Geological and Mining Engineering and Science News

Category: Students

Bryce Baar named 2026 Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences Department Scholar

Published
By
Bryce Baar walking across Swedetown Creek during a GE3100 (Depositional Systems) field trip last Fall.
Bryce Baar walking across Swedetown Creek during a GE3100 (Depositional Systems) field trip last Fall.

The Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences (GMES) is proud to recognize Bryce Baar as the 2026 GMES Department Scholar!

This honor is awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and dedication to their field. Bryce’s passion for geological engineering, combined with his commitment to hands-on learning and collaboration, makes him a standout member of the GMES community. Representing the best of GMES, Bryce has also been nominated for the 2026 Provost’s Award for Scholarship.

Bryce is a third-year Geological Engineering student who joined Michigan Technological University in the Fall of 2023 from Hudsonville, Michigan. Since arriving on campus, he has distinguished himself as the top-performing student in the department. Faculty consistently recognize Bryce for his critical and creative thinking, as well as his strong communication and writing abilities.

An active member of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration (SME), Bryce has contributed to one of the most challenging and prestigious student competitions in the field, the SME Mine Design Competition. The “School of Minds” student mine design team achieved an impressive milestone this year by advancing to Phase 2, giving them the opportunity to present their work to a panel of industry professionals at the SME MINEXCHANGE Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Looking ahead, Bryce plans to expand his academic experience through field classes this summer, further strengthening essential hands-on skills. While he is still exploring his next steps, Bryce is considering paths in both graduate school and industry, with particular interests in geotechnical engineering and natural hazards.

When asked if he has any advice for incoming GMES students, Bryce encouraged others to stay curious and take full advantage of their surroundings.

“Get out and explore the local area as much as you can. By doing this, you not only get to take advantage of the abundant outdoor recreation available in the UP, but it will also enhance your understanding of local geologic processes learned about in class.” – Bryce

Bryce embodies the spirit of GMES, combining academic excellence, observational learning, and a passion for discovery. We congratulate him on being named the 2026 GMES Department Scholar and look forward to seeing all that he accomplishes in the future.

Continue Reading →

Michigan Tech’s “School of Minds” Team Advances to Final Phase of National Mine Design Competition

Published
By
The School of Minds team members (left to right): Bryce Baar, Soren Olsen, Lucas Maxon, Joseph Steinl, and John Bellman.
The School of Minds team members (left to right): Bryce Baar, Soren Olsen, Lucas Maxon, Joseph Steinl, and John Bellman.

Michigan Tech’s student team from the Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences (GMES), known as School of Minds, has advanced to the top six teams nationally in Phase 2 of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration (SME)/National Stone, Sand, and Gravel Association (NSSGA) Student Design Competition. This achievement places the team among a select group of top-performing programs across the country in a highly competitive national field.

Continue Reading →

Congratulations Graduates!

Published
By

Celebrating Our Fall 2025 MS & PhD Graduates

GMES is proud to announce and celebrate the accomplishments of our Fall 2025 graduates. These dedicated students have conducted research, completed rigorous coursework, and made meaningful contributions to our academic community. Their hard work and perseverance have prepared them to take the next step as professionals and researchers in the fields of geosciences, mining, and engineering. Please join us in congratulating the following graduate students:

A moment from the MTU 2024 spring graduate commencement, captured by Kaden Staley.

Sananda Ray, PhD, Geophysics

Rolla Asiedu, MS Geology

Elijah Dosapati, MS Mining Engineering

Seth Farmer, MS Geology

Kudakwashe (Kuda) T. Mutanga, MS Mining Engineering

Akintunde (Stephen) Samakinde, MS Geological Engineering

We are incredibly proud of each of these graduates and look forward to seeing the impact they will make in their careers and beyond. Congratulations to the graduate student class of 2025!

Congratulations to Our Fall 2025 Bachelor of Science Graduates!

GMES is proud to celebrate the achievements of our Fall 2025 Bachelor of Science graduates—students who have built the skills and knowledge to become the next generation of geoscientists and engineers. Please join us in congratulating:

Matthew Keebaugh, BS Mining Engineering

Luke Mariuzza, BS Geological Engineering

Carl Rich, BS Geology

Kiera Watson, BS Geology

Kaden Staley documents the joy of MTU’s 2024 spring graduate commencement.

