NIOSH Associate Director for Mining Jessica Kogel Elected to the National Academy of Engineering

Contact: Stephanie Stevens (202) 245-0641

Jessica Kogel, PhD, receives engineering honor.
Photo Credit: NIOSH

Jessica Kogel, PhD, has received one of engineering’s highest honors, election into the National Academy of Engineering (NAE).

Dr. Kogel is among 86 new U.S. members and 18 foreign members elected to the NAE for 2019.

The academy honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to “engineering research, practice, or education” and to “the pioneering of new and developing fields of technology, making major advancements in traditional fields of engineering, or developing/implementing innovative approaches to engineering education.”

Dr. Kogel was named to the NAE for her distinguished contributions to engineering, “for sustainable development and innovation of industrial clay products and processes.”

“It is a tremendous honor to be elected to the National Academy of Engineering and to be recognized for the work that I have done using engineering to solve problems that have economic, social and environmental consequences while promoting and protecting the health, safety, and well-being of people and communities.”

Dr. Kogel chairs the World Federation of Engineering Organizations’ Task Force on Mining and Sustainability which fosters close collaboration between the global mining industry, NGOs and the local community to increase environmental stewardship, improve economic conditions and contribute to social equity. Through this and other activities, Dr. Kogel has promoted positive change in operations management, health and safety practices, environmental impact, and mineral resource utilization.

“What interests me,” says Kogel, “is finding new ways to use engineering, science and technology to insure a sustainable future for the mining industry, its workers, and the communities that are impacted by mining.  Although I enjoy discovering technical solutions, my real passion is working at the intersection between engineering and people.  This is a highly rewarding space to work in and it is where change happens.”

Since 2016, Dr. Kogel has led the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Mining Research Program which includes the Office of Mine Safety and Health Research, the Pittsburgh Mining Research Division and the Spokane Mining Research Division. The Program’s mission is to eliminate mining fatalities, injuries, and illnesses through research and prevention.

Before joining NIOSH, Dr. Kogel spent 25 years in the mining industry where she held positions in research and development and mine operations management.  Her research centered on the development, production and commercialization of novel engineered clay mineral products with an emphasis on clay mineralogy, mineral processing and applying sustainable development principles to mineral extraction. Dr. Kogel holds 4 patents in the field of mineral processing and has published over 30 peer-reviewed technical papers in mining, geology, occupational health and safety, and applied clay science.

Dr. Kogel will be formally inducted during a ceremony at the NAE’s annual meeting on October 6.