Jennica Bellanca is a biomechanical engineer with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh in bioengineering in 2009. She also earned two master’s degrees from the University of Pittsburgh in bioengineering and mechanical engineering in 2011. Since then, Ms. Bellanca has been working in the mining industry for more than eight years as a human factors, safety researcher. Her work has specifically focused on virtual reality (VR) and simulation, hazard recognition, collision avoidance, and haul truck health and safety. She is currently leading a collaborative effort with the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to develop a VR application for mine rescue training and a research project investigating the health and safety issues related to surface haul trucks.