• Characterisation of naturally-fractured unconventional carbonate reservoirs using a variety of analytical techniques, including Geostatistical Analysis, Petrographic Investigation (Optical Microscope, Confocal & SEM), CTscan, and Organic (Biomarkers, RE, VR) and Inorganic Geochemical Analyses (TC, TS, XRD, XRF..).
• Lateral and vertical heterogeneity in unconventional source rocks and its impact on the OM distribution.  
• Investigation of Primary Expulsion of Hydrocarbons from Carbonate Source Rocks.
• Understanding the geological and physico-chemical processes that led to the generation and expulsion of hydrocarbons from these rocks.

Research Interest keywords 

Carbonate Reservoirs, Unconventional Hydrocarbon Reservoirs; Reservoir Modelling and Heterogeneity, Naturally-Fractured Reservoirs, Geomechanics, Mechanical Stratigraphy, Diagenesis, HC Migration and Maturation.

• Hydrous Pyrolysis of Source Rock Plugs: Geochemical and Visual Investigations and Implications for Primary Migration
  S. Grohmann, G. Gaus, J. Klaver, I.S. Abu Mahfouz, V. Vahrenkamp, T. Patzek, J. Urai, R. Littke
  European Association of Geoscientists & Engineers, (2021) [Conference Paper]

• Fracture Development in Unconventional Reservoirs and its Role in Hydrocarbon Migration and Expulsion
  I.S. Abu-Mahfouz, J. Cartwright, J., V. Vahrenkamp, T. Patzek, R. Littke
  ACE 2020 Conference and Exhibition, Houston., (2020)

• Silica diagenesis promotes early primary hydrocarbon migration
  I.S. Abu-Mahfouz, J. Cartwright, E. Idiz, J.N. Hooker, S. Robinson
  Geology, 48., (2020)
• Genesis and role of bitumen in fracture development during early catagenesis
  I.S. Abu-Mahfouz, J. Cartwright, E. Idiz, J.N. Hooker, S. Robinson, S.H.J.M. van den Boorn
  Petroleum Geoscience, 26, 4., (2019)
• Fractures in mudrocks: Advances in constraining timing and understanding mechanisms
  J.N. Hooker, I.S. Abu-Mahfouz, Q. Meng, J. Cartwright
  Journal of Structural Geology, 125, 166-173, (2019)
• Genesis of natural fracture systems in mudrocks (Upper Cretaceous-Eocene), Jordan
  I.S. Abu-Mahfouz
  DPhil Thesis, University of Oxford, United Kingdom, (2019)
• Natural Fracture Systems in Mudrocks (Upper Cretaceous-Eocene), Jordan
  I.S. Abu-Mahfouz, J. Cartwright, J.N. Hooker, M.R. Gross
  The Geology of Fractured Reservoirs, The Geological Society, conference paper, (2018)
• Characterisation of fractured hydrocarbon reservoirs
  I.S., Abu-Mahfouz
  AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90298 2017 AAPG Foundation 2016 Grants-in-Ai..., (2017)
• Geo-engineering evaluation of Harrat Irbid Basaltic Rocks, Irbid District—North Jordan
  I.S. Abu-Mahfouz, A. Al-Malabeh, S. Rababeh
  Arabian Journal of Geosciences, 9, 5, (1-11), (2016)
• Petrogenesis of Irbid District Basalt Rocks (Al-Tura-Beit Ras), Northern Jordan and their Engineering Evaluation as...
  I.S. Abu-Mahfouz
  M.Sc. Thesis. The Hashemite University, Jordan, (2009)

• 2018: Ph.D in Petroleum/Structural Geology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
  
• 2009: MSc in Applied Geology, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
  
• 2007: BSc in Geology and Environment, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan

• 2021-present: Research Scientist, KAUST, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
• 2019-2021: Postdoctoral Fellow, KAUST, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
• 2018-2019: Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Earth Sciences, University of Oxford, UK
• 2017-2019: Tutor/Fieldwork Demonstrator, Department of Earth Sciences, University of Oxford, UK
• 2014-2019: Researcher, Shell-Oxford Research Group, Department of Earth Sciences, University of Oxford, UK
• 2012-2014: Senior Geoscientist, Royal Dutch Shell P.L.C (Jordan Oil Shale Company), Amman, Jordan
• 2010-2012: Senior Geochemical/Geophysical Lab Engineer, Royal Dutch Shell P.L.C, Amman, Jordan
• 2009-2010: Researcher, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
• 2008-2009: Teaching Assistant, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
• 2007- 2008: Geoscientist, Al-Emtiaz Engineering Company, Zarqa, Jordan

• Member, Oxford Geology Group, OGG, OUGG (2016-Present).
• Member, American Association of Petroleum Geologists, AAPG (2015-Present).
• Member, the Geological Society of London, GSL (2015-Present).
• Science Ambassador at Science Oxford (2014-2018).
• Member, Jordan Geologists Association, JGA (2008-Present). 

• 2019: Inspiring Women in Science, Jordan
• 2018: Burdett-Coutts Research Award, Department of Earth Sciences, Oxford University, UK
• 2017: St Peter's College Graduate Award, Oxford University, UK
• 2017: AAPG Foundation Geoscience Research Award (Donald F. Towse Memorial Grant), US
• 2016: St Peter's College Graduate Award, Oxford University, UK
• 2014: Shell-Oxford Fully-Funded Scholarship (4-year PhD project in Earth Sciences at Oxford University), UK
• 2008: Excellence Award (During MSc. Degree), Hashemite University, Jordan

• ​Ali I. Al-Naimi Petroleum Engineering Research Center (ANPERC)
• Physicial Science and Engineering Division (PSE)