Honoring our award and scholarship recipients:

Graduate Certificate in Geoinformatics

  • Kudakwashe (Kuda) T. Mutanga

Outstanding Scholarship Award

Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award

Finishing Fellowship Recipients

  • Gabriel Ahrendt, Ph.D. in Geophysics
  • Xinzhu (Sabrina) Li, Ph.D. in Atmospheric Sciences
Continue Reading →

GMES Expands into Drone-Based Geophysics: A New Frontier for Education and Research

Published
By
(left to right) PhD candidate Gabriel Ahrendt, undergraduate researcher Miah Mol, and MS student Samuel Jensen from the Earth and Environmental Magnetism research group are gearing up our drone-based geophysics platform for its next test flight.

The Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences (GMES) at Michigan Technological University is always looking for opportunities to expand our education and research into new, forward-looking areas. Drone-based geophysics is one such area—an emerging field that is rapidly transforming how we investigate and understand the subsurface.

Drone-based geophysics offers remarkable potential for geoscience and engineering practice. By
combining unmanned aerial systems with advanced geophysical sensors, we can safely and efficiently
collect high-resolution data in challenging or previously inaccessible environments. These capabilities
are reshaping mineral exploration, environmental assessment, hazard mapping, and infrastructure
monitoring.

To provide our students with this increasingly sought-after skill set — valued across industry, government agencies, and research organizations — we have launched the development of a new drone-based geophysics curriculum. To support this initiative, the department has acquired a high-capacity Aurelia X6 Pro V2 drone paired with a Geometrics MagArrow II magnetometer, one of the most advanced airborne magnetic systems available. This effort is currently led by Professor Aleksey Smirnov, chair of GMES, together with MS student Samuel Jensen. Both have recently completed comprehensive training and earned professional unmanned aerial vehicle pilot licenses, ensuring safe and compliant deployment of these systems in research and instructional settings.

Sam Jensen and Aleksey Smirnov prepare a drone for its first outdoor flight, with tall trees in the background.
Sam Jensen and Aleksey Smirnov are preparing for the first flight of the Aurelia X6 Pro drone equipped with the Geometrics MagArrow II magnetometer.

Our vision is to develop a suite of drone-based geophysics courses covering not only airborne data acquisition but also advanced data processing and visualization. Students will use the state-of-the-art Seequent Oasis Montaj geophysical software — recently acquired to support the Applied Geophysics program — to work with real flight datasets, learn industry-standard workflows, and build strong practical expertise.

Our future research directions include a wide range of potential applications, such as high-resolution magnetic mapping of Precambrian rocks in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, critical minerals and geological hydrogen exploration, surveys of mine tailings and legacy mining landscapes for environmental and safety assessments, geologic mapping of fault zones and structural features, and magnetic mapping for archaeological investigations.

We are also actively seeking collaborations with other departments and research centers at Michigan Tech, as well as partners outside the university, to broaden the impact and interdisciplinary reach of this developing program.

Looking ahead, we plan to expand our toolkit with additional drone-compatible geophysical methods, including electromagnetics and ground-penetrating radar, further enhancing opportunities for education and research.

We are excited about the hands-on learning and research possibilities that drone-based geophysics will offer, and we hope that this work will inspire more students to join GMES and contribute to the continued success of the department. Stay tuned for updates…

Continue Reading →

PE Limited’s $6.5M Contribution Revolutionizes GMES Teaching and Research

Published
By
MOVE, a geologic modeling software, provides a full digital environment for best-practice structural modeling to reduce risk and uncertainty in geological models.

Michigan Technological University’s Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences
(GMES) has received a generous donation from PE Limited, a global leader in petroleum engineering
software. The $6,564,992.28 contribution consists of ten licenses for the state-of-the-art MOVE suite
and ten licenses for the IPM suite of products. This innovative software will be critical in advancing
education and academic research by enabling cutting-edge structural modeling and minimizing risk in
geological models.

“This generous donation from PE Limited is a game-changer for our department,” said Dr. Aleksey
Smirnov.

GMES will install the MOVE and IPM software in a computer lab and integrate it into the curriculum,
transforming structural geology education for undergraduate and graduate students. Courses like
GE3050 Structural Geology, a requirement for GMES undergraduates, GE4610 Formation Evaluation and
Petroleum Engineering, and graduate-level classes will leverage this powerful tool to enhance learning
outcomes. Furthermore, MOVE will play a vital role in academic, non-commercial research on tectonics
and structural geology, including mapping Michigan’s iconic Keweenaw Fault and other complex systems
in the Upper Peninsula. The IMP Suite will support our ongoing and future research activities in the
areas of critical mineral extraction, subsurface fluid-flow modeling, and geomechanics.

