Category: Students

Huskies Battle Glossy Buckthorn in the UP

Published February 10, 2026

A close-up image of a clipboard, canvas bag with a pen, natural herbicide and applicators, and the legs and feet of a researcher in jeans and hiking shoes, who is kneeling in preparation to apply the herbicide. A travel mug of coffee sits next to the bag on the forest floor. — Fighting invasive species takes a lot of work, research and innovation, but Huskies are ready to step into the forest and get their hands dirty for a good cause.

Invasive buckthorn is running rampant in northern forests, including those right here in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Curbing the spread of the invasive forms of the species, which include glossy and common buckthorn, is a formidable challenge, but our Husky experts continue to explore and innovate solutions. Their methods encompass everything from natural treatments to herbicide applications.

Researching An Old Problem for Young Forests

Forest science PhD candidate Chris Hohnholt is among Tech researchers investigating countermeasures against the glossy buckthorn invasion. Hohnholt’s research tested the efficacy, ecology, and economics of three glossy buckthorn treatments: hand-pulling, treatment with a glyphosate herbicide, and treatment with a triclopyr herbicide.

One Final Lesson: CFRES Grad Selected to Address Fellow Huskies at Mid-Year Commencement

Published December 4, 2025

By Windy Veker

Quinn Riordan stands in the UJ Noblet Forestry Building, smiling with her arms crossed in a confident pose. — Quinn Riordan looks forward to a career teaching others about environmental stewardship, thanks to her hands-on experiences at Michigan Tech.

When Quinn Riordan shares her farewell message as the 2025 student speaker for Midyear Commencement, she’ll also be continuing to prepare for her future.

“I’m pursuing a career in environmental education and research, which requires a lot of public speaking,” said Riordan. “What’s a better opportunity to get more practice than in front of my whole class?”

Riordan, who is earning her bachelor’s degree in applied ecology and environmental science, said she’s honored to be selected as speaker and grateful to College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science Dean David Flaspohler, who gave her the nudge she needed to throw her hat into the ring.

Forestry and Wildlife Club Represent Tech at National Conferences

Published November 27, 2025

By Windy Veker

More than 25 foresters and SAF members from around the country gather outside for a workshop on types of wood-cutting axes during the SAF National Convention. — Forestry and Wildlife conferences are more outdoorsy than your typical convention. (Photo courtesy of the MTU Forestry Club)

The College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science was well-represented at two national conferences this fall—the Society of American Foresters National Convention and The Wildlife Society’s Annual Conference.

Capstones and Community Converge as Huskies Conduct Research in a Local Forest

Published April 17, 2025

By Cyndi Perkins

Looking up into a green forest canopy. — Close to campus and the City of Houghton, the Pilgrim River Community Forest offers a welcome habitat for both non-human residents and visitors seeking recreation and relaxation. Huskies are studying this treasured resource to determine management techniques that will help keep the forest as healthy as possible. (All photos courtesy Allyson McQuiston)

Huskies in the College of Forest Resources and Environmental Sciences care deeply about community and stewardship of natural resources. Allyson McQuiston, Aidan Sheppard, and Spencer Aud are no exception. Sheppard and Aud, both forestry majors, graduated in December 2024. McQuiston, an applied ecology and environmental science major, graduates this month. In this CFRES news blog, they describe their roles in a project designed to maintain and sustain the health of a treasured community resource.

Winging it: Summer Job Leads to Senior Thesis

Published April 1, 2025

By Cyndi Perkins

When she’s not doing research, Maggie Guinther enjoys exploring the Keweenaw Peninsula. Here she is on Mount Houghton. (Image credit: Connor Davis, all photos courtesy Maggie Guinther)

Wildlife ecology and conservation major and bird bander Maggie Guinther can vividly describe what it feels like to hold a bird. Warblers are very soft. Robins are known for pooping all over everything. Her first bird banded was a dark-eyed Junco. But it’s not just about species characteristics. Birds, like people, are highly individual. They might feel some type of way about being handled or be super chill. No matter how they’re reacting, Guinther approaches her task at hand with joy, compassion, and a sense of purpose. In Guinther’s own words, she shares how she began her work last summer and where it led the graduating senior.

