![](https://www.coalage.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Dr-Michael-Karmis.jpg)
Dr Michael Karmis
The Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME) Coal & Energy Division’s Howard N. Eavenson Award Committee has selected Michael Karmis, a long-time member of SME, as the 2021 recipient of the prestigious Howard N. Eavenson Award. The award recognizes distinguished contributions to the advancement of coal mining. Dr. Karmis is being recognized for his distinguished contributions to coal mining health and safety, for improving the environmental performance of the coal mining industry, and for his tireless efforts in capacity building of the coal mining industry and academic leaders. He will accept the award during SME’s annual award ceremony in March 2021. Karmis is the Stonie Barker professor of the Mining and Minerals Engineering Department and the director of the Virginia Center for Coal and Energy Research at Virginia Tech.