Younes Shekarian, a doctoral degree candidate, received the SME Ph.D. Fellowship grant from the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME). The award helps support exceptional doctoral students who are seeking a career in academia.
Shekarian said he was overcome with gratitude when he learned about receiving the fellowship.
“I was overwhelmed with excitement,” said Shekarian. “It was a profound moment, a real validation to be recognized by such a prestigious organization as SME. It gave me a sense of immense pride, but there was a sense of responsibility knowing that I’ve been granted this honor and the expectations that come with it.”
Shekarian said he is happy the grant will also help him continue his work on developing a novel chemical-free process for the sustainable recovery of cobalt and manganese from low-concentration aqueous streams.