CPG

Dr. Isah Mohammed

Tel: + 966 (013) 860-4135
Fax: + 966 (013) 860-4447

Location: Bldg. 78, Rm. 2023

Dr. Isah Mohammed

Research Scientist, CIPR

Dr. Isah Mohammed is a Research Scientist at the Center for Integrative Petroleum Research (CIPR), CPG, working at the intersection of interfacial science and subsurface energy engineering. He also serves as a Visiting Consultant to Saudi Aramco, contributing to the advancement of CO2 nanobubble technology for oilfield remediation and improved well injectivity.

Before assuming his current role, he was a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at KFUPM, where he also earned his Ph.D. in Petroleum Engineering. He holds an M.Sc. in Petroleum Engineering from the African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja, and a B.Eng. in Chemical Engineering from the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria.

His research examines how mineral composition and interfacial charge govern fluid–rock interactions. Key areas include multi-mineral systems, electrical double-layer dynamics, and electrokinetic and dielectric responses. He also develops methods for the early detection and mitigation of asphaltene deposition and other flow-assurance challenges, while advancing the understanding of rock–fluid interactions relevant to carbon capture, utilization, and storage. By combining targeted experiments, molecular simulations, and data-driven modelling, his work aims to translate fundamental interface science into practical technologies for the energy and mining industries.

Educational Qualification

  • Ph.D., Petroleum Engineering, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Saudi Arabia, 2023
  • M.S., Petroleum Engineering, African University of Science and Technology, Abuja, Nigeria, 2017
  • B.S., Chemical Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria, 2014

Research Interests

  • Multi-mineral surface charge and fluid–rock interfacial chemistry
  • Electrical double-layer dynamics in complex mineral systems
  • Electrokinetic and dielectric characterization of subsurface materials
  • Nanobubble technology for well remediation and injectivity enhancement
  • Flow assurance, particularly asphaltene detection, deposition, and remediation
  • Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS)
  • Molecular simulation and data-driven modelling of interfacial phenomena
  • Interfacial technologies for energy and mineral-processing applications

Selected Publications

  • Mohammed I, Mahmoud M, Al Shehri D. Subsurface H2 generation from banded iron formation iron oxides during CO2 injection: H2S Co-production and gas purity implications. Gas Sci Eng 2026;154:205982.
  • Mohammed I, AlSultan S, Shehri D Al, Mahmoud M, Mashat A, Sangaru SS, et al. Influence of carbonated brine and CO2 nanobubbles on the rock-fluid interface of carbonate reservoir rocks. Fuel 2026;404:136377.
  • Mohammed I, Alafnan S, Mahmoud M, Raza A. Experimental and Molecular Insights into Organic Matter Wettability: Implications for Hydrocarbons Recovery, and Gas Geo-Storage in Source Rocks. Langmuir 2025;41:17117–41.
  • Mohammed I, Al Shehri D, Bello A, Mahmoud M, Onaizi SA. Impact of hydrogen sulfide on CO2 mineralization and carbon storage efficiency. Energy 2025;334:137837. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2025.137837.
  • Mohammed I, Mahmoud M, Al Shehri D, Bello A. Production of Colloidally Stable Calcium Carbonate Precipitates to Enhance CO2 Subsurface Storage Through Mineralization. Geoenergy Sci Eng 2024:213339.
  • Mohammed I, Mahmoud M, Al Shehri D, Bello A. A complementary eco-friendly approach to heavy metal removal from wastewater/produced water streams through mineralization. J Environ Chem Eng 2024;12:113939.
  • Mohammed I, Svenningsen SW, Kamounah FS, Chen T, Pittelkow M, Solling TI, et al. Calcium Sulfate Scale: A Review of State-of-the-Art. Geoenergy Sci Eng 2024:213228.
  • Mohammed I, Al-Yaseri A, Bello A, Al-Shehri D, Mahmoud M. Shale Electrokinetic Property and Colloidal Stability: Potential for Subsurface CO2 Energy & Fuels 2024;38:1111–25.
  • Mohammed I, Al-Shehri D, Mahmoud M, Sultan AS, Kamal MS, Alade O, et al. Evaluation of Polymers as a Strategy to Reduce Asphaltene Adsorption on Rock Surface. SPE J 2024;29:215–31.
  • Mohammed I, Abdel-Azeim S, Shehri D Al, Mahmoud M, Kamal MS, Alade OS, et al. Calcite–Brine Interface and Its Implications in Oilfield Applications: Insights from Zeta Potential Experiments and Molecular Dynamics Simulations. Energy & Fuels 2022;36:11950–61.
  • Mohammed I, Mahmoud M, Al Shehri D, El-Husseiny A, Alade O. Asphaltene precipitation and deposition: A critical review. J Pet Sci Eng 2021;197:107956.

Extended Publications (+)

