CPG

Dr. Syouma Hikmahtiar


Location: Bldg. 76, Rm. 2160

Dr. Syouma Hikmahtiar

Researcher, Department of Geosciences

Educational Qualification

  • Ph.D., in Geology-Micropaleontology, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 2023
  • M.S., in Petroleum Engineering-Geothermal, Clausthal University of Technology, Germany, 2017
  • S.Si., in Physics-Geophysics, Gadjah Mada University, Indonesia, 2013

Research Interests

  • Micropaleontology (Foraminifera)
  • Cretaceous-Cenozoic micropaleontology, stratigraphy and paleoecology
  • Paleoenvironmental change, Paleoceanography and paleoclimates

Selected Publications

  • Kaminski, M.A., Korin, A., Hikmahtiar, S., Alegret, L. and Waskowska, A. 2024. Paleocene and Eocene deep-water benthic foraminifera at Site U1511, Tasman Sea: Part 2. Micropaleontology, 70 (3): 271–285.
  • Kaminski, M.A., Korin, A., Hikmahtiar, S. 2024. Paratrochamminoides waskowskae n.sp., a new deep-water agglutinated foraminifera from the Paleocene of the Tasman Sea. Micropaleontology, 70 (2): 197–201.
  • Hikmahtiar, S. & Kaminski, M.A. 2023b. Ammopemphix contessaensis sp. nov., a pseudocolonial agglutinated foraminifera from lower Paleocene of the Western Tethys, Contessa, Italy. Bolletino della Società Paleontologica Italiana, 62 (3): 281–287.
  • Hikmahtiar, S. & Kaminski, M.A. 2023a. Nodulina kuhnti sp. nov. and Nodulina eugubina sp. nov., new agglutinated foraminifera  from the lower Paleocene of the Scaglia Rossa, Umbria-Marche Basin, Italy. Journal of Foraminiferal Research, 53 (3): 305–310.
  • Hikmahtiar, S. & Kaminski, M.A. 2022. A new agglutinated foraminiferal species (Arenoturrispirillina waskowskae n.sp.) from the Danian of Contessa, Italy. Geology, Geophysics and Environment, 48 (4): 405–411.
  • Hikmahtiar, S., Kaminski, M.A. & Cetean, C.G. 2022. Lower Paleocene Deep-Water Agglutinated Foraminifera from the Contessa Highway Section (Umbria-Marche Basin, Italy): taxonomy, stratigraphic distribution and assemblage turnover across the Cretaceous/Paleogene Boundary. Rivista Italiana di Paleontologia e Stratigrafia, 128 (3): 719–744.
  • Kaminski, M.A., Alegret, L., Hikmahtiar, S. & Waśkowska, A. 2021. The Paleocene of IODP Site U1511, Tasman Sea: A lagerstätte deposit for deep–water agglutinated foraminifera. Micropaleontology, 67 (4): 341–364.

Extended Publications (+)

  • Asrowi, R. H., Daud, Y., Ashadi, A. L., Hikmahtiar, S., and Said, A. 2023. Three-dimensional Magnetotelluric Inversion and Magnetic for The Characterization of The Geothermal Field Reservoir Zone “X.” International Journal of Hydrological and Environmental for Sustainability, 2(3): 197–201.
  • Adnyano, A. I., Prastowo, R., Bahy, M. N., Hikmahtiar, S., Said, A. and Ashadi, A. L. 2022. Application of Mine Dewatering Methods to Reduce Wastewater Pollution in The Environment: Implications for Andesite Mining. International Journal of Hydrological and Environmental for Sustainability, 1(1): 24–32
  • Abdul-Latif, B. L., Edem, T. D. & Hikmahtiar, S. 2017. Well Placement Optimisation in Gas-Condensate Reservoirs Using Genetic Algorithms. SPE/IATMI Asia Pacific Oil & Gas, SPE-186251-MS: 1-12.
  • Abdul-Latif, B. L., Hikmahtiar, S., & Edem, T. D. 2017. Review: Uncertainty Analysis and Design Optimisation of Gas-Condensate Fields. SPE/IATMI Asia Pacific Oil & Gas, SPE-186899-MS: 1-11.
  • Abdul-Latif, B. L. & Hikmahtiar, S. 2017. Hydraulic Fracture Design and Well Spacing Optimization for Gas-Condensate Reservoirs. SPE/IATMI Asia Pacific Oil & Gas, SPE-186297-MS: 1-17.
Tel: +966 013 860-1793

Location: Bldg. 76, Room 2160

Dr. Muhammad Hammad Malik

Researcher, Department of Geosciences

Muhammad Hammad Malik, a recent Ph.D. graduate in Geology from King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals. His research centers’ on stable isotope geochemistry and mixed siliciclastic-carbonate sedimentology, particularly focusing on Ediacaran sediments in the Arabian Plate. With a master’s degree emphasizing micropaleontology and sequence stratigraphy, Muhammad has integrated various geological disciplines to enhance basin studies, contributing valuable insights for academia and industry. Alongside he has also taught several bachelors and masters level courses here in KFUPM designated as teaching & research assistant and has participated in many academia and industry-oriented research projects.

Educational Qualification

  • Ph.D., in Sedimentology & Stable Isotope Geochemistry, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Saudi Arabia, 2020 – 2024
  • M.S., in Carbonate Sedimentology & Micropaleontology, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Saudi Arabia, 2013 – 2016
  • B.S., in Applied Petroleum Geology, Institute of Geology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan, 2007 – 2012

Research Interests

  • Ediacaran Sedimentary Deposits of Arabian plate
  • Mixed Siliciclastic-Carbonate sedimentology
  • Stable Isotope Geochemistry
  • Paleoenvironment interpretation and Sedimentary basin analysis

Selected Publications

  • Malik, M. H., Koeshidayatullah, A., Herlambang, A., Al-Ramadan, K., & Kaminski, M. A. (2024). Vase-shaped microfossils and possible trochamminid foraminifera from the Ediacaran Dhaiqa Formation of Saudi Arabia. Stratigraphy, 21(1), 67–78. https://doi.org/10.29041/strat.21.1.04
  • Malik, M. H., Chan, S. A., Babalola, L. O., & Kaminski, M. A. (2022). Optimization of the acetic acid method for microfossil extraction from lithified carbonate rocks: Examples from the Jurassic and Miocene limestones of Saudi Arabia. MethodsX, 9, 101828. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mex.2022.101828
  • Malik, M. H., Babalola, L. O., Al-Ramadan, K., & Kaminski, M. A. (2020). Integrated micropaleontology, sedimentology and sequence stratigraphy of the Middle Jurassic D5-D6 Members of the Dhruma Formation, Central Saudi Arabia. Micropaleontology, 66(6), 519–547.
  • Butt, M. N., Hussain, A., Malik, M. H., Amao, A., Koeshidayatullah, A., Olariu, C., Bello, A., & Al-Ramadan, K. (2024). Depositional architecture of early rift non-marine systems and implication for reservoir development: Oligocene to Miocene Al Wajh Formation, Midyan Basin of Red Sea, Saudi Arabia. Marine & Petroleum Geology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2024.107033
  • Hussain, A., Bello, A., Butt, M. N., Malik, M. H., Koeshidayatullah, A., Amao, A., Olariu, C., & Al-Ramadan, K. (2024). Diagenetic variability in Tertiary, syn-rift mixed siliciclastic carbonate depositional system (Lower Musayr Formation), Red Sea, Saudi Arabia. Sedimentary Geology, 470, 106699. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sedgeo.2024.106699

