Josh Fields, summer intern at the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)

Josh Fields is from Benham, Kentucky . He has worked summers, a spring semester, and over semester breaks for MSHA (Mine Safety and Health Administration) MSHA's in Norton, VA near his home town. MSHA is a national organization with headquarters in Arlington , VA responsible for the health, safe working conditions, and planning for possible rescue of mine workers. For the most part, Josh has been working with mine roofing inspection and control. During one of his work periods, the mining industry experienced two roof failures - a very interesting time for Josh and a great opportunity to be involved in planning measures to end such events! Unrelated to Josh's experience, but still of interest, a "Great Escape," system was recently developed by MSHA for miners who might suddenly be faced with an underground mine emergency. The system provides miners a constant and uncontaminated supply of breathable air, along with a rapid, safe means of escape through an isolated, structurally protected escape path. The system, as designed, also could safely protect communications and tracking systems from fire and explosive forces.

Josh gives this advice to anyone in high school who might consider mining engineering as a career; "The way that you should prepare is to take as many advanced classes in math, science, and English as you can. Start applying yourself and getting into the basic subjects early, then plan on practical experience in college through real work experience. All your classes are important. Yes, the math is important, but companies want workers with good communication skills, both oral and written skills. From my experience at UK in the engineering program and in the co-op program, I am receiving knowledge and skills that will help me both in my studies and also later on in my career - the salary earned as a student is also a great benefit. Again, apply yourself now and don't be afraid to take on new and different tasks. Learn all that you can from the every experience."

Best of luck,

Josh Fields (MNG)