Geological and Mining Engineering and Science News

Category: Faculty

Leading the Charge in Climate Science: Join Dr. Xin Xi at Michigan Tech

Published
By
Dr. Xin Xi is excited to mentor and collaborate with the next generation of scholars.

Dr. Xin Xi is at the forefront of climate science, and Michigan Tech offers the chance to be part of his transformative work. Focusing on the life cycle of atmospheric aerosols and their far-reaching impacts on ecosystems, air quality, and climate, Dr. Xi tackles critical global challenges such as desertification and air pollution through remote sensing, in situ measurements, and advanced modeling techniques.

Dr. Xi and his team address pressing environmental and human health issues by combining cutting-edge research with innovative approaches. Supported by prestigious grants, including NASA’s LCLUC program, Dr. Xi’s work is shaping the future of climate science and inspiring the next generation of problem-solvers.

Going back to the vault, in this MTU research blog, Dr. Xi explains how airborne dust aerosols impact the Earth in various ways and shares how he believes the surface synoptic observations have not yet been used to their full potential, leading him to develop a unified dust-climate data record.

Since joining Michigan Tech, Dr. Xin Xi has significantly contributed to geoscience education, teaching advanced geoinformatics courses, introduction to GIS, and Python programming for geosciences. His Geoinformatics Graduate Certificate is widely recognized for its excellence and relevance in preparing students for the demands of modern geospatial research and industry applications.

Join Michigan Tech, where Professor Xi leads, and you excel.

MTU campus viewed from across the frozen snow-covered canal.
Michigan Technological University campus as viewed from across the frozen Portage canal.
Continue Reading →

Small but Mighty: GMES Department at Michigan Tech Earns AGU Bridge Program Recertification

Published
By
The Michigan Technological University campus before sunset on a summer evening, as seen from the vantage point of Mont Ripley’s front yard with purple lupins in the foreground.
MTU campus before sunset on a summer evening, as seen from Mont Ripley’s front yard.

We are thrilled to announce that the Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences (GMES) at Michigan Technological University has been awarded recertification in the prestigious American Geophysical Union (AGU) and Inclusive Graduate Education Network’s (IGEN) Bridge Program. This recognition underscores our commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community in the Earth and space sciences.

The AGU Bridge Program plays a crucial role in broadening participation in geosciences by supporting underrepresented students as they pursue graduate studies. Through this partnership, our department continues to create an environment where all students can thrive, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to the field.

What does recertification mean? Recertification is a testament to the strength of our program and the dedication of our faculty, staff, and students. Acceptance decisions were based on a rigorous external review, annual reports, and evaluations by Bridge Program staff. These assessments highlighted the strengths of our application and offered valuable feedback to guide us in planning for the next five years.

Our renewed partnership extends through December 31, 2029. Along with the recertification, we’ve committed to:
– Mentorship Training—Faculty involved in the Bridge Program will undergo mentorship training to ensure we continue providing our students with the highest level of support.
– Student Support Through Graduation—We pledge to support all current and future students admitted through the Bridge Program, even beyond the duration of our partnership.

These new requirements align with the Bridge Program’s evolving practices and reinforce the shared mission to empower underrepresented students in geosciences.

This recertification is a significant milestone for a small department within a large engineering school. It reflects our ability to maintain high standards and our passion for cultivating an inclusive and supportive academic community. We are proud to stand alongside other Bridge Program institutions in advancing diversity and equity in the geosciences.

This achievement would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the GMES faculty and staff, as well as the incredible students who make our department so vibrant and inspiring. Together, we are shaping the future of Earth and space sciences! Are you ready? Apply now.

Continue Reading →

Preserving Historic Copper Mining Records

Published
By
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

Continue Reading →

Meet Professor Shiliang Wu

Published
By
Professor Wu

Discover the fascinating work of Professor Shiliang Wu, a leading expert in atmospheric chemistry and air quality at Michigan Tech! As a key faculty member in the Departments of Geological and Mining Engineering & Sciences and Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering, Professor Wu conducts groundbreaking research at the intersection of air quality, climate, wildfires, and ecosystems. He maps the global journey of air pollutants through sophisticated computer modeling, revealing their impact on our environment and health. Take advantage of this opportunity to dive into the science driving cleaner air and a healthier planet!

