SMET TEAM

Dr. Milovan Fustic

Dr. Milovan Fustic currently works as an Associate Professor of Geosciences at the Nazarbayev University and is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Calgary (Canada) and Affiliate Faculty at the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado (USA). Fustic holds a PhD in Petroleum Geology from the University of Calgary (Canada). He has 25 years of professional experience in the industry and academia which includes various research, exploration, and field development projects with Shell, Nexen, Statoil, KNOC, Natural Resources Canada (Geological Survey of Canada), and the University of Calgary. 

Visiting Scholars

Dr. Mahmoud Lotfy Leila

Dr. Mahmoud Lotfy Leila is a petroleum geologist with a substantial experience in reservoir geology and basin analysis, and currently working as assistant professor of Geo-energy in Mansoura University, Egypt. Dr. Leila holds a PhD in Petroleum Geoscience from the University of Geneva, Switzerland.  His current research in the field of geo-energy exploration involves the integration of different geological, and geophysical approaches to establish frameworks for understanding the evolution and subsurface distribution of different resources such as hydrocarbon, hydrogen, helium, as well as geothermal fluids. Also, he has been recently involved in several research projects that aim at investigating the potentiality of subsurface storage of both hydrogen and CO2 in different geological contexts.   

Post-doctoral Researchers

Dr. Vadim Yapiyev 

Dr. Vadim Yapiyev is an environmental geoscientist with substantial field and lab experience. Vadim is an experimentalist with research focus on process based modelling using environmental tracers such as stable water isotopes and sensor (observation) data to track the fluxes and stores of water, energy and matter. Water Resource Research is primary area current research domain is Critical Zone (Science) and Land Surface Processes. 

Ms. Riza Nurbekova


Riza Nurbekova holds a PhD in Petroleum Engineering from Nazarbayev University Riza's research interest is evaluation of unconventional oil and gas potential in Kazakhstan. Research findings will include documentation and ranking of organic-rich strata (including their paleodepositional settings and organofacies, spatial distribution, and petroleum generation potential); b) common risk segment maps outlining the most promising unconventional plays; c) the qualitative and quantitative assessment of the unconventional reserves and estimates of the producing capacity; and d) a developmental risk assessment. Riza's research is supported by IAS graduate research grant and AAPG's Grant in Aid.

Katko JJV sponsored project

Dr. Syed Muzyan Shahzad 

Dr. Syed Muzyan Shahzad is a distinguished geoscientist and holds a PhD in geological resources from the Central South University (China). He is a seasoned professional with expertise in structure geology, paleo-stratigraphy, tectonics, mineral deposits, and hydrogeology. His research focuses on the geodynamic modeling of crustal and upper mantle structure and its tectonic settings, with a particular emphasis on mineralization and metalogenesis. Dr. Shahzad's research has also delved into the intricate relationship between tectonic activity and sedimentary basin development. His work has provided valuable insights into the formation of mineral deposits and the processes that concentrate metals and other valuable resources. His current research is focused on the mineralization, architecture and Paleocene-Eocene sedimentary successions of the Chu-Sarysu Basin.

Graduate Students

TCO (Chevron) sponsored thesis 

Ms. Dinara Nadirkhanova

 

Dinara Nadirkhanova is an MSc Petroleum Engineering student at Nazarbayev University, working on the Chevron project that focuses on quantifying the relationships between fracture characteristics, facies architecture, and the resultant mechanical stratigraphy for Tengiz and Korolev lower-slope (apron) reservoirs from the Guadalupe and Apache Mountains (USA) and the Bolshoi-Karatau Mountains (Kazakhstan). Her work involves conducting a literature review, learning field mapping and core logging techniques, and facies analysis focused on deep water sedimentary facies associations. In addition, she will participate in the Karatau field campaign to collect data for the project. In terms of education, she holds a Bachelor's degree in Geology and exploration of mineral deposits from Kazakh National Research Technical University and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Petroleum Engineering from Nazarbayev University 

Katko JJV sponsored thesis 

Mr. Bekzhan Smagambetov


Bekzhan Smagambetov is currently pursuing a Master's in Georesources Engineering at the Universite de Lorraine (ENSG), France, with an expected graduation in August 2024. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering from Nazarbayev University. Bekzhan's academic journey extends across TU Bergakademie Freiberg (Germany), the Technical University of Lulea (Sweden), and University of Liege (Belgium), providing a comprehensive foundation in georesources engineering.

 Engaged in a sedimentological study of uranium reservoirs in Kazakhstan, Bekzhan's research focuses on addressing pertinent challenges. His prior research experience involves investigating shaft deformation in an underground mine, showcasing a multidisciplinary approach to geoscience. Actively participating in geological field trips across diverse locations, including Kazakhstan, Serbia, Croatia, North Macedonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, has enriched his understanding of mineralogical reserves, structural geology, and sedimentology. Bekzhan's combined academic and practical insights demonstrate his proficiency in navigating complex geological issues within the field of georesources engineering.

