Justin Hartman
Hometown: Hanover, Pennsylvania
Undergraduate Degree: Mining Engineering
Research Title: Turning Waste into Profit – Making Environmental Stewardship an Economic Benefit
Research Story: My current research is identifying potential revenue streams from coal waste. As part of my research, I'm exploring the potential use of coal mine and power plant waste materials for use in consumer and industrial products. These include, but are not limited to: resin encapsulation – replacing plastic filler, Rare Earth Element extraction – for use in industrial production, and other critical mineral extraction – to help ensure the United State’s resource security. The use of these coal products are viable on a case by case basis – identifying common parameters will help guide future research and industry.
Why did you choose the Mining and Minerals Engineering Department at Virginia Tech?
Picking the mining department was an easy choice for me. I knew that I wanted to be involved with alternative methods of resource extraction, with particular interest in the space resources field. The mining department offered me an excellent opportunity to create an expertise niche for myself, and to stand out amongst my peers.
How did you get interested in mining?
I had always been interested in rocks, minerals, and geology; however, I knew that I wanted to be an engineer. It wasn’t until I came to Virginia Tech that I realized Mining Engineering was an option, and it turned out to be the best option to tie together my childhood interests and overarching career goals.
What are your career aspirations after completing your degree?
My aspirations following graduation are to be involved in the development of a resource economy in Space. While asteroids will have the most economic value on earth, the scientific and societal benefits of mining elsewhere (like the moon) are far closer to coming to fruition. Every major age of humanity’s development has been kickstarted by advancements in mining, mineral processing, and/or the way we use materials.
What's your favorite place you have traveled?
Innsbruck, Austria. Centered directly in the middle of the Alps, you’ll be hard pressed to find a more scenic area. I’d recommend staying somewhere on the mountains south of the city, as nothing quite beats the view from halfway up the alps, looking down on the tranquil European city as descending planes pass by at eye-level, and fireworks are bursting thousands of feet below you.
What's your favorite thing to do around Blacksburg?
Caving! There are tons of caves in the area (thanks to the local karst topology), and several that are freely accessible to the whole public. If you think the Cascades are cool, just wait until you see your first underground waterfall!
What's your favorite thing about Virginia Tech?
The quality of education and research available throughout every department on campus. Pure academia in its best form.