Dr. Aleksey Smirnov, Chair of the GMES Department, believes in the donation’s transformative impact.
“This generous donation from PE Limited is a game-changer for our department,” said Dr. Aleksey
Smirnov. It empowers our students and researchers to work with industry-leading tools, elevating their
education and research to the next level.”

Since its founding in 1990, PE Limited has been developing software solutions for the oil and gas
industry. PE Limited supports accredited universities offering advanced geology and petroleum
engineering programs through its educational licensing program, fostering the next generation of
industry innovators.

Learn more about the MOVE and IPM suite of products and its role in shaping geologic modeling
excellence.

Continue Reading →

Priyanka Dhamala Receives Outstanding Graduate Student Teaching Award

Published
By
Priyanka walking at sunset along the shore line.
Priyanka Dhamala

GMES is pleased to share that Priyanka Dhamala, a master’s student majoring in geology, has received the Outstanding Graduate Student Teaching Award, recognizing her excellent teaching performance with the GE3850 Geohydrology labs, where she served as the Teaching Advisor. She joined Michigan Tech from Lamkichuha, Nepal, in the fall of 2024. Advised by Dr. Greg Waite, Priyanka is on track to graduate this spring 2026.

Priyanka has been praised for her clear communication, patience, and ability to break down complex hydrogeologic concepts in ways that support student success. Her commitment to creating a positive, engaging learning environment has had a meaningful impact on the course and the students she mentors.

“The most rewarding part of serving as a TA was seeing my students connect geological
concepts to real-world examples and watching their curiosity grow. Their questions often taught
me new ways of thinking, too. Teaching has strengthened my confidence, deepened my interest
in academia, and reminded me how much I enjoy being in the classroom, teaching, and
mentoring. One quote I really connect with is, “If you’re the smartest one in the room, you’re in
the wrong room,” by Richard Tirendi. I approached every class with that mindset. Ready to learn
and grow alongside my students.” – Priyanka

This award highlights not only Priyanka’s dedication to teaching but also her strong leadership within the department. GMES congratulates Priyanka on this well-deserved achievement and thanks her for her outstanding contributions to our academic community.

“My advice for future TAs or teaching advisors is to go with an open mind, be welcoming, and
remember that students learn at different paces. Try to see things from their perspective, be
approachable, and create a space where questions feel safe. Sometimes extra effort makes all
the difference.” – Priyanka

Continue Reading →

Dr. Yanrui (Daisy) Ning Joins the GMES Faculty

Published
By

The Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences at Michigan Technological
University is pleased to welcome Dr. Yanrui (Daisy) Ning as the newest member of our faculty in
Geological Engineering. Dr. Ning brings extensive experience and technical expertise that will
strengthen the department’s teaching and research portfolio in subsurface energy systems and
resource engineering.

Dr. Ning earned her Ph.D. in Petroleum Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines in 2017,
where she also served as a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Geophysics. Her
research focuses on carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), enhanced geothermal
systems, subsurface hydrogen storage, and critical minerals. She applies an integrated approach
that combines multiphase flow modeling, geomechanics, advanced computational simulation,
machine learning, and distributed fiber-optic sensing to advance the understanding and
sustainable management of subsurface energy systems.

In her new role at Michigan Tech, Dr. Ning will contribute to both teaching and research in
support of the Geological Engineering program. Her expertise in subsurface energy systems
directly supports the national priorities of strengthening U.S. energy security, expanding
domestic resource production, and ensuring a stable supply of critical minerals. She is also
advancing emerging fields such as geological hydrogen exploration and carbon management,
which align with the nation’s goals of responsible resource development and technological
innovation in the energy sector.

“Dr. Ning’s expertise in subsurface energy systems and her multidisciplinary approach
will enhance our capabilities in critical areas such as carbon storage, geothermal
energy, critical minerals, and geological hydrogen,” said Aleksey Smirnov, Chair of the
Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences. “We are excited to
have her on board as we continue to grow our Geological Engineering program and
expand our impact on the sustainable development of Earth’s resources.”

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Daisy Ning to Michigan Tech and the GMES community.

