Barbara J. Arnold, Ph.D., P.E., is a Professor of Practice in Mining Engineering at Penn State. Dr. Arnold has over 30 years of experience in the coal and mineral industries. She holds a B.S. (Mining Engineering), M.S. (Mineral Processing), and Ph.D. (Mineral Processing) from Penn State. Much of her research experience has focused on coal properties and their effects on coal processing, especially in the areas of froth flotation and dewatering. She is a recognized international expert in coal preparation. Dr. Arnold currently works with Penn State’s Center for Critical Minerals (C2M), conducting research related to the physical beneficiation of coal underclays and other horizons that contain rare earth elements and other critical minerals. Other research is focused on respirable dust and the beneficial use of mine tailings. Dr. Arnold, the 2018 SME president, is a Penn State Alumni Fellow, Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration Fellow, and American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum Engineers Honorary Member.