Colorado Winner
Conlan Nelson
South Dakota School of Mines & Technology

Armed with Midwest core values of commitment and integrity, Conlan has demonstrated his understanding that hard work and drive are necessary to achieve success. This can be evidenced by his innovative method of financing the cost of a partial airplane ownership during his student pilot training only to sell the interest once completing the program as a means of defraying the overall cost. This type of bold planning has undoubtedly earned him his position as Vice President of the Hardrocker Flying Club. As a second-generation Mining Engineer, Conlan has been exposed to engineering practices throughout his lifetime. Recently, he has been involved in a research team funded by the Deep Underground Science and Engineering Laboratory (DUSEL). He has experience in a salt mine, and will be working in a gold mine this summer. Conlan will be pursuing a career in underground mining and hopes to someday earn his M.B.A. as well.

Coming from three generations of mining, we could almost say that mining is “in [his] blood.” Described as a person of strong charisma and notable character, he has shown maturity and a sense of personal responsibility beyond his years. Even though he did not meet all of the qualifications at Brown & Associates, a land surveying and engineering firm, he was hired on the spot due to his willingness to learn and a definite aptitude for the technical aspects of an engineering career.   It is due to his sense of curiosity and value of hard work that he set the curve for excellence on his final project of designing an underground coal mine using room-and-pillar and longwall mining methods. His professors independently state with confidence that Blake is a person who will be great at whatever he desires to do. This summer, he and his wife will be joining Texas Westmoreland to work in an open cast operation together.

As one of only two students awarded the “Community Service” endorsement on his high school diploma, Joaquin has cultivated a strong sense of civic duty to serve his community. At the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, he continues his contribution by serving as a Senator for the Student Association and president of the Rugby Club. The Mining Engineering Department has awarded him two different academic scholarships over two consecutive years. An avid outdoorsman, Joaquin hopes to develop into a socially conscious engineer so as to protect the land he loves. He believes there is a need for coal and power for future generations, but is adamant that we must do it in a way that is socially and environmentally responsible. With an insatiable curiosity and a quick ability to learn, Joaquin is on his way.

Even though Caitlin grew up in a small town where there were no course offerings in Geology or Engineering, she was not deterred by a sense of what was “required” or “necessary.” Instead, she took on her curiosity for these disciplines independently. This self-motivation has carried her through secondary school as well where she has earned several Geology scholarships. Her leadership is demonstrated by her participation in the Student Association Senate as a Sophomore Representative and Public Relations Chair, and her active involvement in the Society of Economic Geologists, Tech Geological Association, Newman Club, and Alpha Omega Epsilon Sorority. Her ambition and likeability have helped her succeed as a well-rounded individual. She loves her home state of North Dakota and believes a career in mineral exploration and development will help her have a career close to home. 

The University of Texas at Austin

Arthur’s drive to succeed is influenced by his strong family values. He has witnessed first-hand from his parents what hard work and responsibility mean. His own father wanted to be an engineer, but had to postpone attending college so that he could provide for his family. Once Arthur graduates, he plans to help support his family for a few years while his father goes back to school. His excellent work ethic earned him a mark of “Exceeds Expectations” on his evaluation at the end of his last summer at the Texas Department of Transportation. His supervisor voiced to Arthur his desire that he come back each summer until he graduates and then seriously consider pursuing a career there after he receives his degree. Arthur certainly has a lot of opportunities to consider, as he has his own ambitious goals of attending graduate school in Engineering and one day owning his own Engineering firm with his father.  

Two years ago, Tom turned his negative initial exposure to the mining industry around by registering for classes and proactively gaining education on the field. He has never looked back. Paying his own way through school, Tom has a vested interest in pursuing a career in coal mining due to his outstanding academic achievements and his internship at Peabody Energy’s El Segundo Coal Mine last summer where he designed pits, determining coal quality, and designed blast patterns. He is currently working in a research lab for Felipe Calizaya, studying the efficacy and safety of booster fans in coal mines. While maintaining a 3.75 G.P.A., Tom was active in recruiting a team of five other students to compete in the 2010 National NSSGA Mine Design Competition. He also successfully presented a seminar to incoming freshman students, graduate students, and faculty on his summer experience at El Segundo. This summer he will be interning with CONSOL Energy.

Working in the mining industry at P&H MinePro Services for the past 2 ½ years and growing up in a mining rich community is what led Crystal to mining, but her genuine interest has kept her there. She has a diligent work ethic, and is able to balance a rigorous course load (earning a 3.5 G.P.A.) while maintaining her part-time job and extracurricular activities including organizing the annual Motorcycle Run fundraiser and being a Senator for Student Government at Gillette College. Crystal is noted for her mature attitude, confidence, and strong interpersonal skills. She is trusted among her employers and peers as someone who will get the job done efficiently and effectively, always giving her endeavors “110%.” Crystal will be transferring to the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in the fall. After graduation, she hopes to work for a mine in the Powder River Basin in failure analysis and planning.