Research Collaboration on Sustainable Mining in South Gobi

Dr. Serj, CEAS Research Associate and Visting Scholar, will present preliminary findings from summer 2026 fieldwork conducted through the KU–NUM interdisciplinary research collaboration on sustainable mining in Mongolia's South Gobi region. Drawing on mining town visits, community engagement, and stakeholder interviews, the talk explores the political, environmental, social, and cultural dimensions of extractive industry development — with particular focus on water resource issues, pastureland degradation, and the sustainability of nomadic livelihoods. This event offers an opportunity to expand KU's engagement with the project, bringing together faculty, researchers, and students interested in mining, sustainability, environmental governance, and Mongolia. The discussion will help identify potential research partnerships, student engagement opportunities, and future collaborative projects with NUM and other Mongolian partners.

About the Speaker

Dr. Serj is an Associate Professor of International Relations at the School of Political Science, International Relations, and Public Administration, National University of Mongolia (NUM). She holds MA and PhD degrees in American Studies from the University of Kansas, along with undergraduate and graduate degrees in Russian Language and Linguistics from the University of Humanities in Mongolia. She is a member and pilot project coordinator of the KU–NUM interdisciplinary research team, launched in summer 2026.