Category: News

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