Category: Awards

Catherine Rono is an HRI Fellowship Winner

Catherine Rono HRI Fellowship
Catherine Rono HRI Fellowship Winner

Ph.D. Student in Biological Sciences, Catherine Rono, continues to be recognized for excellence. Rono is the winner of the Summer 2023 HRI Graduate Student Fellowship.

Rono stood out among the applicants. Rono published a first-author peer-reviewed article, “A dynamic compartment model for xylem loading and long-distance transport of iron explains the effect of kanamycin on metal uptake in Arabidopsis,” following her undergraduate years at Spelman College. She also won several awards and scholarships.

“The proposal is to screen essential molecules that work together with PDE3-modulator to induce apoptosis of LKB1-mutated tumor cells and to understand the molecular mechanism. The findings are likely useful for precise applications of target therapy relating to the LKB1-regulated cellular metabolisms,” said the award committee. “The project is clearly laid out.”

Health Research Institute (HRI) Graduate Fellowships were created to assist with the cost of graduate studies. Fellowships are awarded three times per year in the Fall, Spring, and Summer terms, with a limit of one award per student of up to $5000 to be used in one semester. 

What are you studying and why?

I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences with a focus on Cancer Biology. My decision to focus on this field is deeply rooted in a personal experience I had during my childhood, where I witnessed my beloved aunt battle against ovarian cancer, which tragically claimed her life. This traumatic event left an indelible mark on me and sparked an unwavering passion to make a meaningful contribution to cancer research.

Through my research, I aim to uncover the complexities of this disease and develop innovative approaches for its diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. I hope to contribute to the growing body of knowledge in the field of cancer, working towards improved patient outcomes and, ultimately, a future where cancer is no longer a devastating threat. It is my firm belief that by dedicating myself to this field, I can honor the memory of my aunt and positively impact the lives of countless individuals and families affected by cancer.

Do you plan to continue research with this award?

I am incredibly grateful and honored to have been chosen as the recipient of the Summer 2023 HRI Graduate Fellowship award in the amount of $5,000. This prestigious recognition will provide invaluable support for my research work focused on exploring and uncovering novel metabolic components and biomarkers within the Liver Kinase B1 (LKB1) signaling pathway.

Through rigorous experimentation and analysis, I aim to elucidate the regulatory functions of LKB1 in suppressing the expression of key proteins associated with promoting apoptosis. By unraveling these intricate mechanisms, my research findings have the potential to make substantial contributions to the development of targeted therapies, and personalized medicine approaches for the treatment of patients with LKB1 mutated cancers. The ability to tailor treatments to individual patients based on their specific genetic profiles and molecular characteristics holds great promise for improving patient outcomes and reducing the burden of cancer worldwide.

What does the HRI Fellowship mean to you?

The HRI Graduate Fellowship award is a tremendous honor and a testament to the significance and potential impact of my research work. It not only acknowledges the value of my research but also provides the necessary resources and connections to further drive my work forward. I am deeply grateful for this recognition and committed to utilizing this opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting impact in the field of cancer research.

Furthermore, I would like to express my deepest appreciation to the entire HRI community, my mentor, my colleagues, the research team, and the Biological Sciences Department. I am truly fortunate to be surrounded by such brilliant and dedicated individuals. Their encouragement and support have been instrumental in my growth as a researcher.

Biological Sciences Faculty Members Receive Exceptional Spring 2023 Student Evaluation Scores

Heartiest congratulations to the following 10 instructors from the Biological Sciences Department who have been identified as some of the only 74 campus-wide instructors who received exceptional “Average of Seven dimensions” student evaluation scores during the Spring 2023 semester.

Only 89 sections university-wide (out of more than 1,411 evaluated) were rated so highly by the students. Their scores were in the top 10% of similarly sized sections university-wide, with at least a 50% response rate and a minimum of five responses.

Provost Storer recently congratulated them for their outstanding accomplishments in teaching.  

