Andrea J Brickey
(
2015)
Professor
Mining Engineering and Management (MEM)
Education
B.S., South Dakota School of Mines & Technology
Ph.D., Colorado School of Mines
Contact/Location
Andrea.Brickey@sdsmt.edu
605-394-1275
MI 231
(campus map)
Research Expertise
My research concentrates on applying cross-disciplinary knowledge to the mining industry,
most recently by implementing advanced operations research techniques to optimize
underground mine scheduling and planning. I am focusing on developing a more holistic
mine schedule by incorporating additional aspects of the mine's operation (such as
ventilation) and continue investigating opportunities for collaboration in areas outside
of traditional mining engineering practices, such as applied mathematics, computer
science and applied physics. I am also interested in developing tools and references
focused on accelerating the effectiveness of mining engineers early in their careers.
Brief Bio
I received my bachelors of science in Mining Engineering from South Dakota School
of Mines and Technology. I worked in the mining industry for 15 years prior to returning
to academia to pursue a Ph.D. My industry experience has focused primarily on mining
operations and consulting projects in Africa and North and South America, mining copper,
gold, silver, nickel, phosphate and coal. I have a post-graduate diploma in Management
Practices from the University of Cape Town, Graduate School of Business and a Ph.D.
in Mining and Earth Systems Engineering from Colorado School of Mines.
Teaching
The most critical skillset for a student entering the workforce is the ability to
utilize engineering knowledge to address the complex issues and problems that are
a daily reality for mining engineers. I believe that to be a good problem solver,
one must be able to combine multiple aspects of engineering knowledge and that type
of applied problem solving is the focus of my teaching philosophy. Having industry
experience in a wide variety of mining applications has allowed me to offer insight
beyond the traditional textbook methodology. I also emphasize “softer” skills, such
as effective communication, teamwork, self-confidence, flexibility, and dealing with
difficult situations. These skills are essential for the success of anyone aspiring
to a senior engineering or management position.
Course Listing