Geological and Mining Engineering and Science News

Category: Students

“Gneiss” Beginnings: Real Stories from HSAG Alumni

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High School Advanced Geology (HSAG) offers students a hands-on, engaging introduction to geology, fostering a deeper understanding of Earth processes. This early exposure sparks interest and helps students see geology as a potential career path, rather than just another subject. HSAG equips students with the knowledge, confidence, and connections needed to pursue a career in geosciences, making it a game-changer for aspiring professionals in the field. As the list of students going through the HSAG program grows, with reflections already shared by Milena Sremba and Miah Mol, we’re excited to share more insights from those inspired by it. Here’s why HSAG and Michigan Tech are setting students on the path to success in geosciences:

Hear from Calah Holman (@calahholman), BS Geology, 2027:

Q: How did HSAG impact your decision to study geology?
A: HSAG was the class that sparked my passion for geology. It’s now one of my top 3 favorite high school classes and an amazing opportunity to dive into geology, even if it’s not a focus at your school.

Calah Holman @calahholman

Q: Why MTU?
A: MTU has an incredible geoscience program, with remarkable local geology, smaller classes that suit my learning style, and extracurriculars that balance with school. Plus, the location is stunning!

Q: How did HSAG set you up for success at MTU?
A: Through a GVSU-sponsored HSAG program, I earned college credit and skipped GE2000 at MTU, easing my transition with one less course to worry about.

Calah Holman wearing a summer dress is pictured outside sitting by a large rock
Calah Holman is pursuing her passion for Earth science with a BS in Geology, class of 2027.

Q: What is the best advice for current HSAG students?
A: Make the most of your resources! The year-long format allows you to dive deep into the basics, preparing you well for college courses.

Q: What do you love about GMES?
A: The friendly, helpful community! I’ve made many friends, and the small class sizes mean you can continue seeing familiar faces throughout your courses.

Calah and friends are photographed outside holding chickens
Calah and friends making new friends with beaks.

Q: Standout moment in GMES?
A: After our GE1100 field trips, a group of us would always grab lunch at Wads—great memories and great company!

Group of students sitting at a table in Wads cafeteria, smiling at the camera.
Lunch at Wads after GE1100 field trips.

Learn from Joshua Trujillo, BS Geological Engineering, 2028:

Q: How did HSAG impact your decision to study geosciences?
A: HSAG showed me geology beyond my casual interest, sparking my passion and setting me on a career path.

Enjoy HSAG—it’s a gneiss class!

Joshua Trujillo, BS Geological Engineering, ’28

Q: Why MTU?
A: MTU’s geological engineering program and the area’s actual geology made it the perfect fit.

Q: How did HSAG help you at MTU?
A: It gave me solid geology knowledge, so I wasn’t starting from scratch when I arrived.

Q: What is the best advice for current HSAG students?
A: Enjoy HSAG—it’s a gneiss class!

Q: What do you love about GMES?
A: I get to explore remarkable rocks and learn about their story.

Q: Standout moment in GMES?
A: A private tour of the Quincy Mine, where we saw areas closed to most tourists—thanks to GMES!

John, Blizzard, Dr. Smirnov photographed after graduation.
Geological Engineering alum John Myaard, Blizzard T. Husky, and GMES Department Chair Dr. Aleksey Smirnov.

Hear what John Myaard (@john_my_yard), BS Geological Engineering 2023, had to say:

Q: How did HSAG impact your decision to study geosciences or engineering?
A: My time in HSAG was transformative. Previously, I hadn’t considered geology as anything other than a hobby and assumed I would pursue a computer science degree. Participating in HSAG fostered my passion for the geosciences with engaging lessons and an enthusiastic teacher. I experienced something that no other discipline offered. I took pleasure in how the concepts worked together to create a cohesive story as opposed to just terms and definitions. Although it was one class, it set me on a course to where I am today.

Q: Why MTU?
A: I was always aware of Michigan Tech. Being from Michigan and spending summers in the UP, I’d hear about it occasionally. What got my patronage, though, was when I went on a tour of the GMES department. One-on-one, I was guided through classrooms and labs, where it was shown and explained how I could turn my passion into a meaningful career, dispelling any lukewarm feelings I had for computer science.

Q: How did HSAG help you succeed at MTU?
A: HSAG gave me a strong base to build upon in addition to providing college credit. Like other AP classes, you take something that would typically take a semester and draw it out over three trimesters, giving ample time for additional exploration and thorough explanation.

John is photographed outside wearing safety gear.
Proper safety gear is essential for geoscience fieldwork, as demonstrated by John Myaard.

Q: What is the best advice for a current HSAG student?
A: Beyond taking the program seriously, take the discipline seriously. As it stands, the various geological workforces are aging into retirement during a period when demand for their services is at an all-time high. Unlike other disciplines, it’s a big table with plenty of room.

