With over 15 years in mining and academia, coupled with a deep commitment to innovations promoting miners' health and safety, I am delighted to contribute to the initiation of the Mining Safety program at the Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational and Environmental Health (RMCOEH). As the Mining Safety Assistant Program Director, working alongside Program Director Dr. Charles Kocsis, I eagerly anticipate welcoming the inaugural cohort in fall 2024.

I have held roles in the mining industry and academia, serving as an Associate Professor in the University of Utah’s Department of Mining Engineering since 2016. My passion lies in mentoring students and preparing them for the practical challenges they'll encounter in the mining sector. Having chaired graduate committees for 16 students, my focus extends to nurturing the next generation of industry professionals.

My research spans mine safety and health, data analytics, data management systems, mine management, and machine learning. Recently, as the Principal Investigator on a NIOSH grant, I explored machine learning models to enhance the understanding and management of operator fatigue.

Bringing industry expertise, I've held roles such as VP of Product Development at MISOM Technologies, site engineer for Luminant Mining, and mining analytics consultant across North America. As the chair of SME's Safety and Health division, I actively contribute to advancing safety practices. Our Mining Safety program, designed to address the critical challenge of safeguarding miners, holds significant potential for impact in Region 8 and the Western U.S. I am particularly excited about our master’s degree emphasis tailored to mining health and safety, aiming to invigorate the industry with well-prepared graduates.