Engineering the
Deep Earth for a
Sustainable
Future

GEOMECHANICS , GEOENERGY, GEORESOURCES

GRADUATED STUDENTS

2026

Dr. Chatura Dodangoda

Dr. Chatura Dodangoda

  • 2026
  • PhD by Research

ProjectHydrogen storage in geological formations

Dr. R.D.G. Fiona Harshini

Dr. R.D.G. Fiona Harshini

  • 2026
  • PhD by Research

ProjectUnderstanding of fracture stimulation for geothermal energy recoveries, Renewable energy

Dr. Treshan Nimasha Perera

Dr. Treshan Nimasha Perera

  • 2026
  • PhD by Research

ProjectInvestigation of new rock breaking technology for future mining

2025

Dr. Bo Zhang

Dr. Bo Zhang

  • 2025
  • PhD by Research

ProjectFoam flow in pores and fractures, Foam based hydrofracking, Material point method, Finite element method

Dr. Janethri Parana Liyanage

Dr. Janethri Parana Liyanage

  • 2025
  • PhD by Research

ProjectHydration and uniform energy distribution of SREMA in effective mining purposes

2024

Dr. Yuqi Songmage

Dr. Yuqi Songmage

  • 2024
  • PhD by Research

ProjectExperimental study and discrete element numerical simulation of sand production

2023

Dr. Jun Zhou

Dr. Jun Zhou

  • 2023
  • PhD by Research

ProjectGeological CO2 storage, Subsurface fluids flow

Dr. Shashika Madhusanka Gajanayake

Dr. Shashika Madhusanka Gajanayake

  • 2023
  • PhD by Research

ProjectMethane gas hydrates and gas replacement, Molecular dynamic simulations, Mechanical behaviour of hydrate-bearing sediments.

Dr. Balinee Balachandran

Dr. Balinee Balachandran

  • 2023
  • PhD by Research

ProjectIntroducing a green cement for construction applications

Dr. Udeshini Manatunga

Dr. Udeshini Manatunga

  • 2023
  • PhD by Research

ProjectAdoption of Soundless Cracking Demolition Agent(SCDA) for rock fragmentation in deep geological rock formations.

Dr. David Lall

Dr. David Lall

  • 2023
  • PhD by Research

ProjectNatural gas hydrates, Fluid flow in porous media.

2021

Dr. Manoj Samarakoon

Dr. Manoj Samarakoon

  • 2021
  • PhD by Research

ProjectDevelopment of a new generation cement: Insights into the deep wells

Dr. Lie Kong

Dr. Lie Kong

  • 2021
  • PhD by Research

ProjectMechanism of rock damage evolution in enhanced geothermal systems

Dr. Dinesha Jayasekara

Dr. Dinesha Jayasekara

  • 2021
  • PhD by Research

ProjectCO2 geosequestration and long-term stability of caprock

Dr. K.M. Adheesha Shashibhanu Bandara

Dr. K.M. Adheesha Shashibhanu Bandara

  • 2021
  • PhD by Research

ProjectInvestigation of proppant crushing and embedment mechanisms in reservoir rocks

Dr. B.L. Avanthi Isaka

Dr. B.L. Avanthi Isaka

  • 2021
  • PhD by Research

ProjectUtilization of supercritical carbon dioxide as the working fluid in enhanced geothermal systems

Dr. Anup Kumar Shahii

Dr. Anup Kumar Shahii

  • 2021
  • PhD by Research

ProjectStudy of Gas Hydrate using Effective Medium Theory and Rock Physics Modelling, Subsurface Geophysical Imaging

Dr. Zhaoyang Ma

Dr. Zhaoyang Ma

  • 2021
  • PhD by Research

ProjectGeothermal Energy Exploration, Waterless Fracturing Technology.

