Wu, formerly a professor for the University of Pittsburgh and West Virginia University, is a licensed professional engineer and professional land surveyor in the state and currently serves as chair of the Mining Engineering Committee for the Society of Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME).

He earned his Bachelor’s degree in mining engineering from National Cheng-Kung University in China, then his Master’s and Doctorate in mining engineering at the University of Wisconsin.

His involvement with SME extends beyond his chair position: his other titles include vice-president of the Northeast and Great Lakes Region of SME, the SME Mining Exploration Division Subcommittee, Rock Mechanics Award Committee SME Coal Division, Health and Safety Committee SME Coal Division, Coal Executive Committee SME Coal Division, and the Professional Engineer Registration Committee (SME).

He has also worked in the industry’s regulatory side, having served as acting centre chief of the Pittsburgh Safety and Health Technology Center (Mine Safety and Health Administration) as well as chief of the Mine Waste and Geotechnical Engineering Division for the Pittsburgh Safety and Health Technology Center and the Bruceton Safety Technology Center.

His recognised honours list is also extensive: the SME Distinguished Member Award, SME Coal and Energy Division Distinguished Service Award (twice), the MSHA Award for Quecreek Mine Rescue, MSHA’s Special Achievement Award, and PCMIA’s Stephen McCann Educational Excellence Award.

His awards from the Department of Labor include the Secretary’s Performance Award, the Secretary’s Exceptional Achievement Award, the Distinguished Career Service Award, the Engineer of the Year Award (1982), and the Secretary of Labor’s Recognition Award.

As is proven with the addition of Dr Wu, Penn State’s Eberly campus is continuing to grow its mining engineering Associate of Science degree program. The 68-credit program, which began early last year, “teaches the next generation of mining industry leaders with a slate of classes in science, mathematic principles and practices of management”, according to the school.

Penn State’s main campus, University Park, also continues to offer its four-year degree in mining engineering, but the Eberly campus remains the only institution in the United States to offer an associate degree-level educational opportunity in ME. While the campus did offer the program prior, it was removed from the curriculum between 1984 and 2006.

The industry has also responded well to the degree program: “Cumberland Coal Resources, LP and Emerald Coal Resources, LP, affiliates of Foundation Coal, are utilising the Penn State mining technology degree program as one means to fill the voids being created by supervisors retiring from the coal industry,” PA Services Corporation human resources manager Jim Blanc told the university.

“Our approach to this program is very unique in that our employees start their mining careers as hourly employees learning mining skills at an entry level while attending Penn State; upon obtaining their associate degree and three years of mining experience, they may be promoted into a supervisor position.

“This approach provides a great opportunity for any qualified person wishing to begin a career where they can grow and advance in one of America's most responsible and challenging industries.”

For more information on the program, check out American Longwall Magazine’s coverage at http://www.longwalls.com/storyview.asp?storyid=57508.