Author: Laurie Schmidt

Meet the Expert: Tissa Illangasekare

Meet the Expert: Tissa Illangasekare

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It’s not unusual to be fascinated by water when you’re a kid, but Tissa Illangasekare did more than just jump in puddles to satisfy that youthful curiosity—he built miniature dams and learned the basics of fluid mechanics. Raised in a small village in the central hills of Sri Lanka, he says the landscape he grew up in provided the perfect opportunity to learn about water. “There were a lot of hills with mountain streams, and water was channeled from the top of the hills down to the terraced rice fields,” he says. “So, actually without knowing at that time,...

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First Impressions: An Interview with New Mines President Paul C. Johnson

First Impressions: An Interview with New Mines President Paul C. Johnson

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On June 1, 2015, the Colorado School of Mines Board of Trustees announced the appointment of Paul C. Johnson as the 17th president of Colorado School of Mines. He officially assumed his duties on July 1 and currently resides in the President’s House on campus with his wife, Elyse. Johnson joined Mines from Arizona State University, where he served as dean and executive dean of the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. Two weeks before the start of the fall semester, the editor of Mines magazine sat down with President Johnson for a Q&A interview to help alumni readers...

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Oredigger Rollin’ in a Ford Van

Oredigger Rollin’ in a Ford Van

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Many college students look forward to earning their degree, followed by the lucrative salary, followed by the big house. But Naomi Plasterer ’14 has chosen a different path, one that allows her to live small and give to others in need. Naomi, who earned her degree in mathematics and computer science, lives with her dog, Lopi, in a 2000 Ford E150 van, affectionately known as Gunther. Currently a software engineer in San Francisco, she decided to make the big downsize when she realized how little time she spent in her very expensive apartment. While she enjoys the freedom of...

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Miner’s Pic: Brandon Turman ’08 and Courtney Steen ’10

Miner’s Pic: Brandon Turman ’08 and Courtney Steen ’10

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Everyone talks about landing the dream job after graduation—Mines alumni Brandon Turman (’08) and Courtney Steen (’10) actually made it happen. How do they spend their days now? Riding and testing the latest mountain bikes and components and relaying their on-trail experiences to the public. “I have always had a passion for mountain biking, and when I came to Mines in 2004 it was a personal goal to share that passion with others by introducing them to the sport,” said Turman. When the opportunity came up to manage the CSM Cycling Team, Turman says he jumped on it. In...

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