Priscilla Nelson, Ph.D.

Professor of Mining Engineering and Founder of the Tailings Center

Professional Overview

Priscilla Nelson is a distinguished Professor of Mining Engineering and the founder of the Tailings Center at the Colorado School of Mines. With over three decades of experience in the mining and engineering industries, she is an internationally recognized expert in tailings management, civil and environmental engineering, and academic leadership.

Current Role

As a Professor of Mining Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines, Dr. Nelson serves as the Chair of the department (2014-2019) and the founder of the Tailings Center (2014-present). In this capacity, she oversees the department's research, teaching, and outreach initiatives, with a particular focus on developing innovative solutions for the safe and sustainable management of mining waste and tailings.

Career Progression

Prior to her current role, Dr. Nelson held several prestigious positions, including Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) from 2005 to 2010, and Chair of the Faculty at NJIT from 2012 to 2013. She also served as a Senior Advisor, Division Director, and Program Director at the U.S. National Science Foundation from 1994 to 2005, where she played a key role in shaping the Foundation's research priorities and funding initiatives.

Academic Background

Dr. Nelson holds a Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, with a specialization in geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering. She has been recognized for her academic achievements, including her election to the National Academy of Engineering in 2005.

Areas of Expertise

Dr. Nelson's areas of expertise include tailings management, mine waste disposal, geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering, and academic leadership. She has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and has been a sought-after speaker and consultant in the mining industry, contributing to the development of best practices and industry standards.

Professional Impact

Throughout her career, Dr. Nelson has been a driving force in advancing the field of mining engineering and tailings management. Her work at the Tailings Center has led to the development of innovative technologies and practices that have significantly improved the environmental and social sustainability of the mining industry. She has also played a key role in shaping the next generation of mining engineers through her teaching and mentorship.

Conclusion

Priscilla Nelson's distinguished career and her commitment to innovation, sustainability, and academic excellence have positioned her as a highly respected leader in the mining and engineering industries. As she continues to shape the future of the field, she remains dedicated to advancing cutting-edge solutions and fostering the next generation of mining professionals.