The First Academy Member in 140 Years from WVU

 by Gerald Finfinger
Chief Scientist, NIOSH
WVU PhDMinE ’03

Professor Syd S. Peng, Charles E. Lawall Chair, was selected by the National Academy of Engineering as an inductee for the class of 2007.  This is an honor bestowed to a select few that have obtained the highest distinction of accomplishment in the field of engineering.  The National Academy of Engineering (NAE) was founded in 1964 and serves our country by performing studies and developing recommendations on the most critical and pressing national and international issues.  Dr. Peng’s knowledge and accomplishments, apparent when one reviews his long and distinguished career, will be a welcomed addition to the NAE.

Dr. Peng's journey to the National Academy of Engineering began in Taiwan where he earned an undergraduate degree in mining engineering.  He continued his education in the United States, earning a Master's Degree at the South Dakota School of Mines and a Ph.D. in mining engineering at Stanford University.  After completing his education, he worked with the U.S. Bureau of Mines before arriving at West Virginia University in 1974.  Dr. Peng served as the Mining Engineering Department Chair from 1978 until 2006.  During his tenure as a Professor, Syd has served his profession with distinction and honor with close mentoring and guidance of his students (I can personally attest to that!), tackling many of the most challenging problems facing the mining community, and working tirelessly for the betterment of the mining engineering community.  His students are widespread throughout the mining community and there are few mining organizations including coal producers, equipment manufacturers, academic organizations and government agencies that don't have a former student of Professor Peng.  Having taught hundreds of undergraduates and directly supervising 40 master's theses and over 30 Ph.D. dissertations, Syd’s influence is everywhere.

Having studied under Syd's direction for five years, I can personally speak about Syd's dedication and caring for his students.  I didn't always recognize the dedication and caring during the 6:30 am calls on weekends to check on my progress on my dissertation, but I do now.  Without Syd's prodding (a kinder word after five years of early morning weekend calls), I would never have finished my dissertation and completed the requirements for my doctorate.  I'm honored to be an alumnus of West Virginia University, a graduate of the Department of Mining Engineering, College of Engineering and Mineral Resources and a student of Professor Syd Peng.  I'm glad the National Academy of Engineering recognized what Syd's students have always known - Syd is one of a select few.

 A few of Syd's accomplishments that are noteworthy, and no doubt helped pave the way for his election into the Academy, include his contributions to the understanding of subsidence from underground coal mining, longwall operations and ground control in underground mines.  Dr. Peng has published extensively in these fields, authoring three text books and more than 500 publications including peer reviewed articles and research reports.  He has traveled widely within the U.S. and abroad, conducting research and lecturing on a range of mining engineering topics.  He is the recipient of many awards, both national and international, from such prestigious organizations as SME, AIME, PCMIA, IMM and R&D Magazine.  While Dr. Peng's accomplishments and dedication have been recognized in the past by many organizations, his election into the National Academy of Engineering is the ultimate recognition.  I can think of no one more deserving the honor bestowed upon him by his peers in the NAE.