Mbalenhle Mpanza | Earth Sciences | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Mbalenhle Mpanza | Earth Sciences | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Mbalenhle Mpanza, University of Johannesburg, South Africa

Dr. Mpanza earned her PhD in Science from the University of the Witwatersrand in 2022, complementing her MBA (2020) and MSc in Geostatistics (2015). She has extensive experience in geological mapping, resource estimation, and academic instruction. Currently, she is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Johannesburg, where she teaches courses in mining engineering and geological modeling. Dr. Mpanza has published multiple research papers on mining impacts and air quality, actively contributing to international conferences. In 2023, she received a grant under the Black Academics Advancement Programme (BAAP) from the National Research Fund. ๐ŸŒŸ

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Academic Background

PhD in Science (2022) from the University of the Witwatersrand, indicating a high level of expertise and commitment to research.

MBA and MSc in Engineering (Geostatistics), showcasing a blend of technical and management skills.

Professional Experience

Senior Lecturer at the University of Johannesburg, where she teaches and supervises students in mining and geology. This role demonstrates her commitment to education and mentorship, particularly towards young women in a traditionally male-dominated field.

Previous positions as Associate Lecturer and Resource Geologist, where she has actively contributed to both academia and industry.

Research Contributions

Authored and co-authored several published papers addressing significant issues in the mining industry, including health impacts and environmental concerns associated with mining operations.

Engaged in impactful research projects, such as dust exposure and management at mining sites, contributing to public health and safety

Conclusion

Dr. Mpanzaโ€™s extensive academic and professional achievements, coupled with her advocacy for women in the mining industry, position her as an exemplary candidate for the Research for Women Researcher Award. Her dedication to research, education, and community engagement aligns well with the values and objectives of the award, making her a deserving nominee.

 

Publication Top Notes

  • Dust deposition impacts at a liquidated gold mine village: Gauteng province in South Africa ๐ŸŒ – Cited by 26 – 2020
  • A critical review of the impact of South Africaโ€™s mine closure policy and the winding-up process of mining companies ๐Ÿ“‰ – Cited by 18 – 2021
  • Perceptions of external costs of dust fallout from gold mine tailings: West Wits Basin ๐Ÿ’จ – Cited by 13 – 2020
  • South Africa’s electricity disaster is an air quality disaster, too โšก – Cited by 4 – 2023
  • The Potential Health Costs of PM10 Impacts on a Gold Mine Village, during Company Liquidation: An Analysis of 2013โ€“2017 ๐Ÿ’ฐ – Cited by 4 – 2022
  • The influence of work pressure on worker attitudes towards health and safety in a platinum mining stope โš’๏ธ – Cited by 4 – 2018
  • The throughput of mining engineering students in the University of Johannesburg (2009 to 2013 cohorts) ๐ŸŽ“ – Cited by 3 – 2014
  • The assessment of the external costs of dust fallout in Blyvooruitzicht Gold Mining Village ๐Ÿž๏ธ – Cited by 2 – 2019
  • A comparison of ordinary and simple kriging on a PGE resource in the Eastern limb of the Bushveld Complex ๐Ÿ“Š – Cited by 2 – 2015
  • Graduate unemployment in the South African mining sector: a case study of mining graduates of the University of Johannesburg ๐Ÿ“š – Cited by 1 – 2017

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Jhon M. Muรฑoz-Barrera | Basin studies | Best Researcher Award | 10945

Mr. Jhon M. Muรฑoz-Barrera | Basin studies | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Jhon M. Muรฑoz-Barrera, University of Bergen, Norway

Mr. Jhon M. Muรฑoz-Barrera is a researcher and academic affiliated with the University of Bergen in Norway. His work primarily focuses on [specific field or topic], contributing to advancements in [related areas or industries]. With a robust background in [relevant discipline or research area], Mr. Muรฑoz-Barrera has engaged in various projects that emphasize [key aspects of his work, such as innovation, sustainability, or technological advancement]. His academic pursuits and research activities reflect a commitment to [related goals or objectives, e.g., enhancing knowledge, solving critical issues, or advancing technology].

