Sandra Rodrigues
Brisbane, Australia
Email: Sandra.Rodrigues@carbonmat.com.au
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Geoscientist with a PhD in Geosciences and over 12 years of experience in coal, organic matter and carbon materials petrology, resource potential assessment of hydrocarbon systems, and organic and mineral matter characterization using advanced analytical techniques. Proven expertise in managing industry-collaborative projects, supervising students, and conducting fieldwork in remote environments, including Antarctica. Accredited Petrographer (ICCP) with a strong publication record and extensive industry and academic network.
EDUCATION
PhD in Geosciences (Geological Resources and Geomaterials) | 2012 University of Porto & University of Aveiro, Portugal .
Bachelor's Degree in Geology (Scientific-Technological Branch) | 2006 Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Portugal.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Founder | CarbonMat | registered in Australia (ABN: 17214276860546). | 2024 - Present.
Honorary Senior Fellow | The University of Queensland | 2024 – Present.
Conduct research in coal, dispersed organic matter (DOM), thermally altered coal and carbon materials.
Research Fellow (Level B) | The University of Queensland | 2018 – 2024.
Led petrology studies of coal basins in Australia and internationally.
Investigated thermal maturation processes in petroleum basins (Eromanga and McArthur basins).
Applied innovative technologies to coal analysis.
Supervised HDR students, postdoctoral researchers, and visiting researchers.
Managed industry-focused projects with Australian Coal Association Research Program and 1:1 with companies like Glencore and Plotlogic, including QA/QC procedures and data clearance.
Postdoctoral Fellow (Level A) | The University of Queensland | 2013 – 2018.
Conducted coal petrology and thermal maturation studies.
Managed coal characterization projects within the Vale-UQ Geosciences Program.
Developed spectral libraries for coal and integrated hyperspectral core scanning systems.
Supervised students and collaborated with industry partners.
Research Assistant | University of Porto, Portugal | 2012
Conducted petrography of coal and combustion residues.
Trained visiting researchers in petrographic techniques.
Various Roles in Hospitality | Portugal | 1997 – 2001
CERTIFICATIONS
Accredited Petrographer (International Committee for Coal and Organic Petrology, ICCP):
Single Coal Accreditation Program (SCAP), Certificate No. ICCP/SCAP-151/AB (Valid until Dec 2026)
Dispersed Organic Matter Vitrinite Reflectance (DOMVR), Certificate No. ICCP/DOMVR/151 (Valid until Dec 2026)
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Lecturer | ERTH3100 Sedimentary Basin Architecture | 2023
Delivered lectures and practical sessions on coal deposits.
Supervision of Research Staff & Students
Supervised postdoctoral researchers, research assistants, PhD, Masters, Honours, and undergraduate students.
External Thesis Examiner | Various Universities | 2015 – 2023
LEADERSHIP & COMMITTEE ROLES
Chair of the Commission III, International Committee for Coal and Organic Petrology (ICCP) | Since 2023
Chair of the Accreditation Sub-Committee, ICCP | Since 2023
Secretary, Commission III, ICCP | 2015 – 2023
Organising Committee, ICCP and TSOP Annual Meetings | 2018, 2022, 2023, 2024
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
Full Member, International Committee for Coal and Organic Petrology (ICCP) | Since 2013
Bowen Basin Geologists Group | Since 2013
Geochemical Society | Since 2015
SKILLS
Technical Skills: Coal and Source Rock Petrology | Carbon materials | Graphite | Mineralogy | Basin Analysis | Hydrocarbon Systems Analysis
Analytical Techniques: Optical Microscopy | Hyperspectral Core Scanning | Raman Spectroscopy | SEM/EDS | QEMSCAN | Data QA/QC
Project & Management Skills: Industry Collaboration & Client Liaison | Project Management | Supervising Multidisciplinary Teams
Software: Microsoft Office Suite | ioGAS | TSG