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.

Mining has been a fundamental part of human civilization since the dawn of time, providing the raw materials necessary for advancements in technology, infrastructure, and industry. As society progresses, the importance of mining only grows, underpinning the development of everything from the smallest electronic gadgets to the tallest skyscrapers. Here are several key reasons why mining is so crucial in today's world, along with some fascinating facts about the industry.

Rahul Jadhav, a computer science major at the University of Arizona, was awarded a $2K scholarship from Freeport-McMoRan to pursue a minor in sustainable mineral resources, propelling his passion for integrating cutting-edge technology into sustainable mining practices and aiming for a career as a software engineer in the mining industry.

Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Arizona Science Center, the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration Foundation’s Minerals Education Coalition (MEC), and the University of Arizona School of Mining & Mineral Resources, 17 K-12 science teachers from Arizona participated in a daylong professional development workshop at the MINEXCHANGE SME Conference & Expo, gaining valuable insights into the mining industry and its relevance to green energy.