurface processes, including flow in fractured media, geomechanics, and phase-field fracture. Notable contributions include analytical and numerical solutions for CO2 leakage, multiphase flow, and development of tools like DarSIA for image processing in porous media. Publications highlight advancements in mixed-dimensional models, finite element methods, and experimental validation of CO2 storage forecasts. His work bridges theoretical mathematics with practical applications in energy and environmental systems.
Dr. Dirk de Beer is the leader of the Microsensor Group at the Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology in Bremen, Germany. His research focuses on the structure and function of marine sediments, investigating how microbial conversions (e.g., photosynthesis, chemoautotrophy, anaerobic nitrogen/carbon/sulfur cycling) are controlled by transport processes and how microbial species distributions are regulated in hot spots like seeps, microbial mats, and biofilms. His group employs advanced techniques such as microsensors and planar optodes to study high-resolution geochemical dynamics in marine systems. Key research areas include: Biogeochemical cycling of oxygen, sulfur, and carbon Microbial community interactions in sediments and mats Environmental regulation of microbial processes Reactive oxygen species in marine environments Coral bleaching and ocean acidification Recent publications highlight collaborations on arsenic cycling, hydrogen peroxide dynamics, and microbial respiration in extreme environments. Dr. de Beer's work is central to understanding how microbial processes influence global elemental cycles and climate regulation.
Sonja Geilert, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in Geochemistry at Utrecht University's Department of Earth Sciences. Her research focuses on silicate weathering processes, stable isotope geochemistry, and their roles in the Earth's silica-carbon cycle interactions across geological timescales. Institution: Utrecht University Affiliation: Faculty of Geosciences / Department of Earth Sciences Academic Rank: Assistant Professor Her work bridges natural marine geochemical cycles with climate mitigation strategies, particularly carbon dioxide removal (CDR) through ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE). She investigates mineral-water reactions on the seafloor, their impact on ocean chemistry, and potential applications for CO2 sequestration. Key projects include: Coastal environments as mCDR sites (2025-2029) - Project Leader Constraining Hadean ocean geochemistry (2025-2031) - Project Leader REPAIRS (2024-2026) - Researcher Enhanced benthic weathering (2021-2024) - Project Leader Her recent publications (2022-2025) demonstrate expertise in Stable isotope fractionation Marine sediment geochemistry Carbon-climate feedback mechanisms Mineral dissolution kinetics
Jingyi Chen is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Arkansas. She serves as Vice Chair in the College of Arts & Sciences and leads the Chen Research Group focused on rational design and synthesis of functional nanomaterials for energy conversion and human-health applications. PhD, Chemistry & Nanotechnology – University of Washington (2006) MA, Chemistry – State University of New York College at Buffalo (2002) BS, Chemistry – Sun Yat-sen University (1997) Her research spans three major projects: Project I: Developing cost-effective catalysts for fuel cell applications through precise synthesis of copper-based bimetallic nanocrystals. Project II: Surface modification of nanoparticles with polydopamine for bio-related applications like low-friction coatings. Project III: Creating nanoplatforms for targeted drug delivery against antibiotic-resistant infections and cancer. Recent publications focus on nickel phosphide nanoparticles (2024), perovskite oxide oxygen evolution catalysts (2023-2024), and silver nanoparticle antimicrobial mechanisms (2020-2023). Her group has produced 15+ recent publications in journals like ACS Nano , J. Phys. Chem. C , and ACS Infectious Diseases . Award highlights include: Thomson Reuters Top 1% Highly Cited Researcher (2015-2018) Arkansas Research Alliance Fellow (2018) Women’s Giving Circle Award (2014) Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award (2011) She has mentored over 20 graduate and undergraduate students , including Ryan Manso (PhD 2022), Isabelle Niyonshuti (PhD 2021), and David Thompson (DOE SCGSR awardee 2022). Her lab (CHBC 304/306/309) employs advanced tools like synthesis setups , electrochemical stations , and laser irradiation systems .