Dr. Dinesh Panneerselvam

Dr. Dinesh Panneerselvam

  • 2021
  • PhD by Research

ProjectFlow and Pollutant Transport through Fractured Porous Media

2020

Dr. Guanglei Zhang

Dr. Guanglei Zhang

  • 2020
  • PhD by Research

ProjectMicro-scale response of coal with respect to CO2 sequestration in deep coal seams

Dr. Xiaogang Zhang

Dr. Xiaogang Zhang

  • 2020
  • PhD by Research

ProjectMechanism of carbon dioxide sequestration in deep coal seams

2019

Dr. Radhika De Silva

Dr. Radhika De Silva

  • 2019
  • PhD by Research

ProjectRock fracture stimulation using a slow energy releasing fracturing compound for permeability enhanced in-situ leaching

Dr. Mohammed Faizal

Dr. Mohammed Faizal

  • 2019
  • PhD by Research

ProjectAxial and radial thermal responses of field-scale energy piles

2018

Dr. Md Rouf

Dr. Md Rouf

  • 2018
  • PhD by Research

ProjectUnsaturated behaviour and gas transport through geosynthetic clay liners (GCL) and geomembrane (GMB)/GCL composite liners

Dr. Bankim Mahanta

Dr. Bankim Mahanta

  • 2018
  • PhD by Research

ProjectInvestigation and assessment of physicomorphological and thermomechanical responses of few sedimentary rocks

Dr. Decheng Zhang

Dr. Decheng Zhang

  • 2018
  • PhD by Research

ProjectMechanical and flow properties of unconventional reservoir rocks and the influences of water on them

Dr. Yunlong Tang

Dr. Yunlong Tang

  • 2018
  • PhD by Research

ProjectInfluence of Proppant Behaviour on Hydraulic Fracturing Conductivity in Deep Reservoirs

Dr. Chengpeng Zhang

Dr. Chengpeng Zhang

  • 2018
  • PhD by Research

ProjectDevelopment of New Methodologies for Fracturing of Shale Using Non-viscous Fluid

Dr. Pabasara Kumari

Dr. Pabasara Kumari

  • 2018
  • PhD by Research

ProjectStimulation of heat extraction from the hot dry rocks - Geothermal Energy

Dr. Ayal Wanniarachchi

Dr. Ayal Wanniarachchi

  • 2018
  • PhD by Research

ProjectA New Stimulation Methodology for Extraction of Natural Gas from Deep and Tight Geological Formations

Dr. Nikhil Sirdesai

Dr. Nikhil Sirdesai

  • 2018
  • PhD by Research

ProjectNumerical and experimental study of rocks under very high temperature conditions: underground coal gasification

2017

Dr. Yanlong Zheng

Dr. Yanlong Zheng

  • 2017
  • PhD by Research

ProjectFracturing of hard rocks by microwave treatment and potential applications in mechanized tunnelling

Dr. Dilanth de Silva

Dr. Dilanth de Silva

  • 2017
  • PhD by Research

ProjectGeosequestration of Carbon Dioxide in Deep Saline Aquifers: Hydro-Chemical Considerations

Dr. Ashani Ranathunga

Dr. Ashani Ranathunga

  • 2017
  • PhD by Research

ProjectInvestigation of long term safe storage of carbon dioxide in deep coal seams with enhanced methane recovery

Ms. Xue Le

Ms. Xue Le

  • 2017
  • MSc by Research

ProjectStrength and mineralogical developments in magnesia-GGBS stabilised biochar-sequestered acid sulphate soils

2016

Dr. Tharaka Rathnaweera

Dr. Tharaka Rathnaweera

  • 2016
  • PhD by Research

ProjectGeological sequestration of carbon dioxide in deep saline aquifers: coupled flow-mechanical considerations

2015

Dr. Shishi Shao

Dr. Shishi Shao

  • 2015
  • PhD by Research

ProjectCoupled thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) behaviour of rock relevant to the geothermal industry

Dr. Ka Yu

Dr. Ka Yu

  • 2015
  • PhD by Research

ProjectNumerical and experimental investigations into thermal aspects of geothermal energy piles

Dr. Banambar Singh

Dr. Banambar Singh

  • 2015
  • PhD by Research

ProjectAn experimental study of creation of optimal fracture networks for heat extraction from engineered geothermal reservoirs

Dr. Nadeesha Lakmali Ukwattage

Dr. Nadeesha Lakmali Ukwattage

  • 2015
  • PhD by Research

ProjectStudy of the accelerated carbonation of coal fly ash for carbon dioxide sequestration and soil amendment

