Mahdi Haddad

Dr. Mahdi Haddad is a Reservoir Geomechanicist and Research Assistant Professor at UT-Austin’s Bureau of Economic Geology (BEG), with over 16 years of specialized expertise in subsurface electromagnetic monitoring, reservoir and hydraulic fracture modeling, and induced seismicity. He utilizes the BEG's Advanced Energy Consortium (AEC) lab, Devine Field Test Site (DFTS), and rock mechanics laboratory to develop and deploy innovative geomechanical and electromagnetic diagnostic technologies for mitigating risks in subsurface energy operations. His work involves subsurface electromagnetic monitoring through extensive field experiments and numerical simulations, exploring the application of advanced geophysical techniques in surface-recorded electromagnetic fields and contributing to the development of numerical models for subsurface pressure, flow, and containment monitoring. Dr. Haddad has also been involved in advancements in subsurface reservoir and hydraulic fracture modeling and diagnostics, including serving as PI on an STTR project for fracturing-induced seismicity diagnostics and developing modeling techniques for fault reactivation. His leadership of the revitalized BEG rock mechanics lab and his recognized work on 3D finite-element fracture-intersection models further highlight his experience. Additionally, Dr. Haddad has mentored PhD candidates in petroleum engineering and a lab technician. Dr. Haddad has authored over 34 peer-reviewed articles and conference papers and is an active member of SPE and ARMA, serving on technical committees and as a session chair. He received the 2020 SPE Reservoir Evaluation & Engineering Journal technical reviewer award, was inducted as an ARMA Future Leader in 2019, and is a founding organizer of the ARMA induced seismicity monthly webinar series. He holds BS degrees in mechanical and petroleum engineering and an MS in mechanical engineering/energy conversion from Sharif University of Technology, Iran, and a PhD in petroleum engineering from UT-Austin. His efforts demonstrate a commitment to advancing geoscience through research, education, and public dissemination.