Tag: research

Helen Foldenauer Recognized as Outstanding Teaching Assistant for Mineral Science

Michigan Technological University’s Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences (GMES) is proud to recognize Helen Foldenauer, a 1st year MS Geology graduate student, as this year’s recipient of the Outstanding Teaching Assistant award for her exceptional work in the Mineral Science course.

Helen demonstrated a deep commitment to student learning. Her expertise in mineralogy, petrology, and geochemistry has been instrumental in guiding undergraduate students through the complexities of mineral identification, classification, and analysis.

Helen provided this image, in which she functions as a scale bar.

A Strong Foundation in Geology

Before joining Michigan Tech, Foldenauer earned a Bachelor of Science in Earth and Environmental Science from the University of Michigan, where she also minored in chemistry. She later completed a Geographic Information Sciences (GIS) certificate at Western Michigan University, gaining expertise in geospatial analysis that complements her geological research interests. Her academic achievements include University Honors, the James B. Angell Scholar Award, and a nomination for the Feinberg Writing Award—all testaments to her dedication to excellence.

Foldenauer’s research interests center on solid Earth geochemistry, geochronology, igneous activity and monitoring, and natural hazards. Her passion for geoscience education has translated directly into her work as a teaching assistant, where she has been praised for her ability to clearly explain complex mineral science concepts and engage students in hands-on learning.

From Field to Lab: Applying Expertise in Mineral Science

With prior experience as a field and laboratory technician at the Kellogg Biological Station, Foldenauer has developed strong analytical skills, including petrographic microscopy, elemental analysis, and standardized lab protocols. Her background in both fieldwork and laboratory research has made her an invaluable resource in the Mineral Science course, where she has helped students connect theoretical knowledge with real-world geological applications.

Look closely, and you’ll spot Helen once again serving as a scale bar.

Foldenauer’s ability to mentor students, her enthusiasm for teaching, and her dedication to fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment set her apart as an exemplary TA. Faculty and students alike recognize her patience, clarity in instruction, and hands-on approach as key factors in enhancing the classroom experience.

A Passion for Teaching

As she continues her graduate studies at Michigan Tech, Foldenauer remains committed to scientific research and student mentorship. Her future goals include furthering her work in mineral chemistry and geochemistry, with aspirations to contribute to geoscience education and field-based research. Helen says, “One of the things I enjoyed most about TAing mineralogy was seeing the students work together to build a solid understanding of the material and how it connected to larger concepts in geology. When I was offered the TA position, I was excited to have the opportunity to lead a classroom and determine if teaching was a career in which I had any potential.

Congratulations to Helen Foldenauer on this well-deserved recognition! Her dedication to mineral science education and student success truly exemplifies the excellence of Michigan Tech’s GMES department.

Gustavo Bejar-Lopez Honored as Outstanding Scholarship Recipient

Gustavo back on Fuego and Acatenango Volcanoes for another round of monitoring equipment deployment in February 2025.

The Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences (GMES) proudly recognizes Ph.D. candidate Gustavo Bejar-Lopez as an Outstanding Department Scholar for his exceptional contributions to volcanology and natural hazard research.

Bejar-Lopez’s passion for volcanoes began in his childhood in Ecuador, where he witnessed the eruptions of Tungurahua Volcano. That early fascination grew into a career dedicated to better understanding volcanic hazards. As a Ph.D. student at Michigan Tech, he has played a pivotal role in advancing lahar early detection systems through his research on Volcán de Fuego in Guatemala. His work integrates seismology, machine learning, and geostatistics to enhance hazard assessments, focusing on using machine learning techniques for lahar forecasting.

Beyond research, Bejar-Lopez is committed to mentorship. He has strengthened Michigan Tech’s collaborative ties with his undergraduate alma mater, Yachay Tech University, by involving students in field research. In 2023, he secured a National Geographic Explorer Grant, which allowed him to expand research efforts and provide hands-on training opportunities for students from both institutions.

GMES faculty have praised Bejar-Lopez for his leadership, problem-solving skills, and dedication to scientific collaboration. Bejar-Lopez says, “The most fulfilling part of my PhD has been learning from our collaborators, everyone from the scientists at INSIVUMEH, to the people in the communities like the observers who are truly the experts of Fuego. Their knowledge didn’t only benefit scientific advancement in my work. It did also put into perspective the importance of working together to relieve some of the struggles people vulnerable to hazards live with.” His efforts in geophysical monitoring, combined with his role as a mentor, exemplify the values of Michigan Tech’s research community.

Congratulations to Gustavo Bejar-Lopez on this well-earned recognition!

Geophysics in Action: Katie Bristol’s Alumni Journey

Meet Katie Bristol, an innovative mind in geophysics who began her journey at Michigan Tech, earning a BS and MS before pursuing a PhD and conducting fieldwork in India and Montana. Now a postdoctoral researcher at Purdue, Katie reflects on her time as a Husky, shares career insights, and offers advice for the next generation of MTU students. Read on to explore the Q&A session with Katie.