Continue Reading →

Abid Danish Becomes Dr. Danish, Advances Global Mining Safety with AI

Published
By
Dr. Abid Danish

Abid Danish, originally from Pakistan, is completing his Ph.D. in Mining Engineering at Michigan Technological University under the advice of Dr. Snehamoy Chatterjee. His research focuses on advancing sustainable, safe, and efficient mining practices, with an emphasis on the application of generative artificial intelligence and safety data analytics.

Since arriving at Michigan Tech, Abid has contributed to interdisciplinary research efforts and collaborated with both academic and research labs, as well as industry partners. His work has been presented at leading conferences and reflects a deep commitment to improving mine safety, environmental performance, and operational efficiency.

Abid brings a global perspective to his work and is passionate about leveraging innovative technologies to support responsible mineral development worldwide.

As of July 28, 2025, it’s Dr. Abid Danish. He completed his final defense under the supervision of Dr. Snehamoy Chatterjee, with Dr. Luke Bowman, Dr. Mohammadhossein Sadeghiamirshahidi, and Dr. Sidike Paheding (University of Fairfield) serving as committee members. His title and abstract for the final Ph.D. research defense are as follows.

Title: A Domain-Adapted Natural Language Processing Framework for Mining Safety Analytics: From Latent Pattern Discovery to Automated Information Extraction
Abstract: Occupational safety remains a critical global concern, particularly in high-risk sectors such as mining, where analysis of historical accident data is essential for identifying hazards and guiding preventive measures. While structured data has traditionally supported retrospective safety analytics, the rich contextual information embedded in unstructured accident narratives remains largely underutilized in current safety management practice for proactive risk assessment and targeted safety intervention. This dissertation addresses this gap by presenting a comprehensive natural language processing (NLP) framework that addresses fundamental challenges through an integrated approach combining semantic text analysis, domain-adaptive language modeling, and automated safety information extraction for mining safety analytics. Traditional NLP techniques face significant limitations in capturing nuanced semantic relationships within unstructured text and in effectively integrating structured metadata. To address these, the framework introduces a clustering-based semantic analysis framework that combines transformer-based sentence embeddings, nonlinear dimensionality reduction, and k-means clustering. By incorporating structured metadata into the embedding process, this unsupervised approach reveals latent accident patterns not captured by conventional techniques, while highlighting the contextual limitations of general-purpose language models in understanding domain-specific safety language. To address these limitations, the study employs Domain-Adaptive Pretraining (DAPT) of Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) and parameter-efficient architecture, A Lite BERT (ALBERT), on a multi-source safety corpus spanning mining, construction, transportation, and chemical processing sectors. The resulting models, SafetyBERT and SafetyALBERT, demonstrate substantial improvements in both intrinsic and extrinsic evaluations, outperforming general-domain and larger models, including Llama 3.1-8B, across multiple safety-specific classification tasks. Leveraging these models, the framework is extended to an extractive question-answering (QA) system that utilizes SafetyBERT to automatically extract critical safety information, such as incident causes, work activities, and injury types, from unstructured narratives. To reduce annotation costs, an integrated hybrid active learning (AL) strategy is proposed. The AL “cold-start” problem is mitigated through a strategic seed selection process using unsupervised, embedding-based clustering, followed by a hybrid querying mechanism that combines uncertainty-based and confidence-based sampling for iterative model refinement, achieving robust performance on the extractive QA task. Altogether, this dissertation contributes to a robust NLP framework that advances occupational safety analytics in the mining domain. The integrated approach, which combines unsupervised pattern discovery, domain-adaptive language modeling, and automated extraction of safety-critical information, enables proactive hazard management and targeted safety interventions.


Continue Reading →

Lucas Maxon Awarded Prestigious Copper Club Scholarship for 2025–26

Published
By
Lucas Maxon stands inside the large bucket of a surface mining haul truck, illustrating the massive scale of the equipment.
Lucas Maxon exploring the scale of surface mining equipment firsthand.

The Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences (GMES) at Michigan Technological University is proud to announce that Lucas Maxon, a standout senior in the mining engineering bachelor’s program, has been awarded a Copper Club Scholarship for the 2025–26 academic year. This prestigious award, presented annually by The Copper Club—a New York-based nonprofit that promotes the copper industry—recognizes Lucas’s academic excellence, leadership, and dedication to the future of mining.