  • Mohammed I, Yaseri A, Al Shehri D, Mahmoud M. Basalt minerp-l surface charge and the effect of mineralization on its colloidal stability: Implications of subsurface CO2 storage. Fuel 2024;356:129569.
  • Mohammed I, AlShehri D, Mohamed M, Mohammed Kamal S, Olalekan Saheed A, Abdullah S, et al. Exploration of Novel Sacrificial Fluids for Asphaltene Adsorption Remediation. Day 2 Mon, Febr. 20, 2023, SPE; 2023, p. D021S081R001. https://doi.org/10.2118/213613-MS.
  • Alade O, Mohammed I, Abdel-Azeim S, Shakil Hussain SM, Kamal MS, Mahmoud M, et al. Review on Applications of Ionic Liquids (ILs) for Bitumen Recovery: Mechanisms, Challenges, and Perspectives. Energy & Fuels 2023.
  • Mohammed I, Al-Yaseri A, Al Shehri D, Mahmoud M. Electrokinetic Property and Colloidal Stability Study of Igneous Rocks: Implication on Carbon Mineralization and Underground CO2 Storage. Energy & Fuels 2023.
  • Mohammed I, Al-Shehri D, Mahmoud M, Sultan AS, Kamal MS, Alade O, et al. Evaluation of Polymers as a Strategy to Reduce Asphaltene Adsorption on Rock Surface. SPE J 2023:1–17.
  • Mohammed I, Al Shehri D, Mahmoud M, Kamal MS, Alade O, Arif M, et al. Effect of Native Reservoir State and Oilfield Operations on Clay Mineral Surface Chemistry. Molecules 2022;27:1739.
  • Mohammed I, Isah A, Al Shehri D, Mahmoud M, Arif M, Kamal MS, et al. Effect of Sulfate-Based Scales on Calcite Mineral Surface Chemistry: Insights from Zeta-Potential Experiments and Their Implications on Wettability. ACS Omega 2022. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.2c03403.
  • Mohammed I, Abdel-Azeim S, Shehri D Al, Mahmoud M, Kamal MS, Alade OS, et al. Calcite–Brine Interface and Its Implications in Oilfield Applications: Insights from Zeta Potential Experiments and Molecular Dynamics Simulations. Energy & Fuels 2022.
  • Mohammed I, Al Shehri D, Mahmoud M, Kamal MS, Alade OS. Feature Ranking and Modeling of Mineral Effects on Reservoir Rock Surface Chemistry Using Smart Algorithms. ACS Omega 2022;7:4194–201.
  • Mohammed I, Al Shehri D, Mahmoud M, Kamal MS, Alade OS, Sultan A, et al. Effect of Reservoir Mineralogy on Asphaltene Structure and Remediation Strategy Efficiency. Energy & Fuels 2022. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.energyfuels.2c02856.
  • Mohammed I, Mahmoud M, Al Shehri D, Kamal MS, Alade OS. Effects of the Reservoir Environment and Oilfield Operations on the Iron Mineral Surface Charge Development: An Insight into Their Role in Wettability Alteration. Energy & Fuels 2022;36:1676–87. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.energyfuels.1c03909.
  • Mohammed I, Al Shehri D, Mahmoud M, Kamal MS, Arif M, Alade OS, et al. Investigation of Surface Charge at the Mineral/Brine Interface: Implications for Wettability Alteration. Front Mater 2022;9:1–15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmats.2022.891455.
  • Mohammed I, Mahmoud M, El-Husseiny A, Al Shehri D, Al-Garadi K, Kamal MS, et al. Impact of Asphaltene Precipitation and Deposition on Wettability and Permeability. ACS Omega 2021;6:20091–102. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.1c03198.
  • Mohammed I, Al Shehri DA, Mahmoud M, Kamal MS, Alade O. Surface Charge Investigation of Reservoir Rock Minerals. Energy & Fuels 2021:acs.energyfuels.1c00459. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.energyfuels.1c00459.
  • Mohammed I, Al Shehri D, Mahmoud M, Kamal MS, Alade OS. A Surface Charge Approach to Investigating the Influence of Oil Contacting Clay Minerals on Wettability Alteration. ACS Omega 2021;6:12841–52. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.1c01221.
  • Mohammed I, Al Shehri D, Mahmoud M, Kamal MS, Alade OS. Impact of Iron Minerals in Promoting Wettability Alterations in Reservoir Formations. ACS Omega 2021;6:4022–33. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.0c05954.
  • Mohammed I, Mahmoud M, Al Shehri D, El-Husseiny A, Alade O. Asphaltene precipitation and deposition: A critical review. J Pet Sci Eng 2021;197:107956. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.petrol.2020.107956.
  • Mohammed I, Olayiwola TO, Alkathim M, Awotunde AA, Alafnan SF. A review of pressure transient analysis in reservoirs with natural fractures, vugs and/or caves. Pet Sci 2021;18:154–72.
  • Mohammed I, Afagwu CC, Adjei S, Kadafur IB, Jamal MS, Awotunde AA. A review on polymer, gas, surfactant and nanoparticle adsorption modeling in porous media. Oil Gas Sci Technol d’IFP Energies Nouv 2020;75:77.
  • Haq B, Al Shehri DA, Mohammed I, Olayiwola T, Muhammed NS, Hasan Z. A new mathematical workflow to predict permeability variation using flowing gas material balance. Offshore Technol Conf Asia 2020, OTCA 2020 2020. https://doi.org/10.4043/30454-ms.
  • Kaita AY, Ogolo O, Wu X, Mohammed I, Akpan EA. Study of the impact of injection parameters on the performance of miscible sour gas injection for enhanced oil recovery. J Pet Explor Prod Technol 2020;10:1575–89. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13202-019-00793-4.
  • Adjei S, Wilberforce AN, Opoku D, Mohammed I. Probabilistic approach for shale volume estimation in Bornu Basin of Nigeria. Pet Gas Eng 2019:49.
  • Isah M, Mukhtar A, Bilyaminu S. Energy Integration of Kero Hydrotreating Unit, A Case Study of Nigerian Refinery. J Chem Eng Process Technol 2018;09. https://doi.org/10.4172/2157-7048.1000386.
Tel: +966 (013) 860-2061

Location: Bldg. 78, Rm, 1058

Jaber Al Jaberi

Post-Doc Researcher, CIPR

Jaber Al Jaberi is a Post-Doctoral Researcher in the Center for Integrative Petroleum Research (CIPR), College of Petroleum Engineering and Geosciences at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM). Previously, he he worked for three years as lab engineer, and two years as teaching assistance in KFUPM. Jaber has two patents and several publications in distinctive journals and conferences. He served as vice president for SPE and SPWLA – KFUPM Chapters, and he is an active member in different societies.  