Extended Publications (+)

  • Bello, A. M., Al-Ramadan, K., Koeshidayatullah, A. I., Amao, A. O., Herlambang, A., Al-Ghamdi, F., & Malik, M. H. (2023). Impact of magmatic intrusion on diagenesis of shallow marine sandstones: An example from Qasim Formation, Northwest Saudi Arabia. Frontiers in Earth Science, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/feart.2023.1105547
  • Bello, A. M., Butt, M. N., Hussain, A., Amao, A. O., Olariu, C., Koeshidayatullah, A. I., Malik, M. H., Al-Hashem, M., & Al-Ramadan, K. (2023). Impact of depositional and diagenetic controls on reservoir quality of syn-rift sedimentary systems: An example from Oligocene-Miocene Al Wajh Formation, northwest Saudi Arabia. Sedimentary Geology, 446, 106342. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sedgeo.2023.106342
  • Bello, A. M., Al-Ramadan, K., Koeshidayatullah, A. I., Amao, A. O., Herlambang, A., AlGhamdi, F. M., & Malik, M. H. (2022). Impact of Magmatic Intrusion on Diagenesis of Shallow Marine Sandstones: An Example from Qasim Formation, Northwest Saudi Arabia. SSRN Electronic Journal. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4197997
  • Herlambang, A., Koeshidayatullah, A. I., Amao, A. O., Bello, A. M., Al-Ghamdi, F., Malik, M. H., & Al-Ramadan, K. A. H. (2022). Structural diagenesis and dolomitization of Cenozoic post-rift carbonates in the Red Sea rift basin: A multiproxy approach. Frontiers in Earth Science, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/feart.2022.1037126
  • Hussain, A., Butt, M. N., Olariu, C., Malik, M. H., Koeshidayatullah, A., Amao, A., & Al-Ramadan, K. (2022). Unravelling reservoir quality heterogeneity in mixed siliciclastic-carbonate deposits: An example from Miocene Red Sea rift, NW Saudi Arabia. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 145, 105850. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2022.105850
  • Kaminski, M. A., Amao, A. O., Babalola, L. O., Balc, R., Chan, S. A., Gull, H. M., Khamsin, A. B., & Malik, M. H. (2020). Benthic foraminiferal assemblages from maximum flooding surface J30, Middle Jurassic Dhruma Formation, Central Saudi Arabia. Stratigraphy, 279–292. https://doi.org/10.29041/strat.17.4.279-292
  • Kaminski, M. A., Malik, M. H., & Setoyama, E. (2018). The occurrence of a shallow-water Ammobaculoides assemblage in the Middle Jurassic (Bajocian) Dhruma Formation of Central Saudi Arabia. Journal of Micropalaeontology, 37(1), 149–152. https://doi.org/10.5194/jm-37-149-2018

Awards & Honors

  • 2024      IAS Travel Grant for Conference presentation to Aberdeen, Scotland
  • 2020      Fully funded PhD Scholarship – Ministry of Higher Education of Saudi Arabia
  • 2016      Best Performing Graduate Award – College of Petroleum Engineering & Geosciences, KFUPM
  • 2015      Gold Medal in Imperial Barrel Award (IBA) of AAPG for Middle East Region
  • 2015      Stoneley Medal in Imperial Barrel Award (IBA) of AAPG Global Event held in Denver, USA
  • 2013      Fully funded MS Scholarship – Ministry of Higher Education of Saudi Arabia
  • 2012      Appointed as delegate representative of Youth Parliament Pakistan to Stockholm, Sweden
  • 2012      Appointed as a Member of Youth Parliament Pakistan
  • 2011      Government of Pakistan Merit Scholarship – University of the Punjab, Pakistan
  • 2010      Government of Pakistan Merit Scholarship – University of the Punjab, Pakistan
  • 2009      Government of Pakistan Merit Scholarship – University of the Punjab, Pakistan
  • 2008      Government of Pakistan Merit Scholarship – University of the Punjab, Pakistan
Tel: + 966 (013) 860-1793

Location: Bldg. 76, Rm. 2160

Dr. Konstantinos Chavanidis

Researcher, Department of Geosciences

Dr. Konstantinos Chavanidis is a Post-Doctoral Researcher in the Department of Geosciences of the College of Petroleum Engineering & Geosciences at King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals in Saudi Arabia. In 2024, he received his PhD in Geophysics from the same College, while he also holds a Master’s in Hydrocarbon Exploration and Exploitation (2020) and a Bachelor’s in Geology (2016) from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece. Before joining CPG-KFUPM, Dr. Chavanidis worked as a consultant on several geophysical exploration projects, serving as a member of the Exploration Geophysics Laboratory of Aristotle University. As a PhD candidate and postdoc researcher, he is/was involved in projects related to the application of geophysical methods to natural resources exploration, mineral studies, groundwater, and archaeological research. He is an active member of the European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers (EAGE) and the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG).

Educational Qualification

  • Ph.D., Geophysics, College of Petroleum Engineering & Geosciences, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
  • M.S., Hydrocarbon Exploration & Exploitation, School of Geology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
  • B.S., Geology, School of Geology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece

Research Interests

  • Near-Surface/Mining/Environmental Geophysics
  • Gravity and Magnetic Modeling
  • Geothermal and Natural Resources Exploration
  • Geophysical Integration and Inversion
  • Archaeogeophysics

