Sekhar Bhattacharyya

Sekhar Bhattacharyya serves as an Associate Teaching 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. With over twenty years of combined academic and industry experience, he previously chaired the Mining Engineering program from 2019-2023, successfully leading its ABET accreditation process.

His educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Mining Engineering from the University of Utah (2009)
• M.S. in Mining Engineering from Montana Tech of the University of Montana (2002)
• MBA in Financial Management from the University of Calcutta (1999)
• B.E. in Mining Engineering from the University of Calcutta (1994)

Bhattacharyya's research centers on critical mining safety challenges, particularly respirable dust management and ventilation optimization in underground mines. His work extends to socio-technical aspects including opioid use in coal communities and sustainable energy transitions, bridging engineering solutions with public health considerations.

His recent publications demonstrate interdisciplinary reach across coal science, environmental impact modeling, and socio-economic studies of mining communities. Key trends show increasing integration of health impact assessments with traditional mining engineering practices and exploration of energy transition consequences in resource-dependent regions.

Recognition for his work includes:

• Wilson Travel Grant from EMS College, Penn State (2023)
• Gladys Snyder Grant from EMS College, Penn State (2020)
• S. Lal Award for academic excellence at University of Calcutta (1994)

Bhattacharyya actively mentors undergraduate and graduate students while securing substantial research funding from NIOSH, the U.S. Department of Labor, and USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. His grants focus on mine safety innovations and health impact mitigation strategies.

He maintains strong industry connections through field trips to operational mines and safety laboratories, facilitating practical learning experiences that connect classroom theory with real-world mining environments and regulatory compliance requirements.