Geological and Mining Engineering and Science News

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Ask and Answer with GMES Student Sananda Ray, Ph.D. Geophysics, 2025

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GMES Student Spotlight Q&A:
Sananda Ray, Ph.D. Geophysics, 2025
Home City: Cooch Behar, INDIA
Advisor: Dr. Radwin Askari

Sananda’s publications.

Sananda Ray is pictured with Volcán de Fuego, Guatemala, in the summer of 2022 when she had an opportunity to join the field group led by Dr. Greg Waite and geology Ph.D. candidate Gustavo Bejar Lopez.

Get to know our students. Sananda Ray is a Graduate Research Assistant. She loves photography (she took the image of the Northern Lights!), traveling, family, friends, and volcanoes, to name a few. Her favorite class so far at MTU has been Volcanic Seismology with Dr. Greg Waite. Sananda says the best place to eat off-campus is the Ambassador. She has excellent taste in pizza and graduate programs!

Q: Why did you choose to attend MTU?

A: When looking for PhD positions, the program and the project aligned with my research goals. 

Q: Do you have a favorite class or professor so far?

A: Dr. Greg Waite and Volcanic Seismology.

Q. What is your research about?

A: My research focuses on experimental geophysics. I generate and analyze long-period events—commonly observed in volcanoes—using a controlled laboratory setup to bridge the gap between theoretical models and real-world geological observations.

Q: What is your favorite off-campus place to eat? 

A: The Ambassador in downtown Houghton.

Sananda Ray is pictured presenting her research poster at the American Geophysical Union (AGU) Fall Meeting in 2023.
Sananda photographed the Northern Lights over the Portage Canal.
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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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Meet Professor Shiliang Wu

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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.
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GMES Student Spotlight Q&A: Konraad VanDyke, B.S. Geology ’25

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GMES Student Spotlight Q&A: Konraad VanDyke, B.S. Geology 2025
Hometown: Kalamazoo, Michigan

Konraad VanDyke, a Geology major from Kalamazoo, chose Michigan Tech for its unique geology. He enjoys Petrology with Professor Chad Deering and is active in campus groups like the Undergraduate Student Government and Geology Club. Outside class, he explores local history and hikes and embraces winter through snowshoeing and skiing. Keep reading to learn more about Konraad’s reflections on being a current student.

Konraad standing in an old shovel bucket from a coal mine in Germany. The bucket currently sits at the Cliff shafts.

Q: Why did you choose to attend MTU?

A: The geology of the surrounding area.

Q: Do you have a favorite class or professor so far?

A: Professor Chad Deering with Petrology

Q: Are you in any clubs or groups on campus?

A: USG (Undergraduate Student Government), AIPG, SME, Geology Club

Q: What advice would you give to a future Husky?

A: Pay attention in class and chase what you enjoy endlessly. 

Q: What about MTU would you change, if possible?

A: Lately, I have liked better winters with more snow and colder temps.

Q: What local activities do you enjoy outside of MTU?

A: Hiking, exploring, and meeting the locals and old timers who saw the area when some old mines were in operation. 

Q: What is your favorite on-campus place to eat? Off-campus? 

A: Either the Hut in Calumet or Hilltop in L’anse

Q: How do you survive winter?

A: By embracing and enjoying it by hiking, snowshoeing, and skiing. 

Q: Have your post-graduation plans changed since coming to MTU? If so, how and why?

A: They have not changed but focused more on mineral exploration.

A thin section highlights pyroxene (black in the middle) within basalt.


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GMES Student Spotlight Q&A: Aimee Zimmerman, PhD Geophysics 2027

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GMES Student Spotlight Q&A: Aimee Zimmerman, MS Geophysics 2024, PhD Geophysics 2027
Hometown: Mill Hall, Pennsylvania

After finding a strong sense of belonging, Aimee Zimmerman relocated to Michigan Tech to pursue her Master of Science in Geophysics in 2022. Two years later, her passion for her research led her to continue her academic journey, and she is now working toward a Ph.D. with graduate student advising from Dr. Greg Waite. Aimee wants to know how an earthquake stresses a volcanic eruption. She monitors volcanic activity worldwide using thermal satellite imaging to determine if earthquakes and seismic activity can tell us something about volcanoes. She offers her perspectives on MTU below. 

Popocatépetl is one of the volcanoes Aimee is studying.

Q: Why did you choose to attend MTU?

A: I visited in the spring of 2022, and it immediately felt like home. The community was so welcoming and generous. I attended MTU for my Masters degree and was allowed to continue my education. I decided to stay for my PhD and continue the research I started in my Masters

Q: Do you have a favorite class or professor so far?

A: I have thoroughly enjoyed taking classes on natural hazards and their social dynamics. Learning about the discrepancies in dealing with hazards and how we can mitigate disasters has been extremely helpful. 

Q: Are you in any clubs or groups on campus?

A: I am a part of InterVarsity, a Christian student organization. I lead a small group discussion with other graduate students

Q: What advice would you give to a future Husky?

A: Don’t solely exist to do homework and take exams. College is so much more than just classes, so get involved and branch out. Say yes to things, and you never know who you’ll meet or what you’ll get to experience

Q: What local activities do you enjoy outside of MTU?

A: I love to go rock hunting when the weather is nice. I have a rock tumbler, so finding rocks that polish nicely is always fun. I also love to volunteer for things involving my church. I am involved in the children’s ministry, so I get to spend time every week with pre-schoolers as they learn more about God 

Q: What is your favorite on-campus place to eat? Off-campus?

A: The cafe in the library has amazing coffee, and the yogurt parfaits are also great. Off-campus, my favorite is The Ambassador. The pizza is my favorite up here, and they have such a fantastic atmosphere

Q: How do you survive winter?

A: I love to read, so cozying up on my couch with a good book and a cup of tea is the only way I get through the cold nights. I also love going to hockey games, which makes weekends super fun.

Q: Have your post-graduation plans changed since coming to MTU? If so, how and why?

A: Yes. I never considered going into teaching at the college level, but I was given the opportunity to be a teaching assistant for an introduction to geology lab. I loved seeing the students grasp the material after explaining things to them. 


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GMES Alumni Spotlight: Marine Foucher

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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
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GMES Alumni Spotlight: David Adler

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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

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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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SME Features Michigan Tech in Magazine Series on US Mining Schools

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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.

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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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