UA College of Engineering

Proud to see the University of Arizona recognized today in Washington, D.C., where Executive Director Kray Luxbacher and mining engineering student Alex Zadro joined national leaders to discuss the future of mining education and workforce development. Together, government, industry and universities are working to strengthen America's critical minerals workforce. Bear Down! 🐻⬇️

University of Arizona materials science associate professor Minkyu Kim has been awarded a $1.88M NIH grant to develop artificial cells that mimic red blood cells. Read about how this research could advance targeted drug delivery:

Materials scientist wins $1.88M to mimic red blood cells Materials scientist wins $1.88M to mimic red blood cells July 8, 2026 Pascal Albright University of Arizona engineers hide lifesaving drugs in synthetic cell-like carriers to reduce side effects. Image Associate professor Minkyu Kim's lab and BIO5 Institute researchers draw on materials science and....

🎉 Congratulations to Professor Mark Barton on a major new research award! ⛏️🔬

The University of Arizona School of Mining & Mineral Resources is proud to celebrate Professor Mark Barton and his collaborators on the selection of a new U.S. Department of Energy project focused on identifying critical minerals in unconventional resources across the Southwest.

The multi-institutional effort will bring together researchers from universities, geological surveys and industry partners to evaluate new opportunities for recovering the minerals essential to our nation's energy future, advanced manufacturing and economic security.

Professor Barton and University of Arizona researchers will help lead investigations spanning Arizona and neighboring states, advancing innovative science while strengthening the region's role in critical minerals research.

Congratulations to Mark and the entire research team on this exciting achievement! 👏

⛏️🌟 Investing in the future of mining education and outreach.

A new $110,000 gift from the Dykers family will help strengthen outreach efforts at the University of Arizona’s San Xavier Underground Mining Laboratory — supporting hands-on learning experiences that connect students, educators and the community to the world of mining and mineral resources.

As one of the nation’s premier underground mining laboratories, San Xavier plays a vital role in workforce development, K-12 engagement and public education around responsible resource development. Gifts like this help expand opportunities for experiential learning and inspire the next generation of mining professionals.

We are deeply grateful to the Dykers family for their continued support of the School and our mission. 👏

📖 Read more: https://bit.ly/4wQguOH

$110,000 Dykers family gift strengthens outreach at the San Xavier Mine $110,000 Dykers family gift strengthens outreach at the San Xavier Mine Today Jason Gelt Support from the Dykers family expands hands-on learning and community engagement at the University of Arizona’s School of Mining Engineering and Mineral Resources. Image (From left) Chris Earnest, San Xavier ...

🏆⛏️ Wildcat alumni still know how to bring home the hardware.

University of Arizona alumni claimed the top spot in the alumni division at the 48th Annual Intercollegiate Mining Games, continuing a proud tradition of excellence at one of mining education’s most iconic competitions.

Hosted at the San Xavier Underground Mining Laboratory, this year’s event brought together more than 250 competitors from five countries—making the Wildcat alumni victory all the more impressive.

More than a competition, Mining Games is a celebration of the skill, camaraderie and lifelong connections that define the mining profession—and our alumni continue to set the standard.

📖 Read more:
https://bit.ly/3R6I1Lv

U of A alumni shine at mining competition U of A alumni shine at mining competition April 23, 2026 Image In the hand steel contest, SMEMR senior Kaitlyn Sutow (right), with the University of Arizona Copper Queens team, chisels a hole into cement during the 48th annual Intercollegiate Mining Games. The University of Arizona’s San Xavier Mi...

🔬⛏️ Unlocking Arizona’s copper potential—one breakthrough at a time.

University of Arizona researcher and School of Mining & Mineral Resources faculty member Isabel Barton is leading cutting-edge work to improve recovery of chalcopyrite, the most abundant copper ore in Arizona and around the world. Her research could help unlock significant new domestic copper supply while making extraction more efficient and sustainable.

As demand for copper rises across electrification, infrastructure and advanced manufacturing, innovations like this will be critical to powering the future. ⚡

We’re proud to see Dr. Barton’s work advancing the science behind one of Arizona’s most important industries—and helping shape the future of responsible mineral development.

