Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering News

Author: Angela Keranen

Michigan Tech brings STEM to Metro Detroit Youth Day on Belle Isle

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MTU Booth
Ashley Curie and Joan Chadde setting up the booth

On July 13, the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering (CEGE) teamed up with the Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI) to offer science & engineering activities and information about Michigan Technological University at the 38th annual Metro Detroit Youth Day on Belle Isle in Detroit.

Typically, 20,000 students ages 8 to 15 years descend on Belle Isle for a fun and educational day. In the aftermath of COVID, the numbers were smaller. It was the first-time experiencing Metro Detroit Youth Day for Michigan Tech representatives Dr. Wayne Gersie, V.P. for Diversity & Inclusion; Jeff Littmann, chair of the MTU Board of Trustees; Chris Sanders and Ashley Curie, CDI staff; and Joan Chadde, Director, MTU Center for Science & Environmental Outreach.

“It was a fun-filled day with tons of smiling faces. I was amazed to see so many young minds that were already thinking about their future. I’m so happy that Michigan Tech was able to be a part of their excitement,” observed Ashley Curie.

Ashley Curie at booth

“Our team was glad to be part of this initiative that channeled the students’ curiosity in learning in a manner that helped develop their educational and career aspirations. Through science activities and exploration, we were able to offer a small glimpse of the Michigan Tech experience,” shared Dr. Wayne Gersie, VP for Diversity & Inclusion.

Youth participants designed electrical circuits, created launchers to see which could project a cotton ball the furthest, identified Michigan owls, and compared tree growth rates.

“This STEM outreach event was funded by OHM–Advisors to increase awareness of STEM careers and the diversity of the STEM career pipeline,” explained Joan Chadde. “We would like to participate next year!”

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Participation at an All-Time High aboard the R/V Agassiz for Chassell Strawberry Festival

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Information tent
Agassiz taking off on excursion

Interest in scientific excursions aboard the R/V Agassiz hit an all-time high this year at the 2022 Chassell Strawberry Festival on July 9! Hayden Henderson (Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering, MTU 2017) was the captain and Kenny Larsen, a PhD student in the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering, was the chief scientist. Kenny presented a 40-minute program on “How scientists assess the health of the Great Lakes?” and “How can citizens be Great Lakes Stewards?”

Six 40-minute scientific excursions were conducted for a total of 110 participants (max 18 per excursion). There were 90 people on the waiting list who waited on the dock in hopes of getting on, plus 20 who had to cancel! A total of 220 people wanted to participate! This is an all-time record!

“We were sorry to not be able to serve everyone. I don’t remember ever being overrun with so many people and having a three-page waiting list!” observed Joan Chadde, event coordinator and Director of the MTU Center for Science and Environmental Outreach.

Participants had lots to say about what they had learned. Some of their comments included:

Kenny Larsen with excursion attendees
  • How mercury and PCBs get into water
  • Lake turnover and stratification
  • How to keep our lakes healthy and be a better steward
  • How to sample and measure water quality.
  • How invasive species harm the lake.

And often, one is left with more questions, like this one:

Do fish smell like algae, or do algae smell like fish?

The Ride the Waves community outreach program is made possible with a grant from General Motors in support of the Agassiz and Great Lakes education/outreach.

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CEGE Academy 2022

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CEGE Almuni Inductees

The Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering inducted four new members to the Academy at a ceremony held Thursday, March 24, 2022. The Academy was established in 1993 to recognize excellence and leadership in engineering and civic affairs of outstanding graduates and friends of the Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering Department.

Russ Becker, PE, ‘89, ‘91

Russell Becker
Russell Becker

Russell (Russ) Becker completed his baccalaureate (1989) and master’s (1991) degrees in civil engineering at Michigan Tech. He is the Chief Executive Officer and President of APi Group, one of the largest providers of specialty services in North America and the largest provider of life safety services in the world. Russ’ continued commitment to overall excellence has inspired APi Group to create a culture of leadership by building an exceptional learning and development program, a highly selective Leader Development Program, and an award-winning veteran’s hiring program.
Russ began his career as a field engineer with Cherne Contracting. He moved on to become a project manager for Ryan Companies during the construction of the Greenfield Recycled Paper Mill project for Liberty Paper. Upon completion of this project he joined APi Group’s subsidiary, The Jamar Company, in Duluth, Minnesota. He started as manager of construction and was named president in 1998, where he served until joining APi Group as president in 2002.
He previously served as a member of Dunwoody Institute’s board of trustees. He is the former chair of the Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota board of directors and Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota Foundation board of directors. He currently serves on the Children’s Foundation board of directors, the Liberty Diversified Industries board of directors, and the Marvin Companies board of directors. He also serves on the advisory board for the College of Engineering at Michigan Technological University and the board for the Construction Industry Round Table (CIRT). Russ is an active member of the Young Presidents’ Organization and the Minnesota Business Partnership. Russ resides with his wife, Trish, and three sons in Dellwood, Minnesota.

Michael Drewyor P.E., P.S. ‘72, ‘74

Michael Drewyor
Michael Drewyor

Michael Drewyor received his baccalaureate (1972) and master’s degrees (1974) in civil engineering from Michigan Tech. He was an owner and partner with Robert Hitch at Hitch Inc. for 30 years where he provided architectural, civil/structural and surveying services for private, industrial and government clients. The business was sold in 2007 to Orchard, Hiltz and McCliment, Inc of Livonia, Michigan
Drewyor retired from Michigan Tech in 2020 as the Roland A. Mariucci Professor of Practice where he taught for the previous 13 years. His teaching assignments included courses in Construction Management, and senior capstone courses. He was also an advisor for the Associated Schools of Construction estimating team.
Drewyor has also been active in alumni activities, serving on the Alumni Board of Directors in the 90’s, local alumni chapter president in the 00’s and Sigma Rho Fraternity, Inc board since graduation. He is a member and supporter of the Huskies Club.
Drewyor serves as a National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) emeritus member from both the Michigan State Board of Professional Engineers and the Michigan State Board of Professional Surveyors. He previously served 8 years on both Michigan Boards. He received his commission as NCEES Central Zone vice president in 2020. As the vice president, Drewyor serves on the NCEES board of directors and as the zone’s administrative officer through 2022. He is also a current candidate for the NCEES position of President-Elect. This three-year cycle will run through August 2025.
Mike and Judy reside in Houghton, MI and have two children, Jennifer (Houghton) and Adam (Colorado).

Jennifer Hartfelder, PE, PMP ‘90

Jennifer Hartfelder
Jennifer Hartfelder

Jenny Hartfelder completed her civil engineering degree from Michigan Tech (90) and went on to complete a master’s degree in civil engineering at the University of Colorado, Denver. She is Vice President of Stantec, a top-tier global design and delivery firm. Based in Denver, Colorado, Hartfelder has over 30 years of experience providing project management and engineering design for municipal and federal clients. Her water and wastewater treatment plant experience includes the preparation of master plans, preliminary and detailed designs, and engineering services during construction. She has managed water and wastewater projects up to $10M with numerous small business subcontractors. She has extensive experience in the evaluation and design of wastewater disinfection systems, as well as business management including mentoring and leading staff, project delivery, client service management, and business development. Jenny previously served as a Strategic Campaign Manager for Stantec’s Water business leading top marketing campaigns across North America. She was responsible for leading the local pursuit teams to perform client account analyses; develop campaign plans and sales messages; and prepare statement of qualifications, proposals, and interviews. She was responsible for securing $10 to $20 million in sales per year.

She is a past president of the Water Environment Federation (WEF) and of the Rocky Mountain Water Environment Association. In 2021 she was named a WEF Fellow, one of the industry’s highest honors. She is a registered professional engineer in Colorado and Washington and Project Management Professional.

John Van Huis, PE ‘76

John Van Huis
John Van Huis

John Van Huis completed his baccalaureate degree in civil engineering at Michigan Tech in 1976. Upon graduation, he joined the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad (CNW) in the Chicago offices as a Structural Engineer. He went on to be Engineer of Coal Line bridges for the new Powder River Basin coal fields in Wyoming and then Bridge Engineer for the entire CNW system.

In 1987, he joined the investment group of CNW employees who purchased the Soo Line RR assets in the state of Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The Wisconsin Central Transportation Company (WCL) went on to own railroads in New Zealand and Australia where he oversaw bridge replacements and construction. While at WCL, he earned an MBA from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. In 1999 he joined Radtke Contractors and formed their railroad bridge and construction division. In 2009 he finished his railroad career with Alfred Benesch as Sr. Project Manager Railroads and Vice-President Wisconsin Division and retired in 2016.

Mr. Van Huis is a registered engineer in the State of Wisconsin. He has been involved in many national railroad associations over the years. He was a member of the American Railroad Engineering Association (AREA), Roadmasters and Maintenance of Way Association and American Railway Bridge and Building Association where he served as President in 1994. All three of the organizations were merged to form into what is now known as the American Railway and Engineering Association (AREMA).

