WKU News

A Department of Earth, Environmental, and Atmospheric Sciences graduate student, Nima Esmaeilzadeh, won second place in the graduate poster contest at the American Association of Professional Geologists (AIPG) in September.

The AIPG is the largest association dedicated to promoting geology and has over 5,000 members in the United States and abroad. The 2023 conference took place in Covington, Kentucky.

Nima’s poster, and his master’s thesis research project, “Application of Multi-Sensor Satellite Imagery to Identify Hydrothermal Alterations in Mountain Pass District, San Bernardino County, California: Insights for Critical Minerals Exploration” aims to identify potential mineral deposits concealed beneath the Earth’s surface.

“This approach offers significant promise as it represents a non-invasive, cost-effective means of mineral resource exploration,” Esmaeilzadeh said. “By leveraging the power of cutting-edge satellite technology and geological insights, this research contributes to the advancement of sustainable and efficient critical minerals exploration.”

The research, funded by Associate Professor of Geological Sciences Dr. Nahid Gani’s recently awarded RCAP-I grant, entails the utilization of advanced multi-sensor satellite imagery to detect hydrothermal alterations associated with rare earth element mineralization in the Mountain Pass District of San Bernardino County, California.

“This research holds the potential to contribute significantly to Western Kentucky University and the local community by advancing educational and research opportunities related to geospatial technologies and mineral exploration,” Esmaeilzadeh said. “If valuable mineral resources are identified, it could stimulate local economic development, creating jobs, and enhancing the region's economic vitality.”

The research is also meant to raise community awareness about critical minerals and foster collaboration between WKU and local stakeholders, facilitating informed and sustainable decision-making concerning the region's mineral resources.

Esmaeilzadeh also recently won the 2023 Kentucky Association of Mapping Professionals Scholarship at the 2023 Kentucky GIS Conference. Additionally, he presented part of his research this summer at the 2023 International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium in Pasadena, California where he became one of the top 10 finalists of the three-minute thesis research presentation.

Esmaeilzadeh, of Tabriz, Iran, is working toward his master’s in Geoscience with an expected graduation date of Spring 2024.

For more information, contact Dr. Nahid Gani: nahid.gani@wku.edu and visit the Lego Lab website and the Geoscience Master’s Program website.