Geological and Mining Engineering and Science News

Tag: alumni

Congratulations to our Spring 2025 Bachelor of Science Graduates!

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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.

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Honoring GMES Spring 2025 Ph.D. & MS Graduates

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Earning a college degree requires more than time—it demands determination, resilience, and passion. We are proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our Spring 2025 graduates from the Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences (GMES) at Michigan Technological University.

These graduates have excelled in research, completed rigorous coursework, and made meaningful contributions to our academic community. Their dedication has prepared them to excel as professionals and researchers in the fields of geosciences, mining, and engineering.

Please join us in congratulating the following graduate students:

Doctor of Philosophy in Geology

“While my work was related to the technical aspect of detecting and modeling hazards, it has important implications for the lives of people who are exposed to or affected by these hazards every day. I plan to continue developing new tools and expanding my knowledge of these geologic processes, thereby diversifying my expertise to include other types of hazards, beyond the focus of my PhD, which is lahars.” –

Gustavo shares his vision for leveraging his education to address real-world challenges.

Master of Science in Geology

Master of Science in Geological Engineering

Master of Science in Geophysics

Master of Science in Mining Engineering

Congratulations to the following students for their successful completion of graduate certificates:
Graduate Certificate in Natural Hazards and Disaster Risk Reduction

  • Gustavo Bejar Lopez
  • Leah Harazin
  • Bryan Lowney
  • Averi Reno

Graduate Certificate in Geoinformatics

  • Gustavo Bejar Lopez
  • Samuel Karner
  • Bryan Lowney
  • Nyasha Mhindu
  • Stephen Udota

These students have demonstrated a commitment to expanding their expertise, and we applaud their accomplishments. We look forward to seeing the impact they’ll make in their careers and communities!

Awards and Scholarships Awarded

Outstanding Scholarship Award

  • Gustavo Bejar Lopez

Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award

  • Helen Foldenauer

WAAIME Scholarship Recipients

Finishing Fellowship Recipients

As part of our Spring 2025 celebration, we invited graduating students to share reflections on their time at Michigan Tech—from favorite moments to what’s next. Their insights highlight the experiences that shaped their journey and future.

I chose Michigan Tech and the GMES department because of the campus, the research opportunities, and the strong alumni network.

Poorva Kadrolli

Discover how one Michigan Tech graduate leveraged international connections, hands-on fieldwork, and interdisciplinary learning to launch a career in natural hazards research. With skills in machine learning, project management, and collaboration with global agencies like INSIVUMEH, he is not just studying volcanoes—he is preparing to protect lives.

Gustavo in action, helping install a tiltmeter—an instrument that measures ground deformation—on the flanks of Volcán de Fuego in Guatemala. He was less than a mile from the crater, collecting real-time data from one of the most active volcanoes in the world! This unforgettable field experience happened in February 2025, and it’s just one example of the kind of hands-on, high-impact work you can do as a student here!

Here’s the lowdown from Gustavo Bejar-Lopez.

Q: What made you choose Michigan Tech and the GMES department?
A: I already knew about Michigan Tech during my undergraduate because a few of our professors back home in Ecuador (Yachay Tech) were Michigan Tech graduates. Eventually, when I was applying for grad school, I learned about research projects at GMES. One of these projects was the lahar project, led by Dr. Rudiger Escobar-Wolf, which involved extensive fieldwork —a task I had been eager to undertake.

Q: What was your favorite class or project in GMES?  
A: I liked the Social Dimensions of Natural Hazards class because when I took it, the class was comprised of students with very different backgrounds and experiences with natural hazards. It was enriching to learn about these different perspectives on things I had not experienced myself.

Q: What’s next for you after graduation? (Job, grad school, travel, etc.)
A: Currently applying for postdoctoral research and teaching positions mostly aligned with natural hazards or environmental seismology.

Q: How do you hope to make a difference in the world with your degree?
A: While my work was related to the technical aspect of detecting and modeling hazards, it has important implications for the lives of people who are exposed to or affected by these hazards every day. I plan to continue developing new tools and expanding my knowledge of these geologic processes, thereby diversifying my expertise to include other types of hazards, beyond the focus of my PhD, which is lahars.

Q: What unique opportunities did you find at Michigan Tech that you might not have found elsewhere?
A: I was able to work in collaboration with other agencies, mainly INSIVUMEH (the local geophysical monitoring agency in Guatemala). This close collaboration enabled me to gain a deeper understanding of the work conducted in volcano observatories and establish a network with local scientists in Guatemala. Additionally, I was able to attend an international conference and participate in field experiences thanks to the funds provided by scholarships and grants available at Michigan Tech, such as the GSG Professional Development Travel Grant.