Q: What are you doing now?
A: I graduated in December of 2023 and began working almost one year ago today (at the time of writing this). I am now the Mine Supervisor for a silica mine in West Texas. In this role, I create and carry out the short-term to mid-term mine plan, utilizing my geologic background to make the most informed decisions possible. My emphasis in work is to provide reliable feed to the processing plant while maximizing safe production and controlling costs.

Q: What’s a standout story or lesson you’ve gained during your journey with GMES? 
A: Something that I learned during my time is just how vital having personable professors can be, and the benefits of having a smaller department. In every significant class I had, the professor knew me, and I knew them. If I needed help with coursework or professional development, they were always readily available and thorough in their response.

John Myaard brings geoscience knowledge to the real world, one rock at a time.
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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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From Tech to the Mines: How MTU Paved the Way for a Career in Mining

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Emily holds a beautiful chunk of high-grade ore from a nearby mine in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains.

Em Voght, EIT
B.S. Mining Engineering, 2022

From MTU’s mining program to a career with Rio Tinto, this alum’s journey showcases passion, persistence, and seizing opportunities. With experience in project management, mine planning, and operations, they share insights on career growth, networking, and unexpected job skills. Keep reading for their advice to future Huskies!

Hyalite Bubble Opal mining at a claim in Milford, UT.

Q: Why did you choose MTU?
A: I chose MTU because I knew I wanted to enter the mining industry; staying near family while getting an excellent education was the perfect opportunity.

Q: What has your career path been like since you graduated?
A: I attended a fall career fair that led me to accept a role with Rio Tinto. I thought my winter gradation would discount me from their Graduate Program recruitment process and was so happy that it didn’t! Throughout the last two years, I have worked in Salt Lake at Bingham Canyon/Kennecott and have rotated through three roles: Project Manager, Short Range Mine Planner, and Operations Supervisor. I’ve learned so much in these roles and am proud to say that I’ve just accepted a role as a Mine Operations Supervisor in the Roads & Dumps Department.

Q: How did your time at MTU prepare you for your industry/career?
A: My time at MTU prepared me for the industry by helping me become a persistent, thoughtful engineer. The coursework prepared me for internships in my sophomore and junior years, which provided me with exciting industry experience. Returning to school in the fall felt easier once I knew what my job would be like when I graduated!

Q: What advice would you give someone just starting at Tech as a Husky?
A: I attribute my success at Tech to how passionate I was (and am!) about the career path I chose. My advice to someone just starting at Tech would be to make sure you study something that excites you to attend every day. Trust your professors and ask for their help when needed; they want to see you succeed! When you are stuck on homework or dreading a class, remember why you’re there and how lucky you are to be.

Q: What networking opportunities did you take advantage of as a student?
A: I joined and later acted as President of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME) at Michigan Tech. The travel, events, networking, and general sense of community that this organization offered were huge in forming connections and keeping me motivated while in college. An excellent resume and cover letter can get your foot in the door, but being able to hold a genuine conversation and respond thoughtfully will keep you moving forward.

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: Thinking quickly and sticking to your decisions when you have limited information are skills I didn’t know the importance of in college. You know those open-ended engineering questions we all hated? I was always one to ask one million follow-up questions, and it frustrated me when the strategy wasn’t set in stone. However, those problems are a trial run for how it can sometimes feel to make decisions at a job. You must be timely, creative, and ready to support your reasoning.

Q: Did you have on-campus employment while a student? If yes, what did you do?
A: I worked several jobs off campus throughout my time at Tech. Over the years, I worked as a bank teller, a bartender at a brewery downtown, and at the county marina across the canal from the university, pumping fuel and working as a general groundskeeper. However, my favorite job was working as a tour guide at Quincy Mine. It was so rewarding to blend the history of the Keweenaw copper mines with some facts about ways mining is different today. It can be challenging to look at mining ruins and imagine them present-day, but once you start noticing mines, you see them everywhere you go. I hope my tours helped open some travelers’ minds to the criticality of mining, both past and present.

A beautiful lunch spot & overlook on a jeeping trip in Southern Utah – Little Creek Mesa Trail January 2025.


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From Classroom to Underground: Aiden Harmon’s Internship at Kensington Mine

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Aiden Harmon, B.S. Mining Engineering 2025
Hometown: Marquette, Michigan

Aiden Harmon interned at Alaska’s Kensington Mine, focusing on short-range planning and backfill engineering. Read more to learn how the industry’s teamwork impressed Aiden and how he turned a summer in Alaska into a smart financial move.

A day in the life of a mining intern—hard hats required!

Q: Where did you intern?
A: Kensington Mine Coeur, Alaska.

Q: When did you intern?
A: 2024.

Q: What were your key responsibilities during your internship?
A: Short Range Planning and backfill engineering.

