The Society for Mining Metallurgy and Explorations Coal and Energy Division awarded West Virginia University senior Kevin Brockett a $5,000 Undergraduate Research Grant to support his research on temperature and humidity effects on weak roof rocks in underground coal mines. Brockett is a mining engineering major from Fort Ashby, W.Va.

To our knowledge, Kevin is the first WVU undergraduate mining engineering student to receive a scholarship specifically for research,said Dan Alexander, mining engineering faculty member.

Brocketts research involves understanding the effects on the mine of using jet engine exhaust to displace oxygen during an underground mine fire. Quickly lowering the oxygen level in the mine atmosphere shortens the burning times for an underground fire, allowing mines to reopen sooner and with fewer hazardous conditions.

The principal purpose of my research is to find out if, and to what extent, the high temperature and humidity associated with jet engine exhaust causes degradation of roof rock and contributes to roof control problems in mines,Brockett said.

Brockett will use the scholarship to pay for research and associated travel, including attending the SME 2007 Annual Meeting to present the results of his research.

New mine technology evolves over time. Our effective use of new ideas is based on understanding the entire process and developing good implementation habits,said Alexander.At WVU we bring new technologies into the curriculum that can then be employed in mines, resulting in a win for students, teachers and industry.

Brockett is currently an intern at CONSOL Energys Enlow Fork Mine. The purpose of the SME scholarship is to expose students to real situations in the coal and energy industries prior to the start of their professional career.

The Mining Engineering Department is part of the WVU College of Engineering and Mineral Resources. For more information on the department, visitwww.mine.cemr.wvu.edu.