Charles F. Harvey is a Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he investigates hydrology, carbon cycling, and groundwater contamination. His work spans tropical peatlands, arsenic pollution in South Asia, and coastal groundwater dynamics, with field sites in Borneo, Bangladesh, and Vietnam. Education: B.A. in Mathematics (Oberlin College, 1986), M.S. in Applied Earth Science (Stanford University, 1992), Ph.D. in Geological and Environmental Sciences (Stanford University, 1996). Harvey’s research focuses on hydrogeology , carbon sequestration , and contaminant transport . He explores how groundwater flow and biogeochemical processes interact in tropical peatlands and coastal systems, with significant implications for climate change and water security. His recent publications emphasize tropical peatland hydrology , arsenic mobilization , and coastal groundwater exchange , integrating field experiments, remote sensing, and computational models. Scientific Awards AGU Fellow GSA Fellow Meinzer Award (GSA) Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water M. King Hubbert Award for Hydrology NSF Young Investigator Award Harvey leads the Harvey Lab , mentoring students and researchers in projects ranging from groundwater arsenic mitigation to coastal marsh biogeochemistry . His work bridges terrestrial and marine systems , addressing critical planetary challenges.
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. Stefan Wiemer is the Director of the Swiss Seismological Service (SED) and holds the Chair of Seismology at ETH Zurich's Department of Earth and Planetary Science. He obtained a geophysics diploma from Ruhr University Bochum (1992) and a PhD from the University of Alaska Fairbanks (1997). His research focuses on earthquake processes, probabilistic hazard assessments, induced seismicity, and geothermal energy applications. He has published over 200 articles and supervised 30 PhD students, while also lecturing at the University of Bern. Key Roles: Member of ERC Grants Evaluation Panel (2015–present) Scientific Advisor to GFZ German Research Center for Geosciences (2021–present) President of Swiss Geophysical Commission Projects: Leader of Switzerland's national earthquake risk model Coordinator of EU-funded RISE (risk assessments) and DEEP (geothermal de-risking) projects Principal Investigator for ERC Synergy grant FEAR (BedrettoLab fault experiments) His research spans operational earthquake forecasting, CO2 storage monitoring, and the BedrettoLab underground experiments. He has won the Humboldt Foundation Fellowship (1997) and contributed to international initiatives like the Dutch Mining Effects Panel. Teaching includes ETH's Geophysics I course. Scientific contributions include developing seismic hazard models (ERM-CH23), real-time induced seismicity forecasting frameworks, and innovative techniques for fault dynamics analysis. His work integrates field data, laboratory experiments, and computational modeling to address both natural and human-induced seismic risks.
Dr. Alain Bonneville is a Lab Fellow and Geophysicist at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and holds a Courtesy Professor appointment at Oregon State University's College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences. With extensive experience in geological storage of CO2, geothermal energy, and geophysical monitoring techniques, Dr. Bonneville leads diverse research projects that bridge fundamental science and practical applications for energy and environmental challenges. Dr. Bonneville's educational background includes: PhD in Geophysics from the University of Montpellier, France MS in Petroleum Geophysics from IFP-School, Paris, France BS in Geology from the University of Lyon, France Dr. Bonneville's research spans several critical areas in Earth sciences and energy systems. His work on geothermal energy focuses on super-hot enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), site characterization, monitoring, and stimulation fluids. In geological CO2 storage, he investigates project management, site characterization, numerical modeling, and monitoring methods using potential fields and remote sensing. His expertise in geophysical methods includes heat flow measurements, gravity surveys, muon tomography development for borehole deployment, and remote sensing applications. Additional research areas encompass marine heat flow instrumentation development, thermal monitoring of active volcanoes, and intraplate volcanism studies in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Dr. Bonneville has received significant recognition for his contributions to science, including: Membership in the Washington State Academy of Sciences Lab Fellow position at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Executive Committee membership on the U.S. National Risk Assessment Partnership Scientific Committee membership at IFP-Energies Nouvelles, France He also holds two U.S. patents related to electrophilic acid gas-reactive fluids for enhanced fracturing and recovery of energy producing materials. Throughout his career, Dr. Bonneville has led significant research initiatives, including the PNNL Carbon Sequestration Initiative (2009-2013) and the European Marie Curie Research Training Network on Greenhouse Gas Removal (GRASP), which involved 14 academic and industrial institutions across 7 countries and supported 35 PhD students and post-docs. His work on the FutureGen 2.0 project demonstrates his leadership in large-scale carbon storage site characterization and monitoring program design. Dr. Bonneville maintains active collaborations with research teams at PNNL's Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory and works closely with Oregon State University's geoscience researchers. His laboratory work focuses on developing novel instrumentation for geophysical monitoring, particularly in the areas of muon tomography for subsurface characterization and thermal monitoring systems for geothermal and carbon storage applications.
