Professional Preparation

B.S.      Electrical Engineering The Pennsylvania State University, May 1975.

M.S.     Mining Engineering University of Pittsburgh, August 1978.

Ph.D.   Major:  Mining Engineering   Minor:  Electrical Engineering The Pennsylvania State University, May 1984.

Appointments

University of Kentucky Professor and Holder of the Alliance Coal Academic Chair, Mining Engineering, Nov 2010 – Present.

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Division Director, Mining Science and Technology; Office of Mine Safety and Health Research, Mar 2008 – Nov 2010.

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) C.T. Holland Professor and Department Head, Mining and Minerals Engineering, Nov 2004 – Mar 2008.

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) Professor and Dept. Head, Mining and Minerals Engineering, Aug 2001 – Nov 2004.

The University of Alabama Professor, Holder of the G.N. Drummond Chair, and Department Head of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Jan 2000 – Aug 2001.

The University of Alabama Professor and Holder of the G.N. Drummond Chair of Civil Engineering, Aug 1999 – Jan 2000.

The University of Alabama Interim Department Head, Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics, Aug 1998 – Aug 1999.

The University of Alabama Professor, Electrical Engineering, Aug 1996 – Aug 1998.

The University of Alabama Associate Professor, Mineral Engineering, Aug 1988 – Aug 1996.

The University of Alabama Assistant Professor, Mineral Engineering, July 1983 – Aug 1988.

The Pennsylvania State University Instructor and Mining Center Coordinator, Aug 1981 – Jul 1983.

The Pennsylvania State University Instructor of Mining Engineering, Aug 1978 – Aug 1981.

U.S. Bureau of Mines, Pittsburgh Research Center Electrical Engineer, Jun 1976 – Aug 1978.

Republic Steel Corporation, Northern Coal Mines Division Assistant Division Maintenance Engineer, May 1975 – Jun 1976.

Selected Publications

• Novak, T., “Safety Analysis of Trailing Cables used on 2400-V Continuous Mining Machines,” IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications, in press.
• Novak, T., D.P. Snyder, J.L. Kohler, “Post Accident Mine Communications and Tracking Systems,” IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications, Vol. 46, No 2, March/April, 2010, pp. 712-719.
• Sacks, H.K. and T. Novak, “A Method for Estimating the Probability of Lightning Causing a Methane Ignition in an Underground Mine,” IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications, Vol. 44, No 2, March/April, 2008, pp. 418-423.
• Novak, T. and J. Sottile, Final Report for Reduction of Mining Electrical Hazards Through Improved Engineering Controls, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Contract No. 200-2002-00589, Sept. 2008, 197 p.
• Sacks, H.K, and T. Novak, “Corona Discharge Initiated Methane Explosions,” IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications, Vol. 41, No 5, September/October, 2005, pp. 1316-1322.