School welcomes three faculty members

Among the University of Arizona College of Engineering’s 11 newest faculty members are three in the School of Mining Engineering and Mineral Resources.

Assistant professor Bo Hyun Kim has 28 years of experience in surface and underground rock mechanics and ground control. Among awards he has received is the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration Rock Mechanics Award. He has worked with the NIOSH/CDC Spokane Mining Research Division, Itasca Consulting Group, MIRARCO Geomechanics Research Centre, and Korea Resources Corp. 

The university’s status as a world leader in mining and the San Xavier Underground Mining Laboratory were among factors that drew him out of the cold. 

“After years in places like Canada and Minnesota… the mining heritage and desert setting sealed the deal,” Kim said.

Assistant professor of practice Samuel Lolon has more than 13 years of experience in strategic mine planning, underground design and ventilation modeling. He has worked on international projects with Freeport-McMoRan, Deswik and Golder Associates. 

“My goal is to integrate practical, hands-on experiences with rigorous academic training, while fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and engagement with industry," Lolon said. 

For more than 25 years, Edward C. Wellman, associate professor of practice, has led global projects in rock mechanics, slope stability, underground mining and geotechnical analysis. 

“I have met Arizona Engineering alumni in every corner of the world. I look forward to expanding those connections,” he said. “I enjoy watching students come together to solve difficult problems and helping them make connections that lead to internships and career opportunities.” 

The faculty have at least one goal in common: Prepare students to excel in today’s workforce.