Triumph and Learning at the Maliy Karatau Mountains
This past week, NU SMG took part in a groundbreaking event—the first-ever Geological Universiade among students of higher educational institutions specialising in "Geology and Exploration of Mineral Deposits." The event was hosted by the non-public JSC "KazNTU named after K.I. Satbayev" on June 10-16, 2024, in the stunning and geologically diverse Maliy Karatau Mountains.
Our SMG team, led by Dr. Medet Junussov, included five second-year undergraduate students: Yergun Bolpakh, Mark Vais, Aruzhan Duisen, Abaidildin Abildakhanov, and Nazira Kuzhamratova. Demonstrating exceptional knowledge, teamwork, and determination, the team earned a commendable third place among strong competitors from various institutions.
A Week of Geology in Action
The Universiade offered more than just competition; it was a rigorous, hands-on learning experience. Our students engaged in a variety of challenging activities including geological mapping, hydrogeology, hydrology, and geophysics competitions. These activities were designed to test their practical skills and theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios.
Highlights of the week included:
- Opening Ceremony: Setting the stage for the week’s activities with introductions and an overview of the competition.
- Field Challenges: Students tackled real-life geological tasks that enhanced their mapping and analytical skills.
- Expert Lectures: Leading geologists provided insights into advanced geological concepts and the specific features of the region.
- Award Ceremony: A celebration of hard work and achievement, culminating in our team’s proud reception of third place.
Building Skills and Community
The event was not only a testament to our students' academic abilities but also an excellent opportunity for them to apply what they have learned in the lectures to real-world situations. It fostered a spirit of camaraderie and allowed them to network with peers and professionals from the geology community, broadening their perspectives and professional connections.
We are immensely proud of Dr. Junussov and our students for their dedication and performance. Congratulations to the team and all the participants for a week full of challenges, learning, and geological discovery!