Category: News

Brincks, Thrasher, and Welling Awarded National Society of Professional Surveyors Foundation 2022 Scholarships


The National Society of Professional Surveyors Foundation has announced the 19 recipients of its 2022 scholarship awards. Three Michigan Technological University students are among them:

Congratulations to Brayden Brincks, Alex Thrasher, and Connor Welling!

According to the NSPS Foundation’s press release, the scholarships are awarded annually from funds created by various companies, professional organizations and individuals to help assist the financial needs of future geospatial professionals. Each year’s awardees are selected by NSPS Foundation and American Association for Geodetic Surveying scholarship committees based on their academic record, letters of recommendation, financial need and their introductory letter outlining their educational plans, future goals, significant activities and contributions to their school, community and the surveying profession.

By Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering.

MTU Researchers Active in Build and Broaden Indigenous Food Sovereignty Symposium

Michigan Tech student, staff, and faculty researchers planned, implemented, and attended the NSF-sponsored Build and Broaden Indigenous Agriculture and Food Sovereignty Symposium at Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and Northern Michigan University from May 20-22, 2022.

Among the planning team were co-principal investigator (co-PI) Valoree Gagnon (CFRES/GLRC), Erika Vye (GLRC), Emily Shaw (CEGE), Shelby Lane-Clark (CFRES), Elizabeth Brown (SS) and Kate McGowen (CFRES).

The event was led by the Intertribal Agriculture Council (principal investigator Dan Cornelius); Northern Michigan University (co-PI Martin Reinhardt); Ferris State University (co-PI Scott Herron); and the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community. The Michigan Tech team is currently writing the Proceedings document, which will be publicly available later this summer at food-sovereignty.com.

By College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science.

GLRC Represents MTU at Joint Aquatic Science Meeting

Several Great Lakes Research Center (GLRC) affiliated faculty, research staff and students represented Michigan Tech on May 14 to May 20 at the 2022 Joint Aquatic Science Meeting (JASM) in Grand Rapids, Michigan. JASM is the world’s largest gathering of aquatic scientists, students, practitioners, resource agency staff and industry representatives.

This year, the GLRC was a Silver Sponsor for the event and had a booth in the exhibit hall. Those who presented include:

Oral Presentations

  • John Lenters (GLRC): “The Great Lakes Evaporation Network: Successes and Challenges of a 14-Year Binational Collaboration”
  • Jill Olin (BioSci): “Nutritional consequences of intraspecific diet variation in a marine carnivore”
  • Gord Paterson and Dalton Norris (BioSci): “Trophic ecology and Hg bioaccumulation among Lake Superior Lake Trout morphotypes” (IAGLR board administration)
  • Megan Berberich (BioSci): “Sediment microbial communities, organic matter, and methane biogeochemistry across multiple reservoirs in the midwestern United States”
  • Michelle Kelly (BioSci): “Habitat heterogeneity promotes linked C and N cycling in streams”
  • Ara Hakim (CEGE): “Using Ensemble-based Data Assimilation to Improve Hydrodynamic Modeling for Lake Erie Surface Temperature Short-term Forecast”
  • Ben Reuss (CEGE): “Modeling Metabolism in a Shallow, Hypereutrophic, Polymictic Lake”
  • Amy Marcarelli (BioSci): “Transforming Our Understanding of Nitrogen Fixation Across Aquacapes” (in collaboration with Robinson W. “Wally” Fulweiler, Boston University, and Thad Scott, Baylor University)
  • Erin Eberhard (BioSci): “Heterogeneity of Nutrient Limitation and N Cycling Across Wetland-Stream-Lake Interfaces of Lakes Superior and Huron”
  • Longhuan Zhu (CEGE): “Coastal Erosion along Lake Michigan under Climate Change”
  • Xing Zhou (CEGE): “Incorporation of microcystin production improves Lake Erie cyanobacterial bloom toxin forecasts”

Poster Presentations

  • Trista Vick-Majors (BioSci): “Physicochemical drivers of microbial ecosystems in Antarctic subglacial aquatic environments”
  • Maci Quintanilla (BioSci): “Impact of ice-cover on organic carbon biogeochemistry in a temperate freshwater system”
  • Vanessa Cubillos Tellez (BioSci): “Under Ice Photosynthetic Primary Production and Dark Carbon Fixation in a Temperate Freshwater System”

Sessions

  • Amy Marcarelli (BioSci) organized the symposium “Integrating perspectives on nitrogen fixation across the aquascape” and an integrative event called “Aquatic N2-Fixation Research Coordination Network.”
  • Jim Junker (BioSci) was a session chair for “NEON data: leveraging continental scale data to advance freshwater science.”

In addition, Michael Gretz (BioSci) attended as an executive committee and board of trustees member representative for the Phycological Society of America administration.

Other Michigan Tech representatives included GLRC Director Tim Havens (CS/GLRC/ICC) and Jamey Anderson (GLRC/MRAF).

By Great Lakes Research Center.

Noel Urban Named 2021 Best Associate Editor

Noel Urban
Noel Urban

The Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering (CEGE) congratulates Noel Urban for being named the Best Journal of Great Lakes Research Associate Editor for 2021.

The Journal of Great Lakes Research is the official journal of the International Association for Great Lakes Research (IAGLR). Urban is a member of its editorial board, which includes many associate editors with a wide range of expertise.

By Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering.

Geospatial Escape Trailer Visiting Area Schools

During the month of May, a team from the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering (CEGE) is visiting area middle schools to introduce students to geospatial engineering with a grant funded by the Engineering Information Foundation.

