Geological and Mining Engineering and Science News

Category: Awards

Celebrating the 2025 WAAIME SME Scholarship Recipients

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We are proud to congratulate this year’s GMES recipients of the WAAIME SME scholarships! All of these Michigan Tech grad students in mining engineering, Brighton Muwi, Daniel Muchabaiwa, Kudakwashe Mutanga, and geology student Ben Mperekwa, received awards. These outstanding students have demonstrated exceptional dedication to their academic and professional journeys in the fields of mining, metallurgy, geology, and related disciplines.

The WAAIME scholarship is awarded annually to students who exhibit academic excellence, leadership potential, and a passion for advancing the future of the mining and minerals industry. This prestigious award supports their educational pursuits and recognizes their contributions to shaping the future of mining and earth sciences.

Championing Academic Excellence and Innovation
Each recipient is committed to academic achievement and a drive to innovate and contribute to the mining and geological fields. Through their hard work, these students represent the next generation of industry leaders who will tackle challenges, drive sustainable practices, and lead advancements in mining and mineral exploration.

Empowering Tomorrow’s Industry Leaders
Receiving the WAAIME SME scholarship is a testament to the recipients’ dedication and potential. This support allows them to further their education, pursue internship opportunities, and engage with industry professionals who will mentor them throughout their careers.

We celebrate each recipient’s hard work and the bright future they represent. Congratulations again to all the WAAIME SME scholarship winners – your achievements inspire us all and pave the way for a stronger, more innovative future in mining and geological sciences.

Stay tuned for more updates and stories from our incredible students as they continue to achieve and impact the world of earth sciences!

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Helen Foldenauer Recognized as Outstanding Teaching Assistant for Mineral Science

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Michigan Technological University’s Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences (GMES) is proud to recognize Helen Foldenauer, a 1st year MS Geology graduate student, as this year’s recipient of the Outstanding Teaching Assistant award for her exceptional work in the Mineral Science course.

Helen demonstrated a deep commitment to student learning. Her expertise in mineralogy, petrology, and geochemistry has been instrumental in guiding undergraduate students through the complexities of mineral identification, classification, and analysis.

Helen provided this image, in which she functions as a scale bar.

A Strong Foundation in Geology

Before joining Michigan Tech, Foldenauer earned a Bachelor of Science in Earth and Environmental Science from the University of Michigan, where she also minored in chemistry. She later completed a Geographic Information Sciences (GIS) certificate at Western Michigan University, gaining expertise in geospatial analysis that complements her geological research interests. Her academic achievements include University Honors, the James B. Angell Scholar Award, and a nomination for the Feinberg Writing Award—all testaments to her dedication to excellence.

Foldenauer’s research interests center on solid Earth geochemistry, geochronology, igneous activity and monitoring, and natural hazards. Her passion for geoscience education has translated directly into her work as a teaching assistant, where she has been praised for her ability to clearly explain complex mineral science concepts and engage students in hands-on learning.

From Field to Lab: Applying Expertise in Mineral Science

With prior experience as a field and laboratory technician at the Kellogg Biological Station, Foldenauer has developed strong analytical skills, including petrographic microscopy, elemental analysis, and standardized lab protocols. Her background in both fieldwork and laboratory research has made her an invaluable resource in the Mineral Science course, where she has helped students connect theoretical knowledge with real-world geological applications.

Look closely, and you’ll spot Helen once again serving as a scale bar.

Foldenauer’s ability to mentor students, her enthusiasm for teaching, and her dedication to fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment set her apart as an exemplary TA. Faculty and students alike recognize her patience, clarity in instruction, and hands-on approach as key factors in enhancing the classroom experience.

A Passion for Teaching

As she continues her graduate studies at Michigan Tech, Foldenauer remains committed to scientific research and student mentorship. Her future goals include furthering her work in mineral chemistry and geochemistry, with aspirations to contribute to geoscience education and field-based research. Helen says, “One of the things I enjoyed most about TAing mineralogy was seeing the students work together to build a solid understanding of the material and how it connected to larger concepts in geology. When I was offered the TA position, I was excited to have the opportunity to lead a classroom and determine if teaching was a career in which I had any potential.”

Congratulations to Helen Foldenauer on this well-deserved recognition! Her dedication to mineral science education and student success truly exemplifies the excellence of Michigan Tech’s GMES department.

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Gustavo Bejar-Lopez Honored as Outstanding Scholarship Recipient

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Gustavo back on Fuego and Acatenango Volcanoes for another round of monitoring equipment deployment in February 2025.

The Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences (GMES) proudly recognizes Ph.D. candidate Gustavo Bejar-Lopez as an Outstanding Department Scholar for his exceptional contributions to volcanology and natural hazard research.

