Kathryn Kochan

Kathryn began her academic career five years ago as a research analyst at the Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining (CSRM), recently completing her PhD on company-community relations in the mining sector. Her thesis explores the emergence, escalation, and resolution of mining-related community-level issues within the operational grievance landscape, providing new insights into the visibility and management of mining-related issues, particularly through public processes of inquiry.

She holds a Master of Development Practice from the University of Queensland, where she focused on the social, environmental, and political dynamics of communities impacted by international development projects, as well as an undergraduate degree in Economics.

As a dedicated researcher in socially responsible mining practises, Kathryn has achieved key milestones during her PhD candidacy, including a publication in the Journal of Energy & Natural Resources Law (JERL), first place award at an international conference for her research methodologies, and presentations as an invited speaker at the International Sociological Association as well as the Cadia Community Sustainability Network in Orange, NSW.

In the second year of her PhD, Kathryn established the HDR Exchange Network. This student-led initiative offers a supportive space for social science-focused students to share and collaborate throughout their candidature. Through this initiative, Kathryn has organised and facilitated two field visits, enabling students to engage with community organisations and industry stakeholders, thereby gaining practical experience in the current Australian mining context.

Kathryn has project experience developing and analysing large global datasets and case studies across the mining life cycle to understand how company and community approaches to the grievance landscape are shifting in response to geopolitical, social, and regulatory challenges.

Now a postdoctoral researcher, Kathryn aims to publish her thesis findings, further develop her expertise in the context of the energy transition and engage in projects that strengthen her professional development as an early-career researcher passionate about sustainable and responsible practices and relationships through international projects and research collaboration.