Kunming Zhang

Advisor: Shimin Liu
Expected Graduation: 2026
LinkedIn Profile

What made you choose your major or area of study?
When I was an undergraduate student, I had an opportunity to visit an underground coal mine on a field trip. As we approached the working face, I was immediately struck by the challenging conditions: the ambient temperature, uncomfortable air condition, dust due to the top-coal caving method in this area……” This experience deeply impacted me, prompting a determination to focus my studies on coal mine safety and enhance the working conditions for coal mine workers.

What student organizations and activities are you involved in?
I am currently a member of American Rock Mechanics Association (ARMA) and Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME).

Why EME?

What is your dream job and how EME is helping you to get closer to it?
My dream job is to get a faculty position in the field of Mining Engineering. The ideal research environment, excellent faculties, and strong industry connections provided by EME ensure that I can get closer to my dream job.

My Research

The deformation and permeability of rocks are characterized through experimental methods under the best replicated in situ pressure and temperature conditions. Additionally, I investigate THMC-induced coal and shale deformation through theoretical modeling from a solid mechanics perspective.

My research provides an understanding and implications for unconventional gas production and CO2 sequestration.

Advice

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in college so far?
The most important lesson I've learned came from EME 597: Coalbed Methane Engineering, taught by Dr. Shimin Liu. This course provided a comprehensive understanding of coal geology, gas occurrence, reservoir geomechanics, drilling technologies, and CBM production operations. It emphasized acquiring the skills necessary to evaluate CBM reservoirs and design production systems effectively. Key topics included gas content measurement, gas-in-place analysis, sorption-induced coal swelling and permeability, hydraulic fracturing, and enhanced CBM recovery methods, all of which are highly relevant to my current research.