Bejar-Lopez’s passion for volcanoes began in his childhood in Ecuador, where he witnessed the eruptions of Tungurahua Volcano. That early fascination grew into a career dedicated to better understanding volcanic hazards. As a Ph.D. student at Michigan Tech, he has played a pivotal role in advancing lahar early detection systems through his research on Volcán de Fuego in Guatemala. His work integrates seismology, machine learning, and geostatistics to enhance hazard assessments, focusing on using machine learning techniques for lahar forecasting.

Beyond research, Bejar-Lopez is committed to mentorship. He has strengthened Michigan Tech’s collaborative ties with his undergraduate alma mater, Yachay Tech University, by involving students in field research. In 2023, he secured a National Geographic Explorer Grant, which allowed him to expand research efforts and provide hands-on training opportunities for students from both institutions.

GMES faculty have praised Bejar-Lopez for his leadership, problem-solving skills, and dedication to scientific collaboration. Bejar-Lopez says, “The most fulfilling part of my PhD has been learning from our collaborators, everyone from the scientists at INSIVUMEH, to the people in the communities like the observers who are truly the experts of Fuego. Their knowledge didn’t only benefit scientific advancement in my work. It did also put into perspective the importance of working together to relieve some of the struggles people vulnerable to hazards live with.” His efforts in geophysical monitoring, combined with his role as a mentor, exemplify the values of Michigan Tech’s research community.

Congratulations to Gustavo Bejar-Lopez on this well-earned recognition!

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Brighton Muwi’s Commitment to Mining Innovation Earns WAAIME Scholarship

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Dressed to impress in his profile photo on LinkedIn

Congratulations to Brighton Muwi, a master’s student in Mining Engineering, who has been awarded a $3,000 WAAIME Scholarship! Brighton works with Dr. Xiang Li on exploring the joint effects of blasting and rainfall infiltration on slope stability.

Originally from Nyanga, Zimbabwe, Brighton earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Zimbabwe before pursuing a master’s degree in mining engineering at Michigan Technological University (MTU).

Professionally, Brighton has accumulated experience in the mining sector, having worked as a graduate mining intern at Eldorado Gold Mine from August 2022 to November 2023. There, he was involved in key projects and day-to-day operations, gaining firsthand experience in mining engineering and environmental compliance. Prior to that, he undertook internships at Bulawayo Mining Company —How Mine and Eldorado Gold Mine. Earlier in his career, he served as a high school teacher at Champion College in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Brighton’s interests include integrating data analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence into mining operations to improve sustainability.

Brighton’s involvement extends beyond his professional life. He actively contributes to community efforts. He is a member of the Black Students Association at MTU, an organization that works to build unity among Black students, provide support, and promote diversity, inclusion, and cultural awareness at the university.

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Recognizing Excellence: A Tribute to Fall 2024 GMES Outstanding Awardees

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Sananda Ray received the Outstanding Graduate Teaching Award, recognizing her teaching performance for Computational Geosciences (GE3250) in the spring 2024 semester. Sananda is a Ph.D. candidate in geophysics with plans to graduate next year under the guidance of her advisor, Radwin Askari. She joined us in the summer of 2021 from Cooch Behar, India. She shares some of her insights on MTU in this Q&A. View her publications at this link.

Jhuleyssy Liesseth Sánchez Aguilar has been awarded the Dean’s Award for Outstanding Scholarship, which recognizes her exceptional academic performance. Jhuleyssy expects to complete her MS in geological engineering this month, December 2024, under the guidance of her advisor, Snehamoy Chatterjee. She is firmly committed to inspiring the next generation of geologists and engineers. She joined us in the spring of 2023 from Cajamarca, Peru, as part of the Fulbright Perú and Newmont ALAC programs.

Sananda and Jhuleyssy pose for a photo in celebration of their accomplishments.

The GMES Department is honored to recognize such outstanding students! A certificate of recognition for these awards will be presented at the Graduate Research Colloquium Banquet held this spring. While these awards are not monetary, the recipients should feel honored by the recognition of their accomplishments. Way to rock, ladies!

Sananda Ray is pictured presenting her research poster at the American Geophysical Union (AGU) Fall Meeting in 2023.
Jhuleyssy Liesseth Sánchez Aguily defended her geological engineering master’s research on December 2nd, 2024.
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Michigan Tech Receives $283,429 Grant to Advance Mine Safety Training

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Director of Mine Safety and Health at MTU, Matt Portfleet.