2014

Dr. William Darlington

Dr. William Darlington

  • 2014
  • PhD by Research

ProjectThe effect of scale and defect planes on the failure process and strength of rock with applications in open pit mining

Dr. Md. Shahidul Islam

Dr. Md. Shahidul Islam

  • 2014
  • PhD by Research

ProjectStrength and mineralogical behaviour of lime-GGBS-treated acid sulphate soils

Dr. Mohamed Nasvi Mohamed Careem

Dr. Mohamed Nasvi Mohamed Careem

  • 2014
  • PhD by Research

ProjectGeopolymer as well cement for geological sequestration of carbon dioxide

Dr. Benjamin Shannon

Dr. Benjamin Shannon

  • 2014
  • PhD by Research

ProjectFracture propagation of cohesive soils under tensile loading and desiccation

Dr. Piyal Wasantha Liyanage

Dr. Piyal Wasantha Liyanage

  • 2014
  • PhD by Research

ProjectOn the coupled hydro-mechanical behaviour of jointed rock masses: an application to mine slope stability

Dr. Kunal Kumar Singh

Dr. Kunal Kumar Singh

  • 2014
  • PhD by Research

ProjectInvestigations of permeability of fractured, steep and deep rock slopes with high groundwater pressures

2013

Dr. Bishwajit Chowdhury

Dr. Bishwajit Chowdhury

  • 2013
  • PhD by Research

ProjectMechanical behaviour of lime-slag treated Coode Island Silt

Dr. Verma Dhananjai

Dr. Verma Dhananjai

  • 2013
  • PhD by Research

ProjectInvestigation of influence of scale effects of strength and failure modes of deep open cut slopes

Dr. Vikram Vishal

Dr. Vikram Vishal

  • 2013
  • PhD by Research

ProjectAn investigation on carbon dioxide sequestration in Indian coal seams

Mr. David Barry-Macaulay

Mr. David Barry-Macaulay

  • 2013
  • MSc by Research
  • Associate Supervisor

ProjectAn investigation on the thermal and thermo-mechanical behaviour of soils

2012

Dr. Samintha Perera

Dr. Samintha Perera

  • 2012
  • PhD by Research

ProjectInvestigation of the effect of carbon dioxide sequestration on the hydro-mechanical properties of coal

Dr. Richa Shukla Potdar

Dr. Richa Shukla Potdar

  • 2012
  • PhD by Research

ProjectStudy of reservoir rock and caprock integrity in geo-sequestration of carbon dioxide

2011

Dr. Wai Chong

Dr. Wai Chong

  • 2011
  • PhD by Research

ProjectLateral load capacity of single piles socketed into Melbourne mudstone

Dr. Deepika Singh

Dr. Deepika Singh

  • 2011
  • PhD by Research

ProjectA study of CO2 sequestration in basalt formation

Dr. Navinda Kishan de Silva

Dr. Navinda Kishan de Silva

  • 2011
  • MSc by Research

ProjectAn investigation of mechanical properties and permeability of coal with respect to CO2

2010

A/Prof. Mohan Yellishetty

A/Prof. Mohan Yellishetty

  • 2010
  • PhD by Research

ProjectAchieving environmental stewardship in iron and steel sector through application of life cycle assessment

Dr. Balamurali Raju

Dr. Balamurali Raju

  • 2010
  • PhD by Research

ProjectGeo-sequestration of carbon dioxide in coal seams

Mr. Binu Stanley

Mr. Binu Stanley

  • 2010
  • MSc by Research

ProjectEngineering and microstructural behaviour of lime-slag treated pyrite bearing coode island silt

2009

Dr. Wooi Leong Tan

Dr. Wooi Leong Tane

  • 2009
  • PhD by Research

ProjectPhysico-Chemical Interaction of CO2-Water-Rock under Extreme Geo-Thermal-Mechanical Conditions

2008

Mr. Derek Chun Chuen Chan

Mr. Derek Chun Chuen Chan

  • 2008
  • MSc by Research

ProjectPerformance of Water and Gas Pipes Buried in Reactive Soil

2007

Dr. Dileeka Jasinge

Dr. Dileeka Jasinge

  • 2007
  • PhD by Research

ProjectA Study of Geomechanical Properties of Coal with Application to Enhanced Coal Bed Methane Recovery and CO2 Sequestration

2006

Dr. Matthew John Wightwick

Dr. Matthew John Wightwick

  • 2006
  • PhD by Research
  • Associate Supervisor

PAST VISITING STUDENTS

Ms. Yameng He

Ms. Yameng He

Visiting Postgraduate Student

Research InterestMechanisms damage of wellbore cement in CO2 geological storage, permeability and resistivity properties of rocks and rock-like materials under coupled multiphysics fields.

