In this exclusive interview, Dean of the School of Mining and Geosciences at Nazarbayev University, Professor Randy Hazlett, shares fascinating insights into the discovery of the ichthyosaur remains in Kazakhstan and its significance for science and education. Learn about the collaborative research efforts, the process of creating a life-sized model, and what this means for Kazakh citizens as they prepare to see this remarkable piece of prehistoric history on display in 2025.

Join our undergraduate geology students as they embark on an exciting field trip in Kazakhstan. This short video captures their hands-on learning experience in the field, where they applied classroom knowledge to real-world geological studies. From exploring natural landscapes to collecting samples, these future geologists gained invaluable practical skills to enhance their academic journey.

Dilyara Sagandykova is a passionate Bachelor’s student majoring in Petroleum Engineering. In this short feature, she shares insights about her current research project, highlighting her motivations and the significance of her work in advancing the field. With a focus on scientific exploration and practical application, Dilyara is committed to contributing to the future of energy engineering and technology.

2024 NU SMG 3MT Winner Reza Khoramian
School of Mining and Geosciences
Turning CO2 into Profit: A Path to Net-Zero and Climate Security

"Excellent faculty members and supportive, diverse community are one of the many reasons to love NU", - thinks our bachelor student Akbota Kairat.

Akbota studies Geology at NU School of Mining and Geosciences @nu_smg. "Here, I met a great professor who inspired me to follow this path. People at NU are so open-minded and communicative. There are more than one hundred student clubs and regular events where you can share your experience with like-minded people," - shares Akbota.

Early October a group of students decided to take a Field Geology Course 1 (Mapping and Sedimentary Geology Field School).

The course took place in Maliy Karatau, Southern Kazakhstan. Students spent 9-days mapping terrain, logging outcrops, and examining rocks from various Proterozoic to Cretaceous successions. Numerous geological phenomena were pointed and discussed. Furthermore, students had a great opportunity to demonstrate, utilize, and advance their knowledge and skills from pre-requisite courses in a very rich and diverse natural sedimentary laboratory. Placing collected data and observations in geological context was part of developing problem solving and critical thinking skills.

PhD programs of the School of Mining and Geosciences
Peyman Pourafshary, Professor of the School of Mining and Geosciences
Language: English

Overview of Master of Science programs of the School of Mining and Geosciences
Saffet Yagiz, Associate Professor of the School of Mining and Geosciences
Language: English

Petroleum Engineering: A lifelong degree for earth science challenges
Hashmet Muhammad Rehan, Associate Professor of the School of Mining and Geosciences
Language: English

Geologist is the most beautiful job in the world
Laurent Richard, Associate Professor of the School of Mining and Geosciences
Language: English

Why is it the right time to be a Mining Engineer?
Nasser Madaniesfahani, Associate Professor of the School of Mining and Geosciences
Language: English

Is mining a dirty job or a clean job? Are continents shifting? And how old is mining? Assistant professors of NU SMG Nasser Madani and Amoussou Coffi Adoko will try to answer mind-boggling questions related to mining. Both invite prospective students to join @nusmg and believe that mining engineers have a prosperous future because mining activity never dies!
Tune for a fun conversation! Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to learn about the world together with us!

Associate Professor of Mining and Geosciences, Peyman Pourafshary, and his team of PhD students, Mariam Shakeel and Rizwan Muneer, talk about their research. Their research area is Petroleum Engineering. Lab name “Rock and Fluid Properties”.

Working on this project since 2019, they have managed to get the cheaper way of oil production with 80% of oil recovery. For this, they plunged into the study of the properties of rock and liquid to obtain the rock sample saturated with crude oil and mimic a reservoir with harsh conditions inside. In this video, you will learn what method of oil production they managed to implement in a laboratory, get acquainted with the used equipment and their research results.

The video will answer the most popular question among candidates “How to get into Master’s and PhD programs of NU?”. Check it out!

Dilyara Sagandykova is a passionate Bachelor’s student majoring in Petroleum Engineering. In this short feature, she shares insights about her current research project, highlighting her motivations and the significance of her work in advancing the field. With a focus on scientific exploration and practical application, Dilyara is committed to contributing to the future of energy engineering and technology.