Lewis V. Wade, Ph.D., a structural engineer and government administrator with extensive experience in mine and geologic research management, was named the new associate director for Mine Safety and Health Research at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
Wade began his new duties Nov. 6.
As associate director, Wade oversees the national research program conducted by NIOSH''s mine safety and health research laboratories in Pittsburgh, Pa., and Spokane, Wash.
NIOSH conducts research to prevent work-related injuries, illnesses and deaths in mining, including studies on new technologies for anticipating and preventing mine roof collapses, preventing fires and explosions, preventing hazardous contact with heavy machinery and vehicles, and controlling exposures to hazardous dusts.
Before joining NIOSH, Wade served concurrently as assistant chief hydrologist for information in the Water Resources Division of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and as the senior executive for USGS'' Yucca Mountain Project.
Before that, he was research director of the U.S. Bureau of Mines (BOM) Twin Cities Research Center and deputy research director of the BOM Pittsburgh Research Center.
Wade holds a Ph.D. in structural engineering from Carnegie Mellon University. He has twice received the Presidential Rank Award of Meritorious Executive.
Wade succeeds Dr. Larry Grayson, the first NIOSH associate director for mine safety and health research, who left NIOSH to join the University of Missouri at Rolla as chair of the Department of Mining Engineering and Union Pacific/Rocky Mountain Energy professor.
by Virginia Sutcliffe