Deniz Talan Awarded Prestigious Academic Career Development Grant

Assistant professor Deniz Talan has received the 2025 Freeport-McMoRan Academic Career Development Grant for her research in sustainable recovery for critical minerals (WVU Photo/Paige Nesbit).

The Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources at West Virginia University is proud to announce that Deniz Talan, assistant professor of mining engineering, has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Freeport-McMoRan Academic Career Development Grant.

Story by Kaley LaQuea, Marketing Strategist
Photos by Paige Nesbit, Director of Communications

Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

Awarded by the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME), this national recognition honors early-career faculty members who demonstrate exceptional promise in research, education and leadership within the mining and mineral industries. The SME Academic Career Development Grant is designed to provide support for tenure-track faculty as they advance research and participate in professional development activities.

Talan earned her PhD in mining engineering from WVU in 2021 and is already making a profound impact in the field. Her research focuses on the sustainable recovery of critical minerals from mine waste through environmentally responsible separation technologies, responding to today’s urgent global need for cleaner, more sustainable resource extraction.

"I am deeply honored to receive the SME Academic Career Development Grant," said Talan. "This recognition marks a significant milestone in my academic career and will enable me to further advance my research in sustainable mineral recovery and the utilization of critical resources. Beyond advancing technical innovation, this support will also enhance my efforts to mentor students, engage in meaningful outreach and help cultivate the next generation of engineers and scientists who will lead the future of the mining and mineral industries."

Talan’s commitment extends far beyond her lab. She is a dedicated educator and mentor who actively works to strengthen the mining engineering community through service, outreach and hands-on student engagement. Her passion for sustainability and innovation equips WVU students with the skills and values needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.

This grant follows Talan’s previous accolades, including the 2021–2022 SME Rong Yu Wan Ph.D. Dissertation Award—another testament to her scholarly excellence and growing national reputation.

Talan is an excellent example of Statler’s faculty caliber, who are not only advancing science and technology but also inspiring future leaders in engineering. Her success reflects Statler’s continued commitment to impactful research, academic excellence and innovation for a sustainable future.

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