Research Interests

My work focuses on the hydro-chemical-mechanical coupling in CO2 storage, unconventional and energy storage reservoirs as well as in reservoir seals. This is part of the Geoenergy Research Group in the Lyell Centre. This is done by studying natural analogues, perform single and multi-phase flow experiments on low permeability rocks and fractures, investigate fluid-rock interactions and study the pore scale mechanisms of relevant reservoir and seal rocks. Knowledge gained from laboratory and field studies are integrated into analytical and numerical modeling in order to upscale from pore to field scale.

Education & Biography

since 2023: co-Director The Lyell Centre, Heriot-Watt University

since 2023: GeoEnergy theme lead Global Research Centre iNetZ+, Heriot-Watt University

2022-2023: Deputy Director of Research, School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, Heriot-Watt University

2021: (interim) Director of Institute of GeoEnergy Engineering, Heriot-Watt University

Since 2018: Professor of Earth Sciences - GeoEnergy, Heriot-Watt University

2018: Visiting Professor, China University of Geoscience, Beijing
2016-2018: Associate Professor , The Lyell Centre, Heriot-Watt University
Since 2014: Privatdozent (Associate Professor), RWTH Aachen University, GER
2014: Habilitation (Dr. Habil) RWTH Aachen University; Venia Legendi in Geology
2008 – 2016: Research Geoscientist, Shell Global Solutions International B.V., NL
2005 – 2008: Post-doc, RWTH Aachen University, Inst of Petroleum and Coal, GER
2002 – 2005: PhD student, RWTH Aachen University, Inst of Petroleum and Coal, GER
2004: Visiting Researcher, CSIRO Petroleum, Melbourne, AUS
1998: BSc (HONS) Econ. Sedimentology, University of Stellenbosch, RSA
1995-2001: Diploma (MSc) (Geology), Philipps-University Marburg, Germany

Teaching

MSc Subsurface Energy SystemsL co-program lead

G11GT Transitional Gas

G11SG Subsurface Storage

G11GR/G11RG Reservoir Geomechanics

Field course