Figure 1 shows a comprehensive global view of arsenic levels in surface air for 2005. This map integrates sophisticated modeling with measurement data from monitoring stations worldwide, clearly depicting annual average arsenic concentrations. Color gradients represent background arsenic levels, while station locations are marked by circles, directly comparing model predictions and field data. This visualization underscores the global distribution of arsenic in the air, highlighting critical areas of environmental health concern and bridging scientific modeling with real-world impacts.

Figure 1. Arsenic concentrations in surface air. Model-simulated annual (for the year 2005) mean arsenic concentrations in ambient air (background) compared with measurement data at various stations (circles) around the world.
Continue Reading →

SME Features Michigan Tech in Magazine Series on US Mining Schools

Published
By
Quincy Mine

The Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME) featured Michigan Tech in Part 3 of its series on U.S. mining engineering schools, published in the September 2024 issue of Mining Engineering Magazine, the society’s official publication. The profile spotlighted the mining-related degree programs Michigan Tech’s Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences (GMES) offered.

The article included Q&A sessions with Aleksey Smirnov, GMES professor and department chair; senior mining engineering student Alice Schmaltz; and recent graduates Emily Voght (B.S. Mining Engineering, 2022) and Jacob Maxon (B.S. Mining Engineering, 2023).

In his interview, Smirnov highlighted Michigan Tech as the only U.S. college to offer mining and geoscience-related programs within a single department. He emphasized the University’s proximity to active mining projects, hands-on learning opportunities in mine safety, critical minerals, and data analytics, and the strong industry connections that provide students with internships and job prospects.

Continue Reading →

Welcome to Our New Assistant Professor, Dr. Xiang Li

Published
By
xiang li
Dr. Xiang Li

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Xiang Li as the newest member of our faculty in the Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences at Michigan Tech. Dr. Li brings valuable experience and knowledge that will significantly contribute to our department’s goals in geological engineering.

Dr. Li received his PhD in Geotechnical Engineering from Northwestern University in 2022. His primary research interests lie in geological and geotechnical modeling, with a focus on the dynamics of landslides triggered by precipitation. Before joining Michigan Tech, Dr. Li was a Postdoctoral Scholar at the University of California, Los Angeles, where he expanded his expertise by advancing geomechanics theory through the use of large datasets acquired via Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) remote sensing. This approach not only enables the acquisition of large-scale ground deformation data to refine and improve models but also offers future applications in soil-structure interaction, coastal infrastructure resilience, and earthquake engineering. Recently, Dr. Li published a lead-author paper in the prestigious journal Geophysical Research Letters.

In his new role, Dr. Li will be actively involved in teaching and research in support of our Geological Engineering program. With his expertise and innovative research approach, Dr. Li is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of our program, driving forward our commitment to excellence, and expanding our impact in the field. We look forward to the contributions he will bring to our department. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Li to our department and the university.

Continue Reading →

Dr. Xiang Li, an incoming Assistant Professor of GMES, publishes his research on predicting landslides

Published
By
Xiang Li

Dr. Xiang Li, who will join GMES as an assistant professor of geological engineering in August, has published a paper as the lead author in the prestigious journal Geophysical Research Letters. Dr. Li is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the University of California, Los Angeles.

The paper, titled “Exploring the Behaviors of Initiated Progressive Failure and Slow-Moving Landslides in Los Angeles Using Satellite InSAR and Pixel Offset Tracking,” reveals that the Rolling Hills Estates landslide, which destroyed 12 homes in California on July 8, 2023, could have been predicted within a three-day time lag using Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) observation data. These findings provide strong evidence that satellite remote sensing data can significantly contribute to landslide early warning systems and help understand the impacts of climate change on landslide hazards.

Dr. Li’s publication was featured in the LA Times and Phys.org, underscoring the importance and relevance of his work.

This research illustrates how geological engineering can contribute to innovative solutions for predicting natural disasters and potentially saving lives.

Increasing red areas on a topographical map showing displacement in cm.
An animation depicting the land movement on Peartree Lane in Rolling Hills Estates before the July 2023 landslide (by Xiang Li).
Continue Reading →

Former Professor and Department Head Jorma “Joe” Kalliokoski Remembered

Published
By
Jorma “Joe” Kalliokoski

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Jorma “Joe” Kalliokoski, a professor emeritus and former Head of the Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences (GMES) at Michigan Tech. He passed away on Monday, June 3, 2024, at the age of 100.