Founded in 1944, The Copper Club, Inc. is the leading organization supporting the copper industry through networking, educational grants, and industry events. Its scholarship program is highly competitive, providing support to students majoring in geoscience and related fields, with a focus on the production and development of copper and copper products. Recipients are selected based on outstanding academic achievement and potential for leadership in the industry.

Lucas has shown remarkable commitment to his studies and the mining profession. His active involvement in the Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration (SME) and his role on the nationally recognized AggCelerate student team highlight both his technical skills and collaborative leadership.

For Lucas, the path to mining engineering was rooted in both heritage and personal passion. “I was born and raised in a historic iron mining town. The mining stopped a long time ago, but the history remains. I have always found the historic mining of my hometown very interesting,” he shared. “As I grew up, I also discovered my love for engineering and problem-solving, and knew it was the path for me. It was a no-brainer from there to combine the two. I took a tour of the GMES department in my senior year of high school, just to confirm that mining engineering was the right path for me, and that Tech was where I wanted to be. Before the tour was even over, I knew this was the right degree for me and an amazing place to get it.”

This scholarship not only provides financial support but also connects Maxon with a network of professionals and opportunities within the copper industry. It underscores the department’s commitment to cultivating talent that will drive the future of mining engineering. Lucas’s award is the latest addition to the roster of GMES students who have earned this honor, including  Alice Schmaltz, Jacob Maxon, Emily Street, and Cory Burkwald.

Congratulations to Lucas Maxon on this well-deserved honor!

Continue Reading →

Congratulations to our Spring 2025 Bachelor of Science Graduates!

Published
By

GMES is thrilled to recognize and celebrate the achievements of our Spring 2025 Bachelor of Science graduates. These students have worked diligently in classrooms, labs, and the field, developing the knowledge and skills necessary to become the next generation of geoscientists and engineers.

Their accomplishments reflect their passion, resilience, and dedication to the Earth sciences, and we couldn’t be prouder of their success.

To all our graduates, thank you for your dedication and determination. The best is yet to come, and we can’t wait to see all the incredible things you’ll achieve. Congratulations again, and best of luck in everything that lies ahead!

Please join us in congratulating:

Bachelor of Science in Geological Engineering

“I was able to get a job as a Geotechnical Engineer with Coleman Engineering.”

Stephanie Wiegand

Bachelor of Science in Geology

“A degree from Tech is highly respected in the industry.”

Konraad VanDyke

Bachelor of Science in Applied Geophysics

Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering

“The world needs more energy. I’m excited to be working in the energy market.”

Aiden Harmon

We are excited to see where their journey takes them next — whether into industry, graduate school, or beyond. Congratulations to the Class of Spring 2025! Your future is bright.

Awards

Department Scholar – Natalie Sorensen

Kiril Spiroff Book Award – Lydia Lamey

Kiril Spiroff Book Award – Sam Jensen

Rock Hammer Award – Milena Sremba

As part of our Spring 2025 celebration, we asked our graduating students to reflect on their time at Michigan Tech. From favorite classes to future plans, their answers offer a glimpse into the experiences that shaped their journey and what lies ahead after graduation.

From the underground mines of West Virginia to the classrooms of Scotland, our GMES graduates are turning hands-on learning into real-world impact. these Huskies are gaining skills that matter, and landing jobs across the globe. Hear their stories, see where they’re headed, and discover why a GMES degree could be your next great adventure.

Stephanie Wiegand

Stephanie Wiegand is graduating with a B.S. in Geological Engineering and a minor in Mining Engineering, and an Accelerated MBA is in progress. She reflected on her experience by saying this:

Q: What made you choose Michigan Tech and the GMES department?
A: The location drew me to Michigan Tech.

Q: What was your favorite class or project in GMES?  
A: I really enjoyed field geology. The course was definitely intense, but it was interesting to work with the equipment.

Q: What’s next for you after graduation? (Job, grad school, travel, etc.)
A: I was able to get a job as a Geotechnical Engineer with Coleman Engineering. I will be working in Iron Mountain, MI, close to my family.

Q: What unique opportunities did you find at Michigan Tech that you might not have found elsewhere?
A: The vast amount of mines in the area and open outcrops gives this University a significant advantage over others.

Drawn in by a rare geophysics program and a tight-knit department, this student found inspiration in Earth History and hands-on fieldwork. Now, they’re heading to Scotland for grad school.

