Ma took up the position of senior ground control engineer/geo-scientist in October this year and will be working on ground control engineering projects in the US and internationally.

Ma has over 25 years experience in the industry, originally receiving a BS degree in Mining Engineering at the Shandong University of Science and Technology, China.

From the University of Reno, Nevada, he received an MS degree in Applied Economics and Statistics and MS and PhD degrees in Mining Engineering and Geo-Engineering.

He also helped co-write numerous publications dealing with soil and rock mechanics.

Ma is affiliated with the American Society of Civil Engineers, American Rock Mechanics Association, Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration, and the International Society of Rock Mechanics.