Faculty Research
- Margaret Darrow, Assistant Professor, Ph.D.
- Frozen ground engineering, frost heave, soil physics, thermal modeling of embankments
- Scott Huang, Professor, Ph.D.
- Slope stability, soil and rock mechanics, tunneling, arctic engineering, gas pipeline engineering, remote sensing
- Paul Metz, Professor, Ph.D., P. E.
- Mineral exploration, valuation, and economics, terrain analysis and site selection, geophysical exploration, geo-material engineering
- Debasmita Misra, Assistant Professor, Ph.D.
- Numerical modeling, geostatistics, groundwater hydrology, geo-environmental engineering
Facilities
Computer Lab (also used for GIS and Remote Sensing courses)
This is a multipurpose lab used by all students of the Department of Mining and Geological Engineering. A network of 6 PC computers is linked to the UAF domain. There are software packages available for word processing, drawing, scanning, and the internet. The lab is also used by students for classes that require the use of software packages specific to certain areas such as ArcGIS, AutoCAD, FORTRAN90, ERDAS Imaging, ERMapper, MATLAB, Neuroshell, and Vulcan. The major pieces of equipment include 6 Dell Dimension 2350 computers, a high-capacity networked LaserJet printer and various software packages. All of the computers were replaced after 2001.
General Geology for Engineers Lab
The laboratory consists of specimens for mineral and rock identification, topographic and geologic map reading, and aerial photo interpretation. In addition to rock and mineral identification and map reading, students are expected to be able to recognize the landforms associated with each of the major geologic processes. The laboratory exercises emphasize landforms in Alaska, and field trips supplement the classroom experience. The laboratory contains common mineral and rock collections, stereoscopes, maps and air photos, and 9 handheld GPS.
Geomaterial Lab
This laboratory is used to teach geological engineering students basic soils mechanics including the effects of water on soils strength. Laboratory equipment available to perform testing includes specific gravity, moisture content, sieve analysis, hydrometer analysis, Atterberg limits, standard and modified Proctor compaction, and falling and constant head permeability. Field equipment for soil sampling is also available.
Subsurface Hydrology Lab
This laboratory is used by undergraduate students for the groundwater hydrology class. Tests for particle size analysis, soil properties, and hydrological parameters can be conducted. Field devices for measuring the groundwater level are available.
Exploration Geophysics Lab
This laboratory trains students various types of geophysical equipments. The space designated for the lab is only for storage of the field equipment. The lab functions are in part completed in the field, depending on weather conditions. The majority of laboratory work is conducted in the lecture classroom. The lab exercises entail review of the operating procedures for the equipment and reduction of data collected in the field or actual field data collected in previous years. Lab problem sets are available for each geophysical exploration method listed in the course description. The major pieces of equipment include Refraction seismograph, VLF, Gravity meter (on loan from the Geophysical Institute), Horizontal/vertical Loop EM, Magnetometers, Max-min EM, Resistivity meter and Gamma ray spectrometer. With additional equipment fund, the GE program has submitted a purchase request to acquire a ground penetration radar (GPR) for permafrost detection.