Educational Qualification

  • Ph.D., Petroleum Engineering, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (Dhahran), KSA, 2023
  • M.S., Petroleum Engineering, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (Dhahran), KSA, 2019
  • B.S., Petroleum Engineering, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (Dhahran), KSA, 2016

Research Interests

  • Drilling Fluid Properties
  • Formation Damage
  • Flow assurance.

Selected Publications

  • Al Jaberi, J, Ba geri, B., Adebayo, A., Patil S., Barri, Assad., and Rahul B. Salin., (2021). Evaluation of Formation Damages during Filter Cake Deposition and Removal Process – The Effect of Primary Damage on Secondary Damage. Petroleum Science. https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1995822621000091.
  • Al Jaberi, J.B., Bageri, B. & Elkatatny, S. (2022). Improving the filtration properties for manganese tetroxide mud utilizing perlite particles to drill wide-range permeability sandstone formation. Sci Rep 12, 18445. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-21897-8.
  • Al Jaberi, J.B., Bageri, B., Elkatatny, S & Solling, T. (2023). Performance of Perlite as Viscosifier in Manganese Tetroxide Water Based-Drilling Fluid. Journal of Molecular Liquid, Vol 374, 15, 121218. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molliq.2023.121218.
  • Al Jaberi, J., Alafnan, S., Glatz, G., Sultan, A., AFAGWU, C., (2021). The impact of kerogen tortusity on shale permeability. SPE J. 26 (02): 765–779. Doi: https://doi.org/10.2118/204469-PA.
  • Saikia. T., AlJaberi, J., Al Hamad, J., Helal A., Sultan, A., (2023). Application of metal organic frameworks for the inhibition of CO2 hydrates in gas dominated pipelines. Gas Science and Engineering, 110, 204879. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jgsce.2023.204879.

Awards & Honors

  • Recipient of King Fahd University Petroleum & Minerals, MSc & BSc Scholarships.
  • Second-Class Honors BSc from King Fahd University Petroleum & Minerals.
Tel: +966 (013) 860-4321

Location: Bldg76, Rm. 2138

Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Fakih

Researcher, CIPR

Dr. Abdulrahman joined CIPR at KFUPM as a Researcher in 2026. His research in Generative AI, Computer Vision, and Computational Geoscience, specializing in AI-driven subsurface reservoir characterization, formation evaluation, and geothermal energy, with over 8 years of experience. Expert in GANs, Diffusion Models, and Transformers, with advanced proficiency in TensorFlow and PyTorch. Brings 2 years of field engineering experience and 7 years as a teaching assistant.

Educational Qualification

  • Ph.D., Geophysics, KFUPM, Saudi Arabia, 2025
  • M.S., Oil and Gas Fields Development Engineering, CUGB, China, 2020
  • B.S.,Petroleum Engineering, Hadhramout University, Yemen, 2012

Research Interests

  • Generative AI for reservoir characterization.
  • AI-driven reservoir geomodeling.
  • Well-log synthesis and anomaly detection.
  • Machine learning for formation evaluation.
  • AI applications in geothermal energy.

Selected Publications

Patent

  • Al-Fakih, Koeshidayatullah, Saraih, Kaka. (2026). Novel Method for Reservoir Geomodeling using Generative AI. Filled.

 

Articles

  1. Al-Fakih, A., Koeshidayatullah, A., Saraih, N. A., Mukerji, T., Kanfar, R., Alali, A., & Kaka, S. I. (2026). Pix2Geomodel: A next-generation reservoir geomodeling with property-to-property translation. Geoenergy Science and Engineering, 258, 214342. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoen.2025.214342.
  2. Al-Fakih, A., Koeshidayatullah, A., Mukerji, T., & Kaka, S. I. (2026). Enhanced anomaly detection in well log data through the application of ensemble GANs. Applied Computing and Geosciences, 29, 100316. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acags.2025.100316.
  3. Koeshidayatullah, A., Al-Fakih, A., & Kaka, S. I. (2026). Toward basin-agnostic well log imputation and anomaly detection via a pre-trained time-series foundation model. Energy Geoscience, 7(2), 100536. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engeos.2026.100536.
  4. Al-Fakih, A., Koeshidayatullah, A., Mukerji, Kaka. Well log data generation and imputation using sequence-based generative adversarial networks. Sci Rep 15, 11000 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-95709-0.
  5. Al-Fakih, A., Al-khudafi, A., Koeshidayatullah, Kaka. Forecasting geothermal temperature in western Yemen with Bayesian-optimized machine learning regression models. Geotherm Energy 13, 4 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40517-024-00324-3
  6. Al-Fakih, A., Koeshidayatullah, A., & Kaka, Abdulraheem. (2024). Application of machine learning and deep learning in geothermal resource development: Trends and perspectives. Deep Underground Science and Engineering. https://doi.org/10.1002/dug2.12098.
  7. Al-Fakih, A., & Koeshidayatullah, Kaka. (2023). Reservoir Property Prediction in the North Sea Using Machine Learning. IEEE Access. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2023.3336623.
  8. Al-Fakih, A., Kaka, S. Application of Artificial Intelligence in Static Formation Temperature Estimation. Arab J Sci Eng 48, 16791–16804 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13369-023-08096-x.
  9. Al-Fakih, A., Ibrahim, A.F., Elkatatny, Abdulraheem, et al. (2023). Estimating electrical resistivity from logging data for oil wells using machine learning. J Petrol Explor Prod Technol. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13202-023-01617-2.

