María Camila Sierra Hernández

PhD Student

PhD student

Current

Location:

Building 5, Level 0, 0870-WS47

Biography

I am a civil engineer with a strong background in soil and rock mechanics. My experience spans research and consultancy, focusing on geotechnical characterization, foundations, slope stability, as well as decarbonization and energy storage solutions. I am committed to applying my technical expertise to drive impactful results in the subsurface, energy, and oil and gas sectors, with a keen interest in research, engineering, and consultancy roles.

Research Interests

My research interests lie at the intersection of soil and rock mechanics, subsurface geomechanics, and sustainable energy storage solutions. I am particularly focused on the mechanics of subsurface formations and their critical role in the safe and efficient storage of CO₂ and hydrogen. My work involves detailed rock characterization, with an emphasis on understanding mechanical stratigraphy and cap-rock integrity, to ensure the long-term stability and reliability of these storage systems. By advancing knowledge in these areas, I aim to contribute to the development of secure and sustainable subsurface storage solutions for a decarbonized future.

Selected Publications

The Hith Formation: a potential regional seal for CO2 capture

Sierra Hernandez, M. C., Boehm, N., van Buchem, F., Finkbeiner, T., Li, Z., and Espinoza, N.

US Rock Mechanics/Geomechanics Symposium (2023) 

Metodología para la caracterización geotécnica de suelos tropicales derivados de rocas volcánicas

Aparicio Ortubé, A., Camelo Espinosa, L., Henao Yepes, C., Londoño Luján, A., Salgado Correa, E., Sierra Hernández, M., Vanegas Chaverra, E., & Valencia González, Y.

Journal INGE CUC, 15(2), 56-65 (2019)

Education

  • M.Sc., Energy Resources and Petroleum Engineering, KAUST, 2024
  • Specialist, Geothecnical Engineering, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, 2018
  • B.Sc., Civil Engineering, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, 2017

Professional Profile

  • 2018-2022: Junior Geotechnical Engineer, INTEINSA, Medellin, Colombia
  • 2016-2018: Civil Engineer Assistant, Ingenio Construcciones y Consultorías, Medellin, Colombia

Scientific and Professional Membership

  • American Rock Mechanics Association ARMA, Society of Petroleum Engineers SPE

Awards

 

KAUST Affiliations

  • Physical Science and Engineering Division (PSE)

Research Interests Keywords

Rock Mechanics Subsurface Geomechanics Co2 Storage Hydrogen Storage