Selected Publications

  • Chavanidis K., Fawad M., Whattam S., Kirmizakis P., Soupios P. 2025. Magnetic modeling of ophiolites in NW Saudi Arabia for natural hydrogen exploration. Journal of Applied Geophysics, 240, 105765, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jappgeo.2025.105765.
  • Chavanidis K., Stampolidis A., Salem A., Ashadi A.L., Khogali A., Kirmizakis P., Soupios P. 2025. Gravity modeling of a prospective geothermal field of a hot spring in Western Saudi Arabia. Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research, 461, 108307, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2025.108307.
  • Kirmizakis P., Khogali A., Chavanidis K., Eatwell T., Bryan T., Soupios P. 2025. Mapping sulphide mineralization in the Hawiah area using transient electromagnetic methods. Minerals, 15 (2), 186, https://doi.org/10.3390/min15020186.
  • Rafiq J., Abu-Mahfouz I.S., Chavanidis K., Arrofi D., Soupios P. 2025. Spatial distribution of structural lineaments in the Al-Lith geothermal field, western Saudi Arabia: Remote sensing and aeromagnetic data analysis. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences: X, 13, 100191, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaesx.2025.100191.
  • Chavanidis K., Salem A., Stampolidis A., Ashadi A.L., Abu-Mahfouz I.S., Kirmizakis P., Soupios P. 2024. Aeromagnetic data analysis of geothermal energy potential of a hot spring area in Western Saudi Arabia. Natural Resources Research, 33 (6), 2627-2644, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11053-024-10383-9.
  • Khogali A., Chavanidis K., Kirmizakis P., Stampolidis A., Ashadi A.L., Hanstein T., Candansayar E., Soupios P. 2024. Subsurface characterization of the Al-Hassa National Park, Eastern Saudi Arabia, using multi-geophysical methods. Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, 50, 433-452, https://doi.org/10.1007/s13369-024-09584-4.
  • Khogali A., Chavanidis K., Kirmizakis P., Stampolidis A., Soupios P. 2024. Reconstruction of the subsurface of Al-Hassa Oasis using gravity geophysical data. Applied Sciences, 14 (9), 3707, https://doi.org/10.3390/app14093707.
  • Chavanidis K., Harishidayat D., Stampolidis A., Tsokas G. N., Salem A., Soupios P. 2024. An integrated workflow for characterizing gas potential: Axios-Thermaikos Basin (Greece). Acta Geophysica, 72, 4225-4246, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11600-024-01358-8.
  • Ashadi A.L., Tezkan B., Yogeshwar P., Hanstein T., Kirmizakis P., Khogali A., Chavanidis K., Soupios P. 2024. Magnetotelluric case study from Ain Al-Harrah hot spring, Al-Lith, Saudi Arabia. Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, 49, 899-912, https://doi.org/10.1007/s13369-023-08293-8.
  • Chavanidis K., Stampolidis A., Kirmizakis P., Tranos M., Fedi M., Pasteka R., Al-Ramadan K., Kaka S., Tsokas G.N., Soupios P. 2022. Gravity survey on the oil-bearing Dammam Dome (Eastern Saudi Arabia) and its implications. Remote Sensing, 14, 3:735, https://doi.org/10.3390/rs14030735.

Research Activities

Awards & Honors

  • Full scholarship for Ph.D. studies from the King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (2021).
  • Excellence awards for the highest grade of the 2016 batch of the M.S. and for the top-3 grades in Fall 2016 graduation from the B.S.
Tel: + 966 (013) 860-1793
Fax: + 966 (013) 860-4447

Location: Bldg. 76, Rm. 2160

Dr. Abdulmalek Ahmed

Researcher, Department of Petroleum Engineering

Dr. Abdulmalek Ahmed joined KFUPM as a Post-doctoral researcher in the Petroleum Engineering Department in 2024. He previously worked as a research assistant in the same department from 2016 to 2023, during which he completed his master’s and Ph.D. He was a teaching assistant for some courses such as artificial intelligence in petroleum engineering, unconventional resources evaluation, drilling engineering, petroleum economics, drilling fluid, reservoir engineering, and well control. He worked at Baker Hughes Dhahran Research and Technology Center as an intern in 2015. Dr. Abdulmalek has more than 40 publications in peer-reviewed journals and international conferences. He is an active member of the SPE, ARMA, IADC, SPWLA, DGS, and SEG societies.

Educational Qualification

  • Ph.D., Petroleum Engineering, KFUPM, Saudi Arabia, 2023
  • M.S., Petroleum Engineering, KFUPM, Saudi Arabia, 2019
  • B.S., Petroleum Engineering, KFUPM, Saudi Arabia, 2016

Research Interests

  • Oil-Well Cementing
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Lost Circulation
  • Rock Mechanics

Selected Publications

  • Ahmed, A., Elkatatny, S., (2023). Deep characterization of heavy-weighted oil well cement segregation by a novel nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technique. Geoenergy Science and Engineering. 226, 211755. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoen.2023.211755.
  • Ahmed, A., Mahmoud, A.A., Elkatatny, S., (2023). The effect of polypropylene fiber on the curing time of class G oil well cement and its mechanical, petrophysical, and elastic properties. Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology. Technol. 13, 1181–1196. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13202-022-01601-2.
  • Ahmed, A.; Elkatatny, S.; Ali, A.; Mahmoud, M.; & Abdulraheem, A. (2018). New Model for Pore Pressure Prediction While Drilling Using Artificial Neural Networks. Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13369-018-3574-7.
  • Ahmed, A., Abdelaal, A., Elkatatny, S. (2022). Evaluation of hematite and Micromax-based cement systems for high- density well cementing, Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.petrol.2022.111125.
  • Ahmed, A., Mahmoud, A. A., & Elkatatny, S. (2020). The Use of the Granite Waste Material as an Alternative for Silica Flour in Oil-Well Cementing. ACS Omega, 5(50), 32341-32348. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.0c04261.
  • Ahmed, A., Elkatatny, S., Ali, A., Abughaban, M., & Abdulraheem, A. (2020). Application of Artificial Intelligence Techniques in Predicting the Lost Circulation Zones Using Drilling Sensors. Journal of Sensors, 2020, 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/8851065.
  • Ahmed, A.; Mahmoud, A.A.; Elkatatny, S.; Chen, W. (2019). The Effect of Weighting Materials on Oil-Well Cement Properties While Drilling Deep Wells. Sustainability, 11, 6776. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11236776.B
  • Ahmed, A., Elkatatny, S., & Ali, A. (2020). Fracture Pressure Prediction Using Surface Drilling Parameters by Artificial Intelligence Techniques. Journal of Energy Resources Technology, 143(3): 03320. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4049125.
  • Ahmed, A., Mahmoud, A.A., Elkatatny, S., (2023). The Combined Effect of Nanoclay Powder and Curing Time on The Properties of Class G Cement. Geofluids, vol. 2023, Article ID 7316335, 14 pages, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/7316335
  • Ahmed, A., Mahmoud, A. A., Elkatatny, S., Mahmoud, M., & Abdulraheem, A. (2019). Prediction of Pore and Fracture Pressures Using Support Vector Machine. IPTC-19523-MS. Paper presented at the International Petroleum Technology Conference held in Beijing, China, 26-28 March 2019. https://doi.org/10.2523/IPTC-19523-MS.

Awards & Honors

  • Second Place, PhD Division, SPWLA International Students Paper Contest, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, May 2024.
  • Prestigious patent award, KFUPM, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, May 2024.
  • NMR Award, PhD Division, SPWLA 65th Annual Symposium, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, May 2024.
  • Second Place, PhD Division, CPG Students Paper Contest, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, January 2024.
  • Third Place, ARAMCO-KFUPM Datathon, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, March 2019.
  • Second Honor Award, during undergraduate studies from KFUPM, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, May 2016.
Tel: +966 (013) 860-1793
Fax: +966 (013) 860-4447

Location: Bldg. 76, Rm. 2160

Dr. Mohamed Elmuzafar Ahmed

Researcher, Department of Petroleum Engineering

Mohamed Elmuzafar has a Ph.D. in petroleum engineering from KFUPM. He is experienced in Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) related research, especially Surfactant polymer applications, starting from fluid evaluation and characterization such as phase behavior, compatibility, rheology, and interfacial tension up to determining the fluid recovery using core flooding as well as using reservoir simulation. For the pore-scale studies, he performed micro-CT imaging, micromodels with a microscope, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Also, he has good skills in performing simulation studies at the field scale with calibrated core scale simulations.