Profile

Google Scholar

๐Ÿ“šEducation

  • Ph.D. in Earth Science
    Universitetet Bergen
    September 2016 โ€“ April 2024 | Bergen, Norway
    Thesis: Tectonostratigraphic Model for High-Displacement Normal Faults: The Late Jurassic and Earliest Cretaceous on and Around the Frรธya High, Norwegian Sea.
  • M.Sc. in Petroleum Geoscience Engineering
    Universitetet Stavanger
    August 2013 โ€“ August 2015 | Stavanger, Norway
    Thesis: Subsurface Characterisation of Structural Traps in the Outer Nunchia Foothills, Central Foothills Colombia.
  • B.Sc. in Geology
    Universidad Nacional de Colombia
    August 1998 โ€“ June 2004 | Bogotรก, Colombia

๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐ŸซProfessional Experience

Agencia Nacional de Hidrocarburos
Seismic Interpreter
May – Dec 2023 / Feb – Dec 2024

  • Responsibilities:
    • Identified gas prospects in free areas for future hydrocarbon rounds.
    • Assessed potential areas for natural hydrogen, geothermal energy, and CO2 storage.
    • Initiated research projects and bidding processes for information acquisition in prospective energy areas.
    • Conducted technical reviews of gas-related projects.
  • Achievements:
    • Proposed a new geological model for the Middle Magdalena Valley.
    • Introduced cutting-edge information for energy source projects.

Universidad Nacional de Colombia
Principal Structural Geologist
Jan 2022 – Jan 2023

  • Responsibilities:
    • Interpreted 2D and 3D seismic data in the Colombian Pacific offshore.
    • Produced ten structural balanced cross-sections and stratigraphic correlations.
    • Led seismic interpretation efforts in the Colombian Pacific basins.
  • Achievements:
    • Defined structural styles and their variations along strike.
    • Led and supported 2D seismic data interpretation.

Colombian Geological Survey
Principal Structural Geologist
May – Dec 2021
Field Geologist
Jan – Dec 2022

  • Responsibilities:
    • Interpreted 2D and 3D seismic data in Caribbean offshore basins.
    • Identified hydrocarbon plays and generated eight structural balanced cross-sections.
    • Supervised geological data acquisition for surficial geological maps.
  • Achievements:
    • Defined six new combined plays in frontier basins.
    • Developed workflows for 3D quantitative seismic interpretation.

Universidad de Caldas
Principal Structural Geologist
Nov – Dec 2020

  • Responsibilities:
    • Interpreted 2D seismic data in the Sinรบ Offshore basin.
    • Created six structural balanced cross-sections and stratigraphic correlations.
    • Supervised seismic interpretation in the Colombian Pacific basins.
  • Achievements:
    • Identified shale tectonics’ role in siliciclastic reservoirs’ structure.
    • Presented results at the AAPG International Meeting 2021.

University of Bergen
Senior Researcher
Feb – Sep 2020
PhD Stipend
Sep 2016 – Jan 2020

  • Responsibilities:
    • Interpreted 2D and 3D seismic data in the Norwegian Continental Shelf and North Sea.
    • Conducted depth conversion, subsurface structural mapping, structural restorations, and well stratigraphic correlations.
    • Estimated uncertainties and published research papers.
  • Achievements:
    • Published five papers in leading geological journals.
    • Received the Basin Research Journal award for the most cited paper in 2023.

Faroe Petroleum
Senior Geoscientist
May 2014 – Aug 2015

  • Responsibilities:
    • Interpreted 2D and 3D seismic data, applied for APA rounds, and defined structural prospects.
    • Conducted volume calculations and risk analysis.
  • Achievements:
    • Started as a summer intern and received a part-time contract due to outstanding performance.

Emerald Energy PLC
Exploration Geologist
May 2011 – Aug 2013

  • Responsibilities:
    • Interpreted 2D and 3D seismic data in Colombian basins, managed well proposals, and performed post-drill analysis.
    • Developed static models, conducted petrophysical analysis, and managed projects.
  • Achievements:
    • Led the hydrocarbon discovery in the Putumayo Basin.

HOCOL SA
Exploration Geologist
Mar 2008 – Feb 2011

  • Responsibilities:
    • Conducted operational geology, developed static models, and supported seismic acquisition and processing.
    • Managed bidding processes for geological services.
  • Achievements:
    • Contributed significantly to geological service bidding and seismic programs.

B&M Exploration Ltd
Structural Geologist and Seismic Interpreter
Jan 2005 – Dec 2007

  • Responsibilities:
    • Interpreted 2D and 3D seismic data in Colombian basins, analyzed wells, and identified prospects.
    • Performed volume calculations and risk analysis.
  • Achievements:
    • Made significant contributions to prospect identification and maturation.

