NIOSH Announces Appointment of New Associate Director for Mining

Contact: Jenise Brassell 513-533-8360

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) announces the appointment of Jessica Kogel, Ph.D., as the new Associate Director for Mining in the Office of the Director, effective February 8, 2016.

In this role, Dr. Kogel will lead the development and implementation of a dynamic research program focused on ensuring the health and safety of mine workers. She will also work to ensure the program continues to have the resources needed to carry out its responsibilities of conducting a multi-faceted and impactful research agenda.

“Dr. Kogel brings with her expertise and experience that will be invaluable to NIOSH as we look to the future of mining research,” said NIOSH Director John Howard, M.D. “I am pleased to welcome her and confident in her leadership to continue the critical work to improve the health and safety of our nation’s miners.”

Dr. Kogel brings with her over 25 years of experience and has held a number of senior positions in the mining industry. Prior to joining NIOSH, she was the Senior Manager for Mining and Geology at Imerys S.A., a French multinational company which specializes in the production and processing of industrial minerals. In addition to serving on the NORA Mining Sector Council, Dr. Kogel serves on the editorial board of the Mineral and Metallurgical Processing Journal. She is the author of numerous articles in minerals research. She holds four patents in the field of minerals geology.

She has been actively involved in professional organizations, serving as president of the Society of Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME) in 2013 and continues to serve on the Board of Trustees of the SME Foundation. She is also the Vice-Chairman of the Board of the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum.

Dr. Kogel received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Earth Science from the University of California at Berkeley, a Master of Science degree in Geology from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Geology also from Indiana University.  

NIOSH is the federal agency that conducts research and makes recommendations for preventing work-related injuries, illnesses, and deaths. For more information about NIOSH visit www.cdc.gov/niosh/.