Central Appalachian Regional Education and Research Center

08/26/2026

Save the date! Respiratory Protection Day is September 1.

Join NIOSH as we highlight tools and resources that promote proper respirator use and help employers and workers understand the importance of respiratory protection against airborne hazards.

08/24/2026

Campus just wasn't the same without you! Welcome back to Lexington, Wildcats. Let’s make this academic year the best one yet! 💙😼

08/24/2026

08/20/2026

Mosquito-borne diseases are spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Employers can protect workers by decreasing standing water at worksites, ensuring that doors and windows are kept closed when possible, and encouraging workers to wear clothing that covers exposed skin when working outdoors. Workers should also wear insect repellent. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4eGvwNu

08/18/2026

🎉 CARERC Trainee Spotlight! 🎉

Huge congratulations to CARERC trainee Daykin Schnell on presenting his PhD research at two prestigious conferences!

At the Professional Engineers in Mining (PEM) Seminar—organized by the University of Kentucky's Mining Engineering Department to provide continuing education for licensed PEs—Daykin presented his work titled:

📍 "Predicting Ground Vibrations from Blasting Using Geophysics Methods and Models"

His talk broke down essential blasting and geophysics concepts, detailed innovative modeling methodologies, and demonstrated how field data collected from test sites is actively validating these predictive models to improve mining safety and precision.

Daykin also took the stage at the International Conference on Ground Control in Mining (ICGCM) to share his paper titled:

📍 "Analyzing Highwall Stability Related to Blast Design Changes and Variable Geology"

His presentation highlighted a compelling case study comparing alternative blast designs against baseline data—showing clear improvements in meeting engineered geotechnical design standards.

The presentation was so well received that Daykin was invited to present this paper as part of the prestigious Best of Ground Control Session at the 2027 Annual MINEXCHANGE Conference in Denver, Colorado! 🏔️👏

We are incredibly proud of Daykin’s hard work, research impact, and dedication to advancing safety and stability in mining operations.

08/13/2026

Volunteer, career, wildland, structural, active, or retired—occupational cancer affects all parts of the fire service. That is why the NIOSH National Firefighter Registry (NFR) for Cancer needs data from EVERY corner of the fire service. Your unique background, environment, and history provide critical pieces to the puzzle. By enrolling, you can help us better understand how cancer impacts different types of firefighters.

Help build a healthier future for the entire fire service. Enroll in the NFR today: https://nfr.cdc.gov/

08/12/2026

Workers who are exposed to extreme heat or work in hot environments may be at risk of heat stress. Workers at greater risk of heat stress include those who are 65 years of age or older, are overweight, have heart disease or high blood pressure, or take certain medications are at greater risk for a heat-related illness. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4fNqeDh

08/06/2026

👀 Submit your presentation abstract for the 2027 Beam Institute Industry Conference soon! The submission window will close on September 4. Our annual conference will take place March 15-17, 2027 in Lexington, KY. The conference typically draws over 1100 attendees from 40+ US states and territories and 15 countries and provides a fantastic audience for your insight and scientific work. To learn more about the conference and the submission process, go to https://beaminstitute.mgcafe.uky.edu/conference 🥃

08/06/2026

Did you know that ALL U.S. firefighters—with or without a cancer diagnosis—can join the NIOSH National Firefighter Registry (NFR) for Cancer? Wondering why you should join if you don’t have cancer? Having data from firefighters with AND without cancer allows NIOSH to compare and better understand the factors that contribute to cancer in the fire service over time.

Your participation today helps protect the firefighters of tomorrow. Join now: https://nfr.cdc.gov/

08/05/2026

Working outside in the heat can be a challenge. Sweating depletes your body’s salt and moisture levels. Low salt levels can cause muscle cramps. Learn tips to stay healthy while working outside: https://bit.ly/4fNqeDh