John and his wife Suzanne reside in Winneconne, Wisconsin. They have two sons and one grandchild. They have both been deeply involved in their sons’ lives coaching youth hockey, soccer, and volunteering for the Oshkosh YMCA swim team. They are also supporters of the late great singer-songwriter Dan Fogelberg Prostate Cancer Foundation. In retirement, John enjoys substitute teaching in the local school systems, gardening, and international and domestic travel.

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Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering 2022 Department Awards

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CEGE Award Winners

Undergraduate Student Awards

Nicole Bloom Award for Environmental Sustainability

Brian Goldberg
Brian Goldberg

This award is made annually to an undergraduate civil or environmental engineering student who has demonstrated leadership, passion, and activism for effecting environmental sustainability at the local, national, or global level.

Brian Goldberg has been selected for the 2022 Nicole Bloom Award – Brian is the current co-president of the Green Campus Enterprise. Brian was nominated for this award by Robert Handler, advisor for the Green Campus Enterprise and adjunct faculty in the CEGE Department.  The Green Campus Enterprise works to design and assess projects that could have a meaningful impact on the environmental footprint of the Michigan Tech campus. Brian has been instrumental in developing new campus projects for the Green Campus Enterprise.  His leadership has helped move the Green Campus Enterprise in the right direction.

The Nicole Bloom award is accompanied by the Pati and Soumitri Reddy $1000 endowed scholarship.

Department Scholar

Thomas Pastell
Thomas Pastell

Thomas Pastell was selected to represent the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering as our 2022 Department Scholar and to be considered for the Provost’s Award for Scholarship.   Thomas is civil engineering major that exemplifies the intellectual curiosity and creativity that are the hallmarks of a high achieving student and scholar, additionally, he is extremely conscientious, honest, and hardworking.   Thomas is captain of the Steel Bridge team and he is using his steel bridge activities to participate in the Built World Enterprise.   He is also a trailblazer as he thought to combine the two experiential learning activities. 

The Department Scholar recognition is accompanied by a $500 scholarship.

David W. Hand Environmental Process Engineering Award

This award is named after Professor Emeritus David Hand who designed the environmental engineering process lab and taught the class for over 15 years. Dr. Hand is internationally known for his expertise in water treatment.

This award recognizes a team of students from the CEE 4509 capstone environmental engineering class for: outstanding technical skills in the laboratory, outstanding teamwork and professionalism, effective oral and written communications, and excellence in safety protocol as recognized by your peers and supported by the instructor.

This year there were two teams that Dr. Jennifer Becker and Dr. Eric Seagren found best embodied the spirit of this award and both will be recognized.

Aden Clark
Margaret Purvis
Evan Rye

Malina Gallmeyer
Jack Hoffman
Anabel Needham

Each team member will receive a $100 scholarship from the CEE Department.

Graduate Student Awards

Danielle Ladwig Award for Graduate Excellence

Rose Dailey
Rose Daily

The Danielle Ladwig Award is made annually to a graduate-level student in civil or environmental engineering in recognition of outstanding achievement in academics, research, and service, in memory of our friend and colleague, Danielle Ladwig. 

This year Rose Daily was selected for the 2022 Danielle Ladwig Award.  She was nominated for the award by Joan Chadde who highlighted her admirable record of service accomplishments.  Rose has been especially active in promoting sustainable solutions for campus and the local community.  She has been involved in numerous ways with outreach and has presented to Grade 4-12 students through the Water Festival and the Lake Superior Youth Symposium as well as career path presentations on environmental engineering for local high school students.   In the past academic year, Rose has been expanding her expertise in sustainable systems at Instituto Monteverde in Costa Rica.  There she has been working on a project to construct a rainwater collection system for a local K-12 school (Monteverde Friends School) and designing a constructed wetland to treat all of the grey water leaving another local K-12 school (Cloud Forest School).  Rose was the recipient of an NSF GRFP Fellowship which has funded her work in Costa Rica.

This award is accompanied by the Pati and Soumitri Reddy $1000 endowed fellowship.

Wilbur Haas Graduate Research Excellence Award

The Graduate Research Excellence Award is made annually to a graduate-level student in civil or environmental engineering to recognize outstanding student scholarship and research contributions.

This year Dongzhao Jin and Yunxiang Ma have both been selected for recognition with the 2022 Graduate Research Excellence Award.  The quality of their research and publications is very deserving of recognition.   

Dongzhao Jin
Dongzhao (Kobe) Jin

Dongzhao (Kobe) Jin is a civil engineering doctoral candidate advised by Dr. Zhanping You.  He is researching sustainable asphalt pavements.  To date, his research has led to a number of papers including 15 published peer-reviewed journal papers, 2 conference proceedings, and 1 under-review paper. His strong track record is equivalent to those of many assistant professors in well-known institutions. In addition to his publications, he has also been very active to help seek funding and preparing proposals for my research group.  He is enthusiastically preparing himself to become a future researcher to develop sustainable construction materials. His efforts in teaching made him earn the Outstanding Graduate Student Teaching Award in 2020. He also received the 2022 Graduate Student Government Exceptional Student Scholar Award.

Yunxiang Ma
Yunxiang Ma


Yunxiang Ma is a civil engineering doctoral candidate advised by Dr. Qingli Dai.  He is researching the mechanical behavior of CLT walls and wind and seismic performance of CLT shear wall structures. Mr. Ma has dedicated his research to developing the research results on performance evaluation of CLT panels and resilient CLT shear wall structures. His research has resulted in 8 journal papers, 2 under second-review papers, and 1 to-be-submitted manuscript. It is noted that he has published papers in several high-impacted journals (in our field) including the Journal of Cleaner Production (IF: 7.246), the Journal of Construction and Building Materials (IF: 4.419), and ASCE Journal of Structure Engineering (IF: 2.528). These three journals are the most highly rated in the field of construction materials and structural engineering, respectively. He has also worked collaboratively with the scientists in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest product Lab and Colorado School of Mines for different research projects.  He is the recipient of the Graduate School Finishing Fellowship and the 2022 Department Outstanding Scholarship Award.

This award is accompanied by a $1000 Wilbur Haas Memorial Fellowship.

Department Citizenship Award

The Department Citizenship Award recognizes a faculty and staff member that ‘goes the extra mile whether it be in representing the Department, helping colleagues, or participating at events.  The award is decided by the Department Chair and is accompanied by a $1000 to a faculty IRAD or staff extra compensation.

This was a tough decision as so many have stepped up to ensure our teaching, research and service activities excelled during the last year, despite shrinking budgets, colleague departures, and challenges created because of COVID. 

Jeffery Hollingsworth
Jeffery Hollingsworth

Jeffery Hollingsworth is being recognized for his incredible service this year. Jeffery is recognized for stepping up following a sudden departure of a faculty member, filling in for a faculty member who was having health problems, and for serving on the faculty search committee. In addition to all that, Jeffery has actively participated in the recruitment process, kept up with binder changes on behalf of the geospatial program, leading the departmental assessment activities, and is participating in teacher and K-12 outreach events this summer.  Thank you Jeffery for your service to your colleagues, our students, and prospective students.

Kiko
Henrique de Melo e Silva

Due to the sudden departure of Dave Perram and the retirement of Chris Wojick, a huge void was created in the CEGE safety program.  Kiko (aka Henrique de Melo e Silva) is receiving the Departmental Citizen Award for willingly stepping up to fill the vacancy and subsequently leading safety activities at the college and university level.  Thank you for being willing to grow in taking on this role.

Student Voted Awards

Faculty of the Year – and GTA of the Year

The CEGE Department has two awards that are voted on by the departmental students, the GTA of the Year and the Faculty of the Year Award.  We appreciate the work of Chi Epsilon and their advisor, Stephen Morse, for conducting the voting.  

The Faculty of the Year award will recognize two faculty – the top voted faculty from the Civil/Geospatial Engineering specialties and the top voted faculty from the Environmental/Water Resources Engineering specialties.  This award will be accompanied by a $1000 transfer to the faculty IRAD index.

Stan Vitton

Stan Vitton

Dr. Stan Vitton joined the faculty of the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering in 1994.  Over the years he has shared his knowledge with CEGE students on a wide variety of engineering topics as well as his industrial engineering experience with Shell Oil.  He has instructed numerous courses in the geotechnical engineering specialty.  His research has been in the area of geotechnical materials and during his twenty-eight years at Michigan Tech, he had 31 peer-reviewed publications, 20 peer-reviewed conference proceedings, 27 reports, 4 book chapters, 61 professional presentations, 2 U.S. and international patents, and a total research funding of $6.3 million with $2.3 million directly attributed to Dr. Vitton.   In June 2022, Stan will retire from the CEGE Department.

Noel Urban
Noel Urban

Noel Urban

Dr. Urban joined the faculty of the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering in 1995.  His teaching interests are in the environmental engineering domain and include: Environmental Engineering Chemical Processes, Surface Water Quality Engineering, and Global Biogeochemistry.  He has an active research program and has interests in wetland biogeochemistry, sediment diagenesis, and the environmental impact and fate of pollutants.

GTA of the Year Award

Tyler LeMahieu
Tyler LeMahieu

The GTA of the Year award recognizes the top voted graduate teaching assistant from all the Department’s specialty areas.  This award will be accompanied by a $500 fellowship.

