Raja V. Ramani, professor emeritus of mining and geoenvironmental engineering, is heading a special commission to investigate the causes of the Somerset County Quecreek Mine Accident. Ramani was appointed to the post by Gov. Mark Schweiker.
Ramani is a registered professional engineer and certified mine manager, health and safety instructor, and health safety professional, with more than 40 years of experience. He is a recognized expert in the design, operation and safety policies of underground mining operations. He was a member of the Penn State faculty from 1970 to 2001. For more information about the commission and Ramani, check the Web at
http://www.state.pa.us/papower/cwp/view.asp?Q=430993&A=11
Others with Penn State connections were involved in the rescue at the Quecreek Mine. Joseph Sbaffoni, the deep-mine safety expert with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, and John Urosek, chief of the Mine Safety and Health Administration's ventilation division in Pittsburgh, who were key players in the rescue, both are Penn State graduates with degrees in mining engineering.