Dr. Michael Karmis is the Stonie Barker Professor of the Department of Mining and Minerals Engineering and the Director of the Virginia Center for Coal and Energy Research (VCCER) at Virginia Tech. His expertise is in the areas of geomechanics and mine systems, health and safety, carbon management and the sustainable development of mineral and energy resources. He has authored/co-authored over 180 scientific papers and directed more than 62 major research projects. His research has been funded by federal and state agencies, foundations and the private sector. A Professional Engineer (P.E.) in the USA and a Eur Ing in Europe, Dr. Karmis is an active consultant to the global mining industry, academic and research institutions, government agencies, engineering companies and legal firms.

Dr. Karmis served as the 2002 President of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME) and as the 2008 President of the American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical and Petroleum Engineers (AIME). He was elected as the 2002 President of the Society of Mining Professors (SOMP)-Societät der Bergbaukunde and served from 2005 to 2012 as the Society’s Secretary General.

He is an Honorary Member of AIME, a Distinguished Member of SME, a Fellow of the Institute of Quarrying, and a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining. He has received numerous awards and recognitions by major scientific, educational, professional and industrial organizations.