Q: What skills did you gain in the program that you’re already using (or excited to use)?
A: Before my PhD, I had very little knowledge about programming, mainly limited to MATLAB. While at Tech, I learned to use Python and develop machine learning methods using that platform, as well as analyze time series and perform signal processing. I had the chance to get my own research grant and learned to manage my own project, which expanded on the work on lahars in Guatemala.

Q: What advice would you give to incoming GMES students?
A: Take notes of all the opportunities available for you as a grad student. There is always a grant or scholarship available for which you can apply to conduct fieldwork or attend a conference. If you’re unsure where to find them, ask the professors or department staff for assistance. That, and bring warm clothes.

Mining Engineering MS graduate Poorva Kadrolli ’22 reflects on what drew her to Michigan Tech, the skills she’s proud to carry forward, and her advice for those just starting out.

Q: What made you choose Michigan Tech and the GMES department?
A: The Campus, research background, and a strong Alumni base. The curriculum and staff are also very impactful in building a successful career.

Q: What was your favorite class or project in GMES?  
A: Python programming

“Access to a strong alumni base and library facilities.”

Poorva Kadrolli on unique opportunities found at MTU.

Q: What’s next for you after graduation? (Job, grad school, travel, etc.)
A: Currently working as a Mine Engineer in North America’s largest open pit mining operations.

Q: How do you hope to make a difference in the world with your degree?
A: We mine to make the world a better place for tomorrow.

Q: What unique opportunities did you find at Michigan Tech that you might not have found elsewhere?
A: Access to a strong alumni base and library facilities.

Q: What skills did you gain in the program that you’re already using (or excited to use)?
A: Confidence and self-independence are two crucial qualities that MTU taught me, in addition to my academic curriculum.

Q: What advice would you give to incoming GMES students?
A: Be brave to sustain in the cold and snowy weather.

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Alumni Interview: Luke Weidner, GMES Class of 2018

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Luke Weidner, B.S. Geological Engineering 2018
Hometown: Midland, Michigan

Luke Weidner graduated from Michigan Tech in the spring of 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in geological engineering and was only getting started. Read more about how Luke’s time as an undergraduate student at MTU helped pave the way for his future success and a doctoral degree from the Colorado School of Mines.

Luke Weidner standing outside wearing a hard hat
Luke Weidner

View Dr. Weidner’s publications.

Q: Why did you choose MTU?
A: I was quite excited about engineering in high school, but torn between environmental, geological, computer science, etc. MTU had all of the majors I was considering, so I enrolled in general engineering, which allowed me to explore multiple disciplines without fearing that it would set me back a year or force me to transfer somewhere else.

Q: What has your career path been like since you graduated?
A: I applied to grad schools in the summer before my final year. I also applied and got an internship at a mine in Nevada. I received a couple of grad school offers and took one at the Colorado School of Mines. After two years at Mines as a Master’s student, I enjoyed my research, so I switched to a PhD program. After finishing my PhD, I started at BGC Engineering as a consultant, where I’ve been for the past 3 years.

Q: How did your time at MTU prepare you for the industry/career?
A: A big reason I was a strong grad school candidate was due to the number of research opportunities I took advantage of at MTU. Being connected with professors in the GMES department and the GLRC gave me experience writing papers, creating presentations, and honing my research skills. I wouldn’t be where I am today without those experiences.

Q: What’s it like to return to the campus now? Have you noticed any changes?
A: I recently returned for the first time since graduating, and while it felt a bit strange in some ways with all the new buildings, new restaurants built and others gone, in other ways it felt like returning home. I definitely miss the beauty of the Keweenaw and wish I had excuses to come more often.

Q: What is your favorite activity to do when you return to campus?
A: Hike around on as many trails in the Keweenaw as I can (getting a burrito at Rodeo a close second)! Tech Trails, Hungarian Falls, Copper Harbor, etc.

Q: What advice would you give someone just starting at Tech as a Husky?
A: I feel that throughout my schooling, I worried too much about picking the perfect major, getting the ideal job right away, and having everything go perfectly, generally speaking. While I feel pretty lucky and have no regrets, I now see that there is more than one way to get where you want to be.

Q: What role did the community or extracurricular activities play in your overall experience?
A: One of my favorite experiences was with the Keweenaw Time Traveler, a project in the Social Sciences dept. With this, I was able to spend two whole summers at Tech, working with people of all ages and learning about the region’s history. Some of my best-lasting connections came from working on that project, and it all started when I introduced myself to a professor after a HASS class.

Q: Looking back, what opportunities do you wish you had taken advantage of during your time here?
A: Hindsight is 20/20, but I probably would have started at a club like badminton sooner and stuck with it. For example, I would have had more confidence in my musical ability and joined a jazz band.

Q: What networking opportunities did you take advantage of as a student?
A: While I usually attended the Career Fair, I spent more time and had more success getting to know faculty doing research I was interested in.


