Introducing our 2026 Education Endowment Fund Scholarship Recipients

Every year the AusIMM Education Endowment Fund (EEF) Board of Trustees award the annual EEF Scholarships. 

The EEF program helps identify future industry leaders among AusIMM’s student members, and ensures they are offered meaningful opportunities to develop their leadership and professional skills throughout their scholarship. 

We are delighted to share the stories of our 2026 recipients, and invite you to learn about their passion for our sector and what they hope to achieve in their careers. 

2026 EEF Postgraduate Research Scholarship recipients

Alexander Horry – Curtin University West Australian School of Mines (WASM) – PhD

Alexander Horry (Alex) is currently undertaking a PhD at the Western Australian School of Mines (WASM) at Curtin University. His research focuses on the effect of grinding chemistry on the flotation of sulfide minerals. Studies conducted in this field rely on a highly specialised mill – the MagoMill® – which is sparsely available in Australia (there is only one currently in the eastern states). Studies that cannot source the MagoMill®, must rely on some kind of adaptation of this technology, which should normally be made available by the researcher's host institution. Unfortunately, but pivotally, there was no such technology readily available for his study, so Alex had to re-engineer one from scratch. Thankfully, by the emergence of 3D printing, along with open-source CAD software, he was successful in manufacturing a technology that had comparable performance to the MagoMill® – including further advantages. Since most of his project was devoted to mechanical engineering, he is now welcoming the arrival of the project full circle: downstream flotation and AI-predictive recovery data that is now being generated.

Prior to his PhD, Alex studied inorganic chemistry at UWA/USYD, where his honours project investigated the synthesis of novel platinum anti-cancer drugs. In 2021, a change in career path led him to WASM for a graduate diploma in metallurgy. Alex's diverse background brings a unique set of skills into his PhD research. He is deeply thankful for AusIMM for awarding him the EEF scholarship, which will support the concluding stages of his project.

Eleanor Morton – Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) – PhD

Eleanor is a 24-year-old PhD student at RMIT and CSIRO, researching impurity incorporation mechanisms in goethite iron ores. She completed her undergraduate double degree in Earth Science and Archaeology at Monash University in 2023, before completing a First Class Honours in Earth Science studying meteorite geochemistry in 2024. 

Eleanor worked as a research assistant in Monash’s Geodynamics Lab for two years during her undergraduate degree. Eleanor's interest is in using geochemistry to both economically and sustainably improve exploration and processing in the Australian mining industry. She wants to improve education about the minerals industry in urban areas, particularly for younger generations.

In her spare time, Eleanor enjoys reading, birdwatching, and playing boardgames with her friends.

2026 Undergraduate Premium Scholarship recipients

Lewis Barber – Federation University – Bachelor of Engineering (Mining) (Honours) 

Lewis Barber is pursuing mining engineering at Federation University in Ballarat, Victoria. Before this, he earned a Bachelor of Music from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and completed a Masters in Opera Performance in Rostock, Germany. After experiencing the pandemic in Germany, Lewis returned to Australia seeking a new direction. Inspired by his uncle, a mining engineer, he visited the Lake Cowal mine in NSW, which sparked his passion for the industry.

In his first year, Lewis joined the AusIMM Ballarat Student Chapter and became a committee member by his second semester. Following his first year, he worked as a vacation student with Barminco at Lake Cowal underground, gaining experience in both nipper and truck roles.

During his second year, Lewis took on the role of president of the AusIMM Ballarat Student Chapter, where he developed his leadership skills and helped expand the chapter’s activities. In 2025, the chapter sent students to the New Leaders Summit and Mining Games in Perth and hosted several events, including two SMI nights and two underground mine tours. He continued working with Barminco during winter breaks and tutors maths and engineering at Federation University during semesters.

Currently, Lewis is a vacation student with the operations engineering team at Agnico Eagle’s Fosterville Gold Mine.  

Mason Calter – Curtin University (WASM) – Bachelor of Mining Engineering (Honours)

Mason is a mining engineering student entering his final year at the WA School of Mines. His interest in the mining industry is motivated by its capacity to facilitate meaningful change within mining communities and make a positive impact on a global scale. During his academic tenure, Mason has been actively involved with the WASM Wombats, participating in competitions both nationally and internationally, and these experiences have underscored the opportunities available for international work placements, which he intends to pursue. 