Tyler LeMahieu is the 2022 GTA of the year. He was a GTA for CEE 3620, Water Resources Engineering.

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Congratulations to the Spring 2022 Graduates

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The Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering would like to congratulate our spring and summer graduates and raise you up for all to see. We are proud of you and want to wish you the best of luck in your next chapter.

Lindsey Anderson

Lindsey Anderson

Lindsey will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. She will be working full-time at Harmon, Inc. and attending the online master’s program part-time at Michigan Tech after graduation. Lindsey will miss the beautiful Copper Country and is thankful for Tech for giving her the opportunity to be a part of a wonderful community with her fellow Huskies.

Elizabeth Beckas

Elizabeth Beckas

Elizabeth is graduating with her bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. After graduation, she will be working at Ames Construction. Elizabeth says she will miss her friends and old hallmates and is thankful to Tech for all the opportunities. She would like to recognize Joseph Foster and David Nelson as faculty that made a difference to her while at Michigan Tech.

Annika Bergstrom

Annika Bergstrom

Annika is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering. Annika will move to Minneapolis, Minnesota after graduation where she will have a position as a civil engineer at Black & Veatch. Her team will be focused on all things water – treatment, supply, and conveyance. She says she looks forward to playing recreational sports (softball and bromball), continuing to play trombone, and volunteering in her community. Annika says she will miss all of the snow that we get at Tech -“It can be a pain at times, but overwhelmingly it provides a lot of beauty and fun!” She is thankful for the knowledge and experiences she has gained, saying “I’ve learned a lot about my field as well as how to work in teams, how to be a leader, and how to be a good friend. I would like to recognize my peer and good friend Danielle. We were roommates our freshman year, and we’ve been great friends ever since. She has pushed me to be a better person and student, and we’ve shared lots of great memories together.”

Emily Berkompas

Emily Berkompas

Emily will graduate with a master’s degree in civil engineering. After graduation, she will work for OHM Advisors in Petoskey, Michigan. Emily says she will miss broomball, Winter Carnival and her friends. When asked if she would like to recognize someone for making a difference while at Michigan Tech, Emily states “The CEE Department is amazing; I have felt so well-supported throughout my time at Tech.”

Audra Bialik

Audra Bialik

Audra is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering. This summer she will be a Water Resources Engineering Intern at Westwood Professional Services and will return to Michigan Tech in the fall to pursue her master’s degree in environmental engineering. Audra says she will miss playing ultimate frisbee with Superior Mas and is thankful for the beauty of the Upper Penninsula; specifically the geographic wonders of the Keweenaw. She would like to recognize Dr. Laura Kasson Fiss for always giving her insightful guidance during her experience of her undergrad.

Joshua Bregger

Joshua Bregger

Joshua is graduating with a graduate certificate in geospatial data science as well as a master’s in geology. After graduation, he will begin a summer internship working as the Minerals and Geology Assitant with the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. Beyond that, would like to utilize the geospatial knowledge and skills he has gained to research geohazards. Joshua is thankful to Michigan Tech for connecting him with knowledgeable faculty and providing opportunities to connect with potential employers. He would like to thank Greg Waite and Luke Bowman for their advisement and guidance throughout the completion of his degree.

Skylar Callis

Skylar Callis

Skylar will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and applied mathematics. After graduation, Skylar will participate in the Los Alamos National Laboratory’s Dynamic Summer School (LADSS) from June-August and then transition to their post-baccalaureate program. Skylar will miss the sense of community that comes from living in a very snowy landscape far away from everything and is thankful for the opportunity to do research as an undergrad through the enterprise program. Dr. Kelly Steelman and David Olson are two people that Skylar would like to recognize for making a difference while at Michigan Tech. “The most valuable part of my education was not any of the technical skills, but the problem-solving, teamwork, and technical writing that Tech was able to integrate throughout my education.”

Aden Clark

Aden is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering. After graduation, she will be working as an environmental engineer in Madison, Wisconsin for Tetra Tech. Aden says she will miss the people at Michigan Tech and is thankful for the teachers that are more than just instructors. She would like to recognize Emma Melchiori as someone who made a difference during her time at Michigan Tech.

Katherine Cruickshank

Katherine Cruickshank

Katherine will be graduating with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. She will be commissioned into the United States Air Force after graduation. Katherine will be heading south after graduation and will miss the winter weather. She is thankful to Michigan Tech for giving her the opportunity to join a tight-knit group of individuals who have become her second family. Katherine says “Shout out to Ally Noles for keeping me sane for the last five years.”

Kelton Czyio

Kelton Czyzio

Kelton is graduating with a master’s degree in civil engineering. After graduation, he will move to Whitefish, Montana to work for Eclipse Engineering. Kelton says he will miss Mont Ripley and is thankful to Michigan Tech for the opportunities to meet a ton of new people and the knowledge he has gained from professors and students. He would like to thank all his professors that have helped him along his journey at Michigan Tech, with special recognition to Dr. Kris Mattila and Dr. Tess Ahlborn.

Kyle Danko

Kyle Danko

Kyle is graduating with a master’s degree in environmental engineering. He will be working for the consulting firm Wade Trim in Detroit after graduation. Kyle says he will miss many things about Michigan Tech; however, he will most importantly miss the incredible atmosphere around campus. He says he is thankful to Tech for providing the necessary resources and giving him an opportunity to develop, not only as a student but as a budding professional. Kyle would like to thank his advisor Dr. Melanie Kueber Watkins for being an outstanding professor, and even better advisor. – “She let me follow my own path, and helped me achieve my goals every step along the way. Deciding to go to Michigan Tech back in 2016 was the best decision I have ever made, and I’m definitely going to be visiting often! Go Huskies!”

Danielle Demorest

Danielle Demorest

Danielle is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering. She says she will miss the community at Michigan Tech and is thankful for being pushed past her comfort zone.

Davis Dietel

Davis will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering. After graduating, he will be commissioned into the US Air Force. Davis will miss the area the most – “Being able to drive 20 minutes and go for a hike or see a waterfall isn’t something you get to do everywhere.” He says he is thankful for the teachers and all of the great opportunities they provided and the knowledge they gave him.

Chiarra Elkort-Wickboldt

Chiarra Elkort-Wickboldt

Chiarra is graduating with a master’s degree in environmental engineering. After graduation, she will be working for Ford Motor Company. Chiarra says she will miss all the snow-related activities the Houghton area has to offer.

Allyson Fenton

Allyson Fenton

Allyson is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. She will work for Westwood Professional Services as a civil engineering intern for the summer and will return to Michigan Tech in the fall to pursue her MS degree in environmental engineering. Allyson says she will miss getting to live in such a beautiful area and doing countless outdoor activities, especially with all the snow we get. She will also miss getting to walk through campus and watch the seasons change. She says she is thankful for all the instructors and professors she has had over the years that truly cared about her learning and taught her everything they could in each class – especially those in the CEGE Department. When asked if she would like to recognize someone for making a difference during her time at Michigan Tech, Allyson says “I would like to congratulate Dr. Vitton on his retirement. I would also like to thank him for sharing his love of soil and rocks with me and guiding me through the world of academia. I would also like to thank Julie Ross for always being able to conceptualize my continually changing interests over the years into viable course plans, allowing me to explore my passions and get the most out of my degree.”

Amanda Freele

Amanda Freele

Amanda will graduate with a master’s degree in environmental engineering. She will be doing work in consulting after graduation.

Maya Geiselhart

Maya Geiselhart

Maya is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering. After graduation, she will be moving to Minneapolis, MN to work for Barr Engineering as an environmental engineer in their assessment & remediation business unit. May will miss the surrounding nature and the ability to always go hiking/snowshoeing/etc. As a member of the rowing club, she even got to take full advantage of access to the Portage (when it isn’t frozen). Maya is thankful for all of the people who have helped her throughout her college career, from her sorority sisters to other students to a handful of staff/faculty, She states she received a lot of support whenever she needed it and was able to make a community for herself. When asked if she would like to recognize someone who made a difference to her while at Michigan Tech, she states “Dr. Audra Morse significantly impacted me throughout my college career. Through my participation in Built World Enterprise, I spent a lot of time meeting with Dr. Morse and her insights and encouragements have been deeply valuable to me. As ready as I am to graduate, I have really loved my undergrad experience in the CEGE department and will miss many people here!”

Ryan Glatz

Ryan will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. Ryan will be working for Applied Science, Inc. as one of their staff engineers after graduation. He says he’ll miss being able to walk his dog around campus and all the trails in the area. Ryan says he is thankful for the dedication of the CEGE department and the feeling that professors care about the success of students. He would like to recognize Dr. Melanie Watkins and her instruction on various modeling software as it allowed him to stand out during the interview process and secure employment.

Charlie Gotta

Charlie Gotta

Charlie is graduating with a master’s degree in civil engineering. He will move to Colorado to begin work in structural engineering after graduation. Charlie says he will miss the tight-knit community at Michigan Tech. He says he is thankful for all the opportunities and advancement provided for student development and would like to recognize all of the CEGE department for making a difference while he was at Tech.