From Houghton to Ecuador: Scholarship Winner Shares Internship Experience

Published October 2, 2024

By Cyndi Perkins

Person standing next to waterfall giving a thumbs up gesture. — Quinn Waterfall Scholarship winner Quinn Riordan explored Ecuador this summer—and did research and outreach with a non-governmental agency that works alongside community farmers. (All images courtesy Quinn Riordan)

Quinn Riordan knew she’d have to land scholarships in order to pay for school. The applied ecology and environmental science major went for the Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for Public Service from the Obama Foundation—and won!

In addition to receiving up to $25,000 per year in last-dollar financial aid for her junior and senior years, covering Riordan’s remaining tuition after other federal, state or institutional aid is applied, the scholarship also included a $10,000 stipend and free Airbnb housing to fund a six-week Summer Voyage between her junior and senior year. For her Voyage, Riordan chose to focus on sustainable agriculture and access to agricultural knowledge.

February & March 2023 Photo Contest

Published April 26, 2023

By Nicole Bennett

Starting 2023, CFRES is holding a photo contest. These photos are from students (undergraduate or graduate). If you’re a student and you’d like to submit images, here are the following guidelines:

Any undergraduate or graduate student can submit a photo
Photos of students in class, in labs are welcome as well as other subjects
Photos should be taken during the month in which the contest is being run
Each student can submit no more than 5 photos per month
Photos taken within the Keweenaw region are preferred
By submitting your photos, you agree to allow CFRES to reproduce them (with attribution) in future web or print materials
Email Sarah Atkinson (sjbird@mtu.edu) up to three photos per student per month by the end of the month.

The winner for February was Ellie Rizk. The winning image can be seen below.

Light shining behind a tree covered in snow — Photo Credit: Ellie Rizk

The winner for March was Sam Kurkowski. The winning image can be seen below.

A man through a large chunk of ice at sunset — Photo Credit: Sam Kurkowski

Here are the other photos submitted in no particular order. Thanks to everyone who participated!

A man following a small rodent on a road

Photo Credit: Joanna Walitalo

Photo Credit: Zoe Streiff

A snowy forest landscape with a large stream running through it

Photo Credit: Laura Schimmel

Photo Credit: Laura Schimmel

Photo Credit: Laura Schimmel

A sprig of cedar on a rocky beach with ice

Photo Credit: Laura Schimmel

A frozen lake with a lighthouse in the distance

Photo Credit: Laura Schimmel

Icicles and ice stalagmites in a small cave

Photo Credit: Sam Kurkowski

Photo Credit: Sam Kurkowski

Photo Credit: Sam Kurkowski

People lining up downtown for Copper Dog

Photo Credit: Sam Kurkowski

Photo Credit: Joanna Walitalo

Maintenance taking place on the ceiling of the atrium

Photo Credit: Joanna Walitalo

Snowshoeing and outdoors equipment on a wooden wall

Photo Credit: Joanna Walitalo

Photo Credit: Joanna Walitalo

Photo Credit: Jade Stadler

Photo Credit: Kendra Podbregar

Photo Credit: Madalyn Tudor-Duncan

Photo Credit: Jim Schmierer

An icicle with an out of focus sunset in the background

Photo Credit: Kath Higdon

An out of focus chickadee flying in the background with an in focus tree branch in front of it

Photo Credit: Kath Higdon

Birch tree with mushrooms growing off of it

Photo Credit: Kath Higdon

Photo Credit: Caleb Followell

Photo Credit: Ellie Rizk

Photo Credit: Ellie Rizk

Photo Credit: Tristan Walk

A snowy cross country skiing trail at the Tech Trails

Photo Credit: Tristan Walk

Photo Credit: Joanna Walitalo

Photo Credit: Joanna Walitalo

A closeup of walls at the Forestry Building

Photo Credit: Joanna Walitalo

January 2023 Photo Contest

Published February 17, 2023

By Nicole Bennett

Any undergraduate or graduate student can submit a photo
Photos of students in class, in labs are welcome as well as other subjects
Photos should be taken during the month in which the contest is being run
Each student can submit no more than 3 photos per month
Photos taken within the Keweenaw region are preferred
By submitting your photos, you agree to allow CFRES to reproduce them (with attribution) in future web or print materials
Email Sarah Atkinson (sjbird@mtu.edu) up to three photos per student per month by the end of the month.

