Governor Gretchen Whitmer has appointed Michigan Tech alumna Nancy M. McClain of Redford to the Michigan Board of Engineerings. McClain is the lead engineering at Giffels Webster in Birmingham. She is a licensed professional engineer and holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Michigan Technological University. She is appointed to represent professional engineers for a term commencing April 1, and expiring March 31, 2025.
Michigan Tech alumnus Josh Ivaniszek was feature “Cruising through Juneau’s Port Expansion,” in Directions Magazine. Ivaniszek began his surveying career after graduating from Michigan Technological University with a double major in forestry and land surveying. Chilkat Surveying owner Josh Ivaniszek endured a challenging schedule and adverse conditions to provide accurate construction layout through two Alaskan winters.
Congratulations to CEE alumna and recent Academy inductee Kim Nowack who has been named the recipient of the American Council of Engineering Companies of Michigan’s Felix A. Anderson Image Award. The award is for outstanding individuals who take steps to improve the public image of the engineering profession. Nowack is the Mackinac Bridge Authority Executive Secretary.
Michigan Tech alumnus Jason Arbuckle who earned his BS, MS and PhD in Electrical Engineering from Michigan Tech, has been named to the newly formed role of Marine Autonomy Technology Lead for Brunswick Corporation. The story appeared in Yahoo Finance. Throughout his career, Arbuckle has been instrumental in the development of helm software for Mercury Marine products from single engine to six engine vessels and has been granted more than 45 patents related to marine control systems.
Civil Engineering PhD alumnus Ali Mirchi is quoted in the article “The return of a once-dying lake,” on the BBC. Mirchi, an assistant professor in the department of biosystems and agricultural engineering at Oklahoma State University, has extensively studied Lake Urmia in Iran. The lake is currently 3m (10ft) below its target water level. “So there’s quite a ways to go,” says Ali Mirchi.
DTE Energy announced the appointment of Monique Wells as its director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Wells will be responsible for accelerating DTE’s progress in building a workplace where everyone feels valued and able to contribute their best energy toward serving our customers, communities and each other. Wells graduated from the University of Toledo with her Master’s degree in Career and Technical Education, and graduated from Michigan Technological University with her Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering. She serves on Spring Arbor University’s Engineering Advisory Board, as well as Michigan Tech University College of Engineering’s Advisory Board.
Michigan Tech alumnus Marty Lagina was mentioned in the article “Who Owns Oak Island of ‘The Curse of Oak Island’ Isn’t Exactly Clear,” in Distractify. Brothers Rick and Marty Lagina are known as the stars of The Curse of Oak Island. Marty Lagina graduated from Michigan Tech with his mechanical engineering degree in 1977.
Michigan Tech alumnus Thomas Fudge has been appointed as a director of First Majestic Silver Corporation. Mr. Fudge brings over 42 years of professional mining experience having previously worked with companies including Tahoe Resources, Alexco Resources, Hecla Mining, and Sunshine Precious Metals. Mr. Fudge holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mining Engineering from Michigan Technological University and has overseen numerous major mining construction projects in the United States, Mexico, Venezuela, Yukon Territory, Guatemala, and Peru.
Alumnus John Matonich was recently appointed to the Gogebic Community College Foundation Board of Directors. Matonich holds a BS in Surveying from Michigan Tech. He is a retired CEO/Chairman of ROWE Professional Services Company.
Michigan Tech alumna Shannon Kobs Nawotniak, (BS geology, ’03), an associate professor at Idaho State University, presents on “Submarines, Volcanoes, and the Search for Extraterrestrial Life” at Muskegon Community College. A graduate of Michigan Tech and SUNY Buffalo, Kobs Nawotniak serves as Geology Co-Lead on the NASA FINESSE project and Deputy Principal Investigator on the NASA BASALT project, both of which use terrestrial lavas to investigate planetary volcanoes.
Michigan Tech alumnus Mike Olosky (ME) has been named Chief Operating Officer of Simpson Strong-Tie. Olosky holds degrees in mechanical engineering from Michigan Technological University and Oakland University and received his MBA from Michigan State University’s Eli Broad School of Business.