Aaron Noble

My research focuses on the production of so-called "critical minerals'' from industrial wastes. Critical minerals are essential for modern technology, but they have restrictive supply chains that are subject to considerable risk. The cost-effective and environmentally-friendly technologies developed in my research can provide ways to eliminate long standing environmental liabilities while creating jobs and economic development in disadvantaged communities, all while supporting national security and manufacturing. A true "win-win".

I am a three-time Hokie with a bachelors, masters, and Ph.D. in mining and minerals engineering; all from Virginia Tech. After completing my Ph.D. in 2013, I worked for four years as a faculty member at West Virginia University, then I returned to Virginia Tech in 2017 as an associate professor of mining and minerals engineering and the associate director for the Center for Advanced Separation Technologies. Over the years, I had the opportunity to visit numerous mines and work with companies, colleagues, and students around the world. My personal research funding exceeds 6.8 million dollars, and my work has been cited more than 500 times. I am passionate about teaching. I have been elected Outstanding Instructor for the department in 2013, 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022. I received the 2021 Dean’s Award for Teaching Excellence as well as the 2022 Certificate of Teaching Excellence. I am also the inaugural recipient of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration Academic Career Development Grant (2015) and Outstanding Young Engineer Award (2018).