Braden Gunderson

Braden will graduate with his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. After graduation, he plans to work. Braden says he will miss the scenery and the town and is thankful to Michigan Tech for getting him outside in a wonderful part of Michigan. He would like to recognize Dr. Kris Mattila as someone who made a difference to him while at Michigan Tech.

Trevor Harrison

Trevor Harrison

Trevor is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He will be working at G2 Consulting as a Staff Engineer after graduation. Trevors says he will miss the friends that he has made in the past 5 years at Tech and the UP outdoors. He says he is thankful to Michigan Tech for giving him the opportunities that he wouldn’t experience anywhere else. When asked if he would like to recognize anyone, he named Dr. Stan Vitton, saying “Dr. Stanley Vitton, great professor and he has given me great pointers that I can see being very helpful in industry.”

Colton Heikkinen

Colton Heikkinen

Colton is graduating with a master’s degree in civil engineering. After graduation, Colton will be working as a Structural Engineer at Fire Tower Engineered in Calumet, Michigan. He says he will miss the friends that he has made and attending Tech hockey games. Colton says he is thankful to Michigan Tech for giving him a quality education and providing him with multiple different paths for his career. When asked if would like to recognize someone who made a difference during his time at Tech, he says “Dr. Tess Ahlborn made the most difference in my life at Tech. If it wasn’t for her pushing me and challenging me, I never would have discovered that I enjoyed Structural Engineering and it was because of her that I was able to obtain the job I have after graduation.”

Jack Hoffman

Jack Hoffman

Jack will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering. He says he will hopefully find a good job after graduation. Jack will miss all his friends at St. Al’s, the snow, and the whole Keweenaw and is thankful to Michigan Tech for the rigorous and challenging classes and the professors who make sure they are available to help student’s succeed.

Mack Hull

Mack Hull

Mack is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in construction management. He has accepted a job at the company he has always wanted to work for and will begin after graduation. Mack says that he is thankful to Michigan Tech for the chance to meet so many new people from all over the world.

Sean Hurst

Sean Hurst

Sean will graduate with this master’s degree in Integrated Geospatial Technology. Sean says he will hopefully move to where he has a job once graduating. He says he will miss all the wonderful staff and the outdoor opportunities. Sean is thankful to Tech for giving him more knowledge about the surveying side of GIS and would like to recognize Dr. Eugene Levin as someone who made a difference to him while studying at Michigan Tech.

Samantha Johnson

Samantha Johnson

Samantha is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. After graduation, she will be pursuing her master’s degree in civil engineering at Michigan Tech. Samantha says she will miss the snow, but will not miss the cold weather that comes with it. She is thankful to Michigan Tech for expanding her mind, not just in the classroom but in her life in general, stating she will be graduating a much more confident, open-minded, and fulfilled person. She says “I would like to thank my other half, Andrew, who has made my college experience all the more memorable and exciting. I would also like to thank my parents, Dalene and Athol, who have supported me and encouraged me to chase my dreams every step of the way.”

Nick Kampfschulte

Nick Kampfschulte

Nick is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering. After graduation, he plans to pursue a graduate degree while working in the field. Nick says he will certainly not miss the cold but is thankful for the departmental community and would like to recognize Dr. Cory McDonald as someone who made a difference to him while at Michigan Tech.

Shaelyn Koleber

Shaelyn Koleber

Shaelyn will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering. After graduation, she will be moving to Cincinnati to work for Stantec as a Water Resources Designer. When asked what she will miss about Michigan Tech she says “There’s a lot to miss about Michigan Tech… but mostly I love the location and the environment it’s in: study breaks on Breakers beach, skiing at Mont Ripley at sunset, watching Isle Royale sea planes take off and land on the portage, and jumping into icy cold Lake Superior. It is such a unique college experience and I will cherish it forever.” Shaelyn says she is thankful that Michigan Tech offers the opportunity for enterprise, saying it has changed her entire outlook on her career and that many schools do not have anything comparable to it. Because of this, it has been a huge talking point on job applications and in interviews because there is so much knowledge and real-world experience gained. Say that thhe program is set up where you have easy access to resources, have the freedom to work with industry, and are able to apply knowledge from classes to something tangible. When asked to recognize someone who has made a difference while at Tech, Shaelyn says “Dr. Roman Sidortsov has been the best mentor for me this last year. The work that he does is admirable, and I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to work with him on the KETL team. It is obvious that Dr. Sidortsov cares for his students because he always made time to meet with me even with his hectic schedule. I think he has made such a positive impact on the world (me included) and is one of the most respected individuals on this campus. I am sure Dr. Sidortsov has made an impact on many Huskies, but I wanted to recognize him because he has gone above and beyond to support me this last year. I am excited to stay in contact with him following graduation.”

Rachelle Krieger

Rachelle Krieger

Rachelle is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. She has a job lined up to start after graduation.

Yunxiang Ma

Yunxiang Ma

Yunxiang is graduating with PhD in civil engineering. He plans on going into industry for first-hand experience after graduating. Ma says he will miss the peaceful small town of Houghton and all the friendly staff and faculty. He says that he is thankful for Michigan Tech always being thoughtful for everything student’s need – especially IPS. He would like to recognize every staff and faculty that helped him during his time at Michigan Tech – “All thoughtful and warm hearted.”

Kate Mahonen

Kate Mahonen

Kate will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering. After graduation, she will be moving to Minneapolis to work at Bolton and Menk on municipal water and wastewater treatment projects. Kate says she will miss Winter Carnival the most “Campus comes together to work on snow statues, spend time on campus and enjoy being a tech student!” She says she is thankful for to Michigan Tech because she never though that she would be able to graduate with an engineering degree. “The faculty and fellow students helped me get to where I am today. I could not have asked for a better college experience.”

Derek Mahoski

Derek Mahoski

Derek is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. After graduation, he will begin working at Coleman Engineering. Derek says he will miss the city of Houghton and is thankful to Michigan Tech for giving him a great education.

Isabel Manson

Isabel Manson

Isabel will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering. She will be taking the summer off to travel and re-charge while she applies for jobs all over. Isabel says “I’ll sorely miss having the Keweenaw as my playground. This place is magic. I’m thankful to Michigan Tech for supporting adaptive and capable women like myself. To all my friends who know who they are, I love you!”

Rachel May

Rachel May

Rachel is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. After graduation, she plans to work full-time at Barton Marlow while also pursuing her MS in civil engineering. Rachel says she will most miss interacting with students and faculty. She says she is thankful to the Michigan Tech faculty, saying she has learned a lot throughout her four years and it was all due to the wonderful professors she had. Rachel would like to recognize Dr. Ahlborn for helping her figure out how to pursue her MS and also exciting her to enter the Civil Engineering Field. “I am grateful to have been able to obtain my BS from Michigan Tech! I could not have imagined going anywhere else!”

Sydney Mukavetz

Sydney Mukavetz

Sydney is graduating with a master’s degree in civil engineering. She will move to Colorado to begin work with RS&H after graduation. Sydney says she will miss the natural beauty of the campus and the Keweenaw and is thankful for the opportunities that Michigan Tech was able to open up for her, whether in her professional life or her social life.

Sabrina Nystrom

Sabrina is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. She will be joining Delta Airport Consultants through their Launch Program after graduation. Sabrina says she will miss how close the Tech community is as well as living with the same bunches of people and growing up with them for four years. She says she is thankful for “How lively a bunch of mentally and physically tired a bunch of nerds can be over hockey and snow. I would like to recognize many people, but especially those that helped me through troubled waters. Starting with professors, Dr. Mattila and Dr. Hein. Your support did wonders for my confidence. Following them, my dear friends Josh, Jonah, Ian, the ‘Rumpets, and Huskies Pep Band. Thank you all. We certainly are crazy smart. Crazy comma smart.”

Clinton Ottman

Clinton Ottman

Clinton will graduate with his master’s degree in environmental engineering. After graduation, he will work in industry for at least a few years and then possibly go back to school to get his PhD, if that is the right decision for him to do. Clinton says he will miss the sense of community that MTU has between its students, faculty, and staff. He is thankful for the type of education he received at MTU. “The classes pushed me to think outside of what I previously knew and challenged me which will make me a better engineer – “I would like to recognize all of the faculty and staff that I had the pleasure of working with and receiving instruction and advice from during my time at MTU. I would especially like to recognize the three amazing people I got the opportunity to work with through my two on-campus jobs: Dr. Audra Morse, Julie Ross, and Dr. Gretchen Hein.”

Bailey Papes

Bailey Papes

Bailey is graduating with a master’s degree in environmental engineering. She has accepted a water and wastewater engineer position with Fishbeck in Grand Rapids, Michigan that she will start after graduation. Bailey says she thinks living in Houghton is what she will miss the most as it is a beautiful area. She is thankful for all the research opportunities she was able to be a part of.

John Paramski

John Paramski

John will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He will begin his career as a civil engineer after graduation. John says he will miss the Football Boys and is thankful to Michigan Tech for teaching him that $2 Miller High-Life is never worth it. He would like to recognize Gordon L. Marcinak as someone who made a difference to him while at Michigan Tech.

