Our fellows

Will you be the next?

Apply for the fellowship
Round 6, deadline: 01 March 2025

Fang Xie

China
E-Mail
Round 5 (09/2025-12/2025; at Nanjing University, China)

Sayed Mahmoud

Helwan University (Egypt)
E-Mail
Round 5 (01/2025-03/2025; at NRIAG, Cairo, Egypt)
https://orcid.org/0009-0005-3317-1476

Sayed M. Sayed is a geoscientist from Cairo, Egypt, with expertise in structural geology, remote sensing, petrological analysis, and geophysical data interpretation, particularly magnetic data and the anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS). His work focuses on integrating surface and subsurface datasets to address complex geological challenges using both traditional methods and advanced computational approaches. His current research explores the geometry and evolution of Neoproterozoic sedimentary basins and igneous bodies in the Eastern Desert of Egypt. By combining geological and geophysical data, he aims to uncover the formation history and resource potential of these ancient structures. As a contributor to the IHFC Global Heat Flow Fellowship, Sayed actively curates and analyzes datasets on thermal conductivity, geothermal gradients, and heat flow. His efforts support global initiatives in geothermal energy research and lithospheric studies to advance resource exploration and sustainable development. With a strong commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, Sayed M. Sayed seeks to advance geoscience research and contribute to solving critical geological challenges through innovative approaches.

Moataz Ibrahim

National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics (Egypt)
E-Mail
Round 5 (01/2025-03/2025; at NRIAG, Cairo, Egypt)
https://orcid.org/0009-0004-4736-7923

Moataz Sayed graduated from Helwan University in Cairo, Egypt, in 2012 and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Geophysics at the National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics (NRIAG) in Cairo. Since 2013, he has been working as a researcher in the Geodynamic Department at NRIAG, specializing in gravity and geodynamics. His research focuses on developing a 3D crustal thickness model of Egypt by integrating satellite gravity data, seismic tomography, and magnetic data for geothermal applications. Moataz's work addresses key geophysical challenges, including the joint inversion of geophysical datasets to better delineate subsurface structures and assess geothermal potential. He has extensive experience in acquiring field data, processing, and interpreting gravity, seismic, and geodetic datasets. In addition to his research, Moataz has participated in international field schools and scientific missions in South Africa and France, where he gained hands-on experience with advanced geophysical tools and data processing techniques. His contributions include publishing articles on continuous gravity observations and 3D crustal density modeling in peer-reviewed journals.

Xiaoxue Jiang

China University of Petroleum (China)
E-Mail
Round 4 (09/2024-12/2024; at GFZ Potsdam, Germany)

Xiaoxue Jiang, hailing from China, holds a master's degree in Geological Resources and Geological Engineering from the China University of Petroleum (Beijing). During her master's studies, she focused on analyzing the characteristics of geothermal fields and investigating the mechanisms of heat enrichment in concentrated depressions. She also developed a numerical simulation method to assess the influence of the troposphere on surface heat flow. Currently, Xiaoxue is pursuing a PhD at the China University of Petroleum (Beijing). Her research interests encompass the geothermal characteristics and factors influencing heat flow distribution in the Bohai Bay Basin and Ordos Basin. Furthermore, she is exploring the mechanisms and potential for harnessing deep geothermal resources.

Dr. Abdelkader Ait Quali

Renewable Energy Research Center of Algiers (Algeria)
E-Mail
Round 4 (09/2024-12/2024; at Sorbonne University, Paris France)
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1171-0553

Abdelkader AIT OUALI is a permanent researcher at the Renewable Energy Research Center of Algiers (CDER). He earned his PhD in Hydrogeology in September 2020 from the University of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene (USTHB) in Algiers, Algeria. He also holds a Master’s degree in Geology and a Magister’s degree in Hydrogeology. His primary research focuses on geothermal resource estimation, heat flow evaluation, and hydrothermal geochemistry. He has conducted extensive fieldwork and participated in numerous training programs at international institutions, including the Department of Earth Resources Engineering at Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan; the Center for Hydrogeology and Geothermics at the University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland; technical training on geothermal fields in Kenya by the Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) and the Geothermal Development Company (GDC); the EDYTEM Laboratory at the University of Savoie Mont Blanc, France; and the Geosciences and Environment Laboratory at Cergy University, Paris, France. Abdelkader is actively involved in international projects, including UNESCO’s "Geothermal Resources for Energy Transition" (IGCP 636) and the LEAP-RE initiative for Europe-Africa cooperation, which focuses on evaluating a geothermal atlas for Africa. He is also the author of several publications in geothermal energy and hydrogeology.

