The primary goal of the research and development activities in my extractive metallurgy research group is to develop, test and commercialize innovative technologies and methodologies to advance the abilities to recover, concentrate and purify critical elements and materials including energy-relevant elements needed for renewable energy manufacturing. The research utilizes first principle fundamentals as well as applied engineering knowledge to meet the research goals, which provides an excellent educational experience for both undergraduate and graduate students.
Advanced Physical Processing
Applied Surface Chemistry
Automation and Control
Coal Preparation
Fine Particle Processing
Mineral Processing
Ph. D., Virginia Polytechnic Inst. & State Univ., Mining & Minerals Engineering, 1992
M.S., Virginia Polytechnic Inst. & State Univ., Mining & Minerals Engineering, 1988
B.S., Virginia Polytechnic Inst. & State Univ., Mining & Minerals Engineering, 1986
A.S., Southwest Virginia Community College, Engineering, 1984
9/07 – 6/17: Chair, Mining Engineering Department, Lexington, Kentucky.
7/06 – Present: Professor, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
1/00 – 6/06: Associate Professor, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
4/97 – 12/99: Associate Professor, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Illinois
8/92 – 4/97: Assistant Professor, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Illinois
8/91 – 8/92: Instructor, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Illinois
9/90 – 7/91: Research Associate, Virginia Tech Blacksburg, Virginia
Coal Preparation, Mineral Processing, Advanced Physical Processing, Fine Particle Processing, Automation and Control, Applied Surface Chemistry, General Mining Engineering
Principles of Mining Engineering, Underground Mine Systems Design, Minerals and Coal Processing, Mine Ventilation Systems Design, Operations Research and Computers in Mine Design, Mine Health & Safety, Physical Coal Processing, Fine Coal Beneficiation, Coal Processing Plant Design, Simulation of Mineral,rocessing Circuits, Advanced Mineral Processing, Professional Development of Mining Engineers, Mine Surveying, Advanced Froth Flotation, Mineral Processing Plant Design, Materials Handling System Design
Twenty-two (22) M. S. Graduates:
Fourteen (14) Ph. D. Graduates:
Current Graduate Advisees:
Articles in Reference Books
UK researchers are leaders in recovering materials that power our world
VIDEO: Pilot-Scale Plant to Extract Rare Earth Elements in Heart of Coal Country