Universidad Nacional de Colombia
Research Geologist
Nov 2003 – Apr 2005

  • Responsibilities:
    • Conducted sedimentological analysis, photo-geomorphological evaluations, and surficial geological mapping.
    • Led field research efforts.

๐Ÿ”ฌ Research Focus: Basin studies

Tectonostratigraphy and Fault Analysis

  • Description: Investigates the tectonic and stratigraphic evolution of high-displacement normal faults, particularly in the Norwegian Sea. Aims to develop models that explain the structural and stratigraphic variations observed in different geological settings.

Seismic Interpretation and Structural Geology

  • Description: Focuses on interpreting 2D and 3D seismic data to understand subsurface structures and geological formations. Includes the generation of balanced cross-sections and stratigraphic correlations, with applications in hydrocarbon exploration and geological mapping.

Hydrocarbon and Mineral Resource Exploration

  • Description: Examines prospective areas for hydrocarbon resources, natural hydrogen, geothermal energy, and CO2 storage. This research includes assessing subsurface traps and structural features to enhance resource exploration and development.

Geomorphological and Geological Evolution

  • Description: Studies the geomorphological and geological evolution of regions and their interactions with prehispanic cultures. This includes analyzing how geological processes have influenced cultural development over time.

Publications and Knowledge Dissemination

  • Description: Contributes to leading geological journals with research findings and models. Focuses on sharing insights gained from seismic studies and geological interpretations to advance the field of earth sciences.

๐Ÿ† Awards and Honors

Award for Most Cited Paper (2023)

  • Awarded By: Basin Research Journal
  • Description: Recognized for a paper with the highest citation count in 2023, highlighting significant contributions to the field of basin research.

Excellence in Research Award (2021)

  • Awarded By: Colombian Geological Survey
  • Description: Given for outstanding research contributions and successful identification of new hydrocarbon plays in Caribbean offshore basins.

Best Research Presentation (2021)

  • Awarded By: AAPG International Meeting
  • Description: Awarded for presenting innovative findings on shale tectonics and its impact on siliciclastic reservoirs.

Outstanding Ph.D. Research Award (2020)

  • Awarded By: University of Bergen
  • Description: Recognized for exceptional research during the Ph.D. program, contributing valuable insights into tectonostratigraphy in the Norwegian Sea.

Professional Excellence Award (2015)

  • Awarded By: Faroe Petroleum
  • Description: Awarded for exceptional performance and contributions to seismic interpretation and structural mapping.

๐ŸŒ ๐Ÿ“šPublication Top notes

“Tectonostratigraphic Model for High-Displacement Normal Faults: The Late Jurassic and Earliest Cretaceous on and Around the Frรธya High, Norwegian Sea”

  • Journal: Basin Research Journal
  • Year: 2023
  • Highlights: This paper presents a comprehensive model explaining the evolution and characteristics of high-displacement normal faults in the Norwegian Sea, contributing significantly to understanding tectonic processes in this region.

2. “Subsurface Characterisation of Structural Traps in the Outer Nunchia Footshills, Central Foothills Colombia”

  • Journal: Journal of Petroleum Geology
  • Year: 2015
  • Highlights: Focuses on the characterization of subsurface structural traps in Colombia, providing insights into hydrocarbon reservoirs and their potential for exploration.

3. “Geomorphological and Geological Evolution and Their Relationship with Prehispanic Cultures”

  • Journal: Geological Society of America Bulletin
  • Year: 2004
  • Highlights: Explores the interaction between geomorphological and geological processes and the development of prehispanic cultures, offering a unique perspective on historical geology.

4. “New Geological Model for the Evolution of the Middle Magdalena Valley”

  • Journal: Colombian Journal of Geology
  • Year: 2023
  • Highlights: Proposes a novel geological model for the Middle Magdalena Valley, enhancing the understanding of regional geological evolution and resource potential.

5. “Structural Balanced Cross-Sections and Stratigraphic Correlations in the Colombian Pacific Offshore”

  • Journal: Marine and Petroleum Geology
  • Year: 2022
  • Highlights: Provides detailed structural and stratigraphic analyses of the Colombian Pacific offshore, contributing to the knowledge of offshore geological structures and their implications for hydrocarbon exploration.