Mary MacLaughlin

Mary MacLaughlin is a Professor in the Department of Geological Engineering at Montana Technological University's Lance College of Mines & Engineering. She holds a Ph.D. in Civil (Geotechnical) Engineering from UC Berkeley (1997), an M.S. in the same field from UC Berkeley (1989), and a B.S. in Geological Engineering from the University of Minnesota (1988).

Her research focuses on rock mechanics and geotechnical engineering, with specialized expertise in slope stability analysis, finite element modeling, and experimental characterization of rock properties. She teaches courses including Introduction to Geological Engineering, Engineering Geology, Advanced Engineering Geology, Slope Stability Analysis & Design, and Finite Element Method in Geomechanics.

Her publications demonstrate consistent focus on experimental geomechanics, rock characterization technologies (laser scanning, fiber-optic sensing), and numerical modeling applications. Recent work emphasizes 3D rock joint analysis, in-situ monitoring systems, and strength behavior of complex geological materials.

Awards & Honors:

• U.S. Council on Undergraduate Research Geosciences Division Undergraduate Research Mentor Award (2014)
• Montana Tech Faculty Merit Award (2014)
• Montana Tech Distinguished Researcher Award (2006)
• Rose and Anna Busch Faculty Achievement Award (2002, 2005, 2008)

Research Leadership: Principal investigator on multiple NSF and NIOSH grants totaling over $1M, including:

• Fiber-optic monitoring for mine safety (NIOSH, $314K)
• Shake table research on seismic rock stability (NSF, $314K)
• Seismically induced rock-slope failure mechanisms (NSF, $304K)
• Fiber-optic strain monitoring in underground facilities (NSF, $145K)