Ben Passolt

Ben Passolt

Ben is graduating with a bachelor’s in civil engineering. After graduation, he will work for Westwood Professional Services in Minnetonka, Minnesota. Ben says he will miss morning shakeout runs on Maasto. He is thankful to Michigan Tech for providing lots of opportunity to prepare him for industry and would like to recognize Dr. Kris Mattila and Dr. Stan Vitton for teaching him “more than a degree’s worth of wisdom.”

Maggie Peterson

Maggie Peterson

Maggie will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. She will further her education at Michigan Tech in the MBA program and then pursue a career in civil engineering after graduation. Maggie says she will miss the community and the people.

Brock Petrak

Brock Petrak

Brock is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He will work as a structural or marine engineer after graduation. Brock says he will miss the snow, Mont Ripley and the Portage Lake Golf Course.

Spencer Plummer

Spencer Plummer

Spencer will graduate with a bachelor’s in surveying engineering. After graduation, he will begin working for MDOT in Saginaw, Michigan. Spencer says he will miss all of the friends he has made over the years and is thankful to Michigan Tech for giving him the chance to become the best person he can be. Spencer says “I would like to recognize Joseph Foster for being a great mentor, and also Trevor Maizland, Kaden Arsenault, and the rest of my Brothers at Sigma Rho for being my support these past five years.”

Erik Puskala

Erik Puskala

Erik is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He will be working for Cleveland Cliffs in Minnesota for the summer but will be back on campus in the fall to pursue his MBA. Erik says he is thankful for all the free learning centers that helped him a lot as a first and second-year student.

Maddie Reitz

Maddie Reitz

Maddie is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. She will attend graduate school to broaden her knowledge base after graduation. Maddy will miss the husky spirit, the memories made at MUB events, and most of all the people she has met while at Tech, both professors and peers. She is incredibly grateful for not only the connections she has made while here but the lessons learned about overcoming hardship and perseverance. When asked if she would like to recognize someone who made a difference during her time at Tech, Maddie says “This list would be a mile long but if I had to choose just one, it would be Jessie Stapleton. I’ve learned a lot through my coursework at Michigan Tech, but even more than that, I’ve gained a plethora of professional skills. Most of those were from Jessie. She’s taught me not only how to manage conflict, but how to have hard conversations, manage a team, delegate, and rekindle my passion for an organization. Her dedication to MUB Board continues to inspire me every day. We are certainly lucky to have her.”

Brian Rivers

Brian Rivers

Brian will graduate with his master’s degree in environmental engineering. After graduation, he plans a bike tour and will return to Peru. Brian says he will miss Write-D and is thankful to Michigan Tech for the very helpful faculty and staff – “I certainly wouldn’t have been able to complete my report without the numerous, generous, and enthusiastic donations of time, assistance, and patience. Dr. David Watkins for being an exemplary advisor and challenging me to push my academic boundaries. Dr. Barkdoll and Dr. Webster for being outstanding professors and reviewing my research. Christian Sheja, Hunter King, and Kenny Larsen for their friendship and support. Rob Fritz and Tom Polkinghorn for their help throughout my research Bailey Papes for letting me vent all my Peace Corps stories and gladly helping with any academic question. Jessica Daignault for setting me up for success in my second year Dr. Audra Morse for offering me many co-curricular opportunities The Write-D CEGE group! Shelle and Angela for opening my office door countless times Keweenaw Running Group and Red Jacket Cycling Club for keeping me sane (and fit).”

Autumn Sanford

Autumn Sanford

Autumn is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering. She has been accepted as a full-time Application Engineer with Voith Meri Environmental Solutions and will start after graduation. Autumn will miss being five minutes away from her friends at Tech and is thankful that she met so many wonderful people. Autumns ask for Tech to “Please expand the vegan food provided at MTU and promote reducing the consumption of animal products for MTU’s current and future students‘ health and Planet.”

Zach Servinski

Zach will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He will go to work after graduation and will miss the people at Michigan Tech.

Darud Sheefa

Darud Sheefa

Sheefa will graduate with a PhD in civil engineering with a water resources emphasis. After graduation, she will join Wood, Dallas office as a Technical Professional 3. Sheefa says she ill miss all the friendly faces, her office in Dow, the husky statue, snowy weather, and the beautiful summer. She is thankful to Michigan Tech for providing her a friendly environment and sufficient support and guidance throughout her PhD journey. When asked if she would like to recognize someone who has made a difference to her at Tech, Sheefa says “I would like to especially thank my advisor Dr. Brian Barkdoll. He was always a guardian to me in this foreign land. He never pushed me for anything rather he always inspired and appreciated me in such a way that I, myself felt the urge to finish my work on time. He regularly used to ask about my family and personal life which made me feel at home all the time.”

Preston Smith

Preston Smith

Preston is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in construction management. He will be a USAF Air Battle Manager at Tyndall AFB after graduation. Preston says he will miss being part of the fishing club and fly fishing all the rivers and streams in the area. He says he is thankful for the outdoor opportunities and adventures Michigan Tech provided. “This school taught me great lessons in perseverance, determination, and working towards your goals.”

Jacob Stewart

Jacob Stewart

Jacob is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. After graduation, he will be working full-time at Spicer Group out of Saginaw, MI while working towards his master’s degree. Jacob says he will miss the beauty of the landscape of the Keweenaw. He is thankful to Michigan Tech for the rigorous classes that prove that real-world work is not nearly as stressful and would like to recognize Dr. Kris Mattila as someone who made ad difference to him during his time at Tech.

Taylor Stewart

Taylor Stewart

Taylor is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. After graduating, he plans to join Canadian Pacific Railway as a Civil Engineer-in-Training. Taylor says he will miss the great friends at Tech, saying “It’s home to many memories. I hope that as we all move away, we can stay connected. Thank you to my parents and grandparents who were always there to talk with and support me throughout my education. Thank you to all the people who made the past four years not only rewarding but enjoyable.”

Chloe Strach

Chloe Strach

Chloe will graduate with a bachelor’s in environmental engineering. She will begin working for Spicer Group after graduation. Chloe says she will miss the Tech trails once she leaves Michigan Tech.

Maddy Tata

Maddy is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. After graduation, she will be moving downstate to start her job with ITC. Maddy says she will really miss all of the amazing activities the Keweenaw has to offer and is thankful for all the wonderful people she has met throughout her time at Michigan Tech.

Jemel Thompson

Jemel will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering. He will miss the supportive community that he was able to find at Michigan Tech and is thankful for all the leadership development and opportunities he was able to participate in, the ability to strengthen his value of community, and making an engineer out of a music major. Jemel would like to recognize Rachel Jones, Alexandra Marshall, and Susan Liebau for people who made difference to him while at Michigan Tech.

Lucy Toppen

Lucinda Toppen

Lucy will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering. She will pursue her PhD in environmental engineering at the University of Vermont after graduation. Lucy will miss “the access to the outdoors. Being able to ski two spots in the same day is incredible. Mont Ripley has been an awesome way to make friends and get outside during the cold and school work heavy winter months. All of the waterfalls and mine ruins offer a rich and dense natural areas that are so unique to the Keweenaw. Exploring the Keweenaw with my friends are some of my most cherished memories of my time at Tech.”

Something she is thankful for is the wonderful faculty and staff that are always willing to help students achieve their academic and professional goals. She was able to pursue two undergraduate research projects and was even fortunate enough to work with a team that published an academic paper during her Junior year, setting her up for the future work she intends to do. “Dr. Audra Morse was the first professor I sat down to talk with my Senior year of high school on my first visit to Michigan Tech. A year later she became my enterprise advisor and mentor. Working with her as my enterprise advisor and department chair has been inspiring and has allowed me to develop project skills I would not have otherwise.”

Isabel Valencia

Isabel Valencia

Isabel is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering. She will continue on for her accelerated master’s at Tech in the fall. Isabel is thankful to Michigan Tech for preparing her for future opportunities in her field and providing great opportunities in her classes and extracurricular activities.

Jordan Wheeler

Jordan Wheeler

Jordan will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He will move to start his career at Northfolk Southern after graduation. Jordan says he will miss his friends and is thankful for the Rail Transportation Program for offering a unique set of courses.

Dean Wozniak

Dean Wozniak

Dean is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. After graduation, he will be working for the city of Ann Arbor over the summer and potentially returning to Michigan Tech in the fall to pursue his accelerated master’s degree in civil engineering. Dean says of his time at Michigan Tech “The sense of community is greater here than any other place I have lived. I’ll also miss the fall colors, rock picking, and the ability to go skiing whenever I have the time. I’m thankful that I’ve gotten the chance to learn from some amazing and extremely smart professors. They have gone above and beyond to provide the support I needed to succeed! I would like to recognize the professors who have gone out of their way to help me with the day-to-day struggles of the past few years. These professors cultivated a classroom environment that was warm, welcoming, and where I wasn’t afraid to ask questions or make mistakes. Those individuals are Dr. Melanie Kueber-Watkins, Dr. John Gierke, Dr. Kris Mattila, and Dr. Gretchen Hein.”