The following faculty/staff/graduate students received the recognition based on an average of 7 elements of a university-wide class size group with a response rate of >50% on student evaluations of their lecture/lab classes:

  • Dr. Casey Huckins, Professor and Associate Chair
  • Ms. Brigitte Morin, MS, Associate Teaching Professor (Winner of MTU teaching award in 2018)
  • Dr. Gordon Paterson, Assistant Professor
  • Ms. Claire Danielson, MS, MLS Program Director, and Assistant Teaching Professor (Nominated for the MTU teaching award, 2022 and 2023)
  • Ms. Sarah LewAllen, MS, MLS Program Coordinator
  • Ms. Jenna Disser, MS Graduate Student
  • Mr. Karl Schneider, Ph.D. Graduate Student
  • Ms. Michelle Kelly, Ph.D. Graduate Student
  • Ms. Nicole Roeper, MS, Director, Pre-Health Professions, and Instructor
  • Mr. Hunter Roose, MS Graduate Student

We are very proud of these achievements, and we thank them and you all for fulfilling the educational mission of our university!

The departmental student rating average for Spring 2023 was 4.51 out of 5. Since 2013, our faculty, staff, and students have been in this top 10% of teachers list 162 times.

Amy Marcarelli Receives the 2023 Distinguished Teaching Award

Amy Marcarelli
Amy Marcarelli

Amy Marcarelli, a professor in Biological Sciences, has received the 2023 Distinguished Teaching Award in the category of Associate Professor/Professor. Dr. Marcarelli is an ecosystem ecologist with an interest in energy and biogeochemical cycles in freshwaters. Her research program blends basic and applied research and integrates across aquatic habitats including stream, river, wetland, lake littoral zones, and the nearshore regions of the Great Lakes.

“That’s fantastic news. Amy is not just passionate about educating the next generation of students but also very kind to her students and creative with her courses. We greatly appreciate her dedication and contributions to the teaching mission of Michigan Tech,” Chandrashekhar Joshi, the Department Chair of Biological Sciences, said.

Dr. Marcarelli said, “Thank you to all of my colleagues in the Biology Department for creating a community where teaching is valued, where we learn from and support each other in our teaching journeys, and where student success is the top priority in and out of the classroom.  I believe that community is why we have had such success in this award, with many more who have been nominated (and with awards in their futures, I’m sure!).  I am inspired by you, and grateful to have you as colleagues and friends.”

Since 1982, a Michigan Tech Distinguished Teaching Award is presented annually in each of two categories: Associate Professor/Professor and Assistant Teaching Professor/Associate Teaching Professor/Teaching Professor/Professor of Practice/Assistant Professor.

Since 1999, a group of five finalists in each of the two categories is selected based on student ratings of instruction completed during a calendar year. All instructional personnel who received at least 35 student ratings during spring and fall semesters within that calendar year are eligible except for those who are previous winners, department chairs, teaching assistants, temporary hires, etc. Eligible faculty are ranked by their cumulative average of the 7-Dimensions on the survey for the given year. The top 5 in each category are selected as finalists.

On behalf of the students, staff, and faculty in the Biological Sciences department, we congratulate Dr. Marcarelli for winning the 2023 Distinguished Teaching Award. It is a terrific achievement. We thank you for your excellent contributions to Michigan Tech’s critically important teaching mission.

O-fish-ally Fin-tastic Research!

Tessa Tormoen is a fourth-year student majoring in ecology and evolutionary biology with a minor in fish biology. She is one of the most adventurous people you’ll ever meet. You can often find her cross-country skiing on the Swedetown and Tech Trails. Not only is she a fan of heart-racing adventures, but her curiosity has also led to her getting involved in undergraduate research. Throughout Tessa’s classes, she learned the basic skills and processes needed in the lab. Her confidence grew. She was ready to put these skills into practice and take on an independent project. In the fall of 2021, she discussed her interest with Dr. Kristin Brzeski, assistant professor at Michigan Tech.

A picture of Tessa in the lab using a pipette to transfer a sample.
Tessa in the lab

Fishing for DNA

Dr. Brzeski put Tessa to work observing Golden and Blueline Tilefish. She extracted DNA from the digestive tracts of predator fish and constructed what the taxonomic group looks like by using a method called Metabarcoding, which is a process of DNA sequencing and identification. Using this technique she was able to characterize the dietary composition of the two different tilefish species to better determine the species’ niche breadth (or use of food resources in this case) and degree of similarity. This is one factor showing how the two species co-exist.

Like any craft, it’s a continual learning process. Working alongside graduate students and mentors, she developed her independent problem-solving and management technique. Learning the ins and outs of research was a steep learning curve, but Tessa was able to gain valuable skills and knowledge during her time as a researcher. “It’s a joy to have an undergraduate like Tessa in the lab. She brings passion, intelligence, and a genuine interest in research and natural resource conservation to every interaction,” said Dr. Brzeski.

