December 2025 – present | Postdoctoral Research Fellow (RESTLESS Project)
Johannes Gutenberg–Universität Mainz, Germany.
Working with Prof. Dr. Virginia Toy.
Responsibilities
- Systematically characterised heterogenous fault zones associated with the Upper Rhine Graben Fault.
- Performed diligent fieldwork, 3D digital structural analysis, & statistical evaluation of fracture networks.
- Assessed the risk of induced seismicity from exploitation of geothermal resources.
Supervision
- 2026 – present: Friedrich Lingemann.: Multi-scale structural analysis of vesicular pseudotachylites in the Alpine Fault, New Zealand. BSc.
- 2025 – present: Melanie Klups.: Transition from phreatomagmatic to magmatic eruptive activity at the Nastberg scoria cone (East Eifel). BSc.
- 2025 – present: Claudia Feßler.: The evolution of the Nastberg scoria cone revealed by drone-based 3D imaging. MSc.
- 2025 – 2026: Diana Daubner.: Lithological Framework, Geochemical Characteristics & Volcanic depositional Processes of the Schwarze Wand Scoria Cone (Nickenich, EEVF). MSc.
The RESTLESS Project investigates the risks of induced earthquakes in the Upper Rhine Graben in response to geothermal exploitation and is a BMWK-funded collaboration between researchers at Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, TU Darmstadt, and Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen, as well as industrial partners. This project consists of a highly holistic characterisation of faults in the region including outcrop structural analysis, SEM-based microstructural analysis, rock mechanical characterisation, and regional-scale fault slip risk assessments.
My role in this project has centred on the outcrop analysis which formed the basis of all other interpretations. This included diligent field-based structural observations of complex outcrops, constructing and interpreting photogrammetric virtual outcrop models, statistical characterisation of the observed fracture networks, construction of discrete fracture network (DFN) model based on these statistics, and finally finite element modelling of fluid-flow and pressure through these fractured rock masses.
Schematic Model of Fault Zone in Gneiss
A schematic and statistical fault zone model for a quarry outcrop in the Schwarzwald.
Interpreted Fault Zone in Gneiss
A detailed interpreted fault zone for a gneiss quarry outcrop in the Schwarzwald.