Position: School of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Department: College of Engineering

Areas of Interest:
"Our research centers on the fundamental study of soils and subsurface processes, within the context of current engineering and societal needs. Applications include underground excavations, earthquakes and liquefaction, mining, and optimal resource recovery in view of increasing energy needs."

Interesting projects/Research:
"We are currently addressing issues related to methane hydrate formation in the seafloor (potential energy source) and petroleum extraction, creating new engineered particulate materials with very unique properties, and developing high-resolution diagnostic tools to 'see underground.' "

Research Methodology:
"In our laboratory, we use distinct devices and experimental procedures to trick particulate materials into revealing their secrets. Our tools include elastic and electromagnetic waves; optical, electrical, and atomic force microscopy; and tomographic process monitoring techniques. Measurements are interpreted using analytical, particle–level models built from fundamental physical principles."