Geological and Mining Engineering and Science News

Tag: AIPG

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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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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Michigan Tech wins 2021 AIPG Student Chapter of the Year Award (again)

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The 2021 American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG) Student Chapter of the Year Award goes to Michigan Technological University for the second year running!

Each year, AIPG recognizes the most outstanding student chapter for its activities, achievements, and contributions to the Institute. Nationwide there are 55 student chapters at AIPG. The award letter states: “the Student Chapter at Michigan Tech stood out among the AIPG Student Chapters in the nation this past year, and are highly deserving of this distinction and honor.”

Currently, the chapter officers are Elana Barth (President, Geology), Olivia Salvaggio (Vice President, Geophysics), Emilie Pray (Treasurer, Geology), and Nolan Gamet (Secretary, Geology). The officers during the year of the award were Elana Barth (President, Geology), Breeanne Huesdens (Vice President, Geological Engineering), Emilie Pray (Treasurer, Geology), and Makala O’Donnell (Secretary, Geological Engineering).

Chad Deering, Associate Professor in the Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences, and David Adler, a Mannik & Smith Group Certified Professional Geologist (B.S. Geology ‘82), advise the Michigan Tech chapter.
Congratulations once again on a job well done. The GMES department is proud of your continued success!

Michigan Tech AIPG Student Chapter members while exploring the Eben Ice Caves. Photo courtesy of Dave Adler.
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The 2020 AIPG Student Chapter of the Year Award goes to Michigan Tech

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The American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG) Student Chapter at Michigan Technological University has been selected as the 2020 AIPG Student Chapter of the Year.

Each year, AIPG recognizes the most outstanding student chapter for their activities, achievements, and contributions to the Institute. The award letter states, “the Student Chapter at Michigan Tech stood out among the AIPG Student Chapters in the nation this past year, and are highly deserving of this distinction and honor.”

The current chapter officers are:

Elana Barth, President (Geology)
Breeanne Huesdens, Vice President (Geological Engineering)
Emilie Pray, Treasurer (Geology)
Makala O’Donnell, Secretary (Geological Engineering)
The president and vice-president during the year of the award were Dustin Helmer (Geological Engineering) and Sienna Meekhof (Geology).

The chapter, which has more than 50 members is advised by Chad Deering (GMES) and Michigan Tech Alumnus David Adler ’82 BS geology, a Mannik Smith Group Certified Professional Geologist.

2020
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