Students

"Joining MDRU has been a great opportunity to be part of a friendly research community, with inspiring researchers, cutting-edge technology, and strong connections to industry. Being surrounded by passionate researchers has been incredibly motivating. The support and mentorship I’ve received during my master’s have helped me grow, both in my studies and in shaping my career path."

“Choosing MDRU for my master’s degree was easy. With such a great reputation for bringing industry and academia together, it has always been my goal to study here. The environment at MDRU is unmatched, and it has made for an awesome experience.”

“I joined MDRU to be part of a collaborative research community focused on real-world mineral exploration, and it has exceeded my expectations. My development as an economic geologist has been shaped by field trips to porphyry systems in Arizona and B.C., hands-on workshops with industry leaders, and continuous learning alongside motivated peers. Being part of the MDRU team has not only strengthened my technical skills but also inspired the direction of my future career.”

“Upon deciding to leave the industry and return to academia to pursue a master’s degree, I was introduced to MDRU through the guidance of my mentors. After thorough research, it became my top and only choice due to its strong ties to industry, high research standards, and interdisciplinary collaboration across geology, engineering, and metallurgy. The reputation of UBC further reinforced my decision. Studying at MDRU has been an incredible experience, fostering both academic and professional growth within an incredible supportive community of exceptional mentors, faculty, researcher and amazing group colleagues and friends.”

“I decided to join MDRU because I wanted to be part of a dynamic and hands-on group where research connects directly with the challenges of the mining industry. What makes this experience so special is being surrounded by brilliant, kind, and collaborative people, including students, postdocs, professors, and staff who genuinely enjoy sharing and learning together. The projects are exciting, the methods are cutting-edge, and the link with industry is one of a kind. Working with Dr. Shaun Barker has been an incredible opportunity, and I feel very lucky to be part of his group.”

“The MDRU’s world-renowned researchers, cutting-edge facilities, and close relationship with industry made it an obvious choice for me to pursue a master’s degree here. As an exploration geologist, deepening my understanding of ore deposit systems is important to remaining competitive in the industry, and I believe the MDRU is the best place to gain this knowledge. I’m happy to be challenged and to learn something new every day, knowing that I have my supervisor and an excellent group of professionals and fellow researchers to guide me on this path. By integrating fieldwork and analytical techniques, I am expanding the skills necessary for my future and creating a professional network through the conferences, programs, and courses that the MDRU offers.”

“Studying at MDRU was a great experience, besides learning from some of the best minds in the industry it also helped me to connect with industry partners and researchers around the world. Incredible experience with amazing people in a beautiful campus with top-notch facilities.”

"Studying at MDRU represents an extraordinary opportunity to learn from brilliant Geoscientists, get in touch with cutting-edge technology, and blend my Earth Science background with former data, electronics, and systems integration working experience. It is an exceptionally inspiring research environment where we truly have the potential to shape innovation in the mining industry for the coming years, and tackle the challenges the environment and human beings will have to handle."

"I chose to study here because the research projects perfectly fit my passions. Combine this with the world class mentorship of Shaun Barker, and the incredibly knowledgeable post docs that he has surrounded us with. This makes for a one of a kind learning environment."

"I choose MDRU to complete my master's because of its strong connection with the mining sector and the cutting-edge nature of all of its research initiatives. MDRU became my geological family throughout my stay here, a place where I could grow both personally and professionally."