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GMES Legends: Randy Sandrik, PE (B.S. Mining Engineering ’72)

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Attracted by Michigan Tech’s strong reputation, this alumni advanced from a coal mine laborer to International VP of Operations, followed by consulting. MTU’s practical and theoretical mining education prepared him well. Randy Sandrik graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mining engineering in 1972.  Read on to discover more about Randy’s insights on Tech and his advice for Huskies.

Randy is originally from La Grange, Illinois.

Q: Why did you choose MTU?
A: MTU’s reputation as an excellent university made it a no-brainer. 

Q: What has your career path been like since you graduated?
A: I advanced from a UMWA laborer in a West Virginia coal mine to International VP of Operations. I then did some consulting after retirement.

Q: How did your time at MTU prepare you for your industry/career?
A: A great combination of practical and common-sense mining, with expert theory and demonstration, prepared me.

Q: What’s it like to return to the campus now? Have you noticed any changes?
A: The culture has remained the same since the 1970’s.

Q: What is the most impactful memory of your time here?
A: The staff: W. Been (department head), K. Spiroff (geology), Margeret Sullivan (mining dept secretary), Jean Kemp (museum)

Q: What is your favorite activity when you return to campus?
A: When I return to the campus, I love driving to Copper Harbor and visiting the tourist mines.

Q: What advice would you give someone starting at Tech as a Husky?
A: I would encourage every Husky to explore the Copper Country.

Q: What role did the community or extracurricular activities play in your overall experience?
A: The community and extracurricular activities were significant in my overall experience.

Q: Looking back, what opportunities do you wish you had taken advantage of here?
A: I wish I had spent more time at the mines before shutting down.

Q: What networking opportunities did you take advantage of as a student?
A: As a student, I took advantage of networking opportunities through parents of mining students who worked in the mining industry.

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: Presenting ideas to others.

Q: Any comments?
A: The current approach to working with undergrads in mining at MTU is excellent.

Q: Did you have on-campus employment while a student? If yes, what did you do?
A: While enrolled at MTU, I assisted in the Geology and Mining Department as a student worker.

Learn from this legend: “One of the great aspects of the mineral business is the depth and breadth of opportunities.” – Randy Sandrik.

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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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GMES Alumni Spotlight with Walter Rathbun, BS Geological Engineering ’08

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GMES Alumni Spotlight Q&A: 

Walter Rathbun, B.S. Geological Engineering 2008
Hometown: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Dad to Paxton (10) and Twyla (6)

Walt and his kids are sitting on rocks in the sand.
Walt and his kids are camping on the west coast of Vancouver Island in 2022.

Walt Rathbun, P.Eng. (BC), graduated from Michigan Technological University in 2008 with a B.S. degree in geological engineering, following a family legacy of connection to Michigan Tech. His career has spanned internships at Cleveland Cliffs and Rio Tinto, roles in mining consulting focused on large-scale earth structures, and his current work in land development with Lewkowich Engineering Associates on Vancouver Island. MTU’s rigorous, hands-on education prepared him for industry challenges, particularly seismic engineering and geotechnical assessments. Walt fondly recalls the vibrant campus community and the invigorating walks through snowy Houghton, where he dreamed of his future. Of all his accomplishments, being a dad to Paxton and Twyla is likely the one he cherishes most.

Q: Why did you choose MTU?

A: My parents met at MTU, and Houghton was always a special place for my family growing up. When deciding on a university, MTU felt most like home, and my brother and sister felt the same.

Q: What has your career path been like since you graduated?

A: My career started with internships with Cleveland Cliffs Michigan Operations and Rio Tinto’s Bingham Canyon in Salt Lake City.  I followed that up with a job working for a boutique mining consulting firm working on the design and operational support for pit walls, waste dumps, and tailings storage facilities in Northern Alberta and Northeastern BC, where I had the privilege of working with some of the brightest engineers and geoscientists in western Canada.  I worked on the design of Canada’s 3rd largest earthen dam (at that time) for Shell Canada Energy, with the firm after my departure eventually being bought out by Stantec.  From mining, I transitioned to working in land development on Vancouver Island.  I work for Lewkowich Engineering Associates, based in Nanaimo, BC, on Vancouver Island.  I work on assessments to prepare land for new homes, roads, bridges, subdivisions, and small dams.  That usually involves some combination of slope stability assessments, liquefaction assessments, retaining wall design, and ocean flooding assessments.

Walt stands at Tilden Mine wearing a hardhat and seismic equipment, with a rugged landscape in the background.
Walt at Tilden Mine, circa 2007.

Q: How did your time at MTU prepare you for your industry/career?

