Peng, long-time chair of WVU’s Department of Mining Engineering in the College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, a position from which he stepped down last year, was recognised for his involvement in the industry and “for his leadership in the development of advanced longwall-mining and ground-subsidence-control technologies,” according to a recent statement.

Peng told International Longwall News that he received the news a few weeks ago from the organisation’s president. He’ll be joining other nominees in September in Washington, DC for an induction ceremony for the Class of 2007.

He also confirmed that, because only other members can nominate individuals, he is not sure who suggested him for the bestowment. However, in this case, a non-member may have been involved: “I do know my former boss, Dr Gene Cilento, Dean of College of Mineral and Energy Resources, had something to do with it,” he said.

“I feel great for being recognised by my peers for what I have done in the areas of longwall mining, and ground and subsidence controls. It is also most befitting that a mining professor is the first ever to be elected to any of the national academies at WVU, since WV is a coal mining state,” he added.

He noted he was “humbled and grateful” by the induction and all those who have played a part in making his career what it is. “This announcement brings a great deal of pride to me, to my department and college and to West Virginia University,” he said.

Representatives of West Virginia University concurred. “I can certainly say, on behalf of Dean Cilento and everyone in the College of Engineering and Mineral Resources at WVU, that we are very proud to have Syd Peng as a member of our faculty. He is passionate about mining engineering, and his accomplishments bring great honour to our college and to our university,” WVU spokeswoman Susan Case told ILN this week.

“He has worked tirelessly on behalf of his department and of the college and university for many years, and this recognition is extremely well deserved. Also, we know that his expertise will contribute a great deal to the academy.”

The university confirmed that Peng is its first faculty member elected to the NAE and the fourth person from West Virginia to ever receive the honour.

“This election is an important milestone for West Virginia University and for the state of West Virginia,” said WVU president David C Hardesty Jr.

“Syd Peng is a tremendous asset to this institution and to this state.”