Emmanuel Detournay is a Professor at the University of Minnesota and a Member of the National Academy of Engineering. His research focuses on geomechanical processes including hydraulic fracturing, rock cutting, and the mechanics of fluid-infiltrated geomaterials. Research Interests: Modeling singular behavior near hydraulic fracture tips, poroelastic effects from fluid leak-off, hydraulic fracture initiation at boreholes, energy dissipation in rock cutting, and rock failure modes. Publications highlight advancements in coupled fracture mechanics-geochemical models, CO2 mineralization in ultramafic rocks, and dynamic modeling of drilling systems. Scientific Awards Member of the National Academy of Engineering
Kevin Van Geem is a full professor at Ghent University's Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, leading the Laboratory for Chemical Technology (LCT) and directing the Center of Sustainable Chemistry. His research focuses on thermochemical reaction engineering, transitioning fossil-based processes to renewable feedstocks, and integrating machine learning with chemical analysis. Director of Ghent University's pilot plants for steam cracking and chemical recycling Author of over 400 publications and founder of a spin-off company Specializes in kinetic modeling, process intensification, and sustainable chemistry His work spans chemical recycling, olefin production, and advanced analytical techniques for complex hydrocarbon mixtures. Recent articles highlight AI-driven catalysis, pyrolysis of polymers, and plasma-assisted CO2 utilization. Scientific awards include: Fulbright Research Scholar He bridges academia and industry through patented technologies and collaborative pilot-scale projects.
Klaus Wallmann is a Professor and Head of the Research Unit Marine Geosystems at GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel and the Christian-Albrechts-University (CAU) Kiel. His research focuses on marine biogeochemistry, particularly gas hydrates, fluid flow, nutrient cycling, and the geochemical evolution of oceans and atmosphere. He leads major research initiatives including the Cluster of Excellence 'The Future Ocean' and coordinates EU projects such as MIGRATE and GEOSTOR. Dipl. Chemistry, Philipps University of Marburg (1986) Dr. Ing., TU Hamburg-Harburg (1990) PD Dr. habil (Geosciences), CAU Kiel (1999) His research interests center on marine biogeochemical processes, including the microbial degradation of organic matter, gas hydrate formation, nutrient recycling, isotopic trends in marine carbonates, and numerical modeling of ocean-atmosphere evolution. He investigates cold seeps, mud volcanoes, and subduction zones to understand volatile cycling and seafloor dynamics. His recent publications reveal a strong focus on carbon cycling and climate mitigation, particularly through sub-seabed CO₂ storage, seafloor alkalinity enhancement, and the impact of anthropogenic activities on marine carbon storage. His work combines field observations, experimental data, and advanced numerical models to explore long-term geochemical trends and modern environmental challenges. Scholarship from the Evangelical Study Foundation, Haus Villigst (1982–1986) Wallmann has supervised numerous students and collaborators, contributing to major discoveries in marine methane dynamics, gas hydrate systems, and ocean deoxygenation. His research is supported by extensive fieldwork, ocean expeditions, and leadership in collaborative programs such as SFB 574 and SFB 754. He has played a central role in assessing the environmental impacts of CO₂ storage and natural gas hydrate exploitation. He leads research in marine geosystems at GEOMAR, focusing on biogeochemical feedbacks, fluid-sediment interactions, and climate-relevant gas cycling. His team integrates geochemical data, isotopic analyses, and modeling to study processes from molecular to global scales.