Educational Qualification

  • Doctor of Philosophy, Petroleum Engineering, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Saudi Arabia, 2023
  • Master of Science, Petroleum Engineering, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Saudi Arabia, 2018
  • Bachelor of Science, Petroleum Engineering, University of Khartoum, Sudan, 2012

Research Interests

  • Chemically Enhanced Oil Recovery
  • Well testing
  • Reservoir Simulation
  • Microfluidics

Selected Publications

  • Ahmed, M.E., Sultan, A.S., Mahmoud, M. et al. “Investigating the Phase Behavior of Viscoelastic Surfactant with Squalene and Crude Oil Systems at High Temperature” Arab J Sci Eng (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13369-023-07671-6
  • Ahmed, M. Elmuzafar, Amjed M. Hassan, Abdullah S. Sultan, and Mohamed Mahmoud “Enhancing the Oil Recovery from Naturally Fractured Reservoirs Using Viscoelastic Surfactant (VES) Flooding: A Field-Scale Simulation” ACS Omega 2022 7 (1), 504-517 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.1c04900
  • Ahmed, M. Elmuzafar, Abdullah S. Sultan, Mohamed Mahmoud, Kamaljit Singh, Muhammad Shahzad Kamal, Shirish Patil, and Mazen Kanj “Evaluation of the Dynamic Interfacial Tension between Viscoelastic Surfactant Solutions and Oil Using Porous Micromodels” Langmuir 2022 38 (20), 6387-6394 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.langmuir.2c00469
  • Ahmed, M. Elmuzafar, Sultan, A.S., Hassan, A. et al. “Predicting the performance of constant volume depletion tests for gas condensate reservoirs using artificial intelligence techniques.” Neural Comput & Applic (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00521-022-07682-8
  • Ahmed, M. Elmuzafar, Sultan, Abdullah, AlSofi, Abdulkareem, and Hasan Al-Hashim. “Designing an Optimum Recipe for SP Flooding in Harsh Carbonate Reservoir Conditions High Temperature High Salinity.” Paper presented at the SPE Conference at Oman Petroleum & Energy Show, Muscat, Oman, March 2022. doi: https://doi.org/10.2118/200246-MS

Extended Publications (+)

  • Ahmed, M. Elmuzafar, and Abdullah Sultan. “Optimization of Sp Flooding Design Using Simulation Calibrated with Lab Core Flooding.” Paper presented at the SPE Conference at Oman Petroleum & Energy Show, Muscat, Oman, March 2022. doi: https://doi.org/10.2118/200228-MS
  • Eliebid, Mohammed , Ahmed, M. Elmuzafar, and Sami Al-Nuaim. “New Methodology to Quantify the Productivity of Hydraulically Fractured Multilateral Wells in Tight Oil Reservoirs with Gas-Drive.” Paper presented at the SPE Russian Petroleum Technology Conference, Moscow, Russia, October 2018. doi: https://doi.org/10.2118/191587-18RPTC-MS
  • Ahmed, M. Elmuzafar, and Mohamed Abdalla. “Investigating the effect of hydraulic fracturing in the pressure transient response for multilateral wells in dry gas reservoirs.” Paper presented at the SPE Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Annual Technical Symposium and Exhibition, Dammam, Saudi Arabia, April 2018. doi: https://doi.org/10.2118/192324-MS
  • Ahmed, M. Elmuzafar, Sultan, Abdullah S., AlSofi, Abdulkareem, Al-Hashim, Hasan S., and Syed R. Hussaini. “Pore-Scale Imaging to Investigate Wettability and Recovery Mechanism for Surfactant/Polymer Flooding.” Paper presented at the SPE Russian Petroleum Technology Conference, Moscow, Russia, October 2018. doi: https://doi.org/10.2118/191578-18RPTC-MS
  • Ahmed, M. Elmuzafar, Elnuaim, Sami , and Ahmed Abdulazeem. “The impact of hydraulic fracturing on the deliverability of multilateral wells at dry gas reservoirs.“Paper presented at the SPE Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Annual Technical Symposium and Exhibition, Dammam, Saudi Arabia, April 2018. doi: https://doi.org/10.2118/192314-MS
  • Ahmed, M. Elmuzafar, Sultan, Abdullah, AlSofi, Abdulkareem, and Hasan Al-Hashim. “Optimization of core flooding design for Surfactant-Polymer EOR” J Petrol Explor Prod Technol 13, 2109–2123 (22023 http://doi.org/10.1007/s13202-023-01651-0
  • Ahmed, M. Elmuzafar, Abdullah S. Sultan, Mohamed Mahmoud, Tinku Saikia, Kamaljit Singh, Muhammad Shahzad Kamal, Shirish Patil, and Mazen Kanj. “Relationship between Dynamic Interfacial Tension and Ultimate Recovery in Gemini Surfactant Flooding: An Exploration through Fractured Micromodels” Energy & Fuels 2023, 37(16), 11787–11117 http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.energyfuels.3c01681
  • Ahmed, M. Elmuzafar, Abdullah S. Sultan, Mohamed Mahmoud, Tinku Saikia, Kamaljit Singh, Shirish Patil, and Mazen Kanj. “Investigating Effects of Chelating Agents on Viscoelastic Surfactant Flooding at the Pore Scale Using Micromodels”. Energy & Fuels 2023 37(2),1070-1080 https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.energyfuels.2c03777
  • M Elmuzafar Ahmed, Abdulla Sultan “The impact of dynamic wettability alteration and phase behavior on the VES flooding recovery at the pore-scale”. Paper presented at the SPE Offshore Europe Conference & Exhibition, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK, September 2023. doi: https://doi.org/10.2118/215569-MS
  • M Elmuzafar Ahmed, Abdulla Sultan  “Dynamic wettability alteration at pore-scale using Viscoelastic surfactant/chelating agents’ systems” Paper presented at the Offshore Technology Conference Brasil, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, October 2023. doi: https://doi.org/10.4043/32720-MS
Tel: + 966 (013) 860-1793

Location: Bldg. 76, Rm. 2160

Dr. Fahad Khan

Researcher, Department of Petroleum Engineering

Dr. Fahad Khan joined the Petroleum Engineering Department at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Saudi Arabia, as a Researcher in August 2026. He received his Ph.D. in Petroleum Engineering from KFUPM, where his doctoral research focused on developing innovative techniques to reduce rock breakdown pressure and enhance the stimulation of unconventional hydrocarbon and geothermal reservoirs in collaboration with Saudi Aramco.

