Geological and Mining Engineering and Science News

Category: Students

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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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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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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Welcoming Matt Laird: Our New Academic Advisor in GMES

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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
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Alice Schmaltz Receives Prestigious 2024 Copper Club Scholarship

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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!

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Inspiring Stories: GMES Students Featured in Prestigious AIPG Magazine

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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
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