Currently, Mason is employed at Ora Banda Mining’s rapidly developing Sand King operation, where he is enhancing his operational and technical expertise in the mining sector. This role builds upon his previous experience at the Invincible Gold Mine with Gold Fields during his third year of study. Additionally, Mason serves as President of the AusIMM Kalgoorlie Student Chapter, focusing on strengthening links among students, the mining industry, and WASM’s extensive alumni network.

He was recently honoured with the 2025 Ray Finlayson Medal for Leadership and Academic Excellence at the annual Diggers & Dealers Mining Forum.

Charlotte Craig – Queensland University of Technology (QUT) – Bachelor of Chemical and Sustainable Process Engineering (Honours)

Charlotte is currently in her final year at QUT, pursuing a Bachelor of Chemical and Sustainable Process Engineering with a second major in Mechanical Engineering. Her interest in the resources sector was initiated during an internship with BHP at the BMA Peak Downs Mine, where she resided in Dysart and gained practical experience in mine site operations, including work within the Coal Handling Preparation Plant (CHPP). Exposure to experienced engineers and operators fostered her enthusiasm for process optimisation and large-scale project management.

Building upon this foundation, Charlotte joined Critical Minerals Group as a Process Technician, collaborating with an executive team possessing extensive expertise in mining and metallurgy. This position enabled her to develop greater familiarity with critical minerals and sustainable practices, further strengthening her technical competencies and problem-solving abilities.

Presently, Charlotte is deepening her understanding of the oil and gas industry through Shell’s Assessed Internship Program as a Petroleum Engineer. This opportunity provides her with exposure to subsurface operations and facilitates collaboration with geologists and reservoir engineers, thereby expanding her insight into the evolving energy sector.

Charlotte is actively engaged in student organisations that advocate for diversity and inclusion, supporting young women in the industry and encouraging them to challenge stereotypes. She is committed to inspiring women to pursue careers in STEM and believes that curiosity and a commitment to lifelong learning are catalysts for opportunity. She values intergenerational knowledge sharing as essential to advancing the industry and aspires to lead the development of innovative, sustainable solutions shaping the future of the resources sector.  

Michael Fakes – University of Adelaide – Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (Honours) (Geology and Earth Resources)

Michael Fakes is currently completing his final year as a Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (Honours) student at the University of Adelaide, specialising in Geology and Earth Resources. His enthusiasm for geology began early, inspired by exploring South Australia’s natural landscapes, which fostered a deep interest in mineral resources, ore-deposit formation, and applying geoscience to practical issues.

During his studies, Michael has been an active member of the geoscience and mining community, particularly with AusIMM, where he serves as Secretary of the Adelaide Student Chapter. This involvement has allowed him to build valuable professional relationships, encourage student participation, and support the growth of future industry professionals. Academically, Michael has focused on hard-rock hydrothermal systems, critical metals, and the geological factors influencing mineralisation, areas that will shape his honours research project in 2026.

He has augmented his academic experience with hands-on work, including international fieldwork in Oman and a short-term role as a field assistant on a gold exploration project in the Gawler Craton. Most recently, Michael completed the NExUS program and is working as a vacation student with Hillgrove Resources during the 2025-26 summer. These opportunities have developed his strong commitment to safe and responsible mining practices. Michael is eager to help bridge the gap between university learning and industry practice, contributing to the discovery and development of mineral resources crucial for the global energy transition.

Micah Gibson – University of Wollongong - Bachelor of Engineering (Mining)/Bachelor of Business (Finance)

Micah Gibson is a Mining Engineering and Finance student at the University of Wollongong, building a career in the resources sector with a strong operational foundation and a growing interest in corporate finance. He currently works as an Underground Operator at Metropolitan Mine, developing practical experience alongside his studies.

Micah serves as President of the AusIMM Illawarra Student Chapter and plays an active role in bridging the gap between students and the resources sector. He oversees events such as Students Meet Industry Night, Spotlight Networking Evenings, and site tours, all designed to connect students with industry professionals. By coordinating these initiatives, Micah collaborates with mining companies to provide valuable networking, educational, and career opportunities for students.

Micah gained hands-on experience through mining and engineering internships, working as an Undergraduate Mining Engineer with Peabody at Wambo and Develop at Woodlawn Operations, and as an Undergraduate Civil Engineer with Leed Construction on Snowy 2.0. These positions enhanced his technical and practical skills in operations.

Micah values high performance, continuous learning, teamwork, and building long-term partnerships across industry. He has a growing interest in investment and value creation across the mining lifecycle as he progresses toward future commercial and operational opportunities.