The winner for January was Sam Kurkowski, a graduate student here. The winning image can be seen below.

A person riding on a mountain bike on the lake coast. — Winner of the January 2023 photo contest, taken by Sam Kurkowski

Here are the other photos that students submitted, in no particular order. Thanks to everyone who participated!

Two people on cross-country skis posing in the middle of a snowy track

Photo credit: Sam Kurkowski

Four people posing in front of a beach coast

Photo credit: Sam Kurkowski

Photo credit: Sam Kurkowski

Photo credit: Sam Kurkowski

White moths pinned to a board, three in focus with many more out of focus

Photo credit: Kath Higdon

Photo credit: Kath Higdon

Photo credit:” Kath Higdon

Photo credit: Kath Higdon

A close-up of the upper-body of N. orbicollis, a beetle.

Photo credit: Kath Higdon

A cross-country skiing trail through a forest

Photo credit: Tryg Solberg

A small, lone island in the middle of a lake between mountains

Photo credit: Anthony Ciaramitaro

A mountain at sunset overlooking fields and a coniferous forest with a river winding through it

Photo credit: Anthony Ciaramitaro

A mountain at sunrise overlooking miles of coniferous forests

Photo credit: Anthony Ciaramitaro

A mountain overlooking a field of tulips on a partially cloudy day

Photo credit: Anthony Ciaramitaro

A dracaena in a windowsill looking out to a snowy forest

Photo credit: Rob Tunison

A cedar overlooking a rushing river in a snowy forest.

Photo credit: Rob Tunison

A droplet of water falling off of a wet branch

Photo credit: Eric Brand

A tree branch with a droplet of water falling off of it.

Photo credit: Eric Brand

A sunset overlooking a residential complex

Photo credit: Parth Bhatt

A person surrounded by white-tailed deer in a park

Photo credit: Parth Bhatt

A snowy residential complex, and a snowy tree in the foreground

Photo credit: Parth Bhatt

Photo credit: Parth Bhatt

Photo credit: Parth Bhatt

A residential building in the foreground, and the moon in the night sky in the background

Photo credit: Parth Bhatt

A snowman in front of a wood plank bridge over a stream in a snowy river

Photo credit: Madalyn Tudor-Duncan

Two people looking at each other with a dog on a cliff surrounded by forests

Photo credit: Madalyn Tudor-Duncan

Photo credit: John McCall

Holes in a tree left from a pileated woodpecker

Photo credit: John McCall

Interesting shapes formed in ice in a creek

Photo credit: Nicolas Skillings

Photo credit: Nicolas Skillings

The lower half of a person lying in a snowy forest with a pair of binoculars and a "Sibley Birds East" field guide on their lap

Photo credit: Ezekiel Stark

Photo credit: Shawna Carr

A student collecting data with reel tape in a jack pine forest

Photo credit: Shawna Carr

Photo credit: Shawna Carr

Students looking around a red pine forest

Photo credit: Shawna Carr

Photo credit: Shawna Carr

New Degree Program: Natural Resources Management

Published June 20, 2015

The Presidents’ Council, State Universities of Michigan has approved Michigan Tech’s new Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resources Management. The new program will start this fall.

“The value of this new undergraduate degree program in natural resources management is that it is interdisciplinary and thus complements our existing disciplinary programs in natural resources,” said Terry Sharik, dean of the School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science. “Thus, rather than focusing on a single renewable resource, such as wood, wildlife, water or recreation, it will integrate across these resource areas and include the ecological, social and economic dimensions of natural resource or ecosystem management. It will complement our other degree programs as the graduates of this new program will be tasked with overseeing teams of specialists to work on complex issues related to natural resources and the environment. Another plus for the new degree program is it is likely to attract students who might not otherwise be attracted to our existing programs.

“We know from national data that such programs tend to attract a higher proportion of females and under-represented minorities than more traditional natural resource programs focused on single resources, and thus our new program should increase the overall diversity of our student body,” Sharik went on to say.

Article by Jennifer Donovan

Forestry Club goes to Conclave

Published April 23, 2015

Forestry Club traveled to Makanda, Illinois for the 63rd Midwestern Foresters’ Conclave, placing third overall. Members achieved 13 top four finishes and won three events: Chain Throw, Traverse, and Wood Identification. Snapchat--6878266097536064984

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