TCO (Chevron) sponsored thesis 

Ms. Togzhan Mynbayeva

Togzhan is a MSc Petroleum Engineering student participating in Chevron Project

TCO (Chevron) sponsored thesis 

Mr. Dias Bekeshov 

Dias is a MSc Petroleum Engineering student participating in Chevron Project

Research Associates

Ms. Assel Zhalgasbayeva 

Assel is a MSc Reservoir Geology and Geophysics holder from joint University of Barcelona and Autonomous University of Barcelona. Master's thesis was about facies and depositional geometry of a changing basin morphology in North of Spain. First undergraduate cohort student of NU SMG in Geology degree. Bachelor's thesis on environmental geochemistry of REE elements in East Kazakhstan. Assel joined Geothermal project supervised by Dr. Milovan Fustic as a part-time research assistant

Mr. Chingis Sagatbekov 

Chingis Sagatbekov works in JV "Katko" LLP as a head of geological modeling group. Mr. Sagatbekov earned technician-geologist degrees from "Geological Exploration College" in Semey, bachelor's degrees in geology from "Technical University of East Kazakhstan" in Ust-Kamenogorsk, and master's degrees in "MBA in uranium industry". Has 13 years of uranium industry experience, profound understanding of deposit formation and geological exploration. In his spare time, with SMET group, he is working on innovative fit-for-purpose geomodeling workflows and trains students and RA's about project database.

Undergraduate Students

TCO (Chevron) sponsored thesis 

Mr. Amir Umralin

Amir is a 4th year geology bachelor, participating in Chevron project. Mechanical Stratigraphy of Lower Slope settings in the Bolshoi-Karatau, Republic of Kazakhstan. 

His research is focused on utility of gamma-ray spectrometry as a tool for refining sedimentology of distal carbonate slope deposits. 

In parrallel, and in continuation with his previous RA-ship in the group he still supports reservoir characterization of geothermal aquifers in Ily basin, where he is a co-author on a Q1 paper in review. 

TCO (Chevron) sponsored thesis 

Mr. Alisher Igizgali

Alisher is a third-year Geology student interested in sedimentology, structural geology, and geophysics. He is involved in SMET as part of the Chevron project conducting core logging, mapping, and analyzing shallow and deep water facies and carbonate deposition environments. 



Katko JJV sponsored thesis 

Mr. Alibek Abeuov

Alibek is a Mining Engineering student currently involved in Sandstone hosted Uranium deposits project with KATCO since May 2022. His research topic is related to the provenance of the Chu-Sarysu sedimentary basin and the identification of new resources estimation techniques for the uranium deposits in the basin. He has recently became a holder of an IAS travel grant. 

Past SMET members

Dr. Ashirgul Kozhagulova

(SMET member, Feb 2021 - December 2023)

Currently: Professor, Atyrau

Dr. Ashirgul Kozhagulova was post-doctoral researcher at NU. Her interests covered energy-related geomechanics with the involvement of laboratory work. Her expertise also included geomechanical element testing and supplementary analytical modeling.

Dr. Antoine Dillinger

(SMET member, July 2021 - July 2022)

Currently: Sentinel-ERM, Brisbane, Australia 

Dr. Antoine Dillinger was leading appraisal of geothermal prospects in Kazakhstan’s sedimentary basins as well as sedimentology and stratigraphy of uranium bearing Paleocene-Eocene strata in Chu-Sarisu basin. He is a sedimentologist and basin analyst specialised in the reconstruction of ancient sedimentary systems and stratigraphy, but with interests in sedimentary petrology, petrophysics, and detrital-zircon geochronology. He completed his MSc at the University of Strasbourg (France) and his PhD at the University of Western Australia. He worked for two years at the Energy Division of CSIRO (Australia), and completed a two-year postdoctoral fellowship at Simon Fraser University (Canada). 

Mr. Sabber Khandoozigenareh (Khandoozi)


(SMET member, Jan 2022 - July 2023)


Currently: PhD student, USA


Sabber Khandoozigenareh (Khandoozi) was a Ph.D. Candidate in the School of Mining & Geosciences (co-supervised by Drs. Hazlett and Fustic). He finished his Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering at Sabzevar University in 2013. Next, he obtained his Master's degree in Petroleum Engineering at Shiraz University (2018). After recognizing the adverse effect of climate change and global warming, he decided to start his research in the environment field in CO2 mineralization in mine wastes. 

Ms. Leyla Karabyanova

(SMET member August 2022 - January 2023) 

Currently: PhD Student at Texas A&M University, USA

Leila was a Research Assistant at SMET, focusing on the sedimentological evaluation of geothermal reservoirs. Her research interests included CO2 sequestration, geothermal energy production, and sequence stratigraphy. She is a graduate of Satbayev University with a Bachelor of Technology Degree in Geology and Exploration of Mineral Deposits and Nazarbayev University with a Master of Science Degree in Petroleum Engineering, both degrees were completed with distinction. From 2020 to 2022, she was a Research Assistant at Nazarbayev University in the development of hybrid EOR methods utilizing low salinity water in carbonate reservoirs. 

