“Don’t be afraid of asking questions”

January 2023

Graduate research assistant, Maria Franco Montoya, knows what it’s like to work in a global industry. Franco, originally from Colombia, visited the University of Arizona during her exchange year at New Mexico Tech. She was immediately drawn to the University’s mining program and the San Xavier Mining Laboratory was particularly impressive. At her university in Colombia, Universidad Nacional de Colombia sede Medellín, “you have to go to mines that are three or four hours away,” says Franco. 

After earning her undergraduate degree in mining and metallurgical engineering, Franco decided to enroll in the Graduate program in Mining and Geological Engineering at the University of Arizona which she started Fall 2022. She is also a Graduate Research Assistant at the Geotechnical Center of Excellence. “I am [doing research] on the direct shear test and the sources of its variability. A direct shear test consists of the application of a fixed normal force while increasing a shear force in order to displace two halves of a rock sample. This topic is of special relevance because determining the shear strength of discontinuities allows us to assess failures in any rock-based structure. Previous studies have shown that results of direct shear tests on identical materials can vary significantly depending on the type of equipment used and the methods applied. We at the Geotechnical Center of Excellence want to evaluate these factors through the implementation of a round-robin testing program on fabricated samples between laboratories,” says Franco. 

While not studying, or conducting research, Franco enjoys hiking, singing, and checking out new restaurants. She is also a member of WIM UA Chapter, the student SME chapter, and back home in Colombia, was the founder and president of her school chapter’s American Rock Mechanics Association. 

“Maria has proven to be an incredible asset to the GCE's team. In addition to an excellent technical skills set, Maria also possesses strong leadership and organizational skills. She has hit the ground running with her Master's thesis topic, which involves analyzing and quantifying sources of variability in direct shear testing, by assisting with the organization and execution of a kickoff meeting that was attended by over 30 subject matter experts and industry professionals… I have no doubt Maria will succeed in her future educational and professional endeavors, and make a positive, lasting impression on the mining industry as she does so,” says Julia Potter, Co-Director Geotechnical Center of Excellence. 

Franco hopes to learn more about slope stability and geomechanics while she’s studying at the University of Arizona. Besides the GCE, she’s also worked at Cemex in Colombia, as a research assistant at New Mexico Tech, and she hopes to gain more experience through additional internships while pursuing her Graduate degree. She will be a Rio Tinto intern in the long-range geotechnical team for the Bingham Canyon Mine in Summer 2023. While she is currently exploring various career options, she knows that “in the future, I want to become a good leader, one of those who knows how to maximize your strengths and help you grow in many areas of your life,” says Franco. 

Her advice for students? “Don’t be afraid of asking questions,” even if you may be embarrassed to ask. She has learned that mining is a versatile field and needs everyone, electricians, hydrologists, all areas of expertise you can think of. “It’s like a little world!” Franco hopes she can encourage other students to come to this program, as well. She also knows it can be daunting for women to enter this field and she says, “don’t think being a woman is a restriction for you to be an excellent engineer.” You can be anything you want to be if you put your mind to it.