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A team of West Virginia University researchers are making railways safer by developing a Band-Aid-like protective jacket for tank cars that haul hazardous materials. The composite material, because of its superior puncture and fire resistance qualities, will prevent spills and leaks caused by accidents, ultimately protecting surrounding communities, the environment and emergency responders from disasters.

New technology created by engineers at West Virginia University will improve safety in underground mines by reducing the likelihood of “fall of ground” related accidents, one of the leading causes of injuries in underground mines, which occurs when part of the roof or a pillar collapses.

A unique blend of expertise in multiple areas of engineering at West Virginia University, and a shared purpose have culminated in an integrated solution to meet the unique challenges of the Virgin Hyperloop Certification Center, slated to be located in the West Virginia highlands.

A revolutionary 3D printing process for use in future space missions is in development by West Virginia University engineers to provide dexterous assistance to astronauts and for various space station servicing activities.

Laurie Wiegand-Jackson, president and founder of Utility Advantage, presented “How to navigate and be successful in a male dominated industry,” on Tuesday, Oct. 13. The seminar was hosted online by the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources as part of West Virginia University’s Diversity Week.

West Virginia, birth place of Chuck Yeager, the first person to fly faster than the speed of sound, will now be at the center of developing the next innovation in barrier-breaking transportation.

Armand Coulson, a West Virginia University alumnus and World War II Navy veteran, had a desire to reciprocate the opportunities afforded to him because of his higher education. To honor his memory and wish to empower others along the path to becoming an engineer, Armand and Jaya Coulson established the Armand LeRoy Coulson Memorial Scholarship to benefit West Virginia students who wish to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering.

Despite longwall mining being an efficient way of extracting coal, it produces dangerous methane gas that has the potential to lead to explosions in underground mines. Researchers from West Virginia University are combatting this issue by developing an improved methane monitoring network to increase the safety of longwall mines.