Michigan Technological University (MTU) is proud to announce that it has been awarded $283,429 from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) as part of a nationwide $10.5 million grant initiative. The funding will support the 2024 Michigan Mine Safety and Health State Grants Training program, aimed at reducing mine accidents, injuries, and illnesses through targeted safety training efforts. Led by Matthew Portfleet from the Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences (GMES) and the Institute of Mining Professionals (IMP), this project will play a key role in enhancing safety protocols and promoting a strong safety culture within the mining industry.

Michigan Tech has long been a leader in mining research and education, with a legacy rooted in decades of innovation within its College of Engineering and GMES. The university’s expertise spans the development of cutting-edge mining technologies, environmental stewardship, and safety best practices. Through strategic collaborations with industry leaders, government agencies, and safety organizations, Michigan Tech is vital in advancing mine safety standards nationwide.

The newly awarded funding will expand training programs to mitigate common mining hazards such as equipment failures, hazardous materials, and unsafe work practices. These efforts align with MichiganTech’ss mission to provide practical solutions and research-driven insights to improve mining practices. By supporting these training programs, the university is helping ensure that the future of mining remains safer for workers and communities alike.

This grant highlights MichiganTech’s commitment to shaping the future of mining safety. With continued support from MSHA, the university will further its efforts to reduce risks and significantly impact the mining industry’s safety practices nationwide. For more information, the U.S. Department of Labor and Pit & Quarry both featured Michigan Tech in their coverage of MSHA’s $10.5 million grant initiative.

Mine Safety Trainer Marisa Roerig-Antuma conducts the class in an industrial garage setting using a screen and a slide show.
Mine Safety Trainer Marisa Roerig-Antuma conducts the class.
Six onlookers gather around a demonstration of safely securing a person to a stretcher amidst scattered gear below.
Four men stand in a mine underground, demonstrating how to safely secure a person a a stretcher in the dark with only headlights illuminating.
Demonstrating the proper way to secure a body to a stretcher underground.
Young woman wearing safety gear operates large red industrial machinery outside with dirt behind
Marisa Roerig-Antuma operates a large machine outside.

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Preserving Historic Copper Mining Records

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Boxes of historical data ready to join the digital era.

Preserving historic copper mining records is at the heart of an exciting new project at Michigan Tech! Led by James DeGraff, GMES Research Professor, a team of researchers has secured $118,898 in matching grant funding from the National Park Service (NPS) to archive records through advanced digitization.

Titled “Preservation, Indexing, and Enhanced Utility of Historic Copper Mining Drill Hole Records,” the project is part of the NPS Save America’s Treasures Grant Program, which is dedicated to safeguarding the nation’s cultural heritage. Established in 1988 to celebrate America’s premier cultural resources, Save America’s Treasures grants this year funded 59 projects through the Historic Preservation Fund that will preserve nationally significant sites and historical collections in 26 states and the District of Columbia.

The team will digitize and organize records from over 650 drill holes from 1899 to 1970, creating an interactive map that will be accessible to the public. Copper mining on the Keweenaw Peninsula dates back more than 8,000 years, but an influx of miners in the 1800s—spurred by technological advances and rising demand for copper—made the region a hotbed of activity.

Man stands on dock with stacked copper ingots. A nearby sign reads, “This copper for shipment.” Photo courtesy of Michigan Tech Archives 2017.

Congratulations to DeGraff and his co-investigators—Lindsay Hiltunen (VPOL), Don Lafreniere (SS/GRF), and Erika Vye (GLRC)—on this impactful initiative! The copper mining records hold significant historical and scientific value. They showcase the evolution of drilling technology and geology while contributing to current efforts to secure critical minerals from domestic sources.

Diamond Drill Hole Records

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A Legacy of Giving: How the Wickstrom Family Supports Michigan Tech Students Across Generations

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Michigan Tech’s legacy resonates deeply across generations for some families, and the Walter Wickstrom ’37 family is a perfect example.

Although none of Walter’s three children—Betty Wickstrom Kendrick, Jean Wickstrom Liles, and Phil Wickstrom—are Michigan Tech alums or live nearby, each has established scholarships in memory of their father. They credit Michigan Tech with laying the foundation for their family’s success. In 2021, Betty created the Walter William Wickstrom Memorial Annual Scholarship to support the Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences students.

“My father attended Michigan Tech during the Depression. I established this scholarship in his name because I want to brighten the day for current students,” says Betty Wickstrom Kendrick. She treasures the thank-you letters she receives and is continually impressed by the students’ stories, learning how the scholarships have made a tangible difference. To date, she has impacted the lives of twenty-eight undergraduate students directly.

One of the recipients shared how even a small scholarship can make a meaningful impact: “Receiving the Wickstrom Scholarship helped ease the financial pressure and allowed me to cover some of my essential expenses, like textbooks and lab fees. It’s made a noticeable difference and reminded me that there are people who believe in my potential and want to help me succeed.”