📖 Read more:
https://bit.ly/48zLW9E

Isabel Barton unlocks Arizona’s copper potential Isabel Barton unlocks Arizona’s copper potential Today Katy Smith, U of A Office of Research and Partnerships Image Isabel Barton, associate professor in SMEMR, analyzes chalcopyrite, the state’s most common copper ore. Kris Hanning, U of A Office of Research and Partnerships Beneath Arizona cop...

🏆⛏️ Big wins on a global stage.

University of Arizona mining engineering students delivered an outstanding performance at SME MINEXCHANGE 2026—one of the industry’s premier international gatherings.

Our Metallic Student Design team, On the Rocks Consulting, earned 2nd place in the International Metallic Student Design Competition, while our NSSGA team, Tombstone Consulting, advanced to the final round of their competition.

Competing against top programs from around the world, both teams developed comprehensive mine designs—balancing technical, economic and environmental considerations—and presented their work to panels of industry experts.

This is what hands-on, real-world education looks like—and it’s why our students continue to stand out on the global stage. 🌎

👏 Congratulations to our students, faculty advisors and the entire School community for this incredible achievement.

📖 Read more:
https://bit.ly/4vFas2Y

University of Arizona teams excel at SME MINEXCHANGE 2026 University of Arizona teams excel at SME MINEXCHANGE 2026 Today Jason Gelt Image On the Rocks Consulting celebrates winning second place in the Metallic Student Design Competition at the 2026 SME MINEXCHANGE conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. Kray Luxbacher University of Arizona mining engineering....

The College of Engineering took part in Community Service Day in partnership with .

Over 50 students, faculty and staff traded classrooms and labs for hard hats and tool belts, lending their time and technical expertise to support affordable housing efforts in our community. From framing and electrical work to problem-solving on site, Wildcats put engineering principles into action.🛠️👷

We're grateful to announce that U of A alumni Tim and Rhonda Snider have made a $1.5 million gift to University of Arizona School of Mining Engineering and Mineral Resources that will increase opportunities for students and spur faculty research.

The Sniders' gift creates the Timothy and Rhonda Snider Endowment Fund at a time when responsible mining and a secure domestic supply chain are national imperatives. The U of A is strengthening its role as a catalyst for progress in the mining sector.

"This gift reflects a shared vision for the future of mining – one that demands technical excellence, workforce development, and a deep commitment to sustainability," said Tomás Díaz de la Rubia, senior vice president for research and partnerships. "Arizona is uniquely positioned to lead this effort, translating world-class expertise into impact for our state, our nation, and the world."

The gift is an addition to the Sniders' ongoing support of the Lowell Institute for Mineral Resources over the last 17 years, which has totaled $500,000. The couple decided the time was right to expand their contributions to the mining engineering program, which they consider the "best in the world."

Thank you, Tim and Rhonda, for your generous donations to the university.

Read the full story:

Alumni couple's $1.5M gift strengthens U of A mining education when it matters most Alumni couple's $1.5M gift strengthens U of A mining education when it matters most June 30, 2025 Chris Quirk The Snider family endowment bolsters workforce needs. Image The Sniders' gift supports hands-on learning experiences for students, like the San Xavier Mining Laboratory, which is a one-of-a-...

Congratulations to Jennifer Barton, who is part of the National Academy of Inventors' 2025 class of senior members.

Barton is the Thomas R. Brown Distinguished Chair of Biomedical Engineering and director of the university’s BIO5 Institute. Within the College of Engineering, she is also a professor of BME, biosystems engineering and electrical and computer engineering.

NAI senior members are active faculty, scientists, and administrators from member institutions who have advanced technologies offering significant benefits to society. They also have achieved success in patents, licensing, and commercialization while educating and mentoring the next generation of inventors.

Barton holds eight patents, and as the director of BIO5, she helps lead over 350 faculty members to catalyze interdisciplinary research on biological grand challenges.

“I am deeply honored to be recognized as an NAI senior member and to join such an esteemed group of academic innovators,” said Barton. “This distinction reflects not only my work but also the incredible support and collaborative environment fostered by the University of Arizona.”

https://bit.ly/3R8pmM4

National Academy of Inventors elects Jennifer Barton to its 2025 senior member class National Academy of Inventors elects Jennifer Barton to its 2025 senior member class Feb. 27, 2025 Tech Launch Arizona A professor in three Engineering departments, Barton is a standout researcher, inventor and mentor. Image Jennifer Barton (right) works with two high school students from the BIO5 I...