Ji-Quan Shi is a Research Fellow in the Department of Earth Science & Engineering at Imperial College London's Faculty of Engineering. His affiliations include the Energy Futures Lab, Minerals, Energy and Environmental Engineering, and Petroleum Geoscience and Engineering. His research focuses on geomechanical and coupled THM (thermo-hydro-mechanical) modeling for CO2 storage, geothermal energy systems, and mining-induced seismicity. Key interests include induced seismicity risk assessment, reservoir simulation, and fracture mechanics in subsurface energy systems. Education background not explicitly stated in text, but his expertise spans geoscience, civil engineering, and environmental systems. Research areas emphasize interdisciplinary approaches to subsurface energy challenges, including carbon capture and storage (CCS), geothermal reservoir management, and coal mining hazards. His work combines field observations, numerical modeling, and laboratory experiments to address challenges like CO2 plume tracking, fault activation mechanisms, and microseismic event forecasting. Recent studies focus on Iceland's geothermal fields (Hellisheiði) and North African CO2 storage sites (In Salah). He has pioneered methods for integrating microseismic data with reservoir models to improve safety and efficiency in subsurface operations. Notable contributions include probabilistic frameworks for hazardous microseismicity prediction in coal mines and coupled modeling of thermal effects on induced seismicity. His research also explores innovative monitoring technologies like distributed fiber optic sensing for CO2 plume tracking.
Inigo Flores Ituarte is a Research Professor at Tampere University's Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, affiliated with the Automation Technology and Mechanical Engineering department. He leads the Digital Design and Manufacturing (D2M) research lab, focusing on sustainable manufacturing and twin-transition strategies integrating digital and green technologies. His work emphasizes optimization-driven design, additive manufacturing innovations, and AI-driven expert systems to enhance energy efficiency and reduce environmental impacts. Key research pillars include: Pillar 1: Twin-transition in Engineering Design and Manufacturing Processes, addressing sustainable manufacturing and intelligent systems Pillar 2: Development of open D2M systems and Process-Structure-Property-Performance (PSPP) linkages in advanced materials His research explores multi-disciplinary optimization combining model-based simulations and data-driven techniques. Notable contributions include generative AI integration in CAD systems, cognitive manufacturing systems, and cost-effective process monitoring using CNN-based methods. Inigo's work emphasizes environmental sustainability, with a focus on reducing manufacturing's energy consumption (54% of global use) and CO2 emissions. He advocates for interconnected material systems, smart manufacturing processes, and AI-assisted decision-making to achieve cognitive intelligence in industrial operations. His D2M lab's overarching goal is to maximize product/process performance while improving cost-effectiveness and minimizing environmental footprints. Recent projects include railway bogie demonstrators via multi-material deposition and sensor systems leveraging IoT and ChatGPT integration.
Sergey Fomel is a Professor of Geophysics at the University of Texas at Austin, holding the Wallace E. Pratt Professorship and serving as Director of the Texas Consortium for Computational Seismology (TCCS). He is affiliated with the Jackson School of Geosciences, Bureau of Economic Geology, and the Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences. His research focuses on seismic data analysis, computational seismology, and machine learning applications in geophysics. He leads the Madagascar software project for open-source geophysical data analysis. Dr. Fomel earned his Ph.D. in Geophysics from Stanford University in 2001. He has held leadership roles in the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG), including Vice President, Publications (2017–2019) and Distinguished Lecturer (2020). His awards include honorary memberships in SEG and the Geophysical Society of Houston (GSH). Recent research emphasizes deep learning for seismic inversion, noise reduction, and fault segmentation. His work addresses challenges in geophysical data processing, including adaptive algorithms, wave propagation modeling, and CO2 monitoring. Fomel's contributions span both theoretical and applied domains, bridging computational methods with practical geoscience applications. Education: Ph.D. in Geophysics, Stanford University (2001) Affiliations: Jackson School of Geosciences, Bureau of Economic Geology, Oden Institute Labs/Teams: Texas Consortium for Computational Seismology (TCCS), Madagascar Project
