Are you a high school or university student curious about how engineers recover oil from the earth or how sustainable offshore oil rigs are designed? This summer, join us at the School of Mining and Geosciences (SMG) at Nazarbayev University for hands-on research experiences you won’t forget.
SMG offers two exciting projects as part of Summer Research Projects 2025:
Project 1: How Do We Recover Oil from the Earth?
Led by Prof. Peyman Pourafshary, Dr. Shams Kalam, and Dr. Masoud Rizai
In this interactive project, students will build a simple model of an underground oil reservoir using clear containers filled with sand and oil. Participants will test two methods—injecting water and injecting soapy water—to discover which recovers more oil. By simulating real-world oil recovery, students will gain insight into petroleum engineering in a fun, hands-on way.
Duration: July 10 – August 10, 2025
Location: SMG, Block 6, Nazarbayev University, Astana
Open to: Grade 11–12, Foundation, and 1st–2nd year university students
Project 2: Sustainable Offshore Drilling Oil Rig
Led by Dr. Sonny Irawan and Dr. Umer Mian Shafiq
In this challenge-based project, students will design and build their own oil rig model—using eco-friendly, recyclable materials—and test its stability in a wave basin. Working in teams of three, students will present their rigs to a panel of judges and compete on design, sustainability, and performance.
Duration: July 10 – August 10, 2025
Location: SMG, Block 6, Nazarbayev University, Astana
Open to: Grade 11–12, Foundation, and 1st–2nd year university students
Why Join?
- Hands-on, practical activities
- Certificate of participation
- Networking with professors and students
- Real-world engineering experience
- Expand your knowledge in energy and sustainability
Don’t miss this opportunity to work alongside leading professors and explore the world of science and engineering.
For detailed information about all 9 summer research projects, visit: https://nu.edu.kz/admissions/announcement/summer-2025-research-projects-for-high-school-and-undergraduate-students
For questions, contact us at: srp@nu.edu.kz