Professor Bawden is an educator, researcher and practitioner in applied rock engineering for the mining and civil engineering communities in Canada and internationally. His former students hold leading positions in mining and consulting engineering firms in Canada and abroad. Professor Bawden's research work has been focused primarily on the design and support of large underground excavations in rock primarily in the mining sector. Mining is a critical component of the Canadian economy. Professor Bawden's work has had, and continues to have, a direct and positive impact on mine productivity, profitability and safety. He has published his research work broadly and has developed new tools that are used by mines around the world to enhance mine safety and productivity.