Samuel Frimpong is Vice Provost for Graduate Education, Professor, and Robert H. Quenon Endowed Chair (Emeritus) at Missouri University of Science and Technology (S&T), USA. He is also Director of the Heavy Mining Machinery Research Lab and Director of The MERIT (Mine Escape Research, Innovation and Technology) Center. He holds PhD from University of Alberta in Canada, MS from the University of Zambia, a Post-Graduate Diploma (Distinction), and a BS (Hons) from George Grant University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) in Ghana. His experience includes over 35 years of research and teaching, over 30 years of university administration, and several years of industry practice. He previously served as Chair, Department of Mining and Nuclear Engineering, and as Interim Chair, Department of Computer Science at S&T. His research areas include mine automation and intelligent mining systems, formation excavation, decarbonization and energy transitions, machine dynamics and fatigue modeling, and mine safety and health. Frimpong has pioneered several initiatives within frontiers of these areas with over $60 million from funding agencies. His research results include 46 PhD and MS graduates, 4 books, 8 book chapters, over 300 refereed journal and conference publications, and over 300 presentations, including 30 keynotes and lectures. Frimpong has been recognized with the 2018 Faculty External Recognition Award by S&T; 2018 Outstanding Faculty of the Year Award by Sigma Chi Fraternity at S&T; 2017 Daniel C. Jackling Award by Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME); 2010 S&T Chancellor’s Leadership Award; Robert H. Quenon Endowed Chair by S&T, MO (2004-2023); Distinguished Lecturer Award by Canadian Petroleum Institute (1998-04); 1997 Award of Distinction by World Mining Congress; University of Alberta/CIDA PhD Scholar (1989-92); Life Patron of George Grant UMaT Alumni Association (2001-Date); 1989 Grand Award by NW Mining Association; UNESCO Fellow (1986-88) and State Gold Mining Corporation Gold Scholar (1981 – 1986).

Frimpong is a member of the United Nations Council of Experts on Sustainable Mining and Metals, APLU Board on Natural Resources, College of Reviewers for Canada Foundation for Innovation and Canada Research Chairs’ Program, and American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)-UNESCO Scientific Committee on Emerging Energy Technologies. He served 5 years as a member of CDC-NIOSH Mine Safety and Health Research Advisory Committee and 2 years on Japan’s Global Warming Research Consortium. He is currently the Editor-In-Chief of the Upcoming Handbook on Surface Mining, Editor-In-Chief Journal of Powder Metallurgy and Mining; Editor-In-Chief of WAIMM Journal of Earth Resources Engineering, and Editor for seven other international refereed journals in mining engineering and related fields. He served 5 years as Associate Editor for ASCE Journal of Energy Engineering and Chair of the Graduate Program Review Committee for the Energy Engineering Program at National University of Engineering in Lima, Peru. Frimpong has and continues to lead major global academic efforts with universities and educated several professionals in over 40 countries. He is a Registered Professional Engineer and a Member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta, Canada, Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum, SME, ASCE, Association of Computer Machinery, and Society for Modeling and Simulation International.