Biography

Michael Gomez joins the department from the University of California, Davis, where he completed his Ph.D. in 2017. His research focuses on leveraging natural chemical and biological processes in soils to develop sustainable geotechnical ground improvement technologies, which address global environmental challenges related to population growth, climate change, and material and energy demands. In particular, Michael’s research has focused on the strengthening of loose and weak soils through a bio-mediated calcite precipitation process known as Microbially Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP). The process has shown the ability to mitigate infrastructure damage related to earthquake-induce soil liquefaction, immobilize divalent groundwater contaminants, and prevent soil erosion among other potential applications. Michael has examined up-scaling the bio-cementation process to field-scale using native soil microorganisms, which can enable reductions in treatment costs and process environmental impacts. His additional research interests include advanced soil characterization, in-situ testing, naturally cemented and aged geomaterials, clay surface chemistry, and non-invasive and non-destructive measurements for site characterization and subsurface reaction monitoring.

Education

• Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Davis, 2017
• M.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Davis, 2013
• B.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Davis, 2011

Honors & awards

• Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Telford Premium Journal Prize - Ground Improvement (2016)

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