Tessa exhibited her research at the 2023 Undergraduate Research Symposium, winning the third place GLRC award. She also won a merit award at the Ecosystem Science Center poster session. And she presented her findings at the Wildlife Society National Conference in Spokane, Washington with others in her lab.

Tessa is presenting her research to an audience by referring to a poster. The audience is pictured from behind.
Tessa presents her research “Using DNA Metabarcoding to Evaluate Dietary Resource Partitioning Between Two Sympatric Tilefish” at the 2023 Undergraduate Research Symposium

A Close-Net-Bunch

Tessa believes that her experiences in research have helped shape the future for the better. “I’m a lucky person. I’ve had an incredible four years. Jill Olin and Kristin Brzeski [have] built me into an independent scientist. They taught me how to solve problems, how to be independent and confident in my abilities,” she says. She credits both graduate and undergraduate colleagues in the lab with perpetuating the culture Drs Brzeski and Olin cultivated. “It was a welcoming and hopeful atmosphere.”

That feeling extends to the department. “Everyone is extremely kind, no matter who you talk to! All of my professors throughout my coursework have been very approachable and extremely passionate about what they study. I love that the biological sciences department is so personal and you can build relationships with the faculty. It truly makes the department’s environment so incredible. The support I have received from my advisor and my professors has been a valuable part of my education. I also love how the biological sciences department is a bit smaller compared to other departments like engineering. Each semester I recognize many familiar faces. I’ve been able to create great relationships with my peers through this,” Tessa said.

The Water is Just Right at Michigan Tech

Like many before her, Tessa chose to study ecology and evolutionary biology at Michigan Tech because she fell in love with this area. “I realized that I have a passion for understanding the world around me and this is a beautiful place to do that,” she said. “Plus, the experiences you’re able to have in this degree are fantastic, and I was compelled by the sheer amount of opportunities available to me.”

Tessa appreciated the flexibility the ecology and evolutionary biology degree program offered. “A lot of the coursework is electives that you get to choose from, so you can tailor your education to what you are most interested in. Thus, I was able to take courses like Mammalogy, Tropical Island Biology, Valuing the Great Lakes, Botany, and more!” Tessa said. “Sometimes you get to go outside for classes; one of my biggest memories from my degree is my Tropical Island Biology course, where we stayed in the Bahamas over Spring Break. This degree program has given me such a strong foundation and a whole list of interests that I can build upon with secondary education and post-education work experience.”

Tessa Tormoen
Tessa Tormoen enjoys the views of Portage Lake from the Biological Sciences Lounge

In addition to research and the degree program, Tessa took advantage of other opportunities on campus. She served as vice president of the Ski and Snowboard Club. Tessa also coordinated activities as part of the Women’s Leadership Council.

Leaving the School: Tessa’s Post-Graduation Plan

Following commencement this month, Tessa plans to “go with the flow.” This summer, you’ll find her on Isle Royale working as a fisheries technician, performing limnological assessments and fish surveys on their inland lakes. “I’m excited about this opportunity as it honestly feels like a dream job,” she said.

After taking one year to work in the field and gain more experience, Tessa wants to return to school for her master’s degree and potentially a Ph.D. “I think my experience at Michigan Tech has helped me greatly in understanding the opportunities available to me after graduation. I think that my education, research experience, and relationships at Tech have set me up for success once I leave,” she said.

We are certain her future will go swimmingly well!

29th Annual Student Leadership Awards: BioSci Recipients

Several students in our department were recipients of the 29th Annual Student Leadership Awards this year in recognition for their truly incredible accomplishments! Please join us in congratulating them!

Student Employee of the Year:
Enioluwa Wright
Human Biology with a Pre-Health minor

Rising Star of the Year:
Riley Stichter
Human Biology with Pre-Health and Public Health minors

Department Scholar:
Haley Marchese
Medical Laboratory Science with a Pre-Health minor

The keynote speaker, Dr. Jessica Thompson (Thoresen) ’12 (B.S., Biological Sciences), was also recognized as the recipient of the 2023 Outstanding Young Alumni Award.

More information about the awards and the recipients can be found on the Student Leadership Awards webpage. We also invite everyone to save the date for the 30th Annual Student Leadership Awards Ceremony, which will be held April 12, 2024, in the MUB Ballroom.