Graduates Not Pictured Above

BS in Civil Engineering

Casey Abel

Trent Bell

Stephanie Bobo

Zach Bormet

Jason Cinader

Luciano Cistaro

Lauren Cole

Corey Curtis

Grant Freudenstein

Drew Heinonen

Wade Impola

Jacob Johns

Stephen McGregor

Travis Meyette

Mary Ollis

Greg Porcaro

Morgan Raley

Stanton Schmitz

Brandon Schultz

Marc Shean

Jake Tallon

Brendan Varga

Andrew Vega

Rayanne Williams

Nathan Willour

Casey Wioskowski

Victor Yousof

BS in Construction Management

Wyatt Bisballe

Corey Cotey

Jack Lacy

Chase Noykos

Brad Rievert

BS in Environmental Engineering

Katie Adair

Michelle Bollini

Rachel Fuller

Jenna Kivela-Heinz

Skyler Kruger

Max McGuire

Nicole Mielcarek

Ally Noles

Nick Portwine

Joseph Primeau

Evan Rye

Madison Seymour

Lily Sparks

Travis Yell

BS in Geospatial Engineering

Connor Welling

MS in Civil Engineering

Cooper Ryan

Michael Turner

Alex Weitermann

MS in Environmental Engineering

Benjamin Mohrhardt

MS in Integrated Geospatial Technology

John Lutchko

Andrew Jolman

Samuel Shumaker

PhD in Civil Engineering

Behnam Azmoon

Reihaneh Samsami

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Student Leadership Awards Nominees and Winners from CEGE

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The 28th Annual Student Leadership Awards ceremony was held on Friday, April 15, 2022. Surveying Engineering alumnus Jacob Heck was the keynote speaker. The Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial is proud of its many nominees and would like to congratulate them as well as the pair of awardees – Jemel Thompson – Dean of Students Award for Possibilities and alumnus Jacob Heck (’10 Surveying Engineering) for the Outstanding Young Alumni Award (to be formally announced at the 2022 Alumni Reunion).

Jemel Thompson
Jemel Thompson

Dean of Students Award for Possibilities

The Dean of Students Award for Possibilities recognizes a student that embodies our possibilities value statement: “We inspire the exploration and creation of all possibilities through innovative use of our skills and knowledge.”

Jemel Thompson

When Jemel Thompson arrived on campus, he struggled to see himself in anything at Tech, so he decided to forge the community he sought on his own. This was the inspiration to revive the Society of African American Men (SAAM) with the help of his fellow brothers. Jemel went on to become the first Minister of Direction (President) of the organization since its reinstatement providing resources and support for men of color on campus.

As one of his nominators shared, “Throughout his career at Michigan Tech, Jemel has continued to try new things, take chances, and engage meaningfully with everyone he meets. He has engaged with a wide variety of Tech experiences from working in curriculum development with Residence Education, re-establishing the Society of African American Men on campus, attending and on-site coordinating for the LeaderShape Institute, volunteering with the Tech Traditions committee, serving as a Husky Connect Mentor with the Center for Diversity and Inclusion, and a variety of other involvements in between. In each of these experiences, Jemel unabashedly asks everyone ‘why’ and ‘how can we improve.’ To him nothing is stagnant and it has pushed me and our Michigan Tech community forward.”

CEGE Award Nominees

  • Rising Star of the Year – Arika Booms
  • Student Employee of the Year – Chiarra Elkort-Wickboldt
  • Student Organization Advisor of the Year – Lynn Artman
  • Exceptional Enthusiasm as a Student Leader – Maddie Reitz
  • Outstanding Future Alumni Award – Stanton Schmitz
  • Percy Julian Award – Jemel Thompson
  • Provost’s Award for Scholarship – Thomas Pastell
  • President’s Award for Leadership – Jemel Thompson

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A Graduate Internship Experience

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Bailey Papes, Environmental Engineering MS student.

Living next to the world’s largest freshwater lake, it’s easy to forget that not everyone is as fortunate. 

Bailey Papes, a master’s student in Environmental Engineering, is completing a research project that started in summer 2021 through an internship at the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s Brackish Groundwater National Desalination Research Facility (BGNDRF) in Alamogordo, NM. The facility focuses on pilot-scale testing of innovative water treatment processes for the desalination of brackish and impaired groundwater. During the internship, Bailey conducted her own research project focusing on the removal of per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from brackish groundwater using different types of biochar produced from halophytes and cow bone. Biochar may be a sustainable alternative to powdered activated carbon (PAC) or granular activated carbon (GAC) for PFAS adsorption from aqueous solutions. The results of the experiments showed that PFAS do adsorb to biochars. However, compared to PAC, approximately ten times more biochar must be added to water to effectively remove PFAS, and a cost-benefit analysis is needed to determine if biochar is an economically viable option for PFAS adsorption.

The internship at BGNDRF exposed Bailey to a wide range of drinking water treatment technologies and gave her experience addressing PFAS contamination, which is a growing concern throughout the world. It also opened her eyes to how serious water scarcity issues are within the U.S.  Prior to attending Michigan Tech, Bailey earned her undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering from Western Michigan University. Subsequently, she served in the Peace Corps as an education volunteer in Sierra Leone, West Africa, where she taught chemistry, biology, and physics at the local high school. During her service, the well in her community dried up, and Bailey was forced to send a motorcycle five miles away to fetch drinking water. After experiencing water scarcity firsthand, she decided to pursue her master’s in environmental engineering. In addition to completing an internship at BGNDRF during her M.S. studies, Bailey worked with Dr. David Watkins to develop models of the wastewater collection systems in Houghton-Hancock that can be used in conjunction with SARS-CoV-2 concentrations to describe COVID-19 dynamics in these communities. She also is conducting research in the laboratory of Dr. Rebecca Ong (Chemical Engineering), and is completing graduate certificates in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and Engineering Sustainability and Resilience. Dr. Jennifer Becker is Bailey’s graduate advisor. Upon graduation, Bailey will work for a water and wastewater engineering consulting firm to help ensure that everyone has access to clean and safe drinking water. 

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12th Annual Sustainability Film & Facilitated Discussion Series kicks off this week

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The 12th Annual Sustainability Film & Facilitated Discussion Series kicks off this week with a discussion of Chasing Coral, a 2017 film release, that examines how coral is vanishing around the world at an alarming rate. Between 2014 – 2017, Chasing Coral captured the most severe bleaching event in recorded history. During these years, 75% of corals suffered or died from heat stress brought on by climate change. It is predicted that if nothing changes, by 2034 there will be severe bleaching events every year, and by the end of the century, every reef in the world will bleach. (88 min.) The film is available on Netflix and YouTube (free).

The public is invited to participate in a free online facilitated discussion from 7:00-8:00 pm, Thursday, January 27, led by Casey Huckins, Professor, MTU Department of Biological Sciences, Great Lakes Research Center.

A $5 suggested donation per film to support the Sustainability Film Series is appreciated. Make donations online. Register HERE to receive the FREE zoom link to participate in the facilitated discussion on January 27th or request the link from Joan Chadde: jchadde@mtu.edu

The Sustainability Film & Facilitated Discussion Series is co-sponsored by Friends of the Land of Keweenaw, Lake Superior Stewardship Initiative, College of Forest Resources & Environmental Science, Keweenaw Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, MTU Sustainability Demonstration House, Keweenaw Land Trust, and Dept. of Social Sciences Sustainability Sciences Program.

See the complete set of events for January-May 2022 here.

2022 Sustainability Film & Facilitated Discussion Series ~ SCHEDULE

Chasing Coral (2021) JAN 27 Netflix and YouTube
Coral reefs around the world are vanishing at an alarming rate. Between 2014 – 2017, Chasing Coral captured the most severe bleaching event in recorded history. During these years, 75% of corals suffered or died from heat stress brought on by climate change. It is predicted that if nothing changes, by 2034 there will be severe bleaching events every year, and by the end of the century every reef in the world will bleach. (88 min) Discussion Facilitator: Dr. Casey Huckins, MTU Dept of Biological Sci.

Fauci (2021) FEB 17 Link provided for 1-week.
This National Geographic documentary chronicles the life of Dr. Anthony Fauci, world-renowned infectious disease specialist and the longest-serving public health leader in Wash. D.C. He has overseen the U.S. response to 40 years of outbreaks from HIV/AIDS, to SARS and Ebola. (104 mins)
Discussion Facilitator: Dr. Terry Kinzel, Gerontology & Internal Medicine

Pumped Dry: The Global Crisis of Vanishing Groundwater (2021) MARCH 17 YouTube
Much of the planet relies on groundwater. From the U.S. to Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America – so much water is pumped from the ground that aquifers are being rapidly depleted and wells are going dry. The film investigates the consequences of this emerging crisis in several of the world’s hotspots of groundwater depletion. These are stories about people on four continents confronting questions of how to safeguard their aquifers for the future – and in some cases, how to cope as the water runs out. (64 min)
Discussion Facilitator: Dr. John Gierke, Dept. of Geological and Mining Engineering & Science

OWN the Land. (2021) APRIL 21 YouTube
How the residents of North Memphis work with local government to turn their neighborhoods into a healthy and livable place. Solutions to low income neighborhood homes in disrepair, food deserts & urban farming; community empowerment. (46 min.)
Discussion Facilitator – Memphis & Shelby County Community Redevelopment Agency

The Ants & The Grasshopper: How do you change someone’s mind about the most important thing in the world? (2021) MAY 19 1-week link provided
What do we owe each other in the face of an existential crisis like the climate emergency? That’s the question at the heart of this documentary exploring how power and privilege shape climate justice and food justice from Africa to America – and how we might move forward together. (74 min.) Discussion Facilitator: Dr. Sarah Green, Interim Chair, Dept. of Chemistry (invited)

Questions? Contact Joan Chadde: jchadde@mtu.edu

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Online Structural MSCE Graduates it’s First Student

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The Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering is honored to congratulate Hoss Yaqoub for being our first online MSCE graduate.  Hoss is graduating with his online MSCE in the area of Structural Engineering and will continue on to obtain his Ph.D. from Michigan Tech.  

