News

Andrew Wessman is an assistant professor in the materials science and engineering department at the University of Arizona. He joined the department in August 2019 after 14 years at GE, where he worked at GE Aviation and later GE Additive. Learn more about him!

We’re thrilled to announce two key appointments! Julia Potter has been named Director of the Geotechnical Center of Excellence, and Dr. Moe Momayez will lead the Center of Excellence for Mine Safety. Join us welcoming them to their new roles.

Yash Sihag, an undergraduate student studying statistics and data science and information science, works as a researcher for the Geotechnical Center of Excellence. Learn more about his development with mining here

Ty Ferré holds a PhD in Earth Sciences from the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada. Dr. Ferré’s primary research focus is on improving the selection of measurements to support hydrologic decision-making. Learn more about his research here.

Meet David E. Hogan, PhD, an assistant research professor in the Department of Environmental Science. He is an interdisciplinary environmental scientist whose primary research focuses on developing remediation technologies for biosurfactants and bio-inspired synthetic surfactants.

Meet Hannah Budinoff, PhD, assistant professor of systems and industrial engineering. Dr. Budinoff’s varied research interests include additive manufacturing, geometric manufacturability analysis, design for manufacturing, sustainable design, and engineering education.

Meet Flurin Babst, Assistant Professor in the School of Natural Resources and the Environment, and joint faculty member for the School of Mining & Mineral Resources. Dr. Babst studies ecosystem processes in forests, woodlands, and shrublands to advance the scientific basis of nature-based climate solutions. He has taught courses in climate change and dryland ecosystem ecology and natural resources ecology.

The mining industry extends beyond mineral extraction, offering diverse career opportunities in innovation, engineering, and technology. Key roles include geologists exploring mineral resources, mining engineers designing safe and efficient mines, metallurgists processing metals, and environmental scientists ensuring sustainable practices. Additionally, health and safety professionals, technicians, and business analysts contribute to operational efficiency and economic success, making mining a field rich with varied and evolving career paths.

Alicja Babst-Kostecka holds a Ph.D. in biology from the Institute of Botany at the Polish Academy of Sciences. As an associate professor in the Department of Environmental Science (ENVS) at the University of Arizona, Dr. Babst addresses environmental challenges associated with mining, land reclamation, and the life cycle of metals.

Environmental science major Teresa Billick was one of five hard-working students to receive a $2,000 scholarship to pursue a minor in sustainable mineral resources from the University of Arizona School of Mining and Mineral Resources. Provided by the school's industry partner Freeport-McMoRan, the scholarships are available to degree-seeking undergraduates with a minimum 3.0 GPA, enabling students to work with faculty from across colleges to learn about the skills needed in the mining industry.