Enioluwa Wright
Enioluwa Wright
Riley Stichter
Riley Stichter
Haley Marchese
Haley Marchese

Call for Applications: 2023 Songer Research Award for Human Health

Matthew Songer, (Biological Sciences ’79) and Laura Songer (Biological Sciences ’80) have generously donated funds to the College of Sciences and Arts (CSA) to support a research project competition, the Songer Research Award for Human Health, for undergraduate and graduate students. Remembering their own eagerness to engage in research during their undergraduate years, the Songers established these awards to stimulate and encourage opportunities for original research by current Michigan Tech students.

Students may propose an innovative medically-oriented research project in any area of human health. The best projects will demonstrate the potential to have a broad impact on improving human life. This research will be pursued in consultation with faculty members within the College of Sciences and Arts. The Songers’ gift and matching funds from the College will support two awards for undergraduate research ($4,000) and two for graduate research ($6,000), for research conducted over the Summer of 2023 and/or the following academic year.

Learn more about who is eligible to apply, how to apply, and how the funds may be used.

Submit applications as a single PDF file to the Office of the College of Sciences and Arts by 4:00 p.m. Monday, April 24, 2023. Applications may be emailed to djhemmer@mtu.edu. Any questions may be directed to David Hemmer (djhemmer@mtu.edu).

Outstanding Scholarship Award: Catherine Rono

Catherine Rono
Catherine Rono

Congratulations to Catherine Rono, graduate student in Biological Sciences, for the Outstanding Scholarship Award recognizing her academic performance! Catherine is working towards her PhD in Biological Sciences.

Exceptional graduate students may be nominated by their program or department for the Dean’s Award for Outstanding Scholarship in the year of their graduation. Nominees will have demonstrated academic or professional qualities that set them apart within their academic program. Nominations are made each fall and spring semester.

From Catherine: I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Dr. Joshi, Dr. Huckins, Ms. Tori and the entire Biological Sciences Department for this recognition and nomination to receive the award. Thank you so much Dr. Mark for your constant support and guidance. Thank you for challenging me to get out of my comfort zone and be better. 

Outstanding Scholarship Award: Laura Schaerer

Laura Schaerer

Congratulations to Laura Schaerer, a graduate student in Biological Sciences, for her Outstanding Scholarship Award recognizing her academic performance! Laura is working towards her PhD in Biological Sciences.

Exceptional graduate students may be nominated by their program or department for the Dean’s Award for Outstanding Scholarship in the year of their graduation. Nominees will have demonstrated academic or professional qualities that set them apart within their academic program. Nominations are made each fall and spring semester.

From Laura: Thank you to the Biology department for their nomination, this is a very happy surprise!

Biological Sciences Faculty Members Receive Exceptional Fall 2022 Student Evaluation Scores

Heartiest congratulations to 12 instructors (that’s 17% of all instructors awarded) from the Biological Sciences Department who have been identified as some of the only 70 campus-wide instructors who received exceptional “Average of Seven dimensions” student evaluation scores during the Fall 2022 semester. Only 91 sections university-wide (out of more than 1,379 evaluated) were rated so highly by the students. Their scores were in the top 10% of similarly sized sections university-wide, with at least a 50% response rate and a minimum of five responses.

The following faculty, staff, and graduate students received the recognition.

  • Dr. Amy Marcarelli, Professor (Nominated for the MTU teaching award, 2018, 2020, and 2022)
  • Ms. Brigitte Morin, MS, Associate Teaching Professor (Winner of MTU teaching award in 2018)
  • Dr. Thomas Werner, Associate Professor (Winner of MTU teaching award in 2013, 2019, and MASU professor of the year, 2021)
  • Dr. Jill Olin, Assistant Professor
  • Ms. Claire Danielson, MS, MLS Program Director, and Assistant Teaching Professor (Nominated for the MTU teaching award, 2022)
  • Ms. Sarah LewAllen, MS, MLS Program Coordinator
  • Ms. Jenna Disser, MS Graduate Student
  • Mr. Karl Schneider, Ph.D. Graduate Student
  • Ms. Michelle Kelly, Ph.D. Graduate Student
  • Mr. Isaac Lennox, MS Graduate student, KIP
  • Mrs. Nicole Roeper, MS, Director, Pre-Health Professions, and Instructor
  • Mr. John Romanowski, MS, Lab Supervisor, Biological Sciences

Interim Provost Dr. Andrew Storer recently congratulated them for their outstanding accomplishments in teaching.  

