John Gierke, our colleague and friend, has been granted the status of Professor Emeritus, a recognition approved by the Board of Trustees earlier today in honor of his outstanding career!
John’s entire professional life has been closely tied to Michigan Tech. He dedicated many years to teaching, research, and service, and his impact on our department has been profound.
John received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering (1984, 1986) and his doctorate in environmental engineering (1990) from Michigan Tech. From there he joined the GMES faculty as an assistant professor in 1990, was promoted to associate professor in 1996, and to professor in 2009. Including serving as the Chair of the Department of GMES from 2014 to 2020, and as Interim Chair for an additional two years.
John has been a committed mentor, advising many PhD and M.S. students. His students have been employed in industry, public and government sectors, and academia around the globe. He also created and advised Michigan Tech’s first environmentally focused enterprise, Aqua Terra Tech, from 2003 to 2012. In recognition of his outstanding achievements, he was named Michigan Distinguished Professor of the Year by the President’s Council of State Universities in Michigan in 2007.
John has been an incredibly dedicated and generous university citizen, unwavering in his commitment to the success of his colleagues and the institution at large. It would take too long to list all of his contributions – from ABET accreditation to broadening participation in geoscience to supporting local communities. Even as John transitions to emeritus status, his legacy will continue inspiring us. It is our sincere hope he remains actively connected with the department, sharing his experience and guidance for many years to come.
Let us all congratulate John on this well-deserved recognition and wish him the very best as he begins this exciting new chapter!