When Bioantika first came across the Copper Club Scholarship, it immediately resonated with her. With her PhD focused on preventing mine waste through producing ore‑sand at porphyry copper–gold mines, the program’s industry focus felt like a perfect match.
“I was drawn to the Copper Club because it’s so closely connected to the copper industry, the very space my research aims to support,” she says. “Knowing UQ students would be included among the scholarship recipients for the first time made applying even more meaningful.”
The encouragement of her supervisors also played a major role. “They’ve always pushed me to connect my research with real‑world industry challenges, so their support really motivated me to apply.”
Receiving the scholarship has been transformative. While completing a PhD placement in the United Kingdom, the financial assistance has allowed her to stay focused on her work rather than the cost of being overseas. But for Bioantika, the community has been just as valuable.
“I’ve met other scholars and engineers who work directly with the technologies I’m researching,” she says. “Those conversations have given me insights I wouldn’t have gained otherwise.”
With her research centred on preventing waste by extracting valuable by‑products from copper processing, including evaluating technologies like coarse particle flotation, industry access is essential. The scholarship has opened doors to specialised training, technical discussions, and collaboration with mining companies.
“It’s helped me stay grounded in what the industry actually needs,” she explains. “That’s incredibly important for the kind of research I’m doing.”
Her work has also been profiled in Copper Club publications and events, exposure she believes will help her future career.
When asked what advice she would give future applicants, she stresses the importance of clarity and purpose. “Show how the scholarship connects your current work to your long‑term goals,” she says. “And be specific about how you’ll use the funding.”
She also encourages applicants to highlight academic achievements, leadership, and industry involvement, and to secure a strong recommendation letter. “I’m lucky to have had wonderful support from my supervisor, Professor Daniel Franks. His letter really strengthened my application.”
Reflecting on her PhD journey, Bioantika recalls one moment that stands out.
“When I started, I looked at the ore body mainly through a mining engineer’s lens, focused on the primary commodity,” she says. “But my PhD pushed me to look at it much more holistically.”
Helping others understand that ore‑sand does not come from tailings has become a memorable part of her work. “Seeing someone’s face light up when they finally get it, that ‘Ohhh!’ moment is so rewarding.”
What’s been even more meaningful is the growing interest from both industry and academia. “The questions people ask, both the ones I can answer and the ones I’m still working toward, remind me that this research really matters.”
For Bioantika, the Copper Club Scholarship has done more than support her studies. It has broadened her horizons, strengthened her industry connections, and deepened her confidence in the impact her research can have.
If you’re keen to follow in Bioantika’s footsteps, grow your potential, and make meaningful connections in the global mining, engineering, and copper sectors, apply now for the 2026 Copper Club Scholarship (Only UQ community members have access to the application document). Applications close on 20 February 2026.