Katie observed the active Whakaari / White Island volcano crater in New Zealand.

Katie Bristol, BS Applied Geophysics ‘18, MS Geophysics ’20, Michigan Tech University
Advised by: Aleksey Smirnov

Ph.D. Geophysics, University of Florida, 2024

Katie’s publications.

Q: Why did you choose MTU?
A: I came to MTU as a high school student attending Summer Youth Programs and absolutely fell in love with the area. I felt like I had left a piece of my heart in the Keweenaw and knew I had to go back! 

Q: What has your career path been like since you graduated?
A: After getting my BS and MS at MTU, I received my PhD from the University of Florida. During my PhD, I got to do fieldwork in India, and I even got to help excavate dinosaur bones in Montana! Because my Summer Youth Programs (SYP) experience impacted me both as an attendee and an instructor, I have continued to work in outreach in Florida. I help run outreach events at the Florida Museum of Natural History and am a Visiting Scientist for Scientists in Every Florida School. After PhD, I received a job offer at Purdue University, where I will be working as a postdoctoral researcher starting in January 2025.

Q: How did your time at MTU prepare you for your career?
A: My coursework and research experience at MTU gave me the skills to be a critical thinker and a problem solver, which employers highly value.

Excavation of a Triceratops in Montana, USA.

Q: What’s it like to return to the campus now? Have you noticed any changes?
A: While the campus has changed slightly with the new Health STEM building, it still feels like a home away from home. I love to stop in, say hi to Brittany, and chat with professors – sometimes, we even catch up at the KBC!

Drilling paleomagnetic cores in the Deccan Traps of Maharashtra, India.

Q: What is the most impactful memory of your time here?
A: Getting to do fieldwork in areas ranging from the Precambrian midcontinent rift (in MTU’s backyard) to active volcanoes and glaciers (field camp through Frontiers Abroad).

Q: What is your favorite activity when you return to campus?
A: I love getting coffee from KCW, hiking waterfalls, and searching for beach agates!

Q: What advice would you give someone starting at Tech as a Husky?
A: Get involved with undergraduate research, explore the Keweenaw, and attend office hours!

Mapping geomorphologic features in Castle Hill, New Zealand (where Narnia was filmed!).

Q: What role did the community or extracurricular activities play in your overall experience?
A: The close-knit MTU community and surrounding area are truly unmatched. At MTU, you’re not just a number – everyone knows each other and looks out for one another.

Q: Did you have on-campus employment while a student? If yes, what did you do?
A: I worked as a research assistant in the MTU Paleomagnetism Laboratory with Dr. Aleksey Smirnov. During this time, I did fieldwork, sample preparation, and measurements in the lab, which prepared me for graduate school and my career in research.

Kayaking to islands in Lake Superior to search for Precambrian dikes to sample for paleointensity study.

Dr. Radwin Askari: Pioneering Geophysics Research and Education at Michigan Tech

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

Michigan Tech’s GMES Department Receives State-of-the-Art Software from PE Limited

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

Michigan Technological University’s Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences (GMES) has received a generous donation from PE Limited, a global leader in petroleum engineering software. The $2,764,444.11 contribution consists of ten licenses for the state-of-the-art MOVE suite. This innovative software will be critical in advancing education and academic research by enabling cutting-edge structural modeling and minimizing risk in geological models.

GMES will install the MOVE software in a computer lab and integrate it into the curriculum, transforming structural geology education for undergraduate and graduate students. Courses like GE3050 Structural Geology, a requirement for GMES undergraduates, and graduate-level classes will leverage this powerful tool to enhance learning outcomes. Furthermore, MOVE will play a vital role in academic, non-commercial research on tectonics and structural geology, including mapping Michigan’s iconic Keweenaw Fault and other complex systems in the Upper Peninsula.

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

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

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

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

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.

Ask and Answer with GMES Student Sananda Ray, Ph.D. Geophysics, 2025

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.

GMES Student Spotlight Q&A: Aimee Zimmerman, PhD Geophysics 2027

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. 


Dr. Xiang Li, an incoming Assistant Professor of GMES, publishes his research on predicting landslides

Xiang Li

Dr. Xiang Li, who will join GMES as an assistant professor of geological engineering in August, has published a paper as the lead author in the prestigious journal Geophysical Research Letters. Dr. Li is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the University of California, Los Angeles.

The paper, titled “Exploring the Behaviors of Initiated Progressive Failure and Slow-Moving Landslides in Los Angeles Using Satellite InSAR and Pixel Offset Tracking,” reveals that the Rolling Hills Estates landslide, which destroyed 12 homes in California on July 8, 2023, could have been predicted within a three-day time lag using Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) observation data. These findings provide strong evidence that satellite remote sensing data can significantly contribute to landslide early