With degrees in hand and a major milestone achieved, our GMES Spring & Summer 2026 graduates came together at the Rock House / Mine Shaft in Houghton to celebrate their transition into the Michigan Technological University alumni community!
The evening was full of energy and connection as students and faculty came together over bowling, arcade games, pizza, and plenty of laughter. The event reflected the strong sense of community that defines the department. It was a chance to pause and celebrate not only academic accomplishments, but also the friendships, challenges, and experiences that shaped their time at Michigan Tech.
To highlight just a few of those experiences, here are reflections from some of our Spring / Summer 2026 graduates:
Gabriel Ahrendt, PhD Geophysics – advised by Dr. Aleksey Smirnov
Q: What was the most valuable lesson you learned while studying at Tech?
A: Sisu (A Finnish concept that represents extraordinary determination, resilience, and perseverance in the face of challenge.)
Q: What are your plans moving forward?
A: Continue researching, coming back to study Lake Superior geology as much as I can.
Q: What did you enjoy most about Tech?
A: The place, the Keweenaw is everything.
Q: Did you have any particularly memorable professors or mentors, and how did they impact your college experience?
A: Dr. Sarah Green really encouraged me working in the climate science space even though it is a far cry from my PhD work, and having those connections and ability to teach classes in Climate Science, form a student organization around it, and participate in international conferences, was immensely gratifying and informative.
My advisor, Dr. Smirnov, finding projects to work on that married my previous experience in geochemistry and geology with rock magnetism and paleomagnetism was extremely helpful and allowed me to tackle a breadth of subjects.
Helen Foldenauer, MS Geology – advised by Dr. Chad Deering
Q: What was the most valuable lesson you learned while studying at Tech?
A: Helping others find opportunity will always help you too.
Q: What is your most memorable experience during your time at Tech?
A: Climbing the McLain breakers with Rolla, Nelly, and Priyanka.
Q: What did you enjoy most about Tech?
A: Teaching the Mineralogy and Petrology labs was a wonderful experience.
Q: Did you have any particularly memorable professors or mentors, and how did they impact your college experience?
A: Marie Lansbery is an invaluable part of this department, this University, and this community. I simply would not have survived these winters or completed this degree without her constant support.
Sam Jensen, MS Geophysics – advised by Dr. Aleksey Smirnov
Q: What was the most valuable lesson you learned while studying at Tech?
A: It’s never too late to change paths.
Q: What is your most memorable experience during your time at Tech?
A: I really enjoyed teaching. Getting students interested in Geoscience was a very rewarding feeling, and I hope to have the opportunity to hone my teaching skills in the future.
Q: What are your plans moving forward?
A: Get a PhD in Geophysics and travel the world!
Q: What did you enjoy most about Tech, and what would you have changed if you could?
A: I really enjoy the Keweenaw and all it has to offer. If there was one thing I would do differently starting over, it would be to explore the area more.
Q: Did you have any particularly memorable professors or mentors, and how did they impact your college experience?
A: Dr. Aleksey Smirnov has been a large influence on my education and I am very thankful to have him as an advisor. My entire career path changed because I took GE3040 on a whim as a civil engineering student.
Ben Mperekwa, MS Geology – advised by Dr. Luke Bowman
Q: What was the most valuable lesson you learned while studying at Tech?
A: The most valuable lesson I learned at Tech was how to approach complex problems with persistence and adaptability. I realized that success isn’t about immediately knowing the answer, but about being willing to iterate, ask questions, and learn from failure. That mindset has shaped how I handle challenges both academically and personally.
Q: What is your most memorable experience during your time at Tech?
A: My most memorable experience was working on collaborative projects with classmates. Whether it was late nights preparing for exams, or building something from scratch as a team, those moments stood out because they combined challenge, creativity, and camaraderie. They made the experience both rewarding and meaningful.
Q: What are your plans moving forward?
A: Moving forward, I plan to apply the skills and knowledge I gained at Tech in a professional setting where I can continue learning and growing
Q: What did you enjoy most about Tech, and what would you have changed if you could?
A: What I enjoyed most about Tech was the strong sense of community and the opportunity to be challenged academically. The environment pushed me to grow while also providing support through peers and faculty. If I could change one thing, I would have taken advantage of even more opportunities earlier on, whether that be networking, internships, or extracurricular involvement.
Q: Did you have any particularly memorable professors or mentors, and how did they impact your college experience?
A: Yes, I had several professors and mentors who made a lasting impact on my experience. They didn’t just teach course material, they encouraged critical thinking, curiosity, and confidence. Their willingness to support students and provide guidance helped me stay motivated and clarified my academic and career goals.
Christina Lucas, BS Geology
Q: What was the most valuable lesson you learned while studying at Tech?
A: I learned how to think critically and solve complex problems on my own.
Q: What is your most memorable experience during your time at Tech?
A: One of my most memorable experiences at MTU was taking the special geologist tour at Quincy Mine.
Q: What are your plans moving forward?
A: I will be working at Stantec as an environmental scientist.
Q: What did you enjoy most about Tech, and what would you have changed if you could?
A: I loved my Depositional Systems class and I would take more sedimentary focused geology courses if I could!
Q: Did you have any particularly memorable professors or mentors, and how did they impact your college experience?
A: Jeremy Shannon has been a memorable professor who challenged me to explain and understand different geologic concepts in depth.
Natalie Sorensen, BS Geological Engineering
Q: What was the most valuable lesson you learned while studying at Tech?
A: The most valuable lesson I have learned is that you have to step out of your comfort zone to learn new things and have new experiences. Nothing is just handed to you, so you have to go out and seek new opportunities to achieve your goals.
Q: What is your most memorable experience during your time at Tech?
A: Spending time with my classmates out in the field and working together in the geology and geophysics field courses.
Q: What are your plans moving forward?
A: I have an internship with Brierley Associates in Denver, Colorado and going to graduate school afterwards.
Q: What did you enjoy most about Tech, and what would you have changed if you could?
A: I enjoy the community fostered at Tech and being able to try new things to step out of my comfort zone.
Maddie Unseld, BS Geology
Q: What was the most valuable lesson you learned while studying at Tech?
A: It’s okay to ask for help – the help is there for a reason so take advantage of it.
Q: What is your most memorable experience during your time at Tech?
A: I would say my first Winter Carnival. My old school had something like it, but it was so small that the popularity of Winter Carnival shocked me.
Q: What are your plans moving forward?
A: I plan on taking a gap year to travel and work before hopefully going to Grad School.
As the celebration at the Rock House wrapped up, one message stood out clearly, this milestone is not an ending, but the beginning of new journeys.
Congratulations to our Spring 2026 graduates. We can’t wait to see where our rockstar GMES huskies go next.