Dr. Mahdi Kassem

A consultant and researcher specialising in geology, hydrogeology and advanced spatial analysis, combining academic research with applied engineering consultancy in environmental geology, hydrogeological basin modelling and environmental impact assessment (EIA) studies. He has an extensive record of leading multidisciplinary environmental studies, mapping groundwater vulnerability and safety, and managing natural resources for the public and private sectors. He specialises in integrating artificial-intelligence algorithms — machine learning, predictive modelling and advanced prompt engineering — with satellite remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (ArcGIS Pro and Google Earth Engine) to prepare environmental baseline studies, model contaminant transport and deliver sustainable consulting solutions.

• Environmental impact assessment (EIA) and environmental baseline studies for major projects.
• Hydrogeological modelling, aquifer vulnerability and water-quality assessment.
• Advanced geospatial analysis, 3D scenes and digital elevation models (DEM).
• Satellite remote sensing, spectral analysis and satellite image processing (GEE).
• Artificial-intelligence and machine-learning applications in spatial analysis and prediction.
• Advanced prompt engineering and the AI automation of technical workflows.
• Multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) for site selection and environmental risk reduction.
• Geological field mapping, structural analysis and optimal well siting.

1. December 2021 — Present

   Senior Consultant in Geology & Environment | Hydrogeologist

   Swaidan Engineering & Consultancy— Batoulay, Tyre

   • Leading and directing geological, hydrogeological and environmental feasibility studies for municipal, infrastructure and investment development projects.
   • Preparing and reviewing the specialist sections of environmental impact assessment (EIA) reports, focusing on groundwater risks, wastewater discharge and terrain suitability.
   • Conducting advanced hydrogeological investigations and analysing structural and yield data to site strategic public and private drinking-water wells.
   • Applying multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) and geographic modelling to define environmental protection zones and guide spatial planning.
2. June 2023 — December 2023

   Petroleum Geologist and Subsurface Data Analyst

   Petroserv— Horsh Tabet, Beirut

   • Monitoring, verifying and analysing real-time drilling operations and subsurface geological data for offshore Block 9 in Lebanon.
   • Direct coordination and technical liaison with the Lebanese Petroleum Administration (LPA) on regulatory and geological updates for the sector.
   • Carrying out comprehensive structural and stratigraphic interpretations to evaluate geological formations and subsurface formation hazards.
3. December 2019 — December 2021

   Geologist and Hydrogeological Researcher

   Bureau Technique pour le Développement (BTD)— Jal el-Dib, Beirut

   • Conducting geological, geochemical and geophysical field surveys, collecting samples and managing exploratory drilling programmes for water infrastructure projects.
   • Assessing groundwater movement, surface-water drainage and contaminant transport to provide strategic recommendations for waste management and the remediation of affected sites.
   • Producing high-resolution geological maps, hydrogeological cross-sections and technical reports assessing natural risks and constraints.
   • Operating and maintaining field and laboratory testing equipment for the physical and chemical analysis of samples.