From Hoss – “My name is Hoss Yaqoub. I earned my BSc in Civil Engineering from the University of Alexandria in 1995. Throughout the last 25 years, I worked in five international enterprises in four different countries which paved the way to shape my career and provided me with comprehensive experience. I conducted several front‐end engineering reviews, in addition, I gave technical support to the management which led, in most cases, to significant savings. Proudly, I had the chance to prepare the construction work design packages for several projects which in turns, strengthened my technical abilities superimposed by refining  my engineering capabilities. Currently, I’m working as an engineering facilitator in Calgary, Canada.

In these hard times due to COVID, a lot of effort was conducted mutually with a lot of Jogging, reading, classical music and boxing in my free time that lead my desire to get better opportunities to enhance my technical capabilities and scientific bases. This was the major lead to graduate from the MSCE online program in structural engineering in Fall 2021. With great passion, I was able to complete the program in two years. The program sets my eagerness to explore new aspects of structural design and civil engineering. It gave me the opportunity to gain and improve some skills and increased my consciousness about engineering in general. 

Now I do have the momentum to take one step forward, I’m planning to join the Ph.D. program at MTU to achieve more in-depth exploration for my favorite science of civil engineering.”

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Congratulations to the Fall 2021 Graduates

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The Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering would like to congratulate our fall graduates and raise you up for all to see. We are proud of you and want to wish you the best of luck in your next chapter.

Presenting our fall 2021 graduates:

Cole Arntsen

Cole will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He will continue with his education by pursuing an MS in civil engineering at Michigan Tech. Cole will miss the beautiful fall colors of the surrounding Houghton County. He is thankful to Michigan Tech for the family environment that surrounds the student body and how welcoming and willing to help everyone is. Cole would like to recognize Dr. Kris Mattila for making a difference to him while at Tech.

Trent Ballor

Trent Ballor

Trent is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. After graduation, he will pursue a career in Transportation Engineering at the Michigan Department of Transportation. Trent will miss all of the friends he has made while at Michigan Tech and also the beautiful area. He is thankful to Tech for providing him with an excellent education to equip him for his career. Trent would like to recognize his family and friends that have supported him throughout his college career.

Sarah Barry

Sarah Barry

Sarah will graduate with a bachelor’s in environmental engineering. After graduation, she will travel to Iceland as part of the Green Program to learn about sustainable solutions which can be applied to environmental engineering and complete her capstone project. Afterward, she will continue her career development by taking the FE exam. Sarah will miss all the great friends and activities at Michigan Tech and the beautiful area we have here in the Keweenaw. She will also miss Tech hockey because she enjoyed going to all the games to support the Huskies! Sarah is thankful for the hands-on experience through labs and continuous educational support offered at Michigan Tech by the faculty and students. She would like to recognize her parents that have supported her throughout her education and would not have succeeded without their encouragement.

Everhett Biland

Everhett Biland

Everhett is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. After graduation, he will begin a full-time position as a Project Engineer with Swinerton Builders in Denver, CO. He will also start his service in the Wyoming Army National Guard as an Engineer Officer, and will be pursuing an online master’s degree in structural engineering through Michigan Tech. Everhett says he will miss the spontaneous adventures in the Keweenaw, Michigan Tech’s awesome Army ROTC program, and the great bars downtown. He is thankful for all the friends he made, the professors in the CEGE Department who challenged him every day, and the semi-annual career fairs that opened up a lot of career opportunities. When asked if he would like to recognize someone who has made a difference to him at Tech, he says “Dr. Tess Ahlborn for being a phenomenal professor and opening my eyes to pursuing my education and MAJ Daniel Gwosch for encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone.”

Trevor Brandt

Trevor Brandt

Trevor will be graduating with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. Trevor will begin his career at Soils & Structures as a Geotechnical EIT after graduation. He says he will miss attending hockey games with his friends and is thankful to Michigan Tech for all the opportunities he was given to pursue his different interests, both academically and otherwise. Trevor would like to recognize Chris Wojick who was his enterprise advisor for several semesters and helped him start thinking about problems more thoroughly.

Katelyn Burch

Katelyn Burch

Katelyn is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. She will be moving to Colorado Springs to work for GE Johnson as a project engineer for their earthworks department after graduation. Katelyn says she will miss the broomball season at Tech – “It was a large part of my life here from my 2nd year onward and the memories that I made from it with being out shoveling rinks during a blizzard, to being able to be a part of ball drop a few times, and the many friends I made, it is something that I’ll truly miss.” She says she is thankful for all the opportunities she has had at Tech with being able to grow as a leader and work with people in the community, she has learned so much from her time here and the lessons are invaluable.

Josh Cain

Josh Cain

Josh will be graduating with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. After graduation, he intends to return home to Traverse City and work for one of the engineering firms he was able to connect with there. Josh is thankful for the amazing education he received at Michigan Tech and is confident the skills he learned here will help him succeed in his career.

Jay Czerniak

Jay Czerniak
Jay is the student speaker for the fall 2021 commencement

Jay is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He plans to return to Tech to pursue an MBA and will work full-time as a Project Manager in the summer with Miron Construction. Jay will miss the community and comradery between students- in particular, the student community at St. Al’s. He is thankful to Tech for giving him the understanding that sometimes you have to work for anything that is worth getting. Jay says “I would like to thank Dr. Mattila. He was instrumental in my perseverance in completing my studies and helped me to believe in my own skills. I would also thank Fr. Ben Hasse, who helped me through a few tough patches and helped me meet some of my best friends.”

Jessica Daignault

Jessica Daignault

Jessica is graduating with a Ph.D. in civil engineering. She is currently at Montana Technological University as a faculty member in the Civil Engineering Department and is also doing consulting work for OHM Advisors part-time. Jessica says she will miss the proximity to pure and endless natural beauty, saying “the Keweenaw is such a special place to call home.” Jessica states “Michigan Tech has played a fundamental role in my life story from high school through graduate school. The connections made and opportunities presented have paved the way to a vibrant career, and I will be forever thankful for that! I’d like to recognize the faculty members who instructed me as an undergraduate student and continued to mentor me when I returned to MTU for graduate school. It was such a special experience to reconnect with so many of you!”

Spencer Davis

Spencer Davis

Spencer will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering. He has accepted a full-time job for a consulting firm in Milwaukee focusing on wastewater treatment. Spencer says he will miss the close proximity to so many great natural places and beautiful things to see. He says he is thankful to Michigan Tech for all the opportunities and support for obtaining the technical skills and developing a professional background to pursue a career in the field of his choice. Also for the amazing friends and people he has had the opportunity to meet.

David Disney

David Disney

David is graduating with a bachelor’s in environmental engineering. After graduation, he plans on doing consulting work. David says he will miss the unique student culture and at Michigan Tech and is thankful for Tech keeping the sidewalks clear in the winter. He would like to recognize the great staff and professors in the Environmental Engineering Department.

Camila Dul

Camila Dul

Camila is graduating with a master’s degree in environmental engineering. After graduation, she will be working for OHM Advisors as an Engineer for the Environmental Water Resources Group. Camila says she will miss the views from campus and is thankful for how welcoming everyone is on campus and the amount of encouragement she received from her professors.

John Dunleavy

John Dunleavy

John will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in construction management. He will pursue a career in the construction field after graduation. John will miss snowmobiling with his friends and is thankful for the opportunities experienced with the friends he has made while at Tech.

Mason Dyke

Mason Dyke

Mason is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. After graduation, he will be working at Fleis and Vandenbrink in Grand Rapids and as an Army National Guard Engineering Officer. Mason will miss the skiing and mountain biking at Michigan Tech. He would like to recognize Jonathan Fox as someone who made a difference to him during his time at Tech.

Conor Flaherty

Connor will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in construction management. He plans to work after graduation.

David Goldfarb

David Goldfarb

David will graduate with his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. After graduating, he will move to Colorado to work with HDR. David says he will miss all the beauty he is surrounded with, all the trails, hikes, waterfalls, views, and most of all he will miss “Mama Superior”. He is thankful to Michigan Tech for forcing him to learn how to climb over constant hurdles and adversity to achieve his goals. David says “I’ve had a lot of professors and people at Tech who made my journey a lot easier and enjoyable, but I know I could not have gotten this far and graduated without my advisor Julie Ross, she’s the best advisor at Michigan Tech and truly cares for everyone’s success.”