Prof. Serge A. Shapiro is a Full Professor of Geophysics at Freie Universität Berlin since 1999 and Director of the PHASE consortium since 2004. He holds a Diploma in Applied Geophysics from Lomonosov Moscow State University (1982), a PhD from the Moscow Research Institute of Geosystems (1987), and a Habilitation from Karlsruhe University (1995). His research focuses on seismogenic processes, induced seismicity, rock physics, and subduction zone dynamics, with applications to geothermal energy, CO2 storage, and hydraulic fracturing. Education: Diploma in Applied Geophysics, Lomonosov Moscow State University (1982) PhD in Geophysics, Moscow Research Institute of Geosystems (1987) Habilitation, Karlsruhe University (1995) Research Interests: Induced seismicity from fluid operations CO2 storage and hydraulic fracturing risks Seismic hazard assessment Rock physics under stress Key Contributions: Developed the Seismogenic Index Model for induced earthquakes Pioneered DAS-based seismic monitoring techniques Advanced understanding of fault stability and pressure diffusion effects Awards: Virgil Kauffman Gold Medal (2013) for work in microseismic monitoring and rock physics Grants & Projects: PHASE consortium leader (2004–present) Utah FORGE EGS project advisor Labs/Teams: Seismology Group, Freie Universität Berlin PHASE university consortium
William Harbert is a Professor in the Department of Geology and Environmental Science at the University of Pittsburgh, where he leads research in geophysics and subsurface characterization. His work bridges fundamental geophysical principles with practical applications in energy and environmental systems. Education: MS in Exploration Geophysics from Stanford University PhD in Geophysics from Stanford University Research focuses on seismic analysis across multiple scales, from micro-CT to surface seismic. His group specializes in advanced processing of microseismic, reflection seismic, and VSP data to image subsurface structures and understand pore-scale dynamics. Current work integrates deep learning for geophysical object detection and classification, with emphasis on organic shale systems and CO 2 storage monitoring. Key areas include rock physics, microseismicity analysis, and environmental geophysics for water quality assessment. Publication trends show strong emphasis on energy-related geophysics, particularly hydraulic fracturing monitoring, CO 2 sequestration verification, and unconventional reservoir characterization. Recent work increasingly incorporates machine learning techniques and addresses environmental monitoring challenges in subsurface operations. Scientific recognition: DOE ORISE Research Associate Resident Institute Fellow of the NETL-Institute for Advanced Energy Solution Professional engagements include membership on the Altarock Review Board for DOE-funded geothermal projects and prior service on the Scientific Advisory Board for the In Salah CO 2 Injection Project. His research involves extensive collaboration with national laboratories and industry partners on subsurface monitoring technologies. His laboratory group develops advanced geophysical processing techniques for subsurface imaging across multiple scales, with current projects focusing on microseismic monitoring of shale reservoirs and CO 2 storage sites.
Professor Brett Harris is a faculty member at Curtin University, affiliated with the School of Earth and Planetary Sciences (EPS) within the Faculty of Science and Engineering. He holds a prominent role in the Office of the Provost. His research focuses on subsurface resource technologies, including mineral exploration, CO2 sequestration, and geothermal energy. He has led major initiatives like the DET CRC and MinEx CRC projects, advancing in-hole electromagnetic sensing and distributed acoustic sensing techniques. His expertise spans hydrogeology, geophysics, and environmental geoscience, with notable contributions to aquifer characterization, fault zone dynamics, and CO2 storage monitoring. He coordinates undergraduate courses in electromagnetism, potential fields, and environmental geophysics, while supervising multiple PhD students. Key collaborations include work with government agencies on fractured aquifer detection and geothermal systems. Recent research emphasizes innovative sensor technologies for subsurface imaging, CO2 leakage monitoring, and groundwater sustainability. His work bridges geophysics with applied engineering solutions for resource exploration and environmental stewardship.
Ryan M. Pollyea is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geosciences at Virginia Tech’s College of Science. His research focuses on geofluids, energy resources, and geologic CO2 sequestration, with expertise in numerical modeling of fluid flow in porous media and geospatial analysis. He leads the VT Hydrogeosciences Lab, investigating processes like CO2 sequestration in basalt reservoirs and fluid-induced seismicity linked to wastewater injection. Education: Ph.D., University of Idaho (2012); B.S., University of Dayton (1999). His team includes PhD student Wu Hao and MS student Gradyon Konzen, studying topics like capillary pressure uncertainty and hydraulic effects of wastewater injection. Research interests span coupled thermal-hydro-chemical-mechanical modeling, fracture network characterization via LiDAR, and reservoir-scale permeability changes. He emphasizes applying computational methods to address energy and environmental challenges, with a focus on carbon storage and induced seismicity mitigation. Teaching includes courses like Groundwater Hydrology, Reactive Transport Modeling, and Engineering Geology. His work integrates high-performance computing and machine learning to analyze large datasets, exemplified by collaborations on exascale simulation frameworks and semantic interaction tools for ensemble analysis. Current projects include the Virginia SWIFT initiative, assessing aquifer recharge risks, and evaluating carbon storage potential in basaltic formations. His lab’s research underscores the interplay between subsurface fluid dynamics and geological processes, with applications to sustainable energy and environmental management.