Ayan Dutta

CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute (India)
E-Mail
Round 3 (03/2024-05/2024; at GFZ Potsdam, Germany)

Ayan Dutta is currently part of the Thermal Geophysics Group at the CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) in Hyderabad, India. He holds a Master of Science in Applied Geology from Presidency University, Kolkata, India. His research interest include assessing heat flow, investigating the thermal characteristics of various rock formations, and exploring their implications for geological dynamics on a regional scale. He is also engaged in modeling the temperature distribution beneath the Earth’s surface. Ayan is involved in multiple projects aimed at determining the crustal thermal structure of various regions in India. His Ph.D. work is specifically focused on the Ladakh Himalayan Region, India.

Harold Buitrago

Centre for Scientific Research and Higher Education of Ensenada (Mexico/Colombia)
E-Mail
Round 3 (05/2024-07/2024; at GFZ Potsdam, Germany)
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0592-0370

Harold Buitrago is a geologist with extensive professional experience in thermal modeling, focusing on geothermal gradients, heat flow, and the thermal properties of rocks. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Geology and a Master of Science in Geophysics from Universidad Nacional de Colombia. His master’s thesis introduced the first proposed lithospheric temperature structure for Central-Eastern Colombia, utilizing the finite difference method and incorporating oil and gas thermal data. In addition to his thermal modeling expertise, Harold has a strong background in petrophysics, gravimetry, magnetic data processing, and petroleum geology. He also taught Fundamentals of Geology at Universidad Nacional de Colombia for two years. Beyond academia, he created the YouTube channel Geología para Todos, which has garnered over 2,000 subscribers, sharing knowledge about geology with a broader audience. Currently, Harold is pursuing a Ph.D. at the Centre for Scientific Research and Higher Education of Ensenada. His research focuses on developing a thermal model for the Ringvent area in the Gulf of California. This work employs the Finite Elements method, integrating energy, mass, and momentum conservation laws to deepen understanding of geothermal dynamics in the region.

Insaf Mraidi

Faculty of Science of Tunis (Tunisia)
E-Mail
Round 3 (03/2024-08/2024; at University of Genoa (Italy) and GFZ Potsdam (Germany))
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9301-3190

Was granted but withdrawn by candidate

Insaf Mraidi, a dedicated and passionate researcher from Tunisia, is committed to advancing knowledge in the field of heat flow and its diverse implications in geology, geophysics, and energy exploration. She earned her Ph.D. in April 2024 from the Faculty of Science of Tunis. Her doctoral research focused on calculating heat flow in the Gulf of Gabès-Gulf of Hammamet region, exploring the role of geodynamic evolution and its impact on oil potential. She also holds a master’s degree in Basin Analysis and Reservoir Characterization. Her research emphasizes updating Tunisia's heat flow database, which had remained unchanged since 1989. Insaf proposed innovative temperature correction methods tailored to the unique characteristics of Tunisian basins. Additionally, she introduced a new approach for calculating and evaluating thermal conductivity, implemented for the first time in Tunisia. Through her work, Insaf demonstrated that these novel methods effectively influence the understanding of the oil potential in the studied regions. Her contributions include new geothermal gradient, thermal conductivity, and heat flux maps, which were highlighted in her scientific publications.

Jhon Camilo Matiz Leon

National University of Colombia (Colombia)
E-Mail 1, E-Mail 2
Round 2 (09/2023-11/2023; at Sorbonne University, France)
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1885-9804

Geodesic Engineer and Master in Information Sciences and Geomatics from the Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas. Postgraduate Fellow of the Geothermal Training Programme - GTP of the Center for Capacity, Development and Sustainability and Social Change - GRÓ of the Government of Iceland and UNESCO. Ph.D. student in Geosciences at the National University of Colombia. His research work includes experience in the exploration of geothermal resources through 3D modeling and 3D litho-constrained stochastic geophysical inversion, absolute gravity, global navigation satellite systems, Geomatics and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), statistics and spatial analysis. The main areas of interest are research and innovation of methodologies for the estimation and spatialization of geothermal gradient and heat flow, favorability zones through Paly Fairway Analysis, geomatics-geothermal integration (through the application of spatial information technologies), numerical modeling, 3D modeling, and 3D geophysical inversion for the exploration of geothermal resources in sedimentary and hydrothermal environments.
He's currently working as a researcher in 3D modeling, 3D litho-constrained stochastic geophysical inversion, absolute gravity, and Geomatics and GIS applied to geothermal exploration, in the Geothermal Research Group of the Colombian Geological Survey - SGC. Member of the Colombian Geothermal Association (AGEOCOL), a non-profit association of professionals, whose main objective is to promote the exploration, development, use, and exploitation of geothermal energy in Colombia.

