The Wyoming Mining Association recently presented cash awards to three University of Wyoming students who developed innovative, practical and technical solutions to address design challenge questions.
The first Wyoming Mining Association Student Symposium exposed students to career opportunities in the mining industry. To participate in the symposium's Design Challenge students had to select one of four questions and construct a poster with their response. Questions ranged from addressing noise issues to successful sagebrush revegetation. Winners were selected to receive $2,000 cash awards in the following categories: Most Innovative Solution, Most Practical Solution and Best Technical Solution.
A panel of experts from the bentonite, coal, trona and uranium industries and a representative from the UW College of Engineering and Applied Science reviewed the entries.
The Most Innovative Solution award was presented to Gretchen Heberling of Greensboro, Md., for her work on noise reduction. The Most Practical Solution award was presented to Kenneth Brenneman of Riverton, for his work on hearing protection. The Best Technical Solution award was presented to Paul Bonifas of Casper, for his work on subsidence.
Dale Nuttall, WMA Board president, said he was "happy with the participation and impressed with the quality of the projects." Marion Loomis, WMA executive director, added, "It bodes well for the future of Wyoming when you see bright, young people using their minds in innovative ways."
The WMA is a statewide mining organization that communicates information on the significance of a healthy mining industry. WMA promotes the overall industry through active involvement in the legislative process, regulatory policy development, public education and relevant public policy forums.
Posted on Wednesday, November 11, 2009