Joy Maniaul is a PhD candidate at The University of Queensland’s Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI). Here she talks about her pathway into mining research, her work on “lightning that breaks rocks” at SMI’s Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre (JKMRC), and tips for those considering a PhD at UQ.
How did you get your start in research?
I’m originally from the Philippines, where at least in the region where I grew up, a career in mining isn’t something most people consider. My dad is a civil engineer, and I did well in science and maths at school, so engineering felt like a natural direction.
I came across the metallurgical engineering program at the University of the Philippines and ended up really enjoying it. I was fortunate to have really good teachers there who inspired me to pursue an academic career, so after finishing my undergraduate degree, I stayed on to begin a master’s and took on a teaching role in the department.
Later, a colleague mentioned PhD opportunities at UQ, and I saw a project on high voltage pulse (HVP) technology that really interested me. I was able to visit UQ beforehand, which made me sure of my choice.
Read more about SMI’s PhD and MPhil opportunities
What is high voltage pulse and what is your PhD about?
High voltage pulse technology is lightning that breaks rocks, using controlled electrical discharges to break the rock where there are higher concentrations of valuable minerals. In my case this mineral is copper. With this technology, you can potentially reject waste earlier in the processing of minerals and reduce energy needed for grinding.
When the rock is broken using high-voltage pulses instead of conventional mechanical methods, it creates different surface characteristics, and there are still a lot of unknowns about how it behaves in a mineral processing plant. My research looks at how that affects later stages of separating the valuable minerals from the non-valuable ones.
Read more about the High Voltage Pulse Comminution Pretreatment project
You helped run the SMI Higher Degrees by Research (HDR) Conference last year. What is that and why is it important?
For HDR students, opportunities like the annual HDR student conference are really important, as they give you a space to share your research, practise communicating to different audiences, build confidence and see what others across SMI are working on.
SMI is very diverse, so it’s valuable to step outside your own research area and learn from others.
Presenting your work and seeing people engage with it can reduce that feeling of imposter syndrome and reinforce that what you’re doing matters.
Read more about the SMI Next Generation HDR Conference
You also received a Memorial Award in 2026. What did that mean for you?
I was awarded the Michael F. Young Memorial Prize, which supports travel to research institutions related to mineral processing. It’s an opportunity for me to access equipment and expertise not available in Australia.
Beyond the practical benefits, it was also meaningful to learn about the person behind the award. Hearing from the family and understanding their legacy creates a sense of connection to the field and the people who came before us.
Read more about the SMI Memorial Awards
What advice would you give to other HDR students?
A PhD is very technical, but activities like conferences or organising events can help build soft skills like communication, teamwork and leadership.
And if you’re an international student, especially, it’s important to build networks and support systems. Moving to another country is a big transition, so finding those connections can make a big difference.
I would also encourage them to apply for a Memorial Award and put in an abstract for the HDR conference.
If you don’t apply, you definitely won’t get in. If you are successful, it opens doors to funding, travel, or new collaborations. If you aren’t successful, you’re still reflecting on your journey and the people who’ve supported you.