Q: What surprised you most about working in the industry?
A: The amount of help colleagues were willing to give and how connected the industry was from mine to mine. 

Machinery to install roof support bolts underground.

Q: Did your internship give you a better understanding of any specific processes or technology?
A: It gave me a better understanding of underground drill, blast, muck, and haul scheduling. 

Q: Did you participate in any projects related to sustainability or critical mineral extraction?
A: No. 

Aiden showed off his drilling skills when he competed in Alaska’s mining games last summer. Check out the footage! https://drive.google.com/file/d/1is78Jw3Sd2S3rXkuIaHRd8LGv7vAV0aU/view

Aiden Harmon competed in a mining games competition this summer in Alaska, showcasing the spirit of hands-on learning. The event was Juneau Gold Rush Days, sponsored by Kensington Mine and Greens Creek Mine, Coeur Mining, and Hecla Mining, respectively. It was a great event that engaged the Juneau area’s mining community and the general population and preserved the history of traditional mining methods.

Q: What aspect of the internship did you find most rewarding or valuable?
A: Living on a man camp in Alaska meant I had zero summer expenses, which allowed me to save to pay for school. 

Q: Did your experience change your perspective on the industry or your future career goals?
A: No. 

Q: Did the internship help you identify any skills or knowledge areas you’d like to improve or develop further?
A: Better understanding of the shorthand for underground production operations. The language used to refer to fundamental ideas and objects wildly differed from anything I had experienced. 

Q: What aspect of the internship did you find most rewarding or valuable?
A: Being able to present my weekly production schedule to the managers, superintendents, and contractors. 

Lions Head Mountain
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Geophysics in Action: Katie Bristol’s Alumni Journey

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Meet Katie Bristol, an innovative mind in geophysics who began her journey at Michigan Tech, earning a BS and MS before pursuing a PhD and conducting fieldwork in India and Montana. Now a postdoctoral researcher at Purdue, Katie reflects on her time as a Husky, shares career insights, and offers advice for the next generation of MTU students. Read on to explore the Q&A session with Katie.

Katie observed the active Whakaari / White Island volcano crater in New Zealand.

Katie Bristol, BS Applied Geophysics ‘18, MS Geophysics ’20, Michigan Tech University
Advised by: Aleksey Smirnov

Ph.D. Geophysics, University of Florida, 2024

Katie’s publications.

Q: Why did you choose MTU?
A: I came to MTU as a high school student attending Summer Youth Programs and absolutely fell in love with the area. I felt like I had left a piece of my heart in the Keweenaw and knew I had to go back! 

Q: What has your career path been like since you graduated?
A: After getting my BS and MS at MTU, I received my PhD from the University of Florida. During my PhD, I got to do fieldwork in India, and I even got to help excavate dinosaur bones in Montana! Because my Summer Youth Programs (SYP) experience impacted me both as an attendee and an instructor, I have continued to work in outreach in Florida. I help run outreach events at the Florida Museum of Natural History and am a Visiting Scientist for Scientists in Every Florida School. After PhD, I received a job offer at Purdue University, where I will be working as a postdoctoral researcher starting in January 2025.

Q: How did your time at MTU prepare you for your career?
A: My coursework and research experience at MTU gave me the skills to be a critical thinker and a problem solver, which employers highly value.

Excavation of a Triceratops in Montana, USA.

Q: What’s it like to return to the campus now? Have you noticed any changes?
A: While the campus has changed slightly with the new Health STEM building, it still feels like a home away from home. I love to stop in, say hi to Brittany, and chat with professors – sometimes, we even catch up at the KBC!

Drilling paleomagnetic cores in the Deccan Traps of Maharashtra, India.

Q: What is the most impactful memory of your time here?
A: Getting to do fieldwork in areas ranging from the Precambrian midcontinent rift (in MTU’s backyard) to active volcanoes and glaciers (field camp through Frontiers Abroad).

Q: What is your favorite activity when you return to campus?
A: I love getting coffee from KCW, hiking waterfalls, and searching for beach agates!

Q: What advice would you give someone starting at Tech as a Husky?
A: Get involved with undergraduate research, explore the Keweenaw, and attend office hours!

Mapping geomorphologic features in Castle Hill, New Zealand (where Narnia was filmed!).

Q: What role did the community or extracurricular activities play in your overall experience?
A: The close-knit MTU community and surrounding area are truly unmatched. At MTU, you’re not just a number – everyone knows each other and looks out for one another.

Q: Did you have on-campus employment while a student? If yes, what did you do?
A: I worked as a research assistant in the MTU Paleomagnetism Laboratory with Dr. Aleksey Smirnov. During this time, I did fieldwork, sample preparation, and measurements in the lab, which prepared me for graduate school and my career in research.