The Wickstrom family’s generosity continues to make a lasting impact, providing opportunities for future generations of GMES students to thrive and succeed, just as Walter Wickstrom did many years ago.

The latest eight to receive Betty’s gift in Fall 2024.

Pictured L to R: Avery Spalding, a junior in geology from Midland, Michigan.
Zeke Martin is a junior in geology from Alanson, Michigan.
Carlee Erhardt is a junior in mining engineering from Mt Pleasant, Michigan.
Luke Mariuzza is a senior in geological engineering from Ishpeming, Michigan.
Stephanie Wiegand is a senior in geological engineering with a minor in mining from Caspian, Michigan.
Jacob Ojala is a geological engineering junior from Hancock, Michigan, with a minor in aerospace.
Lucas Maxon is a mining engineering junior with a minor in mineral processing from Iron Mountain, Michigan.
Not pictured: Anton Smirnov, a senior in geology from Houghton, Michigan

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Celebrating Excellence: GMES Celebrates Student Achievements with Cookies and Cheers!

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The Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences (GMES) celebrated the achievements of our students and faculty at a recognition ceremony held on September 13, 2024, in the GMES atrium. We were delighted to welcome our special guests, David Adler (Geology ’82) and his wife, Martha. David has been an invaluable supporter of our American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG) student chapter, and this time, he joined us to present several AIPG awards.

We congratulated Konraad VanDyke (Geology ’26), honored with the Andrew Mozola Memorial Scholarship, and Natalie Sorensen (Geological Engineering ’26), who received the AIPG National Undergraduate Scholarship.

The AIPG student chapter was recognized with the 2023 Excellent Chapter Award, and certificates were presented to the chapter’s past leadership: President Grace Griffin (Ojala), Vice President Maxwell Stange, Secretary Anton Smirnov, and Treasurer Emilie Pray.

We also celebrated the AggCelerate student team for their outstanding achievement in reaching the top six nationally in the final phase of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration (SME)/National Stone, Sand, and Gravel Association (NSSGA) Student Design Competition at the 2024 Annual SME Conference & Expo in Phoenix, AZ. The interdisciplinary Michigan Tech team, advised by Dr. Nathan Manser, professor of practice, included mining engineering majors Aiden Harmon, Lucas Maxon, Ian Repic, Nathan Seidel, Grady Williams, and geological engineering junior Cassie Burch.

Other students recognized included Alice Schmaltz (Mining Engineering, ’25), recipient of the prestigious 2024 Copper Club Scholarship, and Rapheka Targbwe (MS student in Mining Engineering), who received competitive scholarships from the Woman’s Auxiliary to the American Institute of Mining and Metallurgical Engineers (WAAIME), a division of SME.

We also cheered for Gustavo Bejar Lopez for his success in winning the Three Minute Thesis competition and securing a National Geographic Explorer Grant last fall.

Additionally, we welcomed two new members to the department: Xiang Li, our new assistant professor of geological engineering, and Matt Laird, our new academic advisor.

The event was filled with engaging conversations, and everyone enjoyed the refreshments, which included cookies, fruit, and soft drinks. It was a wonderful time for all.

David Adler and Konraad VanDyke

David Adler and Natalie Sorensen

David Adler and Grace Griffin (Ojala)

David Adler and Anton Smirnov

Dr. Luke Bowman and Rapheka Targbwe

Inspiration and Recognition: GMES students and faculty unite in the atrium, sharing a moment of celebration for outstanding achievements and contributions.

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Alice Schmaltz Receives Prestigious 2024 Copper Club Scholarship

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We are thrilled to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Alice Schmaltz, a fourth-year mining engineering student in the Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences, who has been awarded the prestigious and highly competitive Copper Club Lord Bagri Scholarship!

The Copper Club, Inc., founded in 1944, is the leading organization for networking, educational grants, and events within the copper industry. The Copper Club Scholarship Fund provides scholarships to students majoring in geoscience or other fields related to the production of copper or copper products. This highly competitive award is granted to students who demonstrate exceptional merit, as evidenced by their outstanding academic performance.

This summer, Alice completed an internship with Rio Tinto’s underground mine planning team at the Kennecott mine in Salt Lake City. Reflecting on her experience, she shared: “This experience was packed with a lifetime’s worth of opportunities and experiences. Through my internship project, I had the chance to collaborate with and learn from some of the industry’s brightest minds. I am so grateful for the community and camaraderie that made this journey so memorable and impactful.” 

Alice’s award is the latest addition to the roster of GMES students who have earned this honor (https://www.copperclub.org/scholarships-awards/).

Congratulations, Alice, on your well-deserved achievement!

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