Dr. R. Larry Grayson, chair and professor of mining engineering at the University of Missouri-Rolla, was recently appointed to a three-year term as chair of the Mine Safety and Health Research Advisory Committee (MSHRAC) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The MSHRAC advises the CDC on priorities in mine safety and health research, including grants and contracts.

Grayson, who became chair of the department in November 2000, served as a professor of mining engineering at UMR from 1996-1997. He has extensive experience in managing mine safety and health research and educational programs. He also served as the first permanent associate director of mining at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in Washington, D.C.

Grayson received a bachelor of arts degree in mathematics from California University in California, Pa., in 1974. He received a bachelor of science degree in engineering of mines from West Virginia University in Morgantown, W.Va., in 1978. He received a master of science degree and a Ph.D. engineering of mines from West Virginia University in 1981 and 1986, respectively.