He could have fit a career into any of NRRI’s strategic initiatives.
David Haugen started at Itasca Community College considering a career in forestry. During that time he also worked in aquatic invasive species management. But he landed at NRRI Coleraine where the world of mining research caught his attention.
“I was hired in 2014 as a technician, running a variety of pyrometallurgical tests. I also worked in our Batch Lab doing a lot of mineral processing tests,” said Haugen. “The more I learned about the mining process and testing procedures the more I wanted to stay in this field.”
And he did. Sort of. After achieving a bachelor’s degree in business management from the College of St. Scholastica, Haugen expanded his skillset to project management – and, fittingly, he now works across NRRI's multidisciplinary research initiatives as part of NRRI”s Technical Operations team. Though he’s still on the learning curve.
“My expertise is still pyrometallurgical and mineral processing procedures,” he said. “But eventually I want to be an expert in project management using our new software, WorkOtter.”
It became clear to NRRI’s leadership team that simultaneously managing some 150 diverse projects underway required a system to track timelines, budgets and progress. It would have to be robust yet easy to use. WorkOtter, a top tier project and portfolio management software system, widely used by industry, was implemented in 2022. But it required full time attention to manage and get staff trained. Haugen was ready and took on the role of Research Project Specialist last year.
“What keeps my job interesting is supporting and managing so many interesting research, facility and equipment projects,” said Haugen. “There are always new challenges to work through and overcome and I enjoy working with our awesome teams to overcome these challenges every day.”
Implementing Otter
Haugen’s focus these days is getting WorkOtter implemented across the entire Institute – Coleraine to Duluth. He holds regular training sessions with busy research staff to demonstrate how this new tool can help them manage their work flow even better. He’s also helping NRRI apply it to managing facilities upgrades and new equipment onboarding.
“This software has lot of capabilities to quickly help leaders and researchers understand project status and resource utilization,” Haugen explained. “It also creates a portfolio of all the projects within a research group or all of NRRI to help with planning, resource allocation, staffing, and a whole lot more.”
In this research support role and as a key member of the Management of Change committee, Haugen works with expertise from across the institute to help make the best decisions to achieve NRRI’s mission.
Collegial Collaborations
When project challenges surface, Haugen leans on the “awesome team” at NRRI Coleraine. He recalled a recent mineral processing pilot plant project where he was especially grateful for the work of colleagues Jeff Kinkel, Patrick Casey and Julie Mutcher.
“All three did a fantastic job supporting that project, working with the researchers to keep it on time and on budget,” said Haugen. “They made sure we had the necessary tools and resources to successfully complete the project with high quality and do so without any safety incidents.”
Off Hours
Haugen is a self-proclaimed “Skoldier” – a big Minnesota Vikings fan – so don’t try to reach him during a Vikings game. And when he's not hanging out with his wife and kids, you might catch him fishing or deer hunting.
“And my wife and I are taking a delayed honeymoon trip to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic in March,” he added. “We’re really looking forward to getting away and hanging at the beach.”