When
Monday, December 1, 2025, 10:00 a.m.
Kray Luxbacher
Gregory H. and Lisa S. Boyce Leadership Chair, Executive Director and Head
School of Mining Engineering and Mineral Resources
University of Arizona
"Securing the Future: A Vision Towards Solving Grand Challenges in Mining and Minerals"
Harshbarger 118A-A1
ABSTRACT: This seminar provides an overview of the School of Mining Engineering and Mineral Resources and a multi-disciplinary approach to solving grand challenges in mining. Chemical Engineering approaches are critical to solving each of these grand challenges and meeting federal goals around domestic critical mineral production. Pathways to careers, research, opportunities and engagement in the mining and minerals community are discussed.
BIOSKETCH: Kray Luxbacher is the Gregory H. and Lisa S. Boyce Leadership Chair, Executive Director, and Head of the School of Mining Engineering and Mineral Resources at the University of Arizona. Her primary research interests are in underground mine ventilation including monitoring and characterization of gases and particulates, fire simulation and prevention and risk analysis. She is passionate about mining engineering education and the onshoring of critical mineral mining and beneficiation.
She is active in several committees of the SME and leads the Mineral School Heads Committee. She is a past member of the National Academies Committee on Earth Resources and she is a registered professional engineer. Prior to joining academia, Luxbacher worked for mining companies as an underground production foreman and engineer.