Josh Wheeler

Alumni Spotlight: Josh Wheeler

Graduation Year: 1997

Degree: Mining and Minerals Engineering

Career Story: I am a mission focused leader with over 25 years of experience developing diverse teams to overcome challenges in existing and new manufacturing sites around the globe. With a servant leadership style and a relentless focus on safely and effectively improving operating results, I have been honored to help produce the ingredients to feed hundreds of millions of people and power Mega Watts of energy storage.

I have worked with Cargill, Mosaic, Maaden (Saudi Arabian Mining Company), Albemarle, and Tesla.  Experience in surface and underground mines, beneficiation and multiple chemical processes while living in the US, China, Canada and Saudi Arabia supporting the Phosphate, Potash and Lithium Industries.

Currently I serve as Director Lithium and Recycling for Tesla responsible for our novel Lithium refinery in Texas, our recycling operations in Reno Nevada, and our development teams in NV / TX.

How did the Department of Mining and Minerals Engineering at Virginia Tech prepare you for your career? 

I would break my professional needs into 2 buckets, technical and leadership.  My career has been focused on leadership supporting highly technical teams.  Mining Engineering laid a foundation for technical understanding through theoretical and practical learnings which has allowed me to review, digest and properly challenge technical teams.  I believe that the small dept size, co op opportunities, and curriculum also built my acumen and confidence to lead.

What is your fondest memory from your time as a student in the department?  

Too many hours to count working on Rock Mechanics Labs in the Holden Hall computer lab.

What advice would you share with your college self?

I know this sounds cliché but “enjoy the moment”, university is a unique period for great experiences and to develop deep relationships.

What is a guiding principle for your work?

Seek to produce something that has a positive impact on the world.

What does being a Virginia Tech alumnus mean to you?

As I reflect on the long heritage of Virginia Tech, it provides motivation to leverage that heritage and find a way to contribute to its future.