Geological and Mining Engineering and Science News

Tag: mining engineering

Congratulations Graduates!

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

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(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…

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Dr. Yanrui (Daisy) Ning Joins the GMES Faculty

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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.

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

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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.


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Lucas Maxon Awarded Prestigious Copper Club Scholarship for 2025–26

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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!

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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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Celebrating the 2025 WAAIME SME Scholarship Recipients

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We are proud to congratulate this year’s GMES recipients of the WAAIME SME scholarships! All of these Michigan Tech grad students in mining engineering, Brighton Muwi, Daniel Muchabaiwa, Kudakwashe Mutanga, Mirza Ubed Baig, and geology student Ben Mperekwa, received awards. These outstanding students have demonstrated exceptional dedication to their academic and professional journeys in the fields of mining, metallurgy, geology, and related disciplines.

The WAAIME scholarship is awarded annually to students who exhibit academic excellence, leadership potential, and a passion for advancing the future of the mining and minerals industry. This prestigious award supports their educational pursuits and recognizes their contributions to shaping the future of mining and earth sciences.

Championing Academic Excellence and Innovation
Each recipient is committed to academic excellence and a drive to innovate and contribute to the fields of mining and geology. Through their hard work, these students represent the next generation of industry leaders who will tackle challenges, drive sustainable practices, and lead advancements in the mining and mineral exploration industries.

Empowering Tomorrow’s Industry Leaders
Receiving the WAAIME SME scholarship is a testament to the recipients’ dedication and potential. This support allows them to further their education, pursue internship opportunities, and engage with industry professionals who will mentor them throughout their careers.

We celebrate each recipient’s hard work and the bright future they represent. Congratulations again to all the WAAIME SME scholarship winners – your achievements inspire us all and pave the way for a stronger, more innovative future in mining and geological sciences.

Stay tuned for more updates and stories from our incredible students as they continue to achieve and impact the world of earth sciences!

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Brighton Muwi’s Commitment to Mining Innovation Earns WAAIME Scholarship

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Dressed to impress in his profile photo on LinkedIn

Congratulations to Brighton Muwi, a master’s student in Mining Engineering, who has been awarded a $3,000 WAAIME Scholarship! Brighton works with Dr. Xiang Li on exploring the joint effects of blasting and rainfall infiltration on slope stability.

Originally from Nyanga, Zimbabwe, Brighton earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Zimbabwe before pursuing a master’s degree in mining engineering at Michigan Technological University (MTU).

Professionally, Brighton has accumulated experience in the mining sector, having worked as a graduate mining intern at Eldorado Gold Mine from August 2022 to November 2023. There, he was involved in key projects and day-to-day operations, gaining firsthand experience in mining engineering and environmental compliance. Prior to that, he undertook internships at Bulawayo Mining Company —How Mine and Eldorado Gold Mine. Earlier in his career, he served as a high school teacher at Champion College in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Brighton’s interests include integrating data analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence into mining operations to improve sustainability.

Brighton’s involvement extends beyond his professional life. He actively contributes to community efforts. He is a member of the Black Students Association at MTU, an organization that works to build unity among Black students, provide support, and promote diversity, inclusion, and cultural awareness at the university.

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From Tech to the Mines: How MTU Paved the Way for a Career in Mining

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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