Brian Shaffer

Brian Shaffer is currently the Deputy Science Director, Central Energy Resources Science Center, for the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in Denver, CO.  He is also Co-Project Chief for the Evolving Utilization of Solid Energy Fuels Project, which conducts coal resources and reserves assessment studies and other coal-related research.  Brian has been with the USGS since December 2015.

Previously, Brian was the Senior Manager of Geology-Northern Appalachia for Alpha Natural Resources, where he was responsible for exploration drilling and geologic modeling, as well as geologic and coal quality trend mapping and the evaluation of geology-related mining and ground control issues for Emerald No. 1 and Cumberland longwall mines in Greene County, PA.  He was also responsible for geology and exploration for Amfire Mining in central PA and the Brooks Run North mining operations in central WV.  Brian has over 26 years of experience as a geologist in the coal industry and has conducted geology-related evaluations in underground coal mines in 8 states.  He is a registered professional geologist and certified mine examiner in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  He is a member of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration (SME) and served as the Chairman of the Pittsburgh Section of SME in 2013-2014.

Brian has a B.S. degree in geology from Juniata College and a M.S. degree in Geology from West Virginia University.