I will use my travel grant in October 2017 to observe a pilot copper mining operation in Florence, Arizona. We are collaborating with the Florence mine as part of our research into copper in situ leaching. Observing this pilot plant will be a valuable opportunity for me to validate the results of my research, interact personally with our collaborators, and obtain valuable feedback. I believe that this on-site experience at a mining operation will be important for my career development. My career goal is to be a liaison between research and the mining industry in order to accelerate the advancement of new technology; obtaining site experience will help me advance towards this goal.

-Laura Sinclair, Tester Group