Katherine Romanak is a Research Professor at the Bureau of Economic Geology, The University of Texas at Austin, specializing in geochemistry and carbon capture/storage (CCS) technologies. She pioneered the process-based soil gas monitoring approach for detecting CO2 leakage, which has become a global standard. Her work bridges scientific research and policy, with contributions to UNFCCC COPs and U.S. Class VI CCS regulations. Ph.D. in Geology (1997), UT Austin M.S. in Geology (1988), UT Arlington B.S. in Geology (1984), Southern Methodist University Her research focuses on: Geochemistry of carbon cycling in vadose zones and aquifers Development of environmental monitoring protocols for CCS sites CO2 leakage attribution and stakeholder engagement Integration of machine learning with field monitoring techniques Recent publications emphasize simplifying monitoring complexity, offshore CCS applications, and machine learning for anomaly detection. She holds two U.S. patents and collaborates globally on projects in Japan, Australia, Canada, and the U.S. Gulf Coast. Scientific awards include: 2015 BEG publication award 2017 U.S. patents for CO2 leakage detection Her team seeks partnerships with vadose zone modelers and microbiologists to advance industrial-scale monitoring systems. Romanak also co-developed UT Austin’s online CCS certification program and provides technical training for petroleum professionals transitioning to CCS roles.
Marilena Cardu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental, Land, and Infrastructure Engineering (DIATI) at the Polytechnic University of Turin. She is actively involved in teaching, research, and supervision within the fields of excavation engineering, rock blasting, tunneling, and sustainable mining. She serves as a course instructor for key programs including Civil and Environmental Engineering and Georesources and Geoenergy Engineering. Academic Rank: Associate Professor Institution: Polytechnic University of Turin Department: DIATI (Environmental, Land, and Infrastructure Engineering) Email: marilena.cardu@polito.it Her research interests center on excavation engineering and safety, with strong interdisciplinary engagement in geotechnics, environmental engineering, and mineral resource management. She specializes in rock blasting, demolition techniques, TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine) performance, and mining safety. Her work aligns with UN SDGs such as Industry and Innovation, Sustainable Cities, and Responsible Production. The recent publications reflect a strong trend in tunneling technology, rock fragmentation, blast safety, and sustainable resource development. Her work combines experimental, numerical, and field-based approaches, often applied to real-world industrial and infrastructure challenges. Scientific Projects and Responsibilities: Scientific Director for collaborative research in excavation engineering (2023–2026) Scientific Manager for gas network compliance testing (2022–2025) Lead on multiple commercial consultancy projects in rock characterization, blast design, and vibration monitoring She supervises PhD students such as Nestor David Mejia Almeida and Oveis Farzay, focusing on TBM modeling and geomechanics. She is a key member of the Geomechanics and Geotechnologies Laboratory at DIATI, contributing to both academic and applied research in underground construction and mining safety.
Tieyuan Zhu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geosciences at Pennsylvania State University, where he leads the Environmental Geophysics Group (EGG). His work focuses on advancing geophysical data resolution through seismic and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) methods to address environmental and energy challenges such as geohazards and CO2 sequestration. Research interests include: Near-surface and critical zone seismology Fiber optics seismology Wave physics (seismic, GPR) CO2 sequestration and geothermal exploration Permafrost degradation monitoring Martian subsurface water detection Recent publications emphasize distributed acoustic sensing (DAS), full-waveform inversion, and machine learning applications for subsurface imaging. His projects span urban geohazard monitoring, Arctic permafrost studies, and planetary geophysics. Scientific awards include the Karcher Award (2018) from the Society of Exploration Geophysicists. Collaborative efforts with institutions like NASA, NSF, and CMU highlight his impact on environmental hazard studies and carbon capture research.
Mustafa Onur is the McMan Professor and Chair of Petroleum Engineering at The University of Tulsa, where he directs the TU Petroleum Reservoir Exploitation Projects (TUPREP). He holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Petroleum Engineering from The University of Tulsa and a B.S. from Middle East Technical University. Previously, he held professorships at Istanbul Technical University and Universiti Teknologi Petronas (Malaysia), including a Schlumberger Chair position. Research Focus: Dr. Onur specializes in inverse problem theory, mathematical optimization, and data science applied to reservoir management, geothermal systems, and uncertainty quantification. His work integrates machine learning with traditional reservoir engineering to solve complex problems in energy extraction and carbon sequestration. Publication Trends (2024-2025): His 15 most recent articles emphasize deep learning-based reservoir surrogates, CO₂ storage optimization, geothermal energy extraction, and constrained production optimization. Key innovations include Embed-to-Control frameworks, physics-driven interwell simulators, and stochastic optimization algorithms for uncertainty management in subsurface systems. Awards & Recognition: 2010 SPE Formation Evaluation Award 2014 SPE Distinguished Member 2018 SPE Reservoir Description and Dynamics Award Leadership: As TUPREP director, he leads advanced research in reservoir exploitation, focusing on practical applications of AI and optimization in petroleum and geothermal engineering. He serves as Associate Editor for SPE Journal and Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering .
