Recently, mining engineering graduate students from the University of Kentucky student chapter of the American Rock Mechanics Association (ARMA) participated in the ARMA annual student design competition, placing third.
The annual Pigman College of Engineering Faculty Awards ceremony was held on May 1 at Malone's Prime and Events. Awards were given in the areas of research, service and graduate studies.
In February, faculty and students from the University of Kentucky Department of Mining Engineering received several awards at the Society for Mining Engineering's annual MINEXCHANGE conference in Denver, Colorado. Jack Groppo, professor and director of undegraduate studies in the Department of Mining Engineering, was named the winner of the 2025 Frank F. Aplan Award, which recognizes contributions that further the understanding of the technology of coal and/or mineral engineering.
Recently, students in the Department of Mining Engineering formed a new student chapter of the National Sand, Stone & Gravel Association (NSSGA) at the University of Kentucky. The NSSGA represents the aggregates industry, which includes companies involved in producing stone, sand, and gravel.
Zach Agioutantis, department chair and professor for the department of Mining Engineering, was named University Research Professors for the 2025-26 academic year.
UK Pigman College of Engineering researchers in the Department of Mining Engineering Ali Moradi (PI), Zach Agioutantis (Co-I), Pedram Roghanchi (Co-I) and Steven Schafrik (Co-I) have received a $1,250,000 grant over five years from the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health for their project, "Strategic Health and Safety Optimization in Transition from Open Pit to Underground Mines."
UK Pigman College of Engineering researchers in the Department of Mining Engineering Pedram Roghanchi (PI), Zach Agioutantis (Co-I), Ali Moradi (Co-I) and Steven Schafrik (Co-I), Muhammad Abu Bakar Siddique (Co-I) in the Department of Computer Science and Sarah Wilson (Co-I) in the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering have received a nearly $442,000 grant from the National Science Foundation for their project, "IGE Track 1: Integrating Artificial Intelligence Technologies into Mining Education."
UK Pigman College of Engineering researchers in the Department of Mining Engineering Zach Agioutantis (PI), Steven Schafrik (Co-I) and Joseph Sottile (Co-I) and Matt Beck (Co-I) in the Department of Chemical and Material Engineering have received a nearly $250,000 grant from the Alpha Foundation for the Improvement of Mine Safety and Health Incorporated for their project, "Automated Sensing Module for Enhancing Miner Safety."
UK Pigman College of Engineering researchers in the Department of Mining Engineering Steven Schafrik (PI), Zach Agioutantis (Co-I) and Joseph Sottile (Co-I) have received a nearly $439,000 grant from the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health for their project, "Development and Demonstration of an Automated Shuttle Car."
Rick Honaker, Ph.D., professor of mining engineering in the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering, has been named winner of the 2025 Southeastern Conference (SEC) Faculty Achievement Award for the University of Kentucky.
