Michael A. Trevits, professional geologist, has been working in the mining industry for more than 48 years and is currently the president of Xtraction Science and Technology, Inc., MBBB Innovations LLC and is a founding member and president of the Rebuilding Their Future Foundation, Inc. Drawing upon his wide and varied career experience in the extractive energy industries, he provides national and international consulting services. His ongoing research work is dedicated to addressing difficult postevent mine rescue and response issues. Trevits left government research as a senior research scientist in early 2014 after more than 39 years of service (U.S. Bureau of Mines, Department of Energy and the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health). Trevits has been active in SME serving as a three-time chair of the Pittsburgh Section and on numerous SME national committees. He has served on the SME board of directors, as the chair of the Coal and Energy Division, as a founding member and president of OneMine.org, on the SME Foundation as secretary/treasurer and as a trustee. Trevits is a recognized distinguished fellow of SME and the Pittsburgh Section. He holds an undergraduate degree in geology and an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh. He is a registered professional geologist in North Carolina.