CPG

Dr. Denis Anikiev

Tel: +966 (013) 860-7176

Location: Bldg. 78, Rm. 2022

Dr. Denis Anikiev

Research Scientist, CIPR

Dr. Denis Anikiev is a Research Scientist at the Center for Integrative Petroleum Research, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals. He holds a Ph.D. in Geophysics from St. Petersburg State University, Russia, specializing in microseismic imaging and seismic inversion. Dr. Anikiev has broad expertise in computational geophysics, machine learning, data analytics, and software development, with over 20 years of programming and modeling experience.

Before joining KFUPM, he served as a Senior Scientist at GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences in Germany, leading projects in large-scale geological modeling and software development. He also has industry experience in real-time seismic data processing and has worked as an independent consultant in geoscience software solutions.
At KFUPM, Dr. Anikiev is pioneering the Data Analytics Program, applying AI and machine learning to geoscientific challenges, including Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) data. He is proficient in Python, MATLAB, C/C++, TensorFlow, and Keras, and actively contributes to open-source scientific software. His work has earned international recognition, including prestigious grants and a patented seismic modeling technology.

Educational Qualification

  • Ph.D., in Geophysics, Department of Earth Physics, St. Petersburg State University, Russia, 2015
  • M.S., in Geophysics, Department of Earth Physics, St. Petersburg State University, Russia, 2011
  • B.S., in Physics, Faculty of Physics, St. Petersburg State University, Russia, 2008

Research Interests

  • Integration of AI and ML in geoscience
  • DAS processing
  • Microseismic imaging
  • Induced seismicity
  • Seismic inversion
  • Geothermal exploration
  • Subsurface coupled process modeling
  • Potential field modeling
  • Computational geophysics

Selected Publications

  • Abdullin, A., Anikiev, D., & Waheed, U. B. (2026). Explainable AI for microseismic event detection. Artificial Intelligence in Geosciences, 7(3), 100246. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aiig.2026.100246
  • Al‐Qadasi, B., Waheed, U. B., Abdullin, A., Anikiev, D., & Song, C. (2026). U‐PINO: a U‐Shaped Physics‐Informed neural operator for DAS microseismic source localization with application to FORGE DAS data. Geophysical Prospecting, 74(4). https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2478.70190
  • Jechumtálová, Z., Anikiev, D. & Eisner, L. (2025). Sensitivity for monitoring array of Distributed Acoustic Sensors (DAS) in a vertical borehole. First Break, 43(4), 35–37. https://doi.org/10.3997/1365-2397.fb2025026
  • Götze, H.-J., Strehlau, R., Dannowski, A., Anikiev, D., Kumar, A. & Scheck-Wenderoth, M. (2024). Do gravity data justify a rifted “Liguro-Provençal Basin”? Frontiers in Earth Science, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/feart.2024.1475025
  • Alvers, M. R., Götze, H.-J., Anikiev, D. & Plonka, C. (2023). Inversion of potential fields by interactive optimization of 3D subsurface models using a spring-based space warping and evolution strategy. GEOPHYSICS, 88(3), G79–G93. https://doi.org/10.1190/geo2022-0222.1
  • Anikiev, D., Birnie, C., Waheed, U. b., Alkhalifah, T., Gu, C., Verschuur, D. J. & Eisner, L. (2023). Machine learning in microseismic monitoring. Earth-Science Reviews, 239, 104371. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earscirev.2023.104371
  • Gómez Dacal, M. L., Scheck-Wenderoth, M., Faleide, J. I., Abdelmalak, M. M., Bott, J. & Anikiev, D. (2023). Tracing the Iceland plume and North East Atlantic breakup in the lithosphere. Nature Communications in Earth & Environment, 4(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-023-01120-w
  • Ahlers, S., Röckel, L., Hergert, T., Reiter, K., Heidbach, O., Henk, A., Müller, B., Morawietz, S., Scheck-Wenderoth, M. & Anikiev, D. (2022). The crustal stress field of Germany: A refined prediction. Geothermal Energy, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40517-022-00222-6
  • Anikiev, D., Waheed, U. b., Staněk, F., Alexandrov, D., Hao, Q., Iqbal, N. & Eisner, L. (2022). Traveltime-based microseismic event location using artificial neural network. Frontiers in Earth Science, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/feart.2022.1046258
  • Anikiev, D., Cacace, M., Bott, J., Dacal, M. L. G. & Scheck-Wenderoth, M. (2020). Influence of lithosphere rheology on seismicity in an intracontinental rift: The case of the Rhine Graben. Frontiers in Earth Science, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/feart.2020.592561
  • Anikiev, D., Lechel, A., Gomez Dacal, M. L., Bott, J., Cacace, M. & Scheck-Wenderoth, M. (2019). A three-dimensional lithospheric-scale thermal model of Germany. Advances in Geosciences, 49, 225–234. https://doi.org/10.5194/adgeo-49-225-2019

Awards & Honors

  • 2024: Member of the organizing committee of the international workshop “Exploring the potential for interdisciplinary 3D interpretation of potential fields by IGMAS+” in Cairo, Egypt
  • 2021: Invited speaker for the Heiland Lecture Series
  • 2014: Research Grant of St. Petersburg Government
  • 2012-2015: SEG Scholarship for doctorate students
  • 2012-2014: Research Grants of the DAAD
  • 2011: MSc diploma with distinction
  • 2008: BSc diploma with distinction
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.
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