Mohammed Hichem Bencharef

Echahid Cheikh Larbi Tebessi University (Algeria)
E-Mail
Round 2 (07/2023-09/2023; at GFZ Potsdam, Germany)
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3058-3652

Mohammed Hichem Bencharef, originally from Algeria, is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Applied Geophysics at Echahid Cheikh Larbi Tebessi University. He previously earned a master’s degree in Engineering Geology from Mohamed Seddik Benyahia Jijel University, where he built a solid foundation in geological principles and their practical applications. As a Ph.D. student, Mohammed is committed to advancing his expertise in geophysics, focusing on innovative approaches to studying heat flux. His academic pursuits have encompassed various aspects of geothermal energy, including heat transfer in porous media, rock mechanics, and geothermal exploration. A passionate and dedicated researcher, Mohammed is committed to contributing to the understanding of heat flux and its implications in fields ranging from geology and geophysics to energy exploration and climate science.

Yibo Wang

Chinese Academy of Sciences (China)
E-Mail
Round 2 (09/2023-12/2023; at University of Nanjing, China)
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3035-7380

Yibo Wang, is a postdoctoral fellow at the Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IGGCAS). He earned his Ph.D. in September 2020 from IGGCAS, specializing in structural geology with a focus on geothermics. Since 2015, Yibo has been engaged in research on heat flow, thermal structures, and thermal processes. His doctoral dissertation, titled Differences of Thermal Regime of the Cratons in Eastern China and Discussion of Its Deep Dynamic Mechanism, explores the variations in thermal regimes across Eastern China’s cratons and their underlying dynamic processes.

Eswara Rao Sidagam

CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute (India)
E-Mail
Round 2 (07/2023-09/2023; at GFZ Potsdam, Germany)
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9268-6123

Eswara Rao Sidagam is a researcher in the Thermal Geophysics Group at the CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) in Hyderabad, India. He holds a Master of Science in Geophysics from Andhra University, India, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. focusing on the thermophysical properties of major rock formations in the Western Himalaya region, India, and their implications for thermal modeling. He has participated in numerous geothermal field studies across India, collecting samples for thermophysical investigations and measuring borehole temperatures. His work includes laboratory measurements to determine the thermophysical properties and geochemical characterization of rocks using advanced equipment. Currently, he is engaged in thermal modeling of the subsurface temperature field.

Belay Gulte Mino

Salale University (Ethiopia)
E-Mail
Round 2 (08/2023-10/2023; at University of Melbourne, Australia)
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6289-4471

Belay Gulte Mino is a researcher and lecturer at Salale University in Ethiopia. He recently earned a master’s degree in Petroleum Engineering from Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University in Russia. Belay has experience teaching courses on energy and geothermal resources.

Nishu Chopra

CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute (India)
E-Mail
Round 1 (04/2024-09/2024; at GFZ Potsdam, Germany)
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7279-061X

Nishu Chopra is a researcher in the Thermal Geophysics Group at the CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute (CSIR-NGRI) in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. She earned a master’s degree in Geophysics from Kurukshetra University, India, and a Ph.D. in Geophysics with a specialization in Thermal Geophysics from Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, India. Nishu Chopra has extensive experience working with continental geothermal data. Her research involves the acquisition, processing, modeling, and interpretation of heat flow, thermal conductivity, and heat production data to investigate the thermal structure of the lithosphere. She also has expertise in analyzing the thermal properties of crustal rocks at elevated temperatures.

Elif Pazvantoğlu

Dokuz Eylül University (Turkey)
E-Mail
Round 1 (01/2023-04/2023; at GFZ Potsdam, Germany)
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8117-4576

Elif Pazvantoğlu earned her Ph.D. in Geophysics in 2017 from Dokuz Eylül University. Since 2009, she has been involved as a research assistant in several national projects focused on studying the crustal thermal structure of the Anatolian Plate in Turkey. Her research interests include estimating heat flow, investigating the thermal properties of rocks, and exploring their implications for regional geodynamic processes. Additionally, she has a strong interest in numerical modeling of the subsurface temperature field.

Karina Fuentes Bustillos

CICESE (Mexico)
E-Mail
Round 1 (10/2022-01/2023; at GFZ Potsdam, Germany)
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9638-5771

Karina Fuentes, originally from Mexico, is an enthusiastic and passionate scientist. She earned a degree in Environmental Sciences from UABC and a master’s degree in Earth Sciences from CICESE. Currently pursuing a Ph.D., her research focuses on studying the thermal state of the lithosphere in rift tectonic environments. This involves analyzing and modeling marine heat flow and other petrophysical measurements. Karina has also gained hands-on experience through direct acquisition of marine heat flow data during oceanographic campaigns, including two in the Gulf of California and one in Antarctica. These remarkable experiences have further fueled her passion for studying the dynamics of the ocean floor and the geological processes driving rift systems.