Imann Gill – University of Western Australia - Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil)/Bachelor of Commerce

Imann is a final-year Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)(Civil)/Bachelor of Commerce student at the University of Western Australia, specialising in geotechnical engineering. His interest in the mining sector began in fifth grade following an educational excursion to Kalgoorlie and The Super Pit gold mine, an experience that initiated his enduring interest in the minerals industry.

During his studies, Imann has proactively pursued opportunities to enhance his technical knowledge and skillset as both an engineer and an individual. As an intern at GHD, he contributed to studies and designs for several major mining operations, including BHP, Rio Tinto, and Newmont. He was awarded the GroundProbe Geotechnical Scholarship, enabling him to travel to Indonesia to study slope stability radar systems, and he earned an Advanced Certificate in Geotechnical Monitoring.

Imann recognises the significant role of mining in Australia and looks forward to making meaningful contributions to the industry upon graduation. He aspires to advance the safety and efficiency of mining operations, develop into a leader who supports others, and foster university engagement through participation in AusIMM student chapter events.

Taylor Harris – Curtin University (WASM) – Bachelor of Mining Engineering (Honours)

Taylor is completing her final year of Mining Engineering at Curtin University's Western Australian School of Mines (WASM), with a strong commitment to people-centric, inclusive, and sustainable mining approaches.

Her decision to pursue Mining Engineering was inspired by her grandfather’s enthusiasm for prospecting, which cultivated her interest in earth sciences. Relocating to Kalgoorlie for her studies enabled her to engage deeply with a regional mining community, and practical experience acquired through internships at Rio Tinto has provided valuable insights into the scale of mineral industry operations and the importance of collaboration among its professionals.

Taylor is dedicated to advancing diversity within the resources sector. Motivated by the belief that visibility is crucial for inspiring future leaders – particularly young women – she actively volunteers with the GET+ Girls in Engineering program to encourage high school students to consider STEM careers.

She has represented WASM at the APAC Mining Games as part of the Wombats team and maintains active involvement with AusIMM through industry networking and leadership initiatives. In 2026, Taylor will assume the role of President of the WASM Social Club and serve as a Kalgoorlie Student Mentor, seeking to foster a cohesive student community that links academic life with industry engagement. She is honoured to be an EEF Scholarship recipient and strives to make a significant contribution to an industry fundamental to Australia’s ongoing development and prosperity.

Rianna Herring – University of Adelaide – Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)(Chemical)

Rianna is commencing her third year of Chemical Engineering studies at Adelaide University, specialising in minerals processing. Her initial engagement with the minerals sector occurred through attending the AusIMM industry night hosted by the Adelaide chapter, where interactions with professionals highlighted the significant opportunities within mining and underscored the critical role the resources industry plays in sustainable development, technological advancement, and the transition to renewable energy.

To broaden her experience in the field, Rianna completed a vacation program with Newmont at their Cadia site during the 2025-26 summer. Through her work with the metallurgy team at Cadia, she gained valuable hands-on experience and developed a deeper understanding of operational mining and processing. This experience strengthened her commitment to a career in mining, particularly in contributing to large-scale projects and addressing the industry's practical challenges.

Rianna looks forward to participating in the EEF program to deepen her knowledge of the mining industry, expand her professional network, connect with peers who share similar interests, and take advantage of development opportunities to further accelerate her career progression and make meaningful contributions to the sector.

Frederique Lawrence – Australian National University – Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (Honours) (Earth Science & Environmental Science) 

Consistent with her studies in Earth Science and Environmental Science, Frederique has a strong commitment to geology, sustainability, renewable energy, effective science communication and environmental stewardship.

In 2025, Frederique began her involvement with the minerals industry through her appointment as Secretary of the Canberra AusIMM Student Chapter. Through this, she furthered her interest in geology and Earth systems and was subsequently elected Vice President (Media) of the ANU Earth and Marine Society for 2026. These positions enabled her to cultivate leadership and teamwork abilities while deepening her expertise in geology and Earth science. Frederique maintains a keen interest in the challenges facing the resources sector amid its shift towards environmentally sustainable practices and is motivated to contribute meaningfully to this transition.

Frederique is eager to deepen her engagement with the resources sector by learning from established professionals, building valuable relationships, and connecting with other AusIMM EEF Scholars. She looks forward to broadening her knowledge, making meaningful contributions, and developing further through both her academic work and industry experience. Frederique is dedicated to promoting environmentally responsible approaches that ensure the long-term sustainability of the resources sector, striving to balance environmental stewardship with future industry demands.