The purpose of the grant is to enhance interest and increase students’ awareness of geospatial engineering by providing hands-on experiences that mimic the work of geospatial engineers while interacting with female role models in engineering. By the end of the month, the program will reach over 1,000 middle school students in Baraga, Gogebic, Houghton and Ontonagon counties.

The Geospatial Escape Trailer is the centerpiece of the outreach event, and was made possible with gifts from Atwell LLC, R.A. Smith, Seiler Instrument Geospatial, and Spalding DeDecker. The grant was written by PhD student Jess Alger and CEGE faculty: Audra Morse, Joan Chadde, Melanie Kueber Watkins, Joseph Foster, and Jeffery Hollingsworth.

By Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering.

Reuss and Lenard Receive GLRC Spring 2022 Student Awards

Benjamin Reuss
Benjamin Reuss
Carleigh Lenard
Carleigh Lenard

Please join the Great Lakes Research Center in congratulating the Spring 2022 GLRC Student Research and Travel Grant recipients.

The GLRC student grants are intended to provide undergraduate and graduate students advised by GLRC members an opportunity to gain experience in writing competitive grants, to perform research they would not be able to attempt due to funding limitations or to travel to a professional conference to present a poster or paper about their research.

Student grants also provide seed research data for advisors to use in pursuing externally funded research support, and travel grants help amplify areas of research expertise at Michigan Tech. Funded students are expected to participate/volunteer for at least one GLRC activity during the grant period.

  • Michelle Kelly, Ph.D. student — Biological Sciences
    GLRC member advisor: Amy Marcarelli
    Research proposal: “Quantifying whole-stream denitrification and nitrogen fixation with integrated modeling of N2 and O2 fluxes”
  • John McCall, M.S. student — Biological Sciences
    GLRC member advisor: Gordon Paterson
    Research proposal: “Evaluating genotoxicity of mine tailings (“Stamp Sands”) on two game fish in a spawning reef in Lake Superior (MI)”
  • Benjamin Reuss, M.S. student — Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering
    GLRC member advisor: Cory McDonald
    Research proposal: “Effects of Climate Change on Polymictic Lakes: A Case Study of Goose Lake, Marquette Co. MI”
  • Laura Schaerer, Ph.D. student — Biological Sciences
    GLRC member advisor: Stephen Techtmann
    Research proposal: “Impact of Diversity on Resistance to Invasion in Plastic Degrading Microbial Communities”
  • Gary Swain, M.S. student — Biological Sciences
    GLRC member advisor: Charles Kerfoot
    Research proposal: “Stamp Sand Toxicity LD50 Test using Daphnia”
  • Tessa Tormoen, B.S. student — Biological Sciences
    GLRC member advisor: Jill Olin
    Research proposal: “Using DNA Metabarcoding to Evaluate Resource Partitioning Among Two Sympatric Tilefish”
  • Aritra Chakrabarty, Ph.D. student — Social Sciences
    GLRC member advisor: Richelle Winkler
    Event: International Public Policy Association: Third Workshop on Public Policy
    Presentation: “Decentralized Climate Policy: Role of Community in Policy Making”
  • Carleigh Lenard, B.S. student — Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering
    GLRC member advisor: John Lenters
    Event: Advancing Earth and Space Science, ASLO, The Oceanography Society
    Presentation: “Assessing the Accuracy of Wave-Derived Wind Velocity Data Collected by Spotter Buoys on the Great Lakes”
  • Julia Petersen, Ph.D. student — Social Sciences
    GLRC member advisors: Nancy Langston and Richelle Winkler
    Event: Population Association of America Annual Meeting 2022
    Paper: “Pandemic Migration in Rural America” co-authored with Winkler, 
    who will present it at an oral session titled “Covid-19 in Rural America.”

GLRC Student Travel Grant applications are accepted anytime and reviewed on the last Friday of each month. Applications must be submitted at least two weeks in advance of travel.

GLRC Student Research Grant applications are accepted three times each year: November 1, March 1 and July 1.

By the Great Lakes Research Center.

Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering 2022 Department Awards

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.

Audra Morse Joins NSF International Joint Committee

Audra Morse
Audra Morse

Audra Morse (CEGE) has joined the NSF International Joint Committee on Wastewater Technology.

NSF, founded in 1944 as the National Sanitation Foundation, develops public health standards and certification programs that help protect the world’s food, water, consumer products and environment. NSF joint committees propose and vote to approve NSF standards consistent with NSF’s mission; ensure standards properly address public health, safety and environmental issues; and respond to requests for interpretations of NSF standards.

By Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering.

CEGE Students Are Winners in Waste to Base Materials Challenge

NASA Tournament Lab logo.
NASA Tournament Lab

Students from Michigan Tech’s Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering (CEGE) were recently selected as a winning team in the Waste to Base Materials Challenge, sponsored by HeroX and NASA.

Competing against teams from around the country, the CEGE students proposed a process to treat and repurpose human waste on a crewed mission to Mars. Over many iterations, they developed a resource recovery loop that integrated anaerobic digestion and harvesting microbe-produced plastic to generate a continuous material stream from onboard resources.

The MTU team includes two undergraduate students, Kathryn Krieger and Corbin Sullivan, and two graduate students, Azmat Naseem and Brian Rivers. The team was assembled and mentored by Audra Morse (CEGE).

By Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering.

Congratulations to the Spring 2022 Graduates

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


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


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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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

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 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 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 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 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.


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 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 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 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