In my role as the Director of RMCOEH's Mining Safety program, I bring over 25 years of mining-industry experience and 11 years in academia. I am passionate about addressing the pressing needs in HHS Region 8 and am enthusiastic about welcoming and developing trainees for this innovative program.

As a professor and the Western Presidential Endowed Chair in Mining Safety & Health at the University of Utah's Mining Engineering Department, I've played a key role in advancing the Mine Ventilation Research Program. This program focuses on various objectives, including capacity building, establishing a diesel particulate matter research program, developing efficient cooling methods for underground mines, and creating real-time monitoring instruments for dust exposure.

As the Director of the Center for Mine Safety and Health, I am dedicated to utilizing virtual reality technology for advanced health and safety training. Leveraging my extensive mining-industry background, I have contributed to feasibility studies, mining engineering projects, and research in areas such as mine planning, ventilation system design, and emergency response. My commitment is to enhance safety and health excellence through teaching, training, and impactful research.