Ashish Kumar

Ashish Kumar serves as Assistant Professor of Mining Engineering in the John and Willie Leone Family Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University's College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. He holds the Thomas V. and Jean C. Falkie Mining Engineering Faculty Fellowship and maintains an active research profile in mining safety systems.

His research spans Mine ventilation dynamics, Dust suppression technologies, and Mining automation systems, with particular emphasis on computational fluid dynamics modeling of aerosol transport. Kumar has developed patented dust filtration systems including non-clogging impingement and vortex-type scrubbers, addressing critical occupational health challenges in mining environments. His work bridges theoretical modeling with practical laboratory validation through extensive partnerships with NIOSH and industry stakeholders.

Kumar's publication record demonstrates consistent advancement in mine safety technologies, with recent focus on fire suppression systems, sensor calibration for dust monitoring, and innovative air curtain designs. His research integrates computational modeling with physical experimentation to solve persistent challenges in underground mining environments.

• Henry-Krumb lecturer of SME (2019-2021)
• WAAIME scholarship recipient (2014, 2016, 2017)
• Lewis and Elizabeth W. Young scholarship (2015)
• International Society of Explosives Engineers scholarship (2014, 2015)

Kumar actively contributes to the Society of Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration through committee leadership and maintains professional engineering licensure in Kentucky. His Autonomous Mining Systems Lab pursues next-generation solutions for mining safety and efficiency, with current emphasis on real-time monitoring systems and process automation.