Ms. Mi Wang

Ms. Mi Wang

Visiting Postgraduate Student

Research InterestDynamic mechanical behavior and failure mechanism of rocks.

Ms. Xiaoli Su

Ms. Xiaoli Su

Visiting Postgraduate Student

Research InterestGeotechnical Engineering, microwave-assisted rock breaking and multi-field coupling simulation.

Mr. Guojun Zhao

Mr. Guojun Zhao

Visiting Postgraduate Student

Research InterestMulti-phase flow in porous media; Hydrate seal; Marine hydrate exploitation; CO2 geological storage

Ms. Lingling He

Ms. Lingling He

Visiting Postgraduate Student

Research InterestEvaluation of underground space, Engineering geology.

Mr. Zhanming Shi

Mr. Zhanming Shi

Visiting Postgraduate Student

Research InterestFracture damage behavior of hot dry rocks; Fatigue properties of rocks; Discrete element numerical simulation.

Mr. Zhennan Zhu

Mr. Zhennan Zhu

Visiting Postgraduate Student

Research InterestRock mechanics, Exploitation of deep geothermal energy

Mr. Yang Hao

Mr. Yang Hao

Visiting Postgraduate Student

Research InterestRock mechanics, mining engineering, roadway supporting, geothermal energy

Mr. Pengfei Yin

Mr. Pengfei Yin

Visiting Postgraduate Student

Research InterestDeep underground engineering, rock mechanics

Ms. Duan Yongting

Ms. Duan Yongting

Visiting Postgraduate Student

Research InterestRock failure mechanism; meso-damage evolution; CT images characterize

Mr. Xin Li

Mr. Xin Li

Visiting Postgraduate Student

Research InterestCO2 Geological model of reservoir development and dynamic variation law of geofluid system.

Mr. Miao Chen

Mr. Miao Chen

Visiting Postgraduate Student

Research InterestCO2 Deep underground engineering and reinforcement technique, Experiment and DEM simulation of fracture evolution of rock containing flaws

Mr. Chengkai Fan

Mr. Chengkai Fan

Visiting Postgraduate Student

Research InterestCO2 geological storage, fiber optic monitoring technology applied to fluid percolation and rock deformation

Mr. Jiang Xu

Mr. Jiang Xu

Visiting Postgraduate Student

Research InterestCO2 anchorage foundation, seepage of deep excavation, monitoring of deep excavation.

Mr. Zhentao Li

Mr. Zhentao Li

Visiting Postgraduate Student

Research InterestPore-fracture system characterization; gas adsorption-diffusion in coals; gas flow.

Mr. Yi Xue

Mr. Yi Xue

Visiting Postgraduate Student

Research InterestEngineering rock mechanics, Coupled analysis of flow, stress and damage in rock failure.

Mr. Jianjian Zhao

Mr. Jianjian Zhao

Visiting Postgraduate Student

Research InterestEngineering rock mechanics, fracture propagation of rock under dynamic load.

Mr. Milind Patil

Mr. Milind Patil

Visiting Postgraduate Student

Research InterestTunneling and underground structures in soft soil, Numerical modeling, Earthquake geotechnical engineering, Computational geomechanics

Mr. Peng Liu

Mr. Peng Liu

Visiting Postgraduate Student

Research InterestHydraulic fracture propagation pattern in heterogeneous formation, preferential flow in porous media

Mr. Zongqing Zhou

Mr. Zongqing Zhou

Visiting Postgraduate Student

Research InterestMechanical mechanism, numerical simulation and risk assessment of water inrush in rock tunnels

Mr. Yi Li

Mr. Yi Li

Visiting Postgraduate Student

Research InterestGeosequestration of carbon dioxide in deep saline aquifers, core flooding experiments