The Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) recently welcomed back Fiona Kaumu, who graduated with a Master’s Degree in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland.
Kaumu, who is at present the Mineral Resources Authority’s (MRA) Geological Database Specialist, took up the program Master of Science in GIS between 2017 and 2018. Her study focused on Geoinformatics. The study opportunity was possible through the Chevening Scholarship Awards, which is the UK government’s global scholarship program. It is funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and partner organisations.
The Master of Science in GIS is a full time one year postgraduate program. The course focuses on identifying the latest geospatial technologies that are of increasing importance. These technologies are directly applied to the study of the earth and other social and scientific applications for commercial and industrial use.
The program covers a variety of GIS techniques and applications to visualise and analyse spatial data, and to understand relationships and trends in various case studies.
The last three months of her independent research was focused on identifying and applying improved methods of processing data. This was done using satellite-imagery through the use of commercial GIS and 3D-Modeling applications.
“I chose to take up this program to complement my professional and academic background, knowing full well the demand by employers for GIS graduates with these skills and also to set precedence for more women in PNG to take up studies in STEM,” said Kaumu.
She said as a geoscience database developer at the MRA, it is her job to develop and manage the geoscientific data that is utilised by respective staff members.
“I am working closely with the Development Coordination Division at the MRA to collate PIP Fund Project data, Royalty distributions, Mineral Returns and MoAs and making that accessible to management.
“In future, I hope to work closely with geoscientists at the MRA to create spatial predictive models for Mineral Potential Mapping and Exploration together with other geoscientific projects where it’s needed.”
The MRA’s Managing Director, Jerry Garry, said the MRA places strong emphasis and value on empowering its staff through higher education and training. He said education and training are catalysts to improving professional growth and quality of employees, who in turn can add value to the organisation.
Employees at MRA must constantly undergo training and obtain higher qualifications to be compatible with their colleagues in the private sector, so that they can regulate the mining industry with greater knowledge and confidence.
He congratulated Kaumu on her achievement and thanked the Chevening Scholarships for providing her the opportunity to obtain her higher educational qualifications. He also thanked the British High Commission to Papua New Guinea for their continued support in investing and supporting young people of PNG through scholarship programs such as the Chevening Scholarships.
(Picture: Mineral Resources Authority Facebook page)