Dr. Gina Lukoczki is a research scientist and licensed professional geologist specializing in mineral systems and energy materials geoscience. She directs the GEMS Lab where her work integrates geochemistry, mineralogy, crystallography, and advanced analytical techniques to better understand the formation and distribution of Earth’s critical mineral resources. Her expertise includes fluid inclusion microthermometry, isotope geochemistry, X-ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy. Her current research investigates the role of deep crustal boundaries in ore deposit genesis and she is also engaged in developing artificial intelligence approaches to mineral exploration.
Read more about Gina’s background here.
“I love nature and I also love modern technology. My vision is a future where technological advancement is achieved while promoting environmental stewardship. I believe that sustainable exploration and mining of critical minerals are keys to such a future. Critical minerals are sources of elements that are vital parts of renewable energy solutions and numerous other modern-day objects, such as cell phones. Thus, my mission is to apply and develop advanced research methodologies in order to generate geological information that help us better understand how critical mineral deposits form and where they occur.”
Current Positions
Research Geologist
(Geologist IV)
Kentucky Geological Survey, University of Kentucky
Since October, 2019
Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Kentucky
Since January, 2021
Education
Ph.D. Geology
Dissertation Advisor: Dr. Jay M. Gregg
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK, USA
Graduated in 2019
M.Sc. Geography & Geology
Thesis Advisor: Dr. Félix Schubert
University of Szeged
Szeged, Hungary
Graduated in 2009
Research Experience
Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta
Edmonton, AB, Canada
2014
Research Fellow
Advisor: Dr. János Haas
Geological, Geophysical and Space Science Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences at Eötvös University
Budapest, Hungary
2013–2014
Research Fellow
Advisors: Dr. Tamás Budai & Dr. János Kovács
Analytical Chemistry and Geoanalytical Research Group, University of Pécs
Pécs, Hungary
2012–2013
Industry Experience
Geologist
Mecsek Hills Underground Coal Gasification Project
Wildhorse Energy Ltd.
Pécs, Hungary
2011–2012
Geologist Intern
Exploration and Production Division
MOL Hungarian Oil and Gas Co.
Various Locations, Hungary
2008