A: MTU is a genuinely unique engineering institution, finely tuned to all types of learning and personal growth, in relative isolation, next to moody Lake Superior in one of the most remote areas of the lower 48.  The learnings most applicable to the industry were my field geology and field geophysics courses.  All the academics and theory you can flex with mean nothing if you don’t know how to apply it. More importantly, you should be able to communicate your findings clearly and concisely when left to your own devices (or a Brunton compass). You have to be a little crazy, but the good kind of crazy, to want to go to MTU. MTU’s close ties to North America’s mining and cultural history partially led to my hiring at the mining consulting firm— the person who hired me told me he had admired fellow MTU alums at a past job.  I continue to be amazed in my career, once you graduate, you will find, even across the continent, MTU’s reputation precedes itself.  And if they haven’t heard of MTU, I can only assume it sounds like MIT to some.  

Q: What’s it like to return to the campus now? Have you noticed any changes?

A: My parents are now retired, live in Houghton, and are active in the community.  They keep me updated on changes for the most part, but I’m still surprised every time I’m back by how many changes there are.  The hockey team has seen a lot of success from where the team was during my time as a student, which is exciting to see.  I’m also a big fan of the rock garden outside Dillman. I miss the EERC tree only a little bit, but I also love the new Husky statue.

Q: What is the most impactful memory of your time here?

A: It’s hard to pick just one.  What I cherish the most are my memories of walking home from campus, biting cold air and fresh snow crunching under my feet, my mind exhausted and stressed about an exam/project but churning with new learnings after late nights in the computer lab.  MTU is a place where I felt most alive with the possibilities of just what my education meant and where it might lead me, which was where my mind was often on those cold walks.  What resulted when I left was beyond my wildest imaginings.  

Walt stands in the back row of a group photo featuring the shovel dipper interns at Kennecott Utah Copper, surrounded by his colleagues and set against an industrial backdrop.
Walt is in the back row in the shovel dipper interns’ picture at Kennecott Utah Copper, where he interned in the summer of 2008.

Q: What is your favorite activity when you return to campus?

A: In the summer months, soaking up whatever beach time I can get.  The Great Lakes are second to none on this planet and should be cherished.

Q: What advice would you give someone just starting at Tech as a Husky?

A: Turn your life into an experiment.  You’ll be surprised what you can do when you challenge yourself and dare to dream big!

Q: What role did the community or extracurricular activities play in your overall experience?

A: I was active in the geology club, water polo club, and Nordic skiing at MTU. The strong sense of community is part of what makes MTU so unique, and as a student, the intensity of MTU’s rigorous academics is best balanced with as much fun and active play as you can reasonably cram into your free time.  

Q: Looking back, what opportunities do you wish you had taken advantage of here?

A: I Nordic-skied extensively on the tech trails during my last two years at MTU, but I wish I had taken more time to enjoy those facilities throughout my time there. We have reasonably wet, heavy snow in the Pacific Northwest. I miss both the perfect snow conditions and the world-class trails at Tech.

Walt is standing outdoors, focused as he downloads data from a small device attached to his headlamp, illuminated by soft light in the background.
Walt is downloading data from an underground drainage gallery with vertically drilled pressure sensors attached to data loggers at Kennecott Utah Copper.

Q: What networking opportunities did you take advantage of as a student?

A: I always attended the career fair, even just to practice with a mock interview. I also had the opportunity to fly to the SEG conference in New Orleans one year and the SME conference in Salt Lake City. At the SME conference, an employee of the eventual firm I worked for in Vancouver pointed out that the Denver office manager was an MTU Alum.

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: My seismic design skillset.  My first introduction to seismic engineering was more straight to the source, I think, compared to most engineers, with Plate Tectonics and Global Geophysics with Dr. Diehl, rock mechanics with Dr. Gregg, and Dr. Waite’s Volcano Seismology courses serving as my introductions to stress/strain tensors. However, I first learned some of the methods we now use when working on the surface in mining in Northern Alberta and Northeast BC.  One doesn’t think of these areas traditionally as seismically active, but when dealing with earth structures of that size and the potential life-safety/environmental consequences of a failure, a tiny burp of an earthquake (or even no earthquake at all, as seen with recent tailings dam disasters) can have disastrous consequences.  It is paramount to understand the stress regime and how realistically that could change on a given site when subjected to strain, whether soil or rock.  

Q: Did you have on-campus employment while a student? If yes, what did you do?

A: I was all over the place.  I worked for a bit at the campus cafe in Wads.  I also worked in the paleomagnetism lab, baking cores and making magnetic hysteresis plots for Dr. Jimmy Diehl and, for a short time, taking much smaller rock fragments for testing with Dr. Aleksey Smirnov.   I was also active as a lifeguard, teaching swim lessons and volunteering to referee intramural water polo.

Q: Any other comments?A: Lets go, yous Huskies! (Imagine the Yooper accent!)

Walt and his kids are camping on the west coast of Vancouver Island in 2022, gathered around their campsite with a scenic coastal backdrop of trees and ocean.
Walt and his kids are camping on the west coast of Vancouver Island in 2022.
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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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