Students
ERII facilitates students studying Economic Geology, Mining Engineering, Mineral Economics, and Metallurgical and Materials Engineering at Colorado School of Mines. Our first class of five students were admitted in the fall of 2024, followed by two students in the spring term of 2025. Student support is generously provided by San Cristobal Mining.
Stefany
Stefany was born in La Paz. She received a Graduate of Excellence recognition from the then-President of Bolivia, Evo Morales and pursued a degree in Metallurgical Engineering at UMSA. Her undergraduate research focused on applying fiber optics as a temperature sensor in metallurgical furnaces. She was invited to present at the TMS 2023 Congress in San Diego, California, and the AIMET-Bolivia 2023 Congress. She received a scholarship from the Elisa Education Foundation. She is pursuing an MSc in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, as part of the Kroll Research Group, continuing her research on direct lithium extraction.
Marxa
Marxa holds a BS in Chemical Engineering and is currently pursuing an MSc in Mineral and Energy Economics. With a technical background in chemical engineering, Marxa is exploring mineral economics to understand its critical role in the success of the mining industry. She has a strong interest in critical minerals and aims to combine her expertise in engineering with a commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. During her undergraduate studies in Bolivia, she actively participated in university-led recycling projects. Outside her academic pursuits, Marxa is a sports enthusiast and folkloric dancer, activities that have instilled discipline and perseverance.
Maria
Maria was born in a small town called Tocla. She graduated from the Autonomous University of Tomás FrÃas, PotosÃ, where she earned her Geological Engineering degree in 2022. She worked as a TA in petrographic microscopy and completed an internship with COMIBOL in PotosÃ. Her thesis focused on creating a geologic map of Atocha. She has always been deeply interested in mineral prospecting and exploration and is eager to learn and apply new techniques to real-world challenges in the field. Maria is committed to furthering her career in geology, with a focus on mineral exploration, and contributing to the advancement of this dynamic field.
Maria
Maria is a Bolivian geological engineer currently pursuing a Master’s in Geology and Geological Engineering at Colorado School of Mines, specializing in economic geology. With experience in laboratory analysis, data interpretation and fieldwork, she has contributed to various projects with an interdisciplinary perspective. Passionate about bridging academia and industry, she enjoys explaining complex geological concepts in an accessible way. Maria is also interested in the application of AI in education and actively seeks opportunities to expand her expertise in resource exploration and sustainable mining practices.
Rocio
Born on the Bolivia-Peru border, Rocio grew up inspired by the surrounding mountains and rivers, fueling her passion for geology. She earned a Geological Engineering degree from the UMSA, securing second place in the National Student Research Competition and receiving the UMSA Pride – San Andrés award. She also earned scholarships from Clubes de Ciencia Bolivia and Mujeres 360. Rocio founded GeoLatinas La Paz Bolivia and conducted research on carbonatite deposits in collaboration with ABEN and IGEMA. She is pursuing an MSc Economic Geology.
Benjamin
Benjamin is an RA and MSc student in Economic Geology. He is committed to leveraging his expertise to optimize data collection, handling, and management.
He served as a TA during his undergraduate studies, which provided invaluable experience in developing scientific research skills, critical thinking, and self-engagement. He believes that the most effective way to learn is through teaching. He is passionate about learning new skills and developing them further, and enjoys sharing his knowledge with others. He firmly believes that with dedication and effort, anything is possible.
Silvia
Silvia, an MSc student in Earth Resources Science and Engineering at Mines, specializes in extractive metallurgy. Originally from La Paz, she earned her chemical engineering degree at UMSA. At the Kroll Institute for Extractive Metallurgy, Silvia is involved in exploring innovative solutions to advance sustainable mineral processing technologies. She earned scholarships from the Elisa Education Foundation, led a project on lithium hydroxide production using an
electrochemical membrane process, and has experience in teaching, with skills in ICP, XRD, and AAS.
Rocio
Born on the Bolivia-Peru border, Rocio grew up inspired by the surrounding mountains and rivers, fueling her passion for geology. She earned a Geological Engineering degree from the UMSA, securing second place in the National Student Research Competition and receiving the UMSA Pride – San Andrés award. She also earned scholarships from Clubes de Ciencia Bolivia and Mujeres 360. Rocio founded GeoLatinas La Paz Bolivia and conducted research on carbonatite deposits in collaboration with ABEN and IGEMA. She is pursuing an MSc Economic Geology.
Benjamin
Benjamin is an RA and MSc student in Economic Geology. He is committed to leveraging his expertise to optimize data collection, handling, and management.
He served as a TA during his undergraduate studies, which provided invaluable experience in developing scientific research skills, critical thinking, and self-engagement. He believes that the most effective way to learn is through teaching. He is passionate about learning new skills and developing them further, and enjoys sharing his knowledge with others. He firmly believes that with dedication and effort, anything is possible.