Clarissa Gordon

Clarissa Gordon is finishing with a B.S. in Applied Geophysics, and had this to share:

Q: What made you choose Michigan Tech and the GMES department?
A: I chose Michigan Tech and the GMES department because it was one of the few universities to offer a BS in geophysics. I also really liked the welcoming environment of the GMES department. The professors, staff, and students were very welcoming and engaging when I visited as a high school student.

Q: What was your favorite class or project in GMES?  
A: My favorite class was Earth History, taught by Dr. Guth. I enjoyed the content a lot, and Dr. Guth led many fun projects and activities.

Q: What’s next for you after graduation? (Job, grad school, travel, etc.)
A: I plan to pursue a master’s degree in geophysics at the University of Aberdeen in Aberdeen, Scotland, UK.

Q: What unique opportunities did you find at Michigan Tech that you might not have found elsewhere?
A: Field geophysics was a fun and unique opportunity that I’m happy I had the chance to experience.

This GMES graduate is heading straight into the heart of the coal industry. From hands-on experience at the Adventure Mine to impactful lessons in mine safety, their time at Tech—especially with standout professor Matt Portfleet—prepared them for a career deep underground. Learn how this future Operations Engineer plans to power the world, one coal seam at a time, and why they say GMES set them up for a lifetime of success.

Aiden Harmon

Aiden Harmon, originally from Marquette, MI, has fulfilled the requirements for a B.S. in Mining Engineering. Here’s what he had to share:

Q: What made you choose Michigan Tech and the GMES department?
A: MTU allowed me to stay close to home in the UP and work on a degree in the mining industry.

Q: What was your favorite class or project in GMES?  
A: Drill and Blast/ Mine Safety with Matt Portfleet. My best class experiences and most applicable industry knowledge came from his course.

Q: What’s next for you after graduation? (Job, grad school, travel, etc.)
A: Starting at American Consolidated Natural Resource’s Ohio County Coal Co. in Dallas, WV as an Operations Engineer on the Pittsburgh No. 8 coal seam

Q: How do you hope to make a difference in the world with your degree?
A: The world needs more energy. I’m excited to be working in the energy market.

Q: What unique opportunities did you find at Michigan Tech that you might not have found elsewhere?
A: Access to the Adventure Mine and the time to practice hand scaling and jackleg drilling. While it is not a required skill in the 21st century of mining. It’s been a great talking point in interviews and has helped me get an operations-focused career.

Q: What skills did you gain in the program that you’re already using (or excited to use)?
A: Mine safety and underground awareness. My career is taking me underground, and I’m excited to use the Mine safety knowledge gained from Matt Portfleet.

Q: What advice would you give to incoming GMES students?
A: Get the internships. You’ll learn more in 3 months during the summer than in 8 months in the classroom.

Q: Complete the sentence: “Because of GMES, I…”
A: Will be gainfully employed for the rest of my life. Mining provides skills that will always be in demand and essential for a modern standard of living.

Hazel McGovern will receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Geological Engineering.

This Michigan Tech grad found their path through field geology and hands-on learning. Now, they’re headed to Utah to kick off an exciting new chapter. Want to know how Michigan Tech helped turn their passion into a profession? Keep reading to learn more.

Hazel McGovern

Q: What made you choose Michigan Tech and the GMES department?
A: I love being outside, and I knew I wanted to pursue a career in engineering.

Q: What was your favorite class or project in GMES?  
A: The Field Geology Class

Q: What’s next for you after graduation? (Job, grad school, travel, etc.)
A: I have a job in Utah!

Q: What unique opportunities did you find at Michigan Tech that you might not have found elsewhere?
A: I enjoyed the hands-on experiences relating to my major and interests.

Konraad VanDyke, from the hometown of Kalamazoo, MI,  is completing a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology.

Drawn to Michigan Tech for its rich history and strong reputation, this grad found their academic spark in Petrology and is now heading into the field—literally—before starting a career with Edward C. Levy. Their advice? Work hard and stay open to every opportunity. Want to see how a love for geology turned into a promising future? Read on.

Konraad VanDyke

Q: What made you choose Michigan Tech and the GMES department?
A: I love the area and the history. Additionally, a degree from Tech is highly respected in the industry.

Q: What was your favorite class or project in GMES?  
A: I loved Petrology

Q: What’s next for you after graduation? (Job, grad school, travel, etc.)
A: I am taking field courses and then plan to work for Edward C. Levy.

Q: What advice would you give to incoming GMES students?
A: Work hard and explore every opportunity that arises.

Continue Reading →