HyDRA Welcomes New PhD Student: Frank Viveros Acosta

The HyDRA team is excited to welcome a new PhD student: Frank Viveros Acosta! Originally from southern Colombia, Viveros Acosta is joining the University of Bergen for a three-year PhD position in reservoir physics.

Viveros Acosta holds a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering and a master’s degree in chemical engineering from Universidad Nacional de Colombia, where he was part of the Michel Polanyi research group. There, he developed a strong background in EOR/IOR processes, with a particular focus on the synthesis, characterization, and application of nanomaterials—exploring how these tiny structures could drive breakthroughs that were once purely theoretical.

During his master’s studies, Viveros Acosta had the opportunity to complete an internship at the University of Bergen through the NORHED II-program. It was here that a new research passion took root: renewable energy.

“During my internship, I got involved in underground hydrogen storage using methane as a cushion gas at the pore scale through micromodels, which increased my curiosity about this process and how I could be part of this value chain,” says Viveros Acosta.

Now, through the HyDRA project, Viveros Acosta has the opportunity to dive deeper into this field. Returning to the University of Bergen, his PhD research will explore microbial risks in hydrogen storage within geological formations, focusing on the associated biogeochemical interactions.

“The fact that biogeochemical processes, like mineral dissolution and precipitation, can affect the dynamic flow in a reservoir—and that hydrogenotrophic microbes can use hydrogen as an electron donor in their metabolic processes—is fascinating. As an engineer, I find it incredible how they can influence the viability of site storage,” he explains.

Looking ahead, Viveros Acosta is motivated to make a meaningful contribution:

“The main objective of my research is to determine the feasibility of proposed H₂ storage sites by considering biogeochemical activities influenced by hydrogenotrophic microbes, while also continuing to develop my capabilities as a researcher.”

We are thrilled to have Frank Viveros Acosta on board and look forward to following his journey in the HyDRA project!