We are very proud of these achievements, and we thank them and you all for fulfilling the educational mission of our university!

The departmental student rating average for Fall 2022 was 4.47 out of 5. Since 2013, our faculty, staff, and students have been in this top 10% of teachers list 152 times.

Human biology students win top awards at Michigan Tech

It is rare that a student in one department wins major end-of-year awards at Michigan Tech. So imagine how excited we were to have two! Congratulations to our outstanding award-winners in the biological sciences department who are also part of our pre-health program. 

Christian Johnson wins the Provost’s Award for Scholarship

First to Christian Johnson, winner of the Provost’s Award for Scholarship. The Provost’s Award for Scholarship is given “to a senior who best represents student scholarship at Michigan Tech. This outstanding student is considered excellent, not only by academic standards, but also for participation in research, scholarship activity, levels of intellectual curiosity, creativity, and communication skills.”

Image of Christian Johnson, the Provost's Award for Scholarship winner
Christian Johnson, the Provost’s Award for Scholarship winner

“I am thrilled to see that Christian was selected for the Provost Award for Scholarship.  I have had the honor to work with Christian over the past 3 years as his Pre-Med Advisor,” says Nicole Seigneurie, director of pre-health professions and instructor of biological sciences. “I can’t say enough how outstanding a student Christian is. He has always impressed me with his passion, commitment to community service, work ethic, and servant leadership. On top of that, he is a very kind and compassionate individual who I know is destined for great things. This award was well-deserved!” 

Stephanie Carpenter, assistant professor of creative writing describes Christian as “an inventive, dynamic writer and an engaged, generous participant in discussions of published and student works” who is “a stand-out in our department and at Michigan Tech.” Christian added the English major, a move that he feels will help him to be a more empathetic physician and to develop the critical thinking and writing skills he will need to be successful in medical school.

And Travis Wakeham, lecturer and undergraduate academic advisor in biological sciences adds, “It has been an absolute pleasure watching Christian grow into an empathetic leader through his involvement in a wide variety of activities. Few students can balance conducting research in cardiovascular physiology, pursuing various artistic endeavors (including actively working on two novels), assisting people through a crisis as a volunteer at Dial Help, while finding time to play through a Dungeons and Dragons campaign between all of his schoolwork. He truly represents some of the best scholarship at Michigan Tech.
Pursuing a double major in English and human biology with a pre-health professions minor, Christian’s diverse passions and accomplishments led to his selection as the Departmental Scholar for both Humanities and the Pavlis Honors College. We thank Christian for his scholarship and academic accomplishments, as well as his tireless commitment in serving the Michigan Tech community.

Bella Menzel-Smith wins William and Josephine Balconi Community Service Award

And congratulations to Bella Menzel-Smith for winning the 2022 William and Josephine Balconi Community Service Award! The William and Josephine Balconi Community Service Award is “presented to a student who demonstrates community service with lasting and meaningful impact during their time at Michigan Tech, regardless of background or area of study.”

Image of Bella Menzel-Smith William and Josephine Balconi Community Service Award winner at Michigan Tech
Bella Menzel-Smith, the William and Josephine Balconi Community Service Award winner

Dr. David and Marie Blum initiated this endowment in memory of Marie’s parents, Josephine and William Balconi. David and Marie remember Marie’s parents as “kind, gracious, warm, and always helpful. They were always involved in helping others.” Marie’s parents lived in the Houghton area.

“I was so honored to be able to nominate Bella for the Willman and Josephine Balconi Community Service Award,” says Nicole. “Bella embodies everything this award stands for. She has a real passion for helping others through service and she’s left such an incredible impact on both the Tech and Houghton community. I am excited to see where the future takes her as she embarks on her next chapter, Physician Assistant School. I am confident Bella will continue to have a positive impact on her future patients and the communities that she will serve in the future.” 

Travis adds, “Bella energizes any room that she walks into with her positive attitude and dedication to serve others. She has made a tremendous impact within our community through her initiatives, including creating a pre-health mentoring program to connect new students with upperclassmen. Her work has helped empower others and bettered their well-being. I have no doubt that she will excel in the Physician Assistant program at Marquette University next and continue to serve others as a healthcare professional.”Bella is a pre-physician assistant student who is majoring in human biology. You can read more about her pathway to Physician Assistant School. We thank Bella for her tireless commitment to community service and passion for helping underserved communities.