His research integrates laboratory experimentation and numerical modeling, with particular emphasis on thermally induced fracturing, thermal-shock stimulation using endothermic fluids, and cold CO₂ injection. His research contributions have resulted in several granted U.S. patents and publications in leading scientific journals. He also serves as a reviewer for several prestigious international journals. His broader research interests include sustainable subsurface energy development, innovative reservoir stimulation techniques, underground gas storage and CO₂-based technologies.

Google Scholar:  Dr. ‪Fahad Khan – ‪Google Scholar

Educational Qualification

  • Ph.D., Petroleum Engineering, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Saudi Arabia, 2026
  • M.Tech., Petroleum Engineering, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology, Jais, India, 2022 (Institute Gold Medalist)
  • B.Tech., Applied Petroleum Engineering-Upstream, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, India, 2020

Research Interests

  • Unconventional Reservoir Stimulation
  • Petrophysics and Rock Mechanics
  • Underground Gas Storage
  • Thermochemical Fluids
  • Geothermal

Selected Publications

  • Khan F., Mahmoud M., Raza A., AlTammar M., Patil S., Al Shafloot T., AlMarri M. (2025), “A review on breakdown pressure in hydraulic fracturing of subsurface geologic formations: Influencing factors, reduction strategies and research gaps”, Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, 17, 8224–8240. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrmge.2025.03.027
  • Khan F., Raza A., Mahmoud M., AlTammar M., Al Shafloot T. (2026), “Comparative Impact of Cold Water and Thermochemical Cooling Methods on Breakdown Pressure for Improved Stimulation in Unconventional Formations”, Unconventional Resources, 9, 100309. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.uncres.2026.100309
  • Khan F., Mahmoud M., Raza A., AlTammar M., Patil S., Murtaza M., Kamal M. (2024), “Application of Endothermic Fluids to Lower the Breakdown Pressure of Unconventional Reservoirs: Implications for Hydraulic Fracturing”, ACS Omega, 9, 37253–37264. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.4c04919
  • Khan F., Raza A., Mahmoud M., Patil S., Al Shafloot T. (2025), “A Comprehensive Review of Geothermal Reservoirs – Current Understanding and Future Outlook”, Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, 50, 14415–14439. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13369-025-10246-2
  • Khan F., Tariq Z., Mahmoud M., Raza A., AlTammar M., Abdulraheem A. (2026), “Numerical Investigation of Thermally Induced Fracturing via Endothermic Thermal Shock in Ultra-Tight High Temperature Gas Reservoirs”, ACS Omega, 11, 39788–39805. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.6c00297
  • Khan A., Khan F., Marapira T.R., Alafnan S., Raza A., Mahmoud M., Kamal M.S. (2026) “A Review on CO2 Mineralization in Saline Aquifers: Advances, Challenges, and Future Prospects for Sustainable Carbon Sequestration”, Journal of Environmental Management, 397, 128358. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.128358
  • Khan F., Kesarwani H., Sharma S. (2024), “Methods and technologies of coal-bed methane extraction” in Advances in Natural Gas: Formation, Processing, and Applications Volume 1: Natural Gas Formation and Extraction, Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-19215-9.00007-4

Extended Publications (+)

Patents:

  • Fahad et al. (2025), Methods and compositions for thermally shocking subsurface formations, US 12,442,282 B1
  • Fahad et al. (2025), Systems and methods for recovering ammonia from a subsurface formation, US 12,618,305 B2
  • Fahad et al. (2026), Methods and compositions for thermally shocking subsurface formations, US 12,571,291 B1
  • Fahad et al. (2026), Methods and compositions for thermally shocking subsurface formations, US2026/0015927A1

Extended Publications:

  • Khan F., Khan A., Raza A., Alafnan S., Mahmoud M., Kamal M.S. (2026), “Principles and Advances of Hydraulic Fracturing (Fracking)”, in Encyclopedia of Fuel Processing Technology.
  • Khan F., Bardhan A., Kumar P., Yadawa Y., Sharma S., Saxena A., Ranjan A. (2024), “Performance Assessment of Bismuth Ferrite Nanoparticles in Enhancing Oilwell Cement Properties: Implications for Sustainable Construction”, SPE Journal, 29, 4596–4607. https://doi.org/10.2118/221469-PA
  • Khan F., Tandon A., Dhar V., Beg M., Saxena A., Sharma S. (2022), “Cement Slurry Design for High-Pressure, High-Temperature Wellbores Using Polymer Nanocomposite: A Laboratory Scale Study Based on the Compressive Strength and Fluid Loss”, Energy & Fuels, 36, 6820–6830. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.energyfuels.2c00828
  • Kesarwani H., Khan F., Tandon A., Azin R., Osfouri S., Sharma S. (2022), “Performance Improvement of the Surfactant Polymer Flooding Using Bio Synthesized Calcium Carbonate Nanoparticles: An Experimental Approach”, Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, 47, 11775–11792. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13369-022-06571-5
  • Khan F., Kesarwani H., Kataria G., Mittal G., Sharma S. (2023), “Application of titanium dioxide nanoparticles for the design of oil well cement slurry–a study based on compressive strength, setting time and rheology”, Journal of Adhesion Science and Technology, 37, 1666–1682. https://doi.org/10.1080/01694243.2022.2087963
  • Vats S., Khan F., Prajapati D., Pandey A., Sharma S., Saxena A. (2023), “Synthesis and Evaluation of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticle and its Application in Chemical Enhanced Oil Recovery”, ChemistrySelect. https://doi.org/10.1002/slct.202204206
  • Kesarwani H., Khan F., Sharma S. (2024), “Characteristics of natural gas reservoirs” in Advances in Natural Gas: Formation, Processing, and Applications Volume: 1: Natural Gas Formation and Extraction, Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-19215-9.00012-8
  • Khan F., Mahmoud M., Raza A., Murtaza M., Tackie-Otoo, B., Patil S., Al Shafloot T., and Kamal M. (2025), “Laboratory Demonstration of Geothermal Rock Cooling to Reduce Breakdown Pressure in Hydraulic Fracturing.” GOTECH, UAE. https://doi.org/10.2118/224657-MS
  • Khan F., Mahmoud M., Raza A., Murtaza M., Patil S., Kamal M. (2025), “Novel Emulsion-Based Fracturing Fluid for In-Situ Thermal Shock to Facilitate Hydraulic Fracturing in Unconventional Geothermal Reservoirs” SPE Oman Petroleum & Energy Show, Oman. https://doi.org/10.2118/224942-MS
  • Khan F., Mahmoud M., Patil S., Raza A., AlTammar M., Murtaza M., AlMarri M., Al Shafloot T. (2024), “An Experimental Study for the Impact of Heating and Cooling on Strength of Unconventional Reservoirs.” IPTC, Saudi Arabia. https://doi.org/10.2523/IPTC-23913-MS
  • Khan F., Mahmoud M., Raza A., AlTammar M., Patil S., Al Shafloot T. (2024) “Application of Cold CO2 Injection in High Skin Factor Depleted Reservoirs: A Review.” GOTECH, UAE. https://doi.org/10.2118/219351-MS

