Michael Karmis is the Stonie Barker Professor in the Department of Mining and Minerals Engineering and the director of the Virginia Center for Coal and Energy Research at Virginia Tech. His expertise is in the areas of rock mechanics, health and safety, carbon sequestration and the sustainable development of energy and mineral resources. He has written more than 150 scientific papers, reports, proceedings volumes and textbooks. He has directed 45 major research projects. He is also recognized as an outstanding teacher and has received numerous certificates of teaching excellence and other teaching commendations.

Karmis has been active in consulting with the minerals industry, consulting companies, government organizations and legal firms. He served as the 2002 president of SME and as the 2009 president of AIME. He was elected as the 2002 president of the Society of Mining Professors and has served as its secretary general since 2005. He is a Distinguished Member of SME, an Honorary Member of AIME, a fellow of the Institute of Quarrying and a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining. He has received numerous recognitions and awards by major scientific, professional and industrial organizations.