Ms. Gyuzel Yeltay

SMET member, Jan 2022 - Sep 2023

Currently: MSc Student, Manchester

 

Gyuzel Yeltay was a research associate at NU. She is an experienced geologist with a strong background in petroleum geochemistry, analyses of oil, water and rock including laboratory analyses (GC-MS, ICP, AES, Ion Chromatography, core analysis, Rock-eval) and interpretation, presentation of geochemical data. Previous studies and researches were done on obtaining data about source rocks and oil generation of different oil fields of Western Kazakhstan, Atyrau, Aktobe and Mangyshlak regions. Her research was focused mainly on evaluation and reassessment of oil origin and petroleum potential (including unconventional) of Precaspian basin supra-salt strata and Mangyshlak basin. 

Education:

Bachelor in Petroleum geology (Royal Holloway university of London) 2011-2014. 

Mr. Renat Iltukov  

(SMET part-time member, July 2020 - April 2021).

Currently: Head of Hydrogeology and Hydrodynamic modeling Department in GEOS, Katko JV

While in SMET Renat conducted a thorough study about the Mangistau stratigraphy with a focus on the characterization of organic-rich strata. His findings are presented at the International Association of Sedimentologists Annual Meeting in Prague, 2021. 

Currently: Magnetic Oil Limited, Aktau, 

Mr. Nurlan Abdrakhmanov 

(SMET member, February - November 2021)

Currently: North Caspian Oil Corporation (NCOC), Atyrau, Kazakhstan

Nurlan Andrakhmanov's research topic was “Stratigraphy and Sedimentology of Uranium Bearing Formations in Chu- Sarysu Basin with focus on KATCO Parcels and with Implications to Reservoir Modeling and Recovery Methods”. The study area includes Paleocene – Eocene sedimentary successions of the Chu-Sarysu Basin. The main focus of his research was to describe facies and facies association, and, as a result, interpret the environment of deposition of four stacked stratigraphic units (Kanjugan, Uyuk, Ikansk, and Intymak), and understand their internal reservoir architecture.

Ms. Madina Taubassova 

(SMET member, January 2022 - May 2022)

Currently: KMG Engineering 


Madina Taubassova worked on sedimentology of a Jurassic saline aquifer identified as a target for CO2 storage. 

Ms. Nurgul Kosnazarova   

(SMET part-time member, July 2020 - April 2021)

Currently: KMG Engineering

Ms. Alexia Proanec 

(SMET member, April 2022 - August 2022)

Currently: Élève-ingénieure ENSEGID, Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France 


Ms. Alexia Proanec was a limited time (5 months) visiting student from France. She worked on sedimentology of Kanjougan and Uyuk formations. The main goal was to characterize intra-formational low permeability geobodies and provide tools for their recognition and mapping in the subsurface.  

Alexia's research at SMET was co-supervised with Dr. Antoine Dillinger. 

Mr. Zhaksylyk Kabashev

SMET member, Feb - Dec, 2023

Currently: Senior student, NU 

Zhaksylyk was an undergraduate research assistant at SMET and was studying Chemical and Materials Engineering with a unique minor in Geology at Nazarbayev University. Zhaksylyk has previously conducted research on solid-state batteries and is now actively involved in the SMET research group. In SMET, he focused on the geochemistry of geothermal energy, combining his engineering and geology expertise to optimize resource extraction and minimize environmental impacts. 

Ms. Ayana Karakozhayeva

(SMET member, 2020 -  2023)

Currently: MSc Student at Nazarbayev university, SMG

Ayana is a junior Geology student who is keen on studying geothermal resources in Ili and Syrdarya sedimentary basins. She will be sorting important information from geothermal literature, calculating hydrogeological properties, investigating water chemistry in laboratories (Titration method, ICP-OES, and Metrohm)  and creating maps on ArcGIS.

Mr. Gleb Smirnov

Gleb is a junior Geology student who is interested in structural geology, stratigraphy, and paleontology yet looking forward to expanding and deepening his comprehension of geosciences while working on scientific projects.


Mr. Ilyas Raimkulov

Ilyas is 3rd year undergraduate student and RA, who took internship in KazMinerals company at Aktogay Copper-porphyry deposition. His project is in Uranium deposits of Chu-Sarysu basin, where he is mostly responsible in collecting and interpretation of porosity/permeability/grain size measurements. 

Mr. Aidyn Tileugabylov

(SMET part-time BSc student member, July 202o - May 2022)

Currently: PhD Student at Nazarbayev university, SMG

Aidyn is a NU graduated student. He worked with SMET on several projects including the morphodynamics of Rio de la Plata, pyrolysis analysis, and investigation of the evidence of PETM on sedimentary records in Chu-Sarisu Basin (BSc capstone project).

Ms. Saltanat Gabdullina

(SMET part-time BSc student member, May 202 1- February 2022)

Saltanat worked as a junior Geology student understanding the origin, transport, and deposition of sediments  in the Chu-Sarysu basin. 

Ms. Alin Serikova  

(SMET full-time BSc student member, May 2020 - August 2021)


Ms. Makhabbat Duisekova

(SMET part-time BSc student member, April 2021 - August 2021)

Makhabbat is a senior Geology student. While in SMET she generated a high-quality polluter’s map in the ArcMap and supported senior researchers with technical documentation and translation of documents.