Category: News

GMES Alumni Spotlight: Marine Foucher

After a former supervisor shared an announcement for a PhD position focused on studying the Earth’s magnetic field, Marine Foucher became intrigued. In the fall of 2013, Marine made it official and became a Husky, learning what she was so interested in studying Earth magnetism and geophysics. Dr. Aleksey Smirnov’s advising proved successful when, in 2018 she defended her doctoral thesis to committee members Dr. Greg Waite, Dr. Thomas Oommen, and Dr. Elisa Piispa. It’s always great to hear from alumni/ae who continue to make a difference in their fields! Keep reading to learn Dr. Marine Foucher’s perspectives.

View Dr. Foucher’s publications.

Marine enjoying the breathtaking French Alps with the Mont Blanc towering in the background. Photo taken on a 2019 hike along part of the iconic Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB) path.

Q: Why did you choose MTU?
A: A former supervisor shared an announcement for a PhD position focused on studying the Earth’s magnetic field, which I was very interested in.


Q: What has your career path been like since you graduated?
A: I worked outside of academia for a couple of years (COVID!) until I found a postdoctoral position. I am now a visiting professor of Environmental Sciences and Geographic Information Systems in the Natural Resources Management department at New Mexico Highlands University.



Q: How did your time at MTU prepare you for industry/career?
A: I conducted research in the lab and on the field, managed labs as well as students and their research projects, taught classes, participated in many outreach activities, attended classes, conferences, and workshops, and interacted with people of various fields and different backgrounds.


Marine field work in Westfjord, Iceland. Photos courtesy of Dr. Elisa Piispa.

Q: What’s it like to return to the campus now? Have you noticed any changes?
A: It is weird and it reminds me that I miss it there. There is another elevator now! I hope it works better than the other ones.


Q: Most impactful memory of your time here?
A: I still hold all the connections I have made.


Q: What is your favorite activity when you return to campus?
A: Catching up with Brittany and the other members of the GMES department, meeting the new students, looking at the atrium view, walking around campus and by the waterfront.


Q: What advice would you give someone just starting at Tech as a Husky?
A: Try all the winter outdoor activities you can (including the polar bear plunge), find the one(s) that will make you happy, and do them. Do not hesitate to contact the staff, professors, and other students for help.


Q: What role did the community or extracurricular activities play in your overall experience?
A: A massive role, especially as a foreigner. Having a family/community and things to do is extremely important when you are far from home, no matter how fun your job is.

Marine field work at La Cienega volcano, New Mexico. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the background. Photo courtesy of Dr. Jennifer Lindline.

Q: Looking back, what opportunities do you wish you had taken advantage of during your time here?
A: I wish I had started cross-country skiing my first winter, not my second. And I wish I knew how much fun ice fishing was before my last year. Professionally, I wish I would have explored collaborations with professors from other fields.

Marine’s field work in the Westfjord, Iceland. Photos courtesy of Dr. Elisa Piispa.

Q: What networking opportunities did you take advantage of as a student?
A: Blueberry farm fall semester GMES get-together, Spanish y cerveza, workshops, and summer schools organized by other universities/labs where you meet people from all over the world in the same field.

Q: What is your current position’s unexpected benefit/skill set? What did you not realize at first was a part of what you do?
A: I am now a UAV pilot and the lead person in charge of my university’s ESRI organizational account and GIS needs. I also work with additive manufacturing. I was also surprised to learn I have to do other people’s work for them or teach them their jobs (even though I have never held a position like theirs).

Marine at the Candelaria Nature Preserve, in Albuquerque NM

GMES Alumni Spotlight: David Adler

David Adler graduated in 1982 with a BS in Geology. Dave has had a varied career as a consulting engineer and geologist for large mitigation and environmental compliance projects such as the Gordie Howe International Bridge. In 2016, Dave inspired the creation of an AIPG student chapter at the GMES Department. Under Dave’s guidance, the chapter has grown to be very successful on the national stage. In 2022, Dave was inducted into the GMES Academy. Every year, Dave visits campus to host resume roasts, where he helps students prepare for the career fair.

Dave Adler Presenting AIPG Awards September 2024

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

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

SME Features Michigan Tech in Magazine Series on US Mining Schools

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.

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

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.

Welcoming Matt Laird: Our New Academic Advisor in GMES

We are excited to welcome our new Academic Advisor, Matt Laird, who joined the Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences (GMES) this fall! In addition to advising, Matt will serve as the liaison with the Essential Education program and participate in our recruitment and outreach efforts.

He holds a B.S. degree in Applied Geophysics and an M.S. degree in Geophysics from Michigan Tech. Being an alumnus of our department, Matt is well-acquainted with our science and engineering programs.

Matt brings extensive experience successfully working with diverse populations of students as a college academic advisor, instructor, and high school math and physics teacher. He is particularly passionate about helping students navigate their academic journeys and explore career opportunities in geoscience.

“I’m thrilled to be back at Michigan Tech and to have the opportunity to give back to the community that shaped my own academic and professional path,” Matt shared. “I’m looking forward to connecting with students and supporting them in achieving their goals.”

In addition to his role with GMES, Matt will also serve as an academic advisor for the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering (CEGE), and will collaborate with the College of Engineering on recruitment activities.

Outside of work, Matt enjoys reading and music, as well as hiking and exploring the natural beauty of the Upper Peninsula, which he believes enriches his connection with the field of geoscience.

Please join us in welcoming Matt to the team!

Matt Laird

Alice Schmaltz Receives Prestigious 2024 Copper Club Scholarship

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!

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

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).

Former Professor and Department Head Jorma “Joe” Kalliokoski Remembered

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.

Inspiring Stories: GMES Students Featured in Prestigious AIPG Magazine

Exciting news from the GMES department! Our talented students, Anton Smirnov, and Natalie Sorensen, have been featured in the latest issue of Professional Geologist, a publication by the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG).

In her insightful undergraduate essay on page 29, Natalie Sorensen (geological engineering) shares how her geohydrology research has been a game-changer, helping her connect classroom concepts with real-world applications. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in seeing how academic studies translate into practical experiences!

Meanwhile, on page 50, MTU AIPG Student Chapter President Anton Smirnov (geology) discusses the fantastic networking perks of being an AIPG student member. His piece highlights the valuable connections and opportunities that membership has brought him, making a strong case for why every geology student should consider joining.

Check out their stories and get inspired!

Anton Smirnov explores hands-on learning with nature as his guide at Mammoth Cave National Park