As the Deep Underground Science and Engineering Laboratory (DUSEL) project continues to grow, its impact isn't just measured by the potential for groundbreaking physics research, but also by its effect on the regional economy.
The DUSEL is more than just a beacon to scientists and engineers from all over the world; it is a draw to employees interested in building the infrastructure of the proposed laboratory. As the DUSEL grows in size and scope, a highly-skilled staff is required to continue its momentum. To do so, the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology currently has nine employees associated with the DUSEL, with plans to fill an additional 10 positions within the coming months to support DUSEL facility design activities. Through expenditures such as housing, food, entertainment, transportation and more, these employees inject money into the local economy and create a ripple effect, supporting additional local jobs.
"The School of Mines is proud to continue our longstanding partnership with Homestake and the DUSEL project," School of Mines President Robert A. Wharton, Ph.D., said. "The DUSEL is poised to have a considerable impact on the economic climate of South Dakota and we are committed to furthering that vision through project leadership, research activity, and position support."
"The DUSEL project has demonstrated to the National Science Foundation (NSF) that we're ready to develop the facility designs required for DUSEL construction," Mike Headley, deputy project manager, said. "These new staff members will strengthen our ability to meet the NSF's requirements and successfully complete the DUSEL facility preliminary designs by the end of 2010."
The current School of Mines DUSEL staff:
- Dr. William Roggenthen - DUSEL co-principal investigator
- Mike Headley - deputy project manager
- Laurie Gehner - contracts coordinator and administrative staff supervisor
- Dr. Zbigniew Hladysz - project engineer for geotechnical engineering
- Wendy Zawada - project engineer for underground construction and excavation
- Bryce Pietzyk - project engineer for underground construction and excavation
- Susan von Stein - environment, health and safety director
- Dick DiGennaro - project engineer for systems engineering and design management (half time position)
- George Campbell - cultural and diversity liaison and coordinator (half time position)
The projected School of Mines DUSEL positions:
- Project engineer for geotechnical design and excavation
- 4850L mid-level campus construction manager
- 7400L deep-level construction manager
- Project engineer for surface facilities infrastructure
- Senior project specialist
- Systems engineer for requirements and configuration management
- Project engineer for underground electrical design and construction
- Project engineer for underground mechanical design and construction
- Document controls manager
- Project controls engineer
As positions are posted for applicants, more information will be available at https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu/.
