Elnaz left home in search of science….

For Elnaz Khazaie, her interest in geology began long before university. As a child, she was fascinated by mountains.

“When travelling by train with my family, I could never take my eyes off them through the window,” says Elnaz. “I used to wonder how they were formed. They seemed so strong, rugged and beautiful at the same time.”

That curiosity stayed with her throughout school and was further encouraged by an inspiring geology teacher who left a lasting impression.

“I remember asking her why she had never pursued a PhD in geology because I thought she was incredibly talented and passionate. She smiled and said, ‘I leave that to my students.’”

Looking back, Elnaz sees those early experiences as pivotal moments that helped shape her future.

“I eventually chose to study geology at university in a different city from where I grew up, so in a way, I left home in search of science,” she says.

Today, as a PhD researcher with MinEx CRC, she is helping unlock new insights into sediment-hosted copper systems and the geochemical processes that drive mineralisation beneath the Earth’s surface.

 

Caption: Elnaz enjoying time outdoors and exploring the natural landscapes that first inspired her interest in geology.

 

Following curiosity across disciplines

Elnaz’s academic journey began with studying geology for her undergraduate degree. Sedimentology quickly became her favourite subject, leading her to complete a master’s degree in the field.

After moving to Australia, she began to see geology through a broader lens.

“I realised that geology, particularly sedimentology, becomes even more powerful when it is combined with other disciplines,” she says.

That realisation sparked a growing interest in geochemistry and, in particular, isotope geochemistry.

“A few months into my PhD, I found myself completely fascinated by the world of isotopes and their applications in mineralising systems.”

She became especially interested in how isotopes can be used to understand fluid sources, mineralisation processes and ore-forming systems.

That interest ultimately led her to MinEx CRC.

 

Connecting research with real-world exploration

Elnaz joined MinEx CRC at the beginning of her PhD after discussing potential research opportunities with her supervisor, Professor Alan Collins.

She was looking for a project that would combine her background in sedimentology with her growing interest in mineral systems.

She found exactly that through a MinEx CRC project focused on the Nifty Sedimentary Copper Deposit.

“What attracted me to MinEx CRC was its strong focus on solving real, industry-relevant geological problems through collaborative research,” she says.

Rather than pursuing purely academic questions, Elnaz was excited by the opportunity to work on research with direct applications to mineral exploration.

“What really stood out to me was the unique collaborative model, where universities, industry partners and researchers work closely together toward a common goal.”

For Elnaz, that connection between scientific curiosity and real-world impact remains one of the most rewarding aspects of the program.

 

Understanding sediment-hosted copper systems

Within MinEx CRC, Elnaz’s research focuses on sediment-hosted copper systems, with particular attention on the Nifty Copper Deposit. Her work sits at the intersection of sedimentology and geochemistry.

More specifically, she works on integrating isotopic systems and geochemical data to investigate fluid sources, fluid–rock interaction, and the evolution of mineralising systems.

“I’m particularly interested in how isotope geochemistry, especially radiogenic and stable isotopes, can help us trace the origin of fluids and reconstruct the conditions under which copper mineralisation occurred,” she says.

Rather than looking at individual datasets in isolation, Elnaz aims to build a more complete understanding of how these systems form and evolve

“By combining sedimentological understanding with geochemical and isotopic tools, we can develop a better understanding of sediment-hosted copper deposits and their exploration models.”

 

Caption: Elnaz conducting laboratory work as part of her PhD research into sediment-hosted copper systems.

 

Supporting discovery under cover

Elnaz’s work contributes directly to MinEx CRC’s broader objective of improving mineral discovery in areas where mineralisation is hidden beneath cover.

By refining the understanding of the geochemical footprints associated with mineral systems, her research helps improve how exploration data is interpreted.

“This is particularly important in regions where mineralisation is not directly exposed at the surface and indirect geochemical indicators become essential for exploration,” she explains.

Her work helps support more effective targeting strategies and more confident exploration decisions.

“Ultimately, the goal is to enable more efficient and data-driven mineral discovery.”

 

Reconstructing hidden processes

One of the aspects Elnaz enjoys most about her research is that it goes beyond simply describing rocks. Instead, she focuses on reconstructing the processes behind mineralisation.

“Where did the fluids come from? How did they interact with the host rocks? What geochemical signatures did they leave behind?”

These are the types of questions that drive her work.

“Working with isotopes has been especially fascinating because they provide a powerful way to trace processes that would otherwise remain hidden.

Knowing that this research may contribute to improved exploration strategies makes the work particularly meaningful.

 

The power of collaboration

Like many researchers within MinEx CRC, Elnaz sees collaboration as one of the program’s greatest strengths.

Throughout her PhD she has worked alongside researchers from industry, government organisations and research institutions, gaining perspectives she would not otherwise have encountered.

“It enables a level of collaboration and knowledge sharing that wouldn’t be possible in isolation,” she says.

She points to opportunities such as her internship with the Geological Survey of Western Australia (GSWA) and collaborations with CSIRO researchers as particularly valuable experiences.

“This integrated approach helps ensure that research is both scientifically robust and directly relevant to real-world exploration challenges.”

 

Building a legacy through people

When asked who has inspired her during her MinEx CRC journey, Elnaz is reluctant to name just one person.

“There are many people I have learned from throughout my journey,” she says.

She is particularly inspired by those leading collaborative programs and bringing together diverse groups of researchers and industry partners.

“Their dedication, vision and ability to integrate different ideas and perspectives towards a common goal is something I find remarkable.”

Looking ahead, she believes one of MinEx CRC’s most important legacies will be the people it develops.

“I hope MinEx CRC will be remembered as a transformative initiative that brought together industry, government and academia in a more collaborative and data-driven way.”

She also highlights the opportunities it has created for students.

“The CRC has supported and funded many students, giving them opportunities to conduct meaningful research, present their findings and engage directly with industry.”

 

Caption: One of Elnaz’s paintings, showcasing her creative interests beyond research.

 

Beyond research

Outside of geology, Elnaz enjoys staying active and spending time outdoors. She regularly goes to the gym and enjoys hiking, particularly in mountainous environments.

“Being outdoors and spending time in nature is something I find very refreshing.”

She is also an enthusiastic reader and enjoys creative pursuits. One hidden talent may surprise her colleagues.

“I used to design my own clothes,” she says.

For several years, Elnaz designed and created her own outfits while studying.

“Sometimes they turned out beautifully and sometimes they were a little more experimental than planned.”

She also enjoys painting and describes herself as someone who enjoys keeping both her hands and mind busy.

And like many successful researchers, she carries a simple piece of advice with her:

“Don’t be afraid of making mistakes, and don’t expect yourself to have all the answers. It is okay not to know something.”

It is a philosophy that has helped her embrace uncertainty, ask better questions and continue learning throughout her research journey.