Awards & Honors

  • Prestigious KFUPM Patent Award – 2026
  • Renewable Energy Technical Incubator- 50K Challenge (Winner)
  • Technical Committee member for SPE RDTS Recovery Enhancement Symposium, 2026
  • SPE MENA Student Paper Contest – 2025 (2nd Place)
  • CPG Student Paper Contest – 2025 (1st Place)
  • Served as Consultant – SPWLA KFUPM Student Chapter (2025–26), winning the prestigious 2026 SPWLA Outstanding Student Chapter Award.
  • Graduate Ambassador at KFUPM (2023-26)
  • Institute Gold Medal, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology, 2022
Tel: +966 (059) 136 4103

Location: Bldg. 76, Rm. 2160

Dr. Nasiru Salahu Muhammed

Researcher, Department of Petroleum Engineering

Educational Qualification

  • Ph.D., Petroleum Engineering, KFUPM, Saudi Arabia, 2024
  • M.S., Petroleum Engineering, Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, UK, 2019
  • M.S., Petroleum Geosciences, University of Port-Harcourt, Nigeria, 2018
  • B.S., Chemical Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria, 2014

Research Interests

  • Subsurface hydrogen storage
  • Green chemical EOR
  • Hydrogen transportation
  • Surface hydrogen storage

Selected Publications

  • Muhammed, N.S., Haq, B., Al Shehri, D., Al-Ahmed, A., Rahman, M.M., Zaman, E., 2022. A review on underground hydrogen storage: Insight into geological sites, influencing factors and future outlook. Energy Reports 8, 461–499. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyr.2021.12.002
  • Muhammed, N. S., Haq, M.B., Al Shehri, D.A., Al-Ahmed, A., Rahman, M.M., Zaman, E., Iglauer, S., 2023. Hydrogen storage in depleted gas reservoirs: A comprehensive review. Fuel 337, 127032. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2022.127032
  • Muhammed, N. S., Gbadamosi, A.O., Epelle, E.I., Abdulrasheed, A.A., Haq, B., Patil, S., Al-Shehri, D., Kamal, M.S., 2023. Hydrogen production, transportation, utilization, and storage: Recent advances towards sustainable energy. J. Energy Storage 73, 109207. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.est.2023.109207
  • Muhammed, N.S., Haq, B., Al Shehri, D., 2024. CO2 rich cushion gas for hydrogen storage in depleted gas reservoirs: Insight on contact angle and surface tension. Int. J. Hydrogen Energy 50, 1281–1301. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2023.09.148
  • Muhammed, N.S., Haq, B., Al Shehri, D., Amao, A., 2024. Geochemical influences of hydrogen storage in depleted gas reservoirs with N2 cushion gas. Int. J. Hydrogen Energy 87, 782–792. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2024.09.061
  • Muhammed, N. S., Haq, B., Al Shehri, D.A., 2023. Hydrogen storage in depleted gas reservoirs using nitrogen cushion gas: A contact angle and surface tension study. Int. J. Hydrogen Energy 48, 38782–38807. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2023.06.208
  • Muhammed, N.S., Haq, M.B., Al Shehri, D., Amao, A., 2024. Comparative study on hydrogen losses via microbial byproduct in the presence of methane and nitrogen cushion gas. Int. J. Hydrogen Energy 81, 237–248. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2024.07.272
  • Muhammed, N.S., Haq, B., Al Shehri, D., 2023. Role of methane as a cushion gas for hydrogen storage in depleted gas reservoirs. Int. J. Hydrogen Energy 48, 29663–29681. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2023.04.173
  • Muhammed, N.S., Haq, B., Shehri, D. Al, Qudrat, S., 2024. Static contact angle, interfacial tension, and column height measurements for underground hydrogen storage. Aust. Energy Prod. J. 64, 124–137. https://doi.org/10.1071/EP23240
  • Muhammed, N.S., Haq, M.B., Al Shehri, D., 2024. Influence of nitrogen cushion gas in 3-phase surface phenomena for hydrogen storage in gas condensate reservoirs. Int. J. Hydrogen Energy 90, 607–624. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2024.10.023

Extended Publications (+)

  • Muhammed, N.S., Haq, M.B., Al-Shehri, D., Rahaman, M.M., Keshavarz, A., Hossain, S.M.Z., 2020. Comparative Study of Green and Synthetic Polymers for Enhanced Oil Recovery. Polymers (Basel). 12, 2429. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12102429
  • Muhammed, N.S., Olayiwola, T., Elkatatny, S., 2021. A review on clay chemistry , characterization and shale inhibitors for water-based drilling fluids. J. Pet. Sci. Eng. 206, 109043. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.petrol.2021.109043
  • Muhammed, N.S., Olayiwola, T., Elkatatny, S., Haq, B., Patil, S., 2021. Insights into the application of surfactants and nanomaterials as shale inhibitors for water-based drilling fluid : A review. J. Nat. Gas Sci. Eng. 92, 103987. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jngse.2021.103987
  • Haq, M.B., Muhammed, N.S., Al Shehri, D., Rahman, M.M., Al Ghuraya, H., Al Abdrabalnabi, R., Al Hamad, J., Mahmoud, M., Mahfoz, W., Hakeem, A.S., Abdul Aziz, M., Al Ahmed, A., Hossain, S.M.Z., 2024. The role of red sand dunes nano sized particles for improved oil recovery. J. Mol. Liq. 415, 126263. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molliq.2024.126263
  • Haq, B., Muhammed, N. S., Liu, J., Tong, H., 2023. Enhanced natural gas production using CO 2 injection : Application to sustainable hydrogen production Original Gas in Place. Fuel 347, 128474. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2023.128474
  • Haq, B., Aziz, M.A., Al Shehri, D., Muhammed, N.S., Basha, S.I., Hakeem, A.S., Qasem, M.A.A., Lardhi, M., Iglauer, S., 2022. Date-Leaf Carbon Particles for Green Enhanced Oil Recovery. Nanomaterials 12, 1245. https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12081245
  • Gbadamosi, A.O., Muhammed, N.S., Patil, S., Al Shehri, D., Haq, B., Epelle, E.I., Mahmoud, M., Kamal, M.S., 2023. Underground hydrogen storage: A critical assessment of fluid-fluid and fluid-rock interactions. J. Energy Storage 72, 108473. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.est.2023.108473
  • Sambo, C., Dudun, A., Samuel, S.A., Esenenjor, P., Muhammed, N.S., Haq, B., 2022. A review on worldwide underground hydrogen storage operating and potential fields. Int. J. Hydrogen Energy 47, 22840–22880. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2022.05.126
  • Sofian, M., Haq, M.B., Al Shehri, D., Rahman, M.M., Muhammed, N.S., 2024. A review on hydrogen blending in gas network: Insight into safety, corrosion, embrittlement, coatings and liners, and bibliometric analysis. Int. J. Hydrogen Energy 60, 867–889. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2024.02.166
  • Al-ghamdi, A., Haq, B., Al-shehri, D., Muhammed, N.S., 2022. Surfactant formulation for Green Enhanced Oil Recovery. Energy Reports 8, 7800–7813. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyr.2022.05.293
  • Said, M., Haq, B., Al Shehri, D., Rahman, M.M., Muhammed, N.S., Mahmoud, M., 2021. Modification of Xanthan Gum for a High-Temperature and High-Salinity Reservoir. Polymers (Basel). 13, 4212. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13234212
  • Ibrahim, K.Z., Adebayo, A.R., Isah, A., Muhammed, N.S., 2022. A literature review of strength and stability of foam and their relationship with the absolute permeability of porous media. J. Pet. Sci. Eng. 211, 110195. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.petrol.2022.110195