Conference Papers

  1. Al-Fakih, A. Koeshidayatullah, N. Saraih and S. Kaka1, Bridging Reservoir‑ and Pore‑Scale Modeling with Pix2Pix cGANs, Second EAGE Workshop on Advances in Carbonate Reservoirs: from Prospects to Development, Kuwait, Apr 2026, Volume 2026, p.1 – 3. https://doi.org/10.3997/2214-4609.2026649005.
  2. Al-Fakih,A., Hanafy, S., Saraih, N., Koeshidayatullah, A., and Kaka, S.: Data-efficient enhanced Pix2Geomodel.v2 for complex facies settings, EGU General Assembly 2026, Vienna, Austria, 3–8 May 2026, EGU26-2220, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu26-2220, 2026. 
  3. Saraih, Al-Fakih, A. Koeshidayatullah, N. Saraih and S. Kaka1 Improving Facies and Property Prediction in Complex Reservoirs Using Enhanced Pix2Pix-Based Modeling, Second EAGE Workshop on Advances in Carbonate Reservoirs: from Prospects to Development, Kuwait, Apr 2026, Volume 2026, p.1 – 3. https://doi.org/10.3997/2214-4609.2026649024.
  4. Kaka, S., Al-Fakih, A., Saraih, N., Koeshidayatullah, A., and Hanafy, S.: Bidirectional translation + spatial continuity validation, EGU General Assembly 2026, Vienna, Austria, 3–8 May 2026, EGU26-2222, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu26-2222, 2026.
  5. Al-Fakih, Koeshidayatullah, Saraih, Mukerji, Kanfar, Alali, Kaka.Pix2geomodel: Domain-To-Domain Translation for Next-Generation Reservoir Geomodeling.AAPG Decision-Based Integrated Reservoir Modeling GTW.Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia, Nov. 2025.Accepted as an Oral Presentation.
  6. Al-Fakih, Koeshidayatullah, Mukerji, Kaka.Application of Pix2pix Gan for Geological Property Modeling: A Case Study on Porosity, Permeability, And Water Saturation in The Groningen Field, North Sea. The Middle East Oil, Gas, and Geosciences/ (MEOS GEO 2025). 25MEOS-P-87-SPE. Manama, Bahrain, Sept. 2025.Accepted as an Oral Presentation.
  7. Al-Fakih, Koeshidayatullah, Mukerji, Kaka. Advanced Well Log Forecasting and Anomaly Detection Using TimeGPT: A Time-series Foundation Model Approach. The Middle East Oil, Gas, and Geosciences/ (MEOS GEO 2025). 25MEOS-P-104-SPE. Manama, Bahrain, Sept. 2025.Accepted as an Oral Presentation.
  8. Al-Fakih, A., Koeshidayatullah, Kaka, S. (2025, January). End-to-End GANs and TimeGPT for Multidimensional Reservoir Characterization. Innovative Technology for Reservoir Optimization, Apr 2025, Volume 2025, p.1 – 5. European Association of Geoscientists & Engineers. https://doi.org/10.3997/2214-4609.2025638001.
  9.  Al-Fakih, A., Koeshidayatullah, A., Mukerji, Kaka. Next-generation GAN for well log data augmentation and integrity. AAPG Unlocking Hidden Potential GTW. Kuwait, Apr. 2025.
  10.  Al-Fakih. End-to-End GANs for Multidimensional Reservoir Characterization. SPE AI Symposium: Navigating the Nexus—Where Energy Meets AI and Sustainability. Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia. Feb.2025. Oral Presentation. https://www.spe-events.org/symposium/artificial-intelligence/attend/schedule.
  11. Al-Fakih, A., Koeshidayatullah, A., Mukerji,Alazani,  Kaka. Innovative GANs and AI for well log data synthesis, imputation, and anomaly detection. AAPG International Conference and Exhibition (ICE) Muscat, Oman, 30 September – 2 October 2024.
  12. Al-Fakih, A. A., Kaka, S., & Koeshidayatullah, A. (2024, September). AI-Driven Reservoir Management: GANs and GMM for Enhanced Control. ECMOR 2024. European Association of Geoscientists & Engineers. https://doi.org/10.3997/2214-4609.202437004.
  13. Al-Fakih, Al-Khudafi, Koeshidayatullah, Kaka. Exploring Machine Learning Techniques for Predicting Geothermal Temperature in Western Yemen. SPWLA-SAC 14th Workshop – Advances in Geothermal Energy Exploration and Development.Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia, May 2024.
  14. Al-Fakih, A., Kaka, S., & Koeshidayatullah, A. (2024, April). Revolutionizing Carbonate Reservoir Characterization and Monitoring Through Generative Deep Learning. First EAGE Workshop on Advances in Carbonate Reservoirs. European Association of Geoscientists & Engineers. https://doi.org/10.3997/2214-4609.2024634006.
  15. Al-Fakih, A., Kaka, S., & Koeshidayatullah, A. (2024). Enhancing Geoscience Analysis: AI-Driven Imputation of Missing Data in Well Logging Using Generative Models. EGU24-10627. Copernicus Meetings. https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-10627.
  16. Al-Fakih, A., Kaka, S., & Koeshidayatullah, A. (2024). Deep Learning in Reservoir Characterization: a GAN-based Approach. European Association of Geoscientists & Engineers. DOI: 10.3997/2214-4609.202430003.
  17. Al-Fakih, A., & Al-Khudafi, A. (2024, February). Unlocking the Potential of Geothermal Energy in Yemen: A Comparative Analysis with Global Trends. 49th Workshop on Geothermal Reservoir Engineering. Stanford University. SGP-TR-227.
  18. Al-Fakih, A., Kaka, S., & Koeshidayatullah, A. (2024, January). Utilizing GANs for Synthetic Well Logging Data Generation: A Step Towards Revolutionizing Near-Field Exploration. EAGE/AAPG Workshop on New Discoveries in Mature Basins. European Association of Geoscientists & Engineers. https://doi.org/10.3997/2214-4609.202471016.
  19. Al-Fakih, A., & Li, K. (2022). Estimation of Bottom-Hole Temperature Based on Machine/Deep Learning. In: Lin, J. (eds) Proceedings of the 2021 International Petroleum and Petrochemical Technology Conference. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-9427-1_33.
  20. Al-Gathe, A.A., Al-Khudafi, A.M., Al-Fakih, A., Al-Wahbi, A.A. (2022). Neuro-Fuzzy Approach for Gas Compressibility Factor Prediction. Proceedings of the 2021 International Petroleum and Petrochemical Technology Conference. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-9427-1_15.
  21. Al-Fakih A, Li K. Study of geothermal energy resources of Yemen for electric power generation. GRC Trans. Reno, Nevada, USA. 2019:42(2018).

