College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science Blog

Michigan Tech Faculty Build Connections with the Next Generation of Researchers in Suriname

Published April 10, 2025

A close-up shot framing a person’s hands holding up two soil samples for comparison during a field excursion workshop in Suriname. — Michigan Tech faculty presented workshops on tropical forest management, conservation practices, and ethical research practices to students in Suriname this February—the second phase of a U.S. Embassy-funded grant project in the region. (All photos courtesy of the “Enhancing Academic Linkages and Research Capacity in Suriname” project)

This February, Michigan Tech faculty traveled to Suriname to build connections and help train the next generation of scientists and researchers. Their trip was phase two of the U.S. Embassy-funded grant project focused on fostering sustainable development and promoting ethical research practices in the country. Suriname is also the home country for Wayne Gersie, Michigan Tech’s vice president for community engagement and professor of practice in the Department of Psychology and Human Factors in the College of Sciences and Arts.

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.

CFRES Welcomes Returning Husky as New Outreach Coordinator

Published March 20, 2025

By Windy Veker

Sierra Williams in the greenhouse. — CFRES alumna Sierra Williams, shown here in the College greenhouse, returns to her alma mater as outreach coordinator, working with current and future Huskies.

The College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science (CFRES) welcomes alumna Sierra Williams as outreach coordinator. She steps into her new position at Michigan Tech eager to pass on her love for the natural world, dedication to education, and Husky spirit to current and prospective students.

CFRES Faculty Tara Bal Elected Society of American Foresters Vice President

Published November 13, 2024

By Windy Veker

Tara Bal kneels and inspects the forest floor outdoors on a sunny day. — Tara Bal inspects the forest floor as part of her research on the impact of non-native earthworms on northern hardwood forests. Bal was recently elected Society of American Foresters vice president.

Tara Bal, assistant professor of forest health in the College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science, was elected vice president of the Society of American Foresters (SAF). The organization represents foresters and natural resources professionals, helping them promote thriving forests by bringing the best science, the best practices, and the best people together. Bal said the organization represents a community that ultimately supports sustainable forests and sustainable forest management, and one she has been a part of since she was a student.

MTU College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science Welcomes New Faculty

Published November 6, 2024

By Windy Veker

Faculty and Staff

Hallway in the UJ Noblet Building with carvings in the wood walls and animal specimens. — The College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science is continually growing. This academic year brings new faculty experts in ecology, hydrology, natural resource management, and digital image processing. The college also celebrates new leadership and faculty appointments.

The College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science welcomed two new faculty members and celebrated our faculty moving into new positions in the college this year.

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.

CFRES Invites Community to Celebrate Expansion at Ford Center

Published September 24, 2024

By Cyndi Perkins

Our Ford Center is known for its beautiful surroundings. Recent improvements have made the facility itself more beautiful.

Michigan Tech students, faculty, staff, and the greater community are invited to a ribbon-cutting to celebrate the completion of the new Danis room and patio area at the Ford Center. The event takes place at 3 p.m. Tuesday, October 1 at the Ford Center in Alberta.

Please pre-register to help organizers know how many to expect.

The patio was made possible through a brick paver campaign that wrapped up July 4. The College appreciates the contributions of alumni and friends who purchased commemorative engravings for the spacious and welcoming addition to the Center.

Tara Bal Nominated to Society of Forestry Board of Directors

Published August 20, 2024

News

Tara Bal selfie photo with pine forest in the background — Tara Bal, Society of American Foresters Board of Directors vice presidential nominee, recently explored a forest in Sweden on a rainy day.

Tara Bal has been nominated to serve a three-year term on the Society of American Foresters (SAF) Board of Directors as Vice-President.

“It’s a great honor to be nominated,” said Bal. “SAF serves as an opportunity, for myself and others, to forge new connections, engage on diverse topics, and give back to the forests that provide for us, by providing resources for the landowners and managers that take care of them.”

The board position is structured in a three-year succession: serving one year as vice president, one year as president, and one year as immediate past president. The election will be held throughout September, with the terms of elected board members beginning January 1, 2025.

New Funding

Published August 20, 2024

By Heather Powers

Research

Evan Kane (CFRES/ESC) is the principal investigator on a project that has received a $283,645 research and development co-op joint agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The project is titled “Stamp Sand Phytoremediation for the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community.”

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.