Awards & Honors

  • Doctoral scholarship by King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, (KFUPM), Saudi Arabia, 2020
  • Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Overseas Scholarship for academic excellence, 2018
  • Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Local Scholarship merit award, 2016
Tel: + 966 (013) 860-1793

Location: Bldg. 76, Rm. 2160

Dr. Khaled Hussein Al-Azani

Researcher, Department of Petroleum Engineering

Dr. Al-Azani joined the Department of Petroleum Engineering as a postdoctoral researcher in September 2024. Before this, he served as a teaching assistant in the same department from 2016 to May 2024 while pursuing his master’s and Ph.D. degrees. He worked at Schlumberger Dhahran Center for Carbonate Research (SDCR), Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, as an intern in 2015. His research interest includes chemical enhanced oil recovery (cEOR), CO2-EOR, carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), as well as leveraging machine learning applications in the oil and gas sector. His research expertise has equipped him with extensive experience in efficiently conducting core flooding experiments and utilizing high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) PVT systems, and operating a range of advanced analytical instruments. Dr. Al-Azani has authored and co-authored more than ten peer-reviewed papers published in high-impact journals, alongside different presentations at local and international conferences. Dr. Al-Azani is an active member of different professional societies and associations including the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), Society of Well Log Analysists (SPWLA), American of Rock Mechanics Association (ARMA).

Google Scholar Profile: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=YqsZue0AAAAJ&hl=en 

Educational Qualification

  • Ph.D., Petroleum Engineering, KFUPM, Saudi Arabia, 2024
  • M.S., Petroleum Engineering, KFUPM, Saudi Arabia, 2019
  • B.S., Petroleum Engineering, KFUPM, Saudi Arabia, 2016

Research Interests

  • Chemical Enhanced Oil Recovery
  • CO2 Enhanced Oil Recovery
  • Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS)
  • Pressure/Volume/Temperature (PVT) Relationships
  • Applications of Machine Learning in Oil & Gas

Selected Publications

Journal Publications

  • Al-Azani, K.; Abu-Khamsin, S.; Alotaibi, M.; Kamal, M.S.; Patil, S.; Fahmi, M.; Hussain, S.M.S.; Synergistic Performance of A Gemini Surfactant for Enhanced Oil Recovery Under Harsh Conditions. Fuel 2024, 374: 132359. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2024.132359.
  • Al-Azani, K., Abu-Khamsin, S., Elsayed, M., Patil, S., Shakil Hussain, S. M., Al Shalabi, E., Hassan, A. M., & Kamal, M. S.; Chemical enhanced oil recovery under harsh conditions: Investigation of rock permeability and insights from NMR measurements. Geoenergy Science and Engineering 2024: 212764. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoen.2024.212764.
  • Al-Azani, K.; Abu-Khamsin, S.; Kamal, M.S.; Patil, S.; Hussain, S.M.S.; Al-Shehri, D.; Mahmoud, M.; Role of Injection Rate on Chemical Enhanced Oil Recovery Using a Gemini Surfactant under Harsh Conditions. Energy & Fuels 2024, 38(5): 3682–3692. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.energyfuels.3c04505.
  • Al-Azani, K.; Abu-Khamsin, S.; Kamal, M.S.; Patil, S.; Zhou, X.; Hussain, S.M.S.; Mahmoud, M.; Enhanced Oil Recovery in Carbonate Reservoirs Using Single Component Synthesized Surfactants under Harsh Reservoir Conditions. Energy & Fuels 2023, 37(15): 11004–11016. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.energyfuels.3c01909.
  • Al-Azani, K.; Abu-Khamsin, S.; Al-Abdrabalnabi, R.; Kamal, M. S.; Patil, S.; Zhou, X.; Hussain, S. M. S.; Al Shalabi, E. Oil Recovery Performance by Surfactant Flooding: A Perspective on Multiscale Evaluation Methods. Energy & Fuels 2022, 36 (22),  13451–13478. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.energyfuels.2c02544.
  • Al-Azani, K. H.; Abu-Khamsin, S. A.; Sultan, A. S. Experimental Study of Blending CO2 with Triethyl Citrate for Mitigating Gravity Override During Reservoir Flooding. Arab. J. Sci. Eng. 2021, 46 (7), 6787–6796. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13369-020-04901-z.
  • Al-Azani, K.; El-Husseiny, A.; Mahmoud, M.; Al-Yousef, H.; Elsayed, M. Numerical and Experimental Study to Determine the Permeability Anisotropy in Porous Rocks from Probe Permeameter Measurements. Arab. J. Sci. Eng. 2021, 46 (7), 7019–7030. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13369-021-05433-w.
  • Al-AbdulJabbar, A.; Al-Azani, K.; Elkatatny, S. Estimation of Reservoir Porosity From Drilling Parameters Using Artificial Neural Networks. Petrophysics – SPWLA J. Form. Eval. Reserv. Descr. 2020, 61 (03), 318–330. https://doi.org/10.30632/PJV61N3-2020a5.
  • Al-Azani, K. H.; Abu-Khamsin, S. A.; Sultan, A. S. Solubilities of Carbon Dioxide in Ethyl Benzoate and Triethyl Citrate at High Temperatures and Pressures. J. Chem. Eng. Data 2020, 65 (4), 1857–1868. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jced.9b01092.
  • Al-Azani, K.; Elkatatny, S.; Ali, A.; Ramadan, E.; Abdulraheem, A. Cutting Concentration Prediction in Horizontal and Deviated Wells Using Artificial Intelligence Techniques. J. Pet. Explor. Prod. Technol. 2019, 9 (4), 2769–2779. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13202-019-0672-3.

