Syd Peng, the Charles E. Lawall Chair Emeritus of Mining Engineering at West Virginia University, has been named interim chair of the unit, effective immediately.

Peng has written numerous textbooks and journal and proceedings articles in the areas of longwall mining, ground control, surface subsidence and respirable dust. He initiated the annual international conference on ground control in mining in 1981 and served as senior editor of the conference proceedings.

He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and has received numerous awards including the American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical and Petroleum Engineers Erskine Ramsey Medal and the Medal for Excellence from London’s Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining. Peng is a member of the West Virginia Coal Hall of Fame.

Peng joined WVU in 1974 and was appointed chair of the Department in 1978. He held the position until 2006. He replaces Christopher Bise, who passed away unexpectedly earlier this month. A search for a permanent replacement is ongoing. Peng’s appointment ends August 15, 2015.

-WVU-

mcd/02/26/15

CONTACT: Mary C. Dillon, Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources
304.293.4086, Mary.Dillon@mail.wvu.edu

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