As we look to the future, we see a number of priorities requiring support for the Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering to continue building its leading-edge educational and research programs. Of particular importance in the coming years is the development of our infrastructure resources to ensure our laboratories are equipped with the latest technologies and meet safety standards. The need is also great for resources dedicated to student enrichment activities and industry research priorities. Please consider supporting the Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering in the following priority areas:
Mining Engineering Alumni Student Development Fund
As the Keevil Institute’s priority strategy for student support, this flexible fund supports student activities most needed in any given year, depending on the rapidly changing needs of students and industry. As the fund grows, support will be available to more students each year in the following areas:
- Teaching – supporting curriculum development, guest lectures, teaching aids and classroom equipment
- Computing and Laboratories – supporting lab supplies, hardware and other equipment, samples and consumables, and increased hours and supervision
- Field Trips and Conference Participation – supporting student travel, accommodation and registration fees
- Employment – supporting students employed at the institute, as well as student travel, job posting services and job fairs
- Recruitment – supporting travel and materials to promote mining engineering to undeclared undergraduates and high school students
- Emergency Student Funds – supporting any and all students with unexpected financial emergencies
Frank Forward Building Renovations
Opened in 1967, the Frank Forward Building is the oldest engineering building on campus. Upgrades to the surface chemistry laboratory, computer simulation and robotics laboratory and the workspaces used by students and staff are necessary to maintain a productive and safe work environment.
Coal and Mineral Processing Teaching and Research Facility
The existing teaching laboratories will be updated and an entirely new research centre will be created to support world-class education, training and research focused on coal and mineral processing. A new wing will be added to the current building to accommodate an expanded mining rock mechanics laboratory, a new mineral processing laboratory, a new computer laboratory and a scanning electron microscope facility.
Chairs, Professorships and Research Endowments
Chairs, professorships and research endowments support and recognize research excellence. Dedicating resources and expertise to specific areas of interest to the mining industry advances research to address current and emerging issues and to ensure the future success of the industry. The specific areas of interest include mining and the environment, coal and mining processing, mining sustainability, women and engineering, mine and mill integration, and mine health and safety.
Assistant Professorships
New assistant professorship positions created in partnership with industry enable the Keevil Institute to hire talented young graduates at tenure-track positions to support its growing programs. Assistant professors work closely with the industry partner for 25 per cent of their time, supporting the industry partner’s research and development.
How you can get involved
For more information about the Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering and how you and/or your organization can support our students and research, please contact Debbie Woo, Senior Associate Director of Development, at 604.822.6856 or debbie.woo@ubc.ca.