Ithay Rott – Monash University – Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Chemistry & Geoscience)

Ithay Rott is a Bachelor of Science (Honours) student at Monash University, specialising in geology and chemistry. In his honours year, he will research how deformation affects mineral reactions in geological systems, combining his interests in chemistry and geology.  During his undergraduate studies, Ithay completed several research projects using various analytical techniques in geology and chemistry. These experiences deepened his understanding of chemical and geological interactions and the role of science in improving efficiency, safety, and environmental outcomes, especially in the resources sector.

Beyond academics, Ithay has shown leadership and community involvement as a participant in the Vice-Chancellor’s Ancora Imparo Leadership Program and a mentor for under-represented students through Access Monash. Recently elected Treasurer of the AusIMM Melbourne Student Chapter for 2026, he aims to contribute further to AusIMM. Ithay plans to pursue a career in the minerals industry, with interests in metallurgy, geochemistry, and geology. 

Emily-Jane Schutte – University of Newcastle – Bachelor of Environmental Engineering/Bachelor of Science 

Emily-Jane (EJ) Schutte is in her final year studying Environmental Engineering and is deeply interested in the mining and resources sector. Her focus areas include environmental performance, the evolving workforce, and ensuring that energy transitions are both timely and balanced – prioritising decarbonisation alongside system preparedness, reliability, and community impact. Over the past two years, EJ has actively participated in the AusIMM Hunter Student Chapter, first as Vice President and, beginning mid-2025, as President, where she leads industry engagement efforts to connect students with professionals.

While EJ serves on the AusIMM Hunter Region Branch Committee, she is also Secretary for the WIMnet NSW Committee for 2026–2027, supporting initiatives that foster inclusion and leadership within the industry. EJ gained practical experience at Yancoal’s Stratford Mine during a vacation program, where she began developing expertise in mine closure – a vital and emerging skill in New South Wales as coal operations gradually wind down.

Through the AusIMM Hunter Student Chapter, EJ organizes career events, site tours, and research groups related to mining and resources, giving students meaningful connections to the local industry. Her goal is to showcase how diverse backgrounds in engineering, science, business, and law can lead to impactful careers in the mining and resources sector, helping to build a sustainable, responsible, and future-focused industry that reflects the values of the next generation.

Keisha Sealy – University of New South Wales – Bachelor of Mining Engineering (Honours)

Keisha is in her fourth and final year at UNSW, studying a Bachelor of Mining Engineering. She entered the mining industry with no prior knowledge, despite growing up just an hour from Cadia, and it was through a scholarship opportunity that she was first introduced to the sector. This opportunity, combined with the introduction to AusIMM, sparked her interest and shaped both her academic and professional journey, motivating her to engage with the industry and pursue leadership opportunities.

Throughout her degree program, Keisha has consistently exhibited leadership and dedication through her participation in the National Mining Games, the New Leaders Summit, and attendance at AusIMM Congress. She held the role of President of the UNSW mining society, MERESoc, in 2025 and currently serves as the 2026 President of the AusIMM Sydney Student Chapter, where she is committed to enhancing student engagement, professional development, and building industry relationships.

Keisha has interned with Redpath, Newmont, and OceanaGold, gaining practical mining experience through technical roles and crew work. Her strong understanding of operations, teamwork, and safety supports her commitment to a safe, sustainable, and innovative future in mining.

Harold Shaw – University of Queensland – Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)(Civil & Mining) 

Harold is in his final year of a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) at The University of Queensland, specialising in Mining Engineering. His interest in the minerals industry stems from its worldwide influence, complex systems, and vital importance to modern society. He finds particular inspiration in Australian mining's contributions to regional communities, economic stability, and long-term growth. Practical experience and active participation within the mining community have further deepened this passion.

Harold has gained hands-on experience through vacation placements with BHP at Goonyella Riverside Mine and Peak Downs Mine, where he supported both dragline and drill-and-blast teams. Working across operational and planning areas has shaped his focus on understanding how different mining systems work together to optimise safety and efficiency—fuelling his drive to develop strong technical expertise in mine planning and operations.

Harold has played an active role in the student mining scene. In 2025, he was President of the AusIMM Southern Queensland Student Chapter, leading efforts to connect students with the industry and highlight professional opportunities.

Once he completes his studies, Harold aims to pursue a career focused on operational excellence, responsible management of resources, and applying technical knowledge to enhance the long-term value that mining brings to society.