Dr. Kai Schulz is an Associate Professor in the School of Environment, Science and Engineering at Southern Cross University. He holds a PhD from the University of Bremen and focuses on ocean change impacts, mitigation strategies, and biogeochemical cycles. His research employs experimental, observational, and modeling approaches to address topics like carbon sequestration, coral bleaching, and ecosystem restoration. Education: MSc and PhD from the University of Bremen, Germany. Research grants include multiple awards from the Australian Research Council (ARC). Research Interests : Climate change impacts on marine ecosystems, ocean acidification, plankton physiology, and Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement (OAE) technologies. He explores how OAE affects carbon cycling, plankton communities, and sediment dynamics through projects like OAEPIIP. Publications highlight interdisciplinary work on carbon dioxide removal, coral resilience, and plastic pollution effects. Recent studies investigate OAE efficiency, Sargassum decomposition, and coral shading responses under thermal stress. Awards : Senior Researcher Award for Research Excellence (2022). Advising and grants: Supervises research students and leads ARC-funded projects on climate mitigation. Collaborates with global teams on OAE and coral reef metabolism studies. Labs/Teams: Affiliated with Southern Cross University's Environmental Analysis Laboratory and contributes to international initiatives like the Ocean Alk-Align project.
Seyyed A. Hosseini is a Research Professor at the Bureau of Economic Geology (BEG), Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas at Austin . His work focuses on subsurface fluid dynamics with applications to geological carbon storage (CO 2 sequestration) and underground hydrogen storage . Education: Ph.D. in Petroleum Engineering (University of Tulsa, 2008) M.S. in Biotechnology (Sharif University of Technology, 2005) B.S. in Chemical Engineering (University of Isfahan, 2002) Research Interests include: Multiphase fluid flow in porous media Pressure-pulse testing for CO 2 monitoring Reservoir engineering fundamentals Machine learning for subsurface energy projects Geomechanical impacts of fluid injection Environmental risk assessment for CO 2 and hydrogen storage Article Trends reveal his expertise in developing applied methodologies for CO 2 and hydrogen storage, emphasizing machine learning integration , 3D modeling , and fault leakage detection . Recent work explores deep learning workflows and microfluidic experiments for subsurface energy systems. Grants and Funding PI on a $1.5M DOE/NETL grant (2015) to study brine extraction for CO 2 storage pressure management Collaborative Initiatives include the SMART program for machine learning in CCS and partnerships with institutions in Mississippi, Texas, and the Gulf Coast . His research extends to laboratory experimentation following BEG's facility upgrades.
Xiaoshu Lu serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at Aalto University's School of Engineering, Finland. His primary contact is xiaoshu.lu@aalto.fi with phone number +358503503021, and his research profile is accessible via Aalto University's research portal. His research spans CO2 sequestration, rock mechanics, and sustainable construction, with emphasis on enhanced rock weathering for carbon capture, diamond bit fragmentation mechanisms, and biomass-to-energy systems. Interdisciplinary work includes agricultural engineering applications in plant disease detection and transportation engineering for traffic flow forecasting using graph neural networks. Recent publications (2024-2025) reveal dominant themes in geological CO2 storage and rock mechanics, featuring experimental studies and comprehensive reviews. While most work focuses on environmental/geotechnical civil engineering, select publications demonstrate cross-disciplinary reach into computer vision and transportation systems. Key accolades include: Napier Shaw Bronze medal (2006) Best 2012 Research Paper Competition from Aalto University School of Engineering (2013) Second prize in China's Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition for Overseas Talents (2017) Honourable Tang Aoqing Professorship at Jilin University, China (2013-present) No details regarding graduate student supervision or research grants appear in the source material. He contributes to the 'Performance in Building Design and Construction' research group at Aalto University.
Patrick A. Rafter is an Assistant Professor in the Chemical Oceanography department at the University of South Florida College of Marine Science . His research focuses on marine carbon cycling , isotope geochemistry , and paleoceanography , with specific interests in understanding carbon dynamics across geological timescales and developing methods for marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) . Key Research Themes Carbon cycling in modern and ancient oceans Application of stable and radiocarbon isotopes Biogeochemical impacts of climate change Deep-sea circulation and carbon sequestration Marine carbon removal strategies Recent Work explores carbonate dissolution fluxes, glacial-interglacial CO2 cycles, and alkalinity enhancement in the California Current System. His Ocean and Climate Lab integrates field measurements with modeling to trace carbon pathways. Contact : prafter@usf.edu