Dr. Kalliokoski received his B.S. degree from the University of Western Ontario in 1947 and his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from Princeton University in 1951. He was a faculty member at Princeton from 1956 to 1968, when he came to Michigan Tech to become the Department Head. He served in that capacity for 13 years (1968-1981) and retired in 1988. During his tenure as head, the department expanded, the geophysics program joined our department, and the commitment to research and the graduate program was greatly strengthened. Dr. Kalliokoski made significant contributions in the fields of economic geology, Precambrian geology, and mineral deposit research, on which he published multiple papers and reports. He was the Business editor of Economic Geology Publishing Company from 1971-77.

Dr. Kalliokoski was inducted into the Academy of GMES in 1995.

Read Kalliokoski’s obituary and leave a memory if you wish. A memorial service for Joe will be held at Portage Lake United Church on Saturday, June 29, at 11 am. The burial will be in the Forest Hill Cemetery of Houghton.

Continue Reading →

Rumbling Recognition: Volcanology Professor Achieves Dual Honors

Published
By
Dr. Simon Carn

In a stunning display of ‘when it rains, it pours,’ Dr. Simon Carn, a Professor at the Department of GMES, has bagged two prestigious awards within a month—a feat as rare as spotting a double rainbow. On April 5, Dr. Carn was honored with the Michigan Tech Research Award, recognizing his outstanding achievements in research. Just weeks later, on April 18, he was bestowed the title of Distinguished Professor, an accolade awarded to faculty members who have made substantial contributions to the University and their discipline.

Dr. Carn has made seminal contributions to both applied and fundamental aspects of volcanology, remote sensing, and meteorology. Recognized as a world authority on multi-sensor remote sensing of volcanic clouds, he uniquely blends advanced knowledge of remote sensing, volcanology, and atmospheric science. His research is noted for its innovation, collaborative spirit, and versatility, focusing on employing remote sensing data in studies of volcanic degassing, eruption clouds, and anthropogenic pollution. Dr. Carn excels in translating theoretical understanding into practical solutions, significantly impacting volcanic hazard prediction and mitigation and enhancing aviation safety. This blend of academic and practical prowess has earned him broad international recognition, including the American Meteorological Society Special Award and the NASA/US DOI William T. Pecora Award.

Dr. Carn has secured substantial external funding to support his research, with contributions from prestigious agencies such as NASA, NSF, and NOAA, underscoring the scientific community’s strong confidence in his work. His external expenditure ranks among the highest at MTU. His scholarly output is both prolific and collaborative, featuring 133 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, many co-authored with his students. He is also among the most cited researchers at the university.

An inspiring mentor and instructor, Dr. Carn has guided four postdoctoral researchers, 22 PhD and 36 MS students. He led our successful dual International Master in Geology (INVOGE) program from 2009 to 2015 in collaboration with Université Blaise Pascal, the University of Buffalo, and the University of Milan Bicocca. His students have found employment in the public, government, and academia worldwide.

Dr. Carn has made significant contributions to his professional community, serving as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Geophysical Research and as Secretary of the Remote Sensing Commission of the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth’s Interior (IAVCEI) since 2008. Additionally, he has been a member of the National Academy of Sciences Committee on Improving Understanding of Volcanic Eruptions, the AAAS Review Committee for the U.S. Geological Survey Volcanic Hazards Program, and various scientific committees for international conferences and workshops.

Importantly, Dr. Carn has been very active and efficient in outreach and promotion of science. He is a frequent and long-term contributor to NASA’s Earth Observatory educational website and other outlets such as Scientific American and National Geographic. He conducted TV, radio, and newspaper interviews with BBC World Service, The Weather Channel, Wall Street Journal, Weather Underground, and others. Finally, he has actively promoted his research on X (formerly Twitter) with more than 7000 followers as of today.

Congratulations, Simon, on these well-deserved awards!

Continue Reading →

Shiliang Wu on Air Quality in Detroit

Published
By
Shiliang Wu
Shiliang Wu

Shiliang Wu (GMES/CEGE) was quoted by Planet Detroit in a story explaining how a winter atmospheric inversion lowered air quality January 7-8, 2024, in Detroit. Wu co-authored a 2016 study that found a 50% increase over the last 60 years in the frequency of winter atmospheric inversions and summer heatwaves, which can both increase air pollution. The story was picked up by Great Lakes Now.

“For the last at least 60 years we have data for, we can clearly see a trend of increasing temperature inversions in mid-latitude regions.”

Shiliang Wu, professor at Michigan Tech

Wu is a dual-appointment professor in Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences and Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering. His research involves impacts of global change on atmospheric chemistry and long-range transport of air pollution.

Continue Reading →