Conference Papers

  • Al-Azani, K.; Al-Yousef, H.; Mahmoud, M. Effect of Permeability Anisotropy on Probe Permeameter Measurements. SPE Middle East Oil and Gas Show and Conference. Society of Petroleum Engineers: Manama, Bahrain 2019. https://doi.org/10.2118/194769-MS.
  • Al-Azani, K.; Elkatatny, S.; Abdulraheem, A.; Mahmoud, M.; Al-Shehri, D. Real-Time Prediction of the Rheological Properties of Oil-Based Drilling Fluids Using Artificial Neural Networks. SPE Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Annual Technical Symposium and Exhibition. Society of Petroleum Engineers: Dammam, Saudi Arabia 2018. https://doi.org/10.2118/192199-MS.
  • Al-Azani, K.; Elkatatny, S.; Abdulraheem, A.; Mahmoud, M.; Ali, A. Prediction of Cutting Concentration in Horizontal and Deviated Wells Using Support Vector Machine. In SPE Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Annual Technical Symposium and Exhibition; Society of Petroleum Engineers: Dammam, Saudi Arabia, 2018. https://doi.org/doi.org/10.2118/192193-MS.
  • Al-Jaberi, J.; Al-Azani, K.; Fraim, M. Calculation of Sulfur Deposition in Gas Condensate Wells in Middle East. In Society of Petroleum Engineers – SPE Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Annual Technical Symposium and Exhibition 2017; Society of Petroleum Engineers: Dammam, Saudi Arabia, 2017. https://doi.org/10.2118/188000-MS

Awards & Honors

  • Prestigious patent award, KFUPM, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia – 2024
  • Received certifications from Elsevier and the American Chemical Society (ACS) in recognition of contributions as a peer reviewer
  • Obtained a certificate from the Arabian Safety Training Center for successfully completing training in Effective Laboratory Health and Safety Management, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia – 2023
  • Fully funded Ph.D. scholarship from KFUPM – 2019-2024
  • Fully funded M.Sc. scholarship from KFUPM – 2016-2019
  • Graduated with distinction from the Department of Petroleum Engineering, receiving the First Honor Award, KFUPM, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia – 2016
  • Fully funded scholarship from the Ministry of Higher Education in Yemen to pursue B.Sc. degree at KFUPM – 2010-2016
  • Recognized by the Ministry of Education and other esteemed authorities in Yemen for achieving 8th place nationally in high school rankings – 2009
  • Recipient of multiple awards for achieving 3rd place in inter-governorate high school science competitions in Yemen – 2008
Tel: +966 (013) 860-17973
Fax: +966 (013) 860-4447

Location: Bldg. 76, Rm. 2160

Dr. Xingyu Zhu

Researcher, Department of Petroleum Engineering

Post-Doc Researcher, Department of Petroleum Engineering Xingyu Zhu is a postdoctoral researcher at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM). He holds a PhD in Earth Science from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, focusing on energy-stable smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) for fluid flow simulations in porous media. He earned a Master’s in digital Rock Physics from the China University of Petroleum (East China) and a Bachelor’s in Computer Science from Tongji University. Previously, he conducted fluid flow simulations as a visiting student at Herriot-Watt University. His research integrates advanced computational techniques with applications in earth sciences and engineering.

Educational Qualification

  • B.S., Tongji University, China, 2011-2015.
  • S., China University of Petroleum (East China), China, 2016-2019
  • Ph.D. King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Saudi Arabia, 2019-2024

Research Interests

  • Digital rock analysis
  • Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH)
  • Numerical analysis in pore scale simulations
  • Machine learning

Selected Publications

  • Zhu, Xingyu, et al. “An energy stable incompressible SPH method with consistent solid boundary treatment.” Journal of Computational and Applied Mathematics436 (2024): 115367.
  • Zhu, Xingyu, Shuyu Sun, and Jisheng Kou. “An energy stable SPH method for incompressible fluid flow.”  Appl. Math. Mech.14.5 (2022): 1201-1224.
  • Yang, J., Zhu, X., Liu, Y., Jiang, X., Fu, J., Ren, X., … & Yao, J. (2019). TMIS: a new image‐based software application for the measurement of tear meniscus height. Acta Ophthalmologica, 97(7), e973-e980.
Tel: +966 (013) 860-1793
Fax: +966 (013) 860-4447

Location: Bldg. 76, Rm. 2160

Dr. Ala Shafeq Al-Dogail

Researcher, Department of Petroleum Engineering

Dr. Ala AL-Dogail joined the petroleum engineering department at KFUPM as a Post-Doctoral Researcher in November 2024. He was a teaching assistant at the petroleum engineering department during his MS and Ph.D from 2015-2023. His research area focuses on production engineering, multi-phase flow in pipes, pressure characteristics, drag reduction, emulsification, well stimulation, and GOSP optimization. Dr. AL-Dogail is a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineering (SPE) and the American Rock Mechanics Association (ARMA).

Educational Qualification

  • Ph.D., Petroleum Engineering, KFUPM, KSA, January 2024.
  • M.S, Petroleum Engineering, KFUPM, KSA, May 2018.
  • B.S., Petroleum Engineering, Hadramout University, Yemen, August 2012.

Research Interests

  • Flow Assurance
  • Multi-Phase Flow in Pipes
  • Pressure Characteristics
  • Drag Reduction
  • Emulsification
  • Acidizing
  • Gas-oil Separation Plant (GOSP)

Selected Publications

  • Al-Dogail, A., Gajbhiye, R., Solling, T. I., Sultan, A. S., Patil, S., & Alsarkhi, A. (2023). Novel Environmentally Friendly Nanomaterials for Drag Reduction of the Emulsified Acid System. ACS omega, 8(46), 44057-44075.‏
  • AL-Dogail, A., Gajbhiye, R., & Patil, S. (2023). A Review of Drag-Reducing Agents (DRAs) in Petroleum Industry. Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, 48(7), 8287-8305.‏
  • Ala, A. D., Gajbhiye, R., Sultan, A., Solling, T., Patil, S., & Alsarkhi, A. (2023). Development of emulsified acid system (EAS) using organoclays (OC): Rheology and implication to the acidizing. Geoenergy Science and Engineering, 228, 212022.‏
  • AL-Dogail, A., Gajbhiye, R., Al-Shammari, H., Alnaser, M., & Kamerkar, T. (2023). Maximization of Gas-Oil Separation Plant Oil Recovery by Operation Parameter Optimization. SPE Production & Operations, 38(04), 666-677.‏
  • AL-Dogail, A., Gajbhiye, R., AlNajim, A., & AlNaser, M. (2022). Dimensionless artificial intelligence-based model for multiphase flow pattern recognition in horizontal pipe. SPE Production & Operations, 37(02), 244-262.‏
  • AL-Dogail, A., Gajbhiye, R., AlNaser, M., AlNajim, A., & Mahmoud, M. (2022). Intelligent approach for gas-oil separation plant oil recovery enhancement. SPE Production & Operations, 37(04), 632-653.‏
  • Al-Dogail, A. S., & Gajbhiye, R. N. (2021). Effects of density, viscosity and surface tension on flow regimes and pressure drop of two-phase flow in horizontal pipes. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 205, 108719.

Google Scholar Profile: Click here 

Awards & Honors

  • Granted patent award from KFUM-KSA.,2024.
  • Participate in the regional student paper contest (RSPC 2024) at Muscat-Oman.,2024.
  • Sc. First honor, Petroleum Engineering Department, Hadhramout University-Yemen.,2012.
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