Pittsburgh Section

The Pittsburgh Section is a legally constituted unit of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, Inc., an international, nonprofit association of over 15,000 professionals working in the mineral industries. 

Special focus areas for the Pittsburgh Section are:

  • Educating the public on the importance of mining and minerals.
  • Creating technical programs for educational growth and professional enhancement.
  • Coordinating social activities to provide a platform for networking and entertainment with peers.

Below, you will find information on the following categories...

  • Geographic coverage of Pittsburgh SME
  • 2024 Board of Directors, Section Officers and Section Mentors
  • Student Section Information (Penn State University and West Virginia University)

Geographic Coverage of Pittsburgh SME

The jurisdiction of the SME Pittsburgh Section covers 78 counties, which includes 41 Counties in western Pennsylvania, 33 Counties in eastern Ohio and 4 Counties in northern West Virginia.

Pittsburgh section is split into two subsections, Appalachian Plateau  and the Central Pennsylvania.

Pittsburgh Section Officers, 2024

Barbara J. Arnold, PhD, P.E. Chair LinkedIn Profile PennState Energy and Mineral Engineering
Michael Keener, P.E Director LinkedIn Profile Consol Energy
Amanda Bayne Treasurer LinkedIn Profile EHS Support
Eric Shereda, P.E. Past Chair LinkedIn Profile Consol Energy

Pittsburgh Board of Directors, 2024

Sam Baker, P.E. LinkedIn Profile Rosebud Mining Company
Rachel Boothby ----- GMS Mine Repair
Brandon Coneby, Esq. LinkedIn Profile Rothman Gordon
Heather Dougherty, PhD, P.E. LinkedIn Profile National Energy Technology Laboratory
Mike Fabio LinkedIn Profile Strata Worldwide
Matt Gray LinkedIn Profile Mine Safety and Health Administration
Juliette Hill LinkedIn Profile
Mine Safety and Health Administration
Jason Hustus, P.E. LinkedIn Profile Consol Energy
Robert Kimutis LinkedIn Profile CDC NIOSH-Pittsburgh Mining Research Division
Jeff Kravitz, PhD LinkedIn Profile -----
Adam Patterson, P.E. LinkedIn Profile LCT Energy
Matt Rob, P.E. LinkedIn Profile Alliance Resource Partners
Jack Trackemas, MS LinkedIn Profile National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Michael Trevits, P.G. LinkedIn Profile -----
Rich Wagner, P.E. LinkedIn Profile PA Dept. of Environmental Protection - Bureau of Mine Safety
Ed Zeglen, P.E. LinkedIn Profile Zeglen Consulting

Section Mentors, 2024

Dan Alexander, P.E., PhD, RM LinkedIn Profile West Virginia University Mining Engineering
Vladislav Kecojevic, PhD LinkedIn Profile West Virginia University Mining Engineering
Robert P. Kudlawiec, P.E LinkedIn Profile Tetra Tech
Heather Trexler, P.G. LinkedIn Profile Tetra Tech

_____________________________________________________________________

 Penn State University Student Section:

Objectives of the Penn State SME Student Chapter are to aid and encourage the professional development of the individual members of the society, to promote among its members a self-sought increasing knowledge of Mining Engineering and Mineral Processing, to instill a professional pride in the careers by the members, to provide a forum for meeting and discussing matters of interest to those concerned with the mining industry, and to facilitate between student members and professionals within the Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration.

If you have any questions about this chapter please contact Student Chapter President, Chase Gleason, at cmg6529@psu.edu

Website: https://orgcentral.psu.edu/organization/mining-society

Student Chapter Officers:

Chase Gleason President cmg6529@psu.edu 2024/2025
Emily Ream Vice President ebr5352@psu.edu 2024/2025
Tsunami Sharmba Treasurer tbs5454@psu.edu 2024/2025
Cherif Diallo Secretary cjd6242@psu.edu 2024/2025
Dr. Mohammad Rezaee Faculty Sponsor mzr288@psu.edu 2024/2025

_____________________________________________________________________

West Virginia University Student Section:

The Student Chapter of SME at WVU is the primary student organization for the mining department and works hand in hand with the Department to build upon what is being taught in the classroom. The chapter mainly focuses on three important goals which include professional development, younger student involvement and community outreach. This chapter aims to help develop students professionally and to help members bridge the gap between being students and becoming professionals. Throughout the year, through the student chapter, members are given several opportunities to interact with countless industry leaders and professionals in a professional as well as social manner. The chapter also aims to help incoming freshmen and sophomores become more involved with the university and mining industry. The chapter gives young members the opportunity to get to know their classmates and professors in an informal setting with several events throughout the year. Lastly, the chapter strives to give back to the university and community through community outreach.

 If you have any questions about this chapter please contact WVU SME at wvusme@gmail.com, or contact Student Chapter President, Jacob Horner, at jmh00006@mix.wvu.edu

Student Chapter Officers:

Jacob Horner President jmh00006@mix.wvu.edu 2024/2025
Drew Reese Vice President  dbr00001@mix.wvu.edu 2024/2025
Trent Cavanaugh Secretary  tc00036@mix.wvu.edu 2024/2025
Jackson Smith Program Coordinator  jds00036@mix.wvu.edu 2024/2025
Alex Cavendish Social Media Coordinator  amc00036@mix.wvu.edu 2024/2025
Deniz Tuncay Faculty Sponsor  Deniz.tuncay@mail.wvu.edu 2024/2025
Deniz Talan Faculty Sponsor Deniz.talan@mail.wvu.edu 2024/2025

 Dr. Brijes Mishra Faculty Sponsor brijes.mishra@mail.wvu.edu2017

​​​​