Curtin University has appointed Dr Sam Spearing as the new Deputy Director of the Curtin Western Australian School of Mines.
Dr Spearing has a diverse background in academia and the mining industry. With an international career spanning 40 countries, Australia is the fourth continent he has lived in.
Previously an Associate Professor in the Department of Mining and Mineral Resources Engineering at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, USA, Dr Spearing said he hoped his global experience will reinforce the global reputation of the School and strengthen the relationships between the Curtin WA School of Mines, the mining industry, alumni and local community.
“As Deputy Director, I would like to help grow research and international collaborations with the Curtin WA School of Mines whilst still maintaining the proud local history of the School,” Dr Spearing said.
Curtin Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Development Professor Brett Kirk said Dr Spearing’s appointment was an important addition to Curtin considering his extensive industry experience in the mining sector.
“Dr Spearing has worked in the mining and underground construction industry, with a focus on mine design, rock mechanics, training and safety,” Professor Kirk said.
“This type of industry experience helps strengthen the School’s ability to provide students with the skills to graduate career-ready for mining and related industries.”
Interestingly, moving to Western Australia for academic work was an early career goal of Dr Spearing’s.
“On my wedding day over 32 years ago, my mother-in-law to be asked me what my ideal career would be and I replied that I hoped to someday teach at a mining university in Australia. It took me a while to get here, but I’m really looking forward to my time at Curtin,’ Dr Spearing said.
During his career, Dr Spearing has commercialised various patents and products, supported over $1.5 million dollars of funded research since joining academia in 2007 and has been published in a variety of technical books and related publications.
