An anthropologist who studies energy, engineering and public accountability, Smith is one of 26 scholars across the United States – and the first Mines professor ever – selected for the prestigious honor.
“It is clear that the only viable path to mining development in the U.S. requires a dual focus on innovative technologies and techniques and engagement with communities, Tribes and wider society,” said Morgan Bazilian, Director of the Payne Institute.
In her testimony, Associate Professor Elizabeth Holley discussed Mines’ vision for the “mining of the future,” which aligns with students’ interest in environmental stewardship, innovation and social impact.
Deb Carney, University Distinguished Teaching Professor of Applied Mathematics and Statistics at Mines, will serve as co-principal investigator on a new NSF project to create a new upper-division college elective that is specifically designed for prospective secondary mathematics teachers.
“The Mines ethos of use-inspired research and innovation is a significant part of what draws world-class faculty, students, and industry and government partners to Mines,” President Paul C. Johnson said.
GelSana was founded in 2020 by Dr. Melissa Krebs, associate professor in chemical and biochemical engineering at Mines. GelSana’s first product is a novel polymer-based gel called Cleragel, designed to improve wound healing by reducing inflammation.