Kayaking to islands in Lake Superior to search for Precambrian dikes to sample for paleointensity study.
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Exploring Geoscience Careers, Connections, and the Keweenaw Peninsula: Insights from GE1100

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Safety first! Kylie Overly is pictured underground wearing the proper gear.

Michigan Tech students gain insight into geoscience careers and programs, experience engaging field trips to the Keweenaw Peninsula, and build connections with department faculty and resources in the Geo Engineering & Science Orientation (GE1100) lab. Discover the fascinating geological features Kylie enjoyed learning about, and explore our list of current undergraduate and graduate courses the GMES Department offers. 

More about GE1100 – GE1100 is a one-credit introductory course for freshmen or sophomores in geoscience-related majors in the fall.

  • What majors require it? Geology, Applied Geophysics, Geological Engineering, Mining Engineering 
  • How many credits? 1
  • Semesters offered? Fall 
  • Prereqs? None
  • Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Geological Engineering, General Sciences and Arts, General Engineering, Mining Engineering, Applied Geophysics, Geology
  • May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Junior, Senior

Catalog Description: Introduction to geosciences as a profession, including discussions of career opportunities and geoscience programs. Earth materials and the Earth’s processes are also introduced. Includes frequent field trips. Intended for freshman or sophomore students in geological engineering, geology, applied geophysics, hydrology, geotechnics, earth science teaching, or any other geoscience program.

The instructor is Aleksey Smirnov, Chair, GMES.

TA for Fall 2024 is Sam Jensen, BS Applied Geophysics ‘25
Hometown: Gladstone, Michigan

Kylie Overly is pictured with Sam Jensen at Hungarian Falls.

Find out what Kylie Overly had to say about her class experience:

This class does a great job of introducing the department and some local places to incoming students.

Would You Recommend This Class? 

Yes! I recommend this class to other students if they are curious about geological engineering or the department.

Favorite Aspect of the Class:

I liked the Saturday field trips to explore some fantastic spots in the Keweenaw Peninsula. 

Most Exciting Thing Learned:

The most exciting thing I learned in this class was how the peninsula’s geology is mirrored on the other side of Lake Superior.

Prerequisites Needed?

None. Since it’s an introductory class, no prior knowledge is required.

Value of the Class:

I learn something new in each class!

Future Benefits:

This class is highly beneficial. The Wednesday lectures introduce us to the department’s professors, giving us opportunities to talk to them if you are interested in that subject.

Kylie Overly and Sam Jensen pose together at the scenic Horseshoe Harbor.

National Park Service Resources:
https://www.nps.gov/piro/learn/nature/lake-superior.htm
https://www.nps.gov/isro/learn/nature/geology-and-soils.htm

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Dr. Radwin Askari: Pioneering Geophysics Research and Education at Michigan Tech

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Dr. Askari

Dr. Radwin Askari, Associate Professor in the Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences (GMES) at Michigan Tech, is a geophysicist at the forefront of environmental geophysics and energy transition research. His innovative work focuses on understanding fluid transport in geological settings and its geophysical signatures, including volcanic tremors and long-period events. As the founder of Michigan Tech’s state-of-the-art Physical Modeling Laboratory (PML) in Dow 622, Dr. Askari leads pioneering research on environmental geophysics, fracture dynamics and its induced seismicity, and geological hydrogen. His lab is equipped with advanced technologies such as acoustic velocity, low permeability, ultrasonic, and high-speed imaging systems, providing students with exceptional opportunities for hands-on learning.

Dr. Askari fosters a diverse and inclusive research environment, welcoming students from all backgrounds to contribute to groundbreaking work that impacts environmental conservation and the global energy transition. He is also a recipient of the prestigious NSF CAREER award, further highlighting his commitment to both research and education. Join Dr. Askari at Michigan Tech, where you can be part of transformative research addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges in geophysics and energy.

Dr. Askari directs the Earth Explorers Computer Lab (EECL) Dow 619. A multifunctional hub, EECL supports GMES students’ research, coursework, and senior projects with high-performance workstations, specialized software, and access to Michigan Tech’s computing cluster. It also features a TV screen and videoconferencing equipment and serves as a classroom and meeting space, all within a refreshed and collaborative environment.

Dow 619 Earth Explorers Computer Lab (EECL)

Since Dr. Askari joined in 2015, GMES has benefited from his expertise, which he has since taught courses such as Fundamentals of Geophysics, Computational Geosciences, Environmental and Engineering Geophysics, Reflection Seismology, Formation Evaluation and Petroleum Engineering, Advanced Engineering and Engineering Geophysics, and Advanced Reflection Seismology. Be sure to check out the educational videos Dr. Askari creates and shares on his YouTube channel!

Are you ready to explore groundbreaking research and hands-on learning? mtu.edu/apply

Breeanne Heusdens, Fletcher McGuire ‘22, Olivia Salvaggio ‘22, Sananda Ray, Nontawat Srisapan, Radwin Askari
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