Leah Goldman

Leah Goldman

Leah is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering. She will begin working for Westwood as a graduate civil engineer on the Renewable Energy team after graduation. Leah says she will miss the snow and the great people at Michigan Tech. Leah is thankful to Tech because although the classes are hard, they allow for you to really expand your knowledge and take a lot away from each class, and people in the industry know how hard students work here.

Thomas Gunst

Thomas Gunst

Thomas will be graduating with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. After graduation, he will be starting a career in the civil engineering field and pursuing his private pilot’s license. Thomas says he will miss the campus, surrounding area, and local ice rinks.

Maureen Hennenfent

Maureen Hennenfent

Maureen will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering. She will be pursuing a career in water engineering after graduation. Maureen will miss the trips to Lake Superior and the fall colors and is thankful for the incredible people Tech has brought into her life, saying “Tech has provided me with friendships that will last a lifetime. The professors in the environmental engineering department have been so helpful to me over the years. They are extremely knowledgeable about their fields of study and truly care about their students.”

Ben Holland

Ben Holland

Ben is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. After graduation, he will continue at Michigan Tech as an accelerated master’s student. Something Ben says he will miss after graduation is running for the Michigan Tech cross country team. He says he is thankful for all of the industry applicable experience in class and would like to recognize Melanie Kueber-Watkins and Brian Barkdoll for making a difference to him while at Tech. Ben says “The civil environmental program is awesome!”

Julia Jenaway

Julia Jenaway

Julia will be graduating with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. She will be continuing at Michigan Tech for another two semesters to earn her master’s degree in structural engineering. Julia says she will miss the snow and having the convenience of a ski hill five minutes from campus and that she is thankful to Michigan Tech for a great education.

Frederick Jones

Frederick Jones

Fred is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. After graduation, he will be moving to Denver to work for Baker Concrete Construction. Fred says he will miss the unique experience you get every day, just by being here and that he is thankful to Michigan Tech for helping him grow up and facilitate positive change in his life. When asked if he would like to recognize someone who made a difference to him while at Tech, he says “Brian Barkdoll, for having confidence in me, being a positive mentor, and for being one of the most caring teachers I’ve ever had. The entire Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering department deserve a huge thanks. Never once did I have a faculty member from our department that wasn’t understanding, and they always had my learning as a top priority. Truly enjoyed learning from all of the Civil and Environmental courses I took.
Also, our advisor, Julie, is one of the great blessings to this university. She truly helped me so much when things seemed bleak, and graduation seemed so far. I truly believe that without her, I wouldn’t be graduating for another year. She is a true example that not all hero’s wear capes.”

Ethan Lang

Ethan Lang

Ethan is graduating with his bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering. Ethan will miss doing homework while ice fishing and would like to recognize his mom, dad, and stepdad for making his college possible and debt-free.

Katherine Lawson

Katherine Lawson

Katerine will be graduating with a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering. After graduation, she will be working as a staff engineer at G2 Consulting Group in Ann Arbor.

Carleigh Lenard

Carleigh Lenard

Carleigh is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering. She plans to visit friends and family after graduation while continuing the job hunt. Carleigh says she will miss playing in the pep band and is thankful to Tech for providing her with opportunities going far beyond education. She has gotten to intern at really interesting companies, work on important research and have some fun with many student organizations.

Owen Mattila

Owen Mattila

Owen will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He will be continuing on to attend graduate school at Michigan Tech for a master’s degree in civil engineering. Owen says “I would like to recognize my dad (Dr. Kris Mattila) for all your support and guidance throughout college. It was great to be able to stay close to home for college and not many people can say they’ve had their dad as a professor. As I’ve advanced through college I have grown as a person and as someone who has developed an engineering mindset. I will be a better engineer because of you, and I appreciate that. Thanks for all you do!”

Mihir Mehendale

Mihir Mehendale

Mihir will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. After graduation, he will work full-time with JT Engineering in Madison, WI and would late like to pursue an MS degree in civil engineering.

Isaac Pantti

Isaac is graduating with a master’s degree in civil engineering. He plans on being a structural designer of buildings after graduation. Isaac says he will miss the laid-back atmosphere of his graduate classes and he is thankful to the helpful faculty in the CEGE Department as well as the ability to be a TA. Isaac says “Professor Bulleit did a lot to make sure we did proper graduate quality work, and that led to a total transformation in how I present my work. Michigan Tech has been really good to me. I am really thankful for the supportive structural engineering professors I had. I am thankful to Dr. You for having lab assistant and TA work available. I am happy to have met all the different people here from around the world. I am definitely ready to move on, but I will never forget about the university, and should I want to continue my education, I will always look back here.”

Jacob Paquet

Jacob Paquet

Jacob will be graduating with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. After graduation, he will continue work with GEI Consultants out of Marquette. Jacob says he will miss all of his friends and is thankful to Michigan Tech for preparing him for the workforce.

Theresa Passe

Theresa is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering. She will continue on to obtain her master’s degree at Michigan Tech after graduation. She would like to recognize Dr. Jennifer Becker as someone who has made a difference to her during her time at Michigan Tech. Theresa says she will miss Broomball and Lake Superior and is thankful to Michigan Tech for the awesome faculty. She says she loved being a Husky!

Adam Pulter

Adam is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering. After graduation, he will use the knowledge and skills gained from Michigan Tech during his first job in his desired field. Adam will miss all the snow and winter sports and is thankful to Tech for teaching him the value of hard work.

Christopher Reitz

Christopher Reitz

Christopher will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He has accepted an offer from Abonmarche Consultants as a Staff Engineer and will begin this after graduation. Christopher will miss the Keweenaw’s beautiful scenery and is thankful to Tech for challenging him to learn and better himself so he can be prepared to take on professional responsibilities. He would like to recognize Dr. Kris Mattila as someone who made a difference during his time at Michigan Tech. Chris says “When I look back on some of the challenges I’ve faced throughout my time here, I’m proud of myself for working to get through them. These challenges have allowed me to learn and prepare for my professional career.”

Amber Ronsman

Amber Ronsman

Amber is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. After graduation, she will be working full-time for Miron Construction as a Project Manager out of the Green Bay office. Amber will miss the community that Tech shares and the snow (just a little). She is thankful for the opportunities that Tech has provided, from the career fair, student organizations, and conferences – there is no lack of opportunities when attending Tech. She says “I would like to recognize my advisor, Julie Ross for not only the work she has put in to help me but the entire department. She is so willing to walk you through anything and understands that it’s not always easy. We are so lucky to have her!”

Chase Smith

Chas will be graduating with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He will begin work as a civil engineer with UP Engineers and Architects after graduating. Chase says he will miss his friends and is thankful to Tech for getting him a degree. He would like to recognize Nick Allsop as someone who made a difference during his time at Michigan Tech.

Anthony Vang

Anthony Vang

Anthony will graduate with a bachelor’s in civil engineering. After graduation, he will become a 2nd LT in the Air Force and train as an RPA Pilot. Anthony will miss Winter Carnival and is thankful for the experience to make mistakes and learn a lot from them. He would like to recognize the AFROTC program at Tech as making a difference to him while at Tech. Anthony says “I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of Michigan Tech and its community. I have definitely grown a lot from my freshmen year and I feel confident and prepared to take the next step in my life. I am also getting married on Dec 12th!”

Hoss Yaqoub

Hossam Yaqoub

Hoss is graduating with a master’s in civil engineering making him the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering’s first online MSCE graduate! He will continue on at MTU to achieve more in-depth exploration for his favorite science of civil engineering by pursuing his Ph.D. He says “The online Master’s program sets my eagerness to explore new aspects of structural design and civil engineering. It gave me the opportunity to gain and improve some skills and increased my consciousness about engineering in general. In these hard times due to COVID, a lot of effort was conducted mutually with a lot of Jogging, reading, classical music and boxing in my free time that lead my desire to get better opportunities to enhance my technical capabilities and scientific bases. This was the major lead to graduate from the MSCE online program in structural engineering in Fall 2021. With great passion, I was able to complete the program in two years.”

Graduates Not Pictured Above

BS in Civil Engineering

Russ Bjorn

Adam Budzinski

Bobbi Hulce

Celia Juntti

Steph Klaysmat

Mitchell Knox

Megyn Ostrom

Erik Peterson

Eric Sabourin

Mathieu St. Amour

Elijah Young

BS in Construction Management

Cameron Mulka

Ross Oja

Brendan Thompson

BS in Environmental Engineering

Bennett Johnson

Samantha Johnston

Grace Kluchka

Nicole Mielcarek

Lauryn Roberts

BS in Geospatial Engineering

Alyx Thayer

MS in Civil Engineering

Robyn Holmes

Conrad Truettner

MS in Environmental Engineering

John Harron

MS in Integrated Geospatial Technology

Samuel Shumaker

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