We're excited to welcome Maryam Alghannam to KAUST as an Assistant Professor in the Earth System Science and Engineering program. Maryam studies how fluids and rocks interact deep beneath the Earth's surface. Her field, called fault poromechanics, explores how fluids move through faults and fractures, and how this movement can either cause—or prevent—earthquakes.

Why does this matter? Because the way fluids and rocks behave underground affects everything from oil and gas extraction to geothermal energy development to earthquake hazard assessment. By understanding how pressure builds and releases below ground, researchers can better manage induced seismic events, design safer energy systems, and more efficiently harness geothermal heat.

Maryam’s research interests span fluid flow in porous and fractured rocks, fault friction, and earthquake mechanics. She has also worked extensively on induced seismicity—earthquakes caused by human activities such as wastewater injection and mining. At KAUST, she plans to expand her work into areas like enhanced geothermal systems, which aim to convert the Earth’s natural heat into clean, renewable energy.

“My work looks at Earth and energy systems through the lens of mechanics,” she says. “It’s about uncovering the physical rules that govern how the planet behaves beneath us.”

Maryam brings a deep sense of curiosity to her research—and she hopes to inspire the same in her students and collaborators. Her simple advice?

“Follow your curiosity and have fun doing so.”

When she’s not in the lab or out in the field, she’s looking forward to a different kind of exploration: diving in the Red Sea. “Once I’m settled,” she says, “learning to dive is high on my list.”

Please join us in welcoming Maryam to KAUST. Her work will help us better understand the forces shaping both our planet and our future.