Awards & Honors

  • Awarded full Doctoral Scholarship, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM), Saudi Arabia, 2021-2025.
  • Awarded full Masters Scholarship, China University of Geosciences, China, 2016-2020.
  • Awarded (Full Grant) – International Summer School on Smart Civil Engineering PHASE VIII, Northeastern University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China, July 2025.
  • Awarded (Full Grant) – PROM Programme from the Institute of Geological Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland, June 2025.
  • Nominated for the SPE Middle East and North Africa Student Paper Contest, Abu Dhabi, May 2025.
  • Third place, SPE-KSA AI Hackathon, Saudi Arabia, Feb. 2025
  • Invited speaker: MEOS GEO ’2025, SPE AI ’2025, Sinopec DTV ’2025.
  • First place, GEO4.0 Hackathon, Saudi Arabia, 2024.
  • First place, IADC DrillTech Arena Contest, Oman, 2024.
  • Nominated in the SPWLA paper contest at SPWLA -KFUPM-Aramco RDD, Dhahran, March 2023.
  • Leadership: Graduate Ambassador at KFUPM, Active in SPE, SEG, SPWALA, IADC, AAPG
Tel: + 966 (013) 860-1532

Location: Bldg. PEGTC, Rm. 211

Dr. Nor Akalili Binti Ahmad

Post-Doc Fellow, CIPR

Educational Qualification

  • PhD. in Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Malaysia, 2021

Research Interests

  • Advanced Membrane Technology
  • Thin Film Nanocomposite Membrane
  • Water Separation

Selected Publications

  • Nor Akalili Ahmad, Pei Sean Goh, Lukka Thuyavan Yogarathinam, Abdul Karim Zulhairun, Ahmad Fauzi Ismail, ail, Current advances in membrane technologies for produced water desalination, Desalination, 493, 2020, 114643, 0011-9164, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2020.114643.
  • Nor Akalili Ahmad, Pei Sean Goh, Kar Chun Wong, Abdul Karim Zulhairun, Ahmad Fauzi Ismail, Enhancing desalination performance of thin film composite membrane through layer by layer assembly of oppositely charged titania nanosheet, Desalination,476, 2020, 114167, 0011-9164,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2019.114167.
  • Nor Akalili Ahmad, Pei Sean Goh, Kar Chun Wong, Stanley Chinedu Mamah, Ahmad Fauzi Ismail, Abdul Karim Zulhairun, Accelerated spraying-assisted layer by layer assembly of polyethyleneimine/titania nanosheet on thin film composite membrane for reverse osmosis desalination, Desalination, 529, 2022, 115645, 0011-9164, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2022.115645

Awards & Honors

  • Best Postgraduate Student Award, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia 65th Convocation, 2022.
  • Olympiad Nanotechnology Malaysia 2021 Award, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Malaysia.
Tel: +966 (013) 860-5012

Location: PEGTC, Rm. 211

Alexandra Scerbacova

Post-Doc Fellow, CIPR

Educational Qualification

  • B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas (Moscow, Russia), 2016
  • M.S. in Chemical Engineering, Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas (Moscow, Russia), 2018
  • Ph.D. in Petroleum Engineering, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Moscow, Russia) jointly with Curtin University (Perth, Australia), 2023

Research Interests

  • Enhanced oil recovery
  • Microfluidics
  • Huff-n-Puff

Selected Publications

  • Scerbacova A. et al. Rock–Fluid Interactions of Alkyl Ether Carboxylate Surfactants with Carbonates: Wettability Alteration, ζ-Potential, and Adsorption //Energy & Fuels. – 2023. – Т. 37. – №. 5. – С. 3723-3740.
  • Scerbacova A. et al. Application of alkalis, polyelectrolytes, and nanoparticles for reducing adsorption loss of novel anionic surfactant in carbonate rocks at high salinity and temperature conditions //Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects. – 2022. – Т. 653. – С. 129996.
  • Scerbacova A. et al. Water-and surfactant-based huff-n-puff injection into unconventional liquid hydrocarbon reservoirs: Experimental and modeling study //Energy & Fuels. – 2023. – Т. 37. – №. 15. – С. 11067-11082.

Awards & Honors

  • Winner of SPE regional student paper contest (Russia and Caspian region) in PhD division, 2020 and 2022
  • Schlumberger Scholarship Award For the Academic Year 2016/2017
Tel: + 966500377281
Fax: + 966 (013) 8603989

Location: Bldg. 78, Rm. 1001.6

Dr. Masooma Nazar

Post-Doc Researcher, CIPR

Educational Qualification

  • PhD, Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, (Seri Iskandar) Malaysia, 2023
  • S. Environmental Sciences, Government College University, (Lahore), Pakistan, 2016
  • B.S.  Environmental Sciences, University of Gujrat, (Gujrat), Pakistan, 2014

Research Interests

  • Enhanced oil recovery
  • Surfactant synthesis
  • Ionic Liquids
  • Toxicity and Biodegradability of Surfactants

Selected Publications

  • A Masooma Nazar, M.U. Shah, A. Ahmad, M. Goto, W. Z. N Yahya, M. Moniruzzaman. “Aggregation, toxicity, and biodegradability study of an ionic liquid-based formulation for effective oil spill remediation”. Chemosphere (2023) 344, 140412.
  • S. Wang, A. Ahmad, Masooma Nazar, A. U. Rahmah, M. Moniruzzaman. “Biocompatible and Biodegradable Surfactants from Orange Peel for Oil Spill Remediation”. Molecules (2023) 28(15), 5794.
  • Masooma Nazar, M. U. Shah, A. Ahmad, W. Z. N. Yahya, M. Goto, M. Moniruzzaman. “Ionic Liquid and Tween-80 Mixture as an Effective Dispersant for Oil Spills: Toxicity, Biodegradability, and Optimization”. ACS omega (2022) 7, 18, 15751–15759.
  • Masooma Nazar, M. U. Shah, W. Z. N. Yahya, M. Goto, M. Moniruzzaman. “Surface active ionic liquid and Tween-80 blend as an effective dispersant for crude oil spill remediation”. Environmental Technology & Innovation 24 (2021) 101868.
  • Masooma Nazar, A.Yasar, S.A. Raza, A. Ahmad, R. Rasheed, M. Shahbaz, A. B. Tabinda. Techno-economic and environmental assessment of rice husk in comparison to coal and furnace oil as a boiler fuel. Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery (2021).
  • Yasar, S. Rana, M. Moniruzzaman, Masooma Nazar, A. B. Tabinda, R. Rasheed, A. Ahmad, A. Mukhtar, Muhammad. A.Q, Sami. U. “Quality and environmental impacts of oil production through pyrolysis of waste tyres”. Environmental Technology & Innovation 23 (2021) 101565.
  • Yasar, S. Anjum. A. B. Tabinda, Sidra, M. Adeel, M. Afifa, M. Masooma Nazar. “Re-using the steel and bleach waste in advance oxidation processes (AOPs) for dye-bath effluent treatment”. Desalination and Water Treatment 150 (2019) 331-338.
  • Yasar, S. A. Shabbir, A. B. Tabinda, Masooma Nazar, Rasheed. R, Afifa, M. Sidra, M. “Refuse-derived fuels as a renewable energy source in comparison to coal, rice husk, and sugarcane bagasse”. Energy Sources, Part A: Recovery, Utilization, and Environmental Effects (2018) 1556-7230.
  • Yasar, Nazir. S, Tabinda. A. B, Masooma Nazar, Rasheed. R, Muhammad. A. “Socio-Economic, Health and Agricultural Benefits of Rural Household Biogas Plants in Energy Scarce Developing Countries: A Case Study from Pakistan”. Renewable Energy 108 (2017) 19-25.
  • Yasar, Nazir. S, Rasheed. R, Tabinda. A. B, Masooma Nazar. “Economic Review of Different Designs of Biogas Plants at Household Level in Pakistan.” Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 74 (2017) 221-229.

Awards & Honors

  • PhD schlorship award from Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Malaysia
Tel: +966 (013) 860-5331

Location: Bldg. 78, Rm. 1065

Dr. Ahmed Fatah

Post-Doc Researcher, CIPR

Dr. Ahmed Fatah joined the Center for Integrative Petroleum Research (CIPR) in June 2023 as a Postdoctoral Researcher, the College of Petroleum Engineering and Geoscience, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Saudi Arabia. His research interest focuses on carbon dioxide & hydrogen geological storage, and chemical EOR, in which he authored multiple technical and review papers. He holds a Ph.D. degree from Curtin University, a MSc and BSc degrees from University Technology PETRONAS, all in Petroleum Engineering. During his doctoral research, Dr. Fatah investigated the possibility of CO2 storage in shale formations, and he gained wide expertise in geo-energy storage applications, in terms of rock/gas interactions, contact angle evaluation, and geochemical modelling. Currently, he is involved in many collaborative research studies with Curtin University (Australia & Malaysia) and Saudi Aramco.

Google Scholar:
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=ytner1wAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=sra

Research Gate:
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ahmed-Fatah

Educational Qualification

  • Ph.D., Energy, Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Curtin University, Australia, 2022.
  • M.S., Petroleum Engineering, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP), Malaysia, 2015.
  • B.S., Petroleum Engineering, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP), Malaysia, 2013

Research Interests

  • Geo-Energy Underground Gas storage (H2 and CO2).
  • Chemical Enhanced Oil and Gas Recovery.
  • Wettability and Contact Angle Measurements.
  • X-ray micro-computed tomography.

Selected Publications

  • Fatah, A.; Bennour, Z.; Ben Mahmud, H.; Gholami, R.; Hossain, M.M. A Review on the Influence of CO2/Shale Interaction on Shale Properties: Implications of CCS in Shales. Energies 2020, 13, 3200.
  • Fatah, A.; Ben Mahmud, H.; Bennour, Z.; Gholami, R.; Hossain, M.M. Effect of Supercritical CO2 Treatment on Physical Properties and Functional Groups of Shales. FUEL 2021, 303, 121310
  • Al-Yaseri, A.; Amao, A.; Fatah, A. Experimental investigation of shale/hydrogen geochemical interactions. FUEL 2023, 346, 128272.
  • Fatah, A.; Bennour, Z.; Ben Mahmud, H.; Gholami, R.; Hossain, M.M. Surface Wettability Alteration of Shales Exposed to CO2: Implication for Long-term Integrity of Geological Storage Sites. International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control 2021, 110, 103426. IF: 4.400.
  • Fatah, A.; Ben Mahmud, H.; Bennour, Z.; Gholami, R.; Hossain, M.M. Geochemical modelling of CO2 interactions with shale: Kinetics of mineral dissolution and precipitation on geological time scales. Chemical Geology 2022, 592, 120742

Awards & Honors

  • PETRONAS full scholarship award fro B.S. and M.S. studies 2009 to 2015.
  • Curtin High Degree Research (HDR) scholarship for Ph.D. 2019 to 2022.
Tel: + 966 (013) 860-1793
Fax: + 966 (013) 860-4447

Location: Bldg. 76, Rm. 2160

Dr. Amro Othman

Researcher, CIPR

Amro Othman has a Ph.D. in the Petroleum Engineering Department at King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM). Since he joined KFUPM in 2019 he worked in different research area which includes hydraulic fracturing treatments and water shut-off remediation. He has expertise in formulating fresh and saline water fracturing fluids as well as their performance with proppants.

He has experience with emulsions and their applications in water shut-off. He also uses artificial intelligence and its applications in petroleum engineering.

Educational Qualification

  • Ph.D., Petroleum Engineering, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Saudi Arabia, 2023
  • M.S., Petroleum Engineering, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia, 2018
  • B.S., Petroleum Engineering, University of Khartoum, Sudan, 2012

Research Interests

  • Hydraulic Fracturing treatments.
  • Water shut-off conformance control.

Selected Publications

  • Othman, A., Aljawad, M. S., Mahmoud, M., Kamal, M. S., Patil, S., & Bataweel, M. (2021). Chelating agents usage in optimization of fracturing fluid rheology prepared from seawater. Polymers, 13(13), 2111.‏
  • Othman, A., AlSulaimani, M., Aljawad, M. S., Sangaru, S. S., Kamal, M. S., & Mahmoud, M. (2022). The synergetic impact of anionic, cationic, and neutral polymers on VES rheology at high-temperature environment. Polymers, 14(6), 1145.‏
  • Othman, A. A., & Amao, A. M. (2019, March). Hydraulic Fracturing Treatments in the Permian Basin: Distillation of Best Practices in the Spraberry and Wolfcamp Formations. In SPE Middle East Oil and Gas Show and Conference(p. D032S076R001). SPE.‏
  • Othman, A., Aljawad, M. S., Kamal, M. S., Mahmoud, M., Patil, S., & Alkhowaildi, M. (2022). Rheological Study of Seawater-Based Fracturing Fluid Containing Polymer, Crosslinker, and Chelating Agent. ACS omega, 7(35), 31318-31326.‏
  • Othman, A., Murtaza, M., Aljawad, M. S., Kamal, M. S., Mahmoud, M., & Kalgaonkar, R. A. (2022). Effect of Seawater Ions on Polymer Hydration in the Presence of a Chelating Agent: Application to Hydraulic Fracturing. ACS omega, 8(1), 969-975.‏
  • Othman, A., Glatz, G., Aljawad, M. S., Alafnan, S., Alarifi, S. A., & Al Ramadan, M. (2022). Review of Kerogen’s Geomechanical Properties: Experiments and Molecular Simulation. ACS omega, 7(37), 32829-32839.‏
  • Othman, A., Tariq, Z., Aljawad, M. S., Yan, B., & Kamal, M. S. (2023). Enhancing Fracturing Fluid Viscosity in High Salinity Water: A Data-Driven Approach for Prediction and Optimization. Energy & Fuels, 37(17), 13065-13079.‏
Tel: +966 (013) 860-2649

Location: Bldg. 78, Rm. 1053

Sarmad Zafar Khan

Engineer I, CIPR

In 2009 Khan obtained his BS (Hons.) in Petroleum Engineering followed by an MS degree in the same discipline from KFUPM, KSA in 2013. He has been positioned as a Lab Engineer at CPG, KFUPM since 2016 after employment as a Reservoir Engineer at Schlumberger (2013-15), Research Assistant at KFUPM (2010-13), and an Intern – BHP Billiton Pakistan (2008).

Educational Qualification

  • M.S., Petroleum Engineering, KFUPM, KSA, 2013
  • B.S., Petroleum Engineering (Hons.), University of Engineering & Technology, Pakistan, 2009.

Selected Publications

  • “Revisiting Reaction Kinetics and wormholing phenomena during Carbonate Acidizing” by X. Qiu, S. Khan, S. Dyer and A. Sultan, presented at International Petroleum Technology Conference, 19-22 Jan, 2014, Doha, Qatar.
  • “Investigation of Core Length and CO2 Phase Effects on Propagation of Wormholes in Carbonate Rocks” by S. Khan, A. Sultan and S. Dyer presented at SPE Annual Technical Symposium and Exhibition, 21-24 Apr, 2014, Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia.
  • Keynote Speaker at “Career Development Seminar” held at Petroleum Engineering Department, University of Engineering & Technology Lahore, Pakistan on Sep 24, 2014
Tel: +966 (013) 860-3819

Location: Bldg. 76, Rm. 2160

Dr. Ngouangna Eugene Ngwana

Post-Doc Researcher, CIPR

Dr. Ngouangna Eugene Ngwana is a Post-Doctoral Fellow at the Center for Integrative Petroleum Research (CIPR). His previous research focused on chemical EOR using nanoparticles, chemical treatments for improving sand agglomeration as a proactive method to minimize sand generation during oil production, CO₂ storage through surfactant-based foam systems, and mitigation of CO₂ leakage pathways using advanced polymeric gels. He is actively involved in developing surfactant–nanoparticle formulations to accelerate CO₂ mineralization for permanent geological carbon storage. Dr. Ngwana is a registered Professional Technologist (Ts.) in Oil and Gas Technology with the Malaysian Board of Technologists (MBOT) since 2024 and a member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), UK, since 2024.

Educational Qualification

  • Ph.D., in Petroleum Engineering; Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), 2024.
  • M.Eng., Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), 2018.
  • Bachelor of Technology, Gulf Field Higher Institute of Petroleum Cameroon, 2017.

Research Interests

  • Geological CO₂ Storage and CO₂ Mineralization
  • Foam-Assisted CO₂ Storage and Mobility Control
  • Chemical Enhanced Oil Recovery (cEOR)
  • Nanotechnology for Energy and Environmental Applications
  • Surfactant–Nanoparticle Formulations
  • Conformance Control and CO₂ Leakage Mitigation
  • Sand Control and Formation Damage Prevention
  • Petrophysics and Multiphase Flow in Porous Media
  • Experimental Reservoir Engineering and Core Analysis
  • Sustainable Energy and Carbon Management Technologies

Selected Publications

  • Funsho Afolabi 1,*, Zulhelmi Amir 1,* , Ahmed Halilu 1,* , MuhamadFazly Abdul Patah 1, Eugene N. Ngouangna et al., Molecular Dynamics Simulation: Tendency for CO2 Adsorption in Amphiphilic Cellulose-Derived Interpenetrating Network Gels; Gels 2026, 12, 537. https://doi.org/10.3390/gels12060537
  • Grant Charles Mwakipunda, Nasiru Salahu Muhammed, Afeez Gbadamosi, Eugene N. Ngouangna, et al., Carbon dioxide (CO2) storage in geological formations: Overview of mechanisms, storage media, leakage risk, and monitoring techniques,Petroleum Research,2026,
  • Eugene N. Ngouangna, Iskandar B. Dzulkarnain, Mohd Zaidi Jaafar, M.N.A.M Norddin, Jeffrey O. Oseh, Wan Rosli Wan Sulaiman, Gbadamosi Afeez, Bamidele Victor Ayodele, Okorie E Agwu, Stanley C. Mamah, Peter Ikechukwu Nwaichi, Ellora Priscille N. Ntone, Augustine Agi “The Effects of Brine on CCUS-EOR and Challenges Faced during CO2 Projects: A Review Involving Storage Mechanisms with Future Prospects” ACS OMEGA DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.5c07153
  • Eugene N. Ngouangna, I.r B. Dzulkarnain, M. Z.Jaafar, M. N. A. M. Norddin, J.O. Oseh, F. A. Afolabi, F.Yakasai, A. O. Gbadamosi, M.N. Yahya, B. V. Ayodele, S. C. Mamah, E.P. N. Ntone & A. Agi. “Nanoparticle-Stabilized CO2 Foam in Porous Media for EOR and CCUS: A State-of-the-Art Review involving Mechanisms, Challenges, Influencing Parameters, and Research Opportunities” Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering. 2025 1007/s13369-025-10512-3
  • N. Ngouangna, I. B. Dzulkarnain, M. Z. Jaafar, J. O. Oseh, F. A. Afolabi, F.Yakasai, A. O. Gbadamosi, P. I. Nwaichi, A. Ag “Nanoparticles Transport in Porous Media During EOR Operations: A Wide-Ranging Review of Mechanisms, Mathematical Models, Influencing Parameters, Challenges, and Prospects” Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering. 2025 https://doi.org/10.1007/s13369-025-10050-y

Extended Publications (+)

  • O. Oseh, M.N.A.M. Norddin, I. Ismail, E.N. Ngouangna, “Improvement in the transport capacity of drilled particles of aqueous-based drilling fluid using surface-enriched hydroxyapatite nanoparticles”, Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology. 2024
  • Sufian, M. A. Sidek, M. Z. Jaafar, P. I. Nwaichi, N. Ridzuan, S. Qurratu’ A. Mahat, N. Ngouangna,, “Enhancing Carbonate Reservoir Permeability Using a Novel Porosity Model Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, 2024
  • N. Ngouangna, M.Z. Jaafar, M. Norddin, A. Agi, F. Yakasai, J.O. Oseh, “Effect of salinity on hydroxyapatite nanoparticles flooding in enhanced oil recovery: a mechanistic study”, ACS omega 8 (20), 17819-17833, 2023.
  • N. Ngouangna, M.Z. Jaafar, M. Norddin, A. Agi, A.R. Risal, S.C. Mamah, ” The effect of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles on wettability and brine-oil interfacial tension as enhance oil recovery mechanisms,” Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering 218, 110941, 2022
  • E.N. Ngouangna, M.Z. Jaafar, M.N.A.M. Norddin, A. Agi, J.O. Oseh, S. Mamah, “Surface modification of nanoparticles to improve oil recovery Mechanisms: A critical review of the methods, influencing Parameters, advances and prospects”, Journal of Molecular Liquids 360, 119502, 2022.

Awards & Honors

  • Best Postgraduate Student Award during the 68th Convocation ceremony of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia 2024.
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