His research mainly focuses on three themes: energy geotechnology, bio-geotechnics, and natural geohazards. Research on “energy geotechnology” aims to advance our understanding on emergent subsurface processes and bring solutions to energy-related problems, which includes but are not limited to geologic carbon storage, natural gas hydrates, microbial enhanced oil recovery, geologic disposal of high-level nuclear wastes, hydraulic fracturing, and CO2 reuse in construction materials. The theme “bio-geotechnics” aims to understand geo-bio-chemo-thermo-hydro-mechanically coupled processes in subsurface and develop nature-inspired sustainable geotechnical design and ground improvement techniques. Exemplary research includes biological soil modification with biopolymers and bio-minerals (MIBF, EIBF, MICP, EICP) and root-inspired anchors and foundations. Lastly, his research aims to bring solutions for resilient built environments against natural geohazards. Specific emphasis is placed on prediction of landslides and debris flows, landslide early warning system, and debris flow mitigation measures. His technological strength is on multi-scale experimentation and modeling. At a small length scale, he has a research program examining the bio-chemical processes in porous media at the pore- to core-scale using microfluidic chips and X-ray computed microtomography. At a bigger length scale, he also leads the projects related to remote sensing using drone-LiDAR system and satellite-SAR analysis for landslide analysis and detection, and underground tunneling using TBM.
