EMFI Co-Hosts Congressional Seminar with the Congressional Research Service and an EMFI/CSM Reception
On June 12, 2012, the Energy and Minerals Field Institute co-hosted a Congressional Seminar with the Congressional Research Service (CRS). This event represented the latest in a number of EMFI/CRS cooperative events over the years. To date, 44 employees from CRS have participated in the annual EMFI Field Programs, and the Institute has hosted six other presentations with CRS addressing subjects ranging from U.S. minerals competiveness, to biotechnology, to artificial intelligence, to advanced materials research.
The June 12 Congressional Seminar was held in the "Members of Congress Room" in the Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress – a beautifully-appointed historic venue on the first floor of the building. Valerie Grasso and Marc Humphries from the CRS, along with their colleagues, helped organize the event. Introductions at the Seminar were presented by Dr. Mary Mazanac, Director of the Congressional Research Service, and Dr. Nigel Middleton, Senior Vice President at the Colorado School of Mines. The Seminar consisted of three components: (a) a Morning Session introduced by Senator Mark Udall and presented by Dr. Rod Eggert on the topic "Rare Earth Elements: Markets, Potential New Mines, and National Security", (b) a Luncheon facilitating the exchange of information regarding these and other topics among Seminar attendees and various CRS experts, and (c) an afternoon session featuring Dr. Jennifer Miskimins on the topic "Hydraulic Fracturing in Unconventional Reservoirs". The technical presentations were particularly well received by the Congressional attendees, and it is hoped that the success of this event will lead to the offering of similar seminars for Congressional and Executive personnel in the future.
On the evening following the Congressional Seminar, a Reception for alumni from both the Colorado School of Mines and the EMFI was held at Co Co Sala in Washington, DC. The Reception was hosted by the EMFI, the CSM Alumni Association, and the CSM Office of Institutional Advancement. The social event provided an opportunity for excellent networking, catching up with old friends, and acquainting the attendees with the ongoing activities at CSM.
Senator Mark Udall provided a welcoming address.
Megan Gins (2011 EMFI alumnus from the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources) with Gary Baughman (EMFI Director), Barry Martin (Director, CSM Office of Special Programs and Continuing Education), and Dixie Termin (EMFI).
Megan Gins (2011 EMFI alumnus from the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources) with Dixie Termin (EMFI) looking at photos from the 2011 EMFI Government Field Program.
Brent Yacobucci (2006 EMFI alumnus and Head of the Energy and Mineals Section of CRS) discussing weighty matters with Barry Martin (Director, CSM Office of Special Programs and Continuing Education).
Further Information
For additional information concerning the Energy and Minerals Field Institute, please contact:
Energy and Minerals Field Institute
Colorado School of Mines
Golden, Colorado 80401 USA
Phone: 303.279.5563
Fax: 303.277.8683
Email: emfi@mines.edu