Staff
Hugh Miller
Director of Research
Dr. Miller is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mining Engineering. His responsibilities include the education, mentoring, and professional development of undergraduate and graduate students, the pursuit of research activities, and performing service contributions both internal and external to CSM. Current research activities include occupational health & safety, artesinal mining in the developing World, mining systems & equipment technology, hydraulic excavation, and waterjet technology.
Michelle Reiher
Director of Operations
Michelle Reiher is a certified industrial hygienist and certified safety professional with over 20 years of safety and health experience in general industry and mining. Ms. Reiher received her BS degree from Colorado School of Mines, her MS from Colorado State University and her MBA from Regis University. She holds the MSHA IS, IU and IN certifications and has develop and conducted safety and health training within the MSHA Part 48 New Miner, Annual Refresher and Instructor Training courses. She has a passion for health and safety training and believes everyone should be given the knowledge to make choices that will keep them safe.
Korky Vault
Training coordinator
Korky Vault has more than 25 years of health and safety training experience in both the environmental laboratory and mining industries. Ms. Vault received her BS degree from Columbia Southern University and her MBA from Capella University. She holds the MSHA IS, IU and IN certifications and has developed and conducted training for MSHA Part 48 courses and OSHA courses on Fall Protection, Confined Space Entry and Hazard Communication. In addition to believing that proper training will help prevent injuries and fatalities, she has a passion for understanding how our individual brain make-up can impact our daily lives, including safety in the workplace.
WHITNEY DERBER
TRAINING PROFESSIONAL
Whitney Derber has 14 years of experience in mining health and safety. Notable highlights in her career include being part of the Climax Mine restart in Colorado and the Lone Star expansion project at Safford Mine in Arizona. Whitney received her BA from the University of Colorado Boulder and is a certified safety professional (CSP) and MSHA IS instructor.
DAVID R LAURISKI
TRAINING COORDINATOR, RESEARCH AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Mr. Lauriski has 15 years of experience in higher education, in both faculty and administrative staff roles, and five years of experience in occupational safety technology. Mr. Lauriski’s work has appeared in publications such as Mining Engineering, Rock Products, and The Journal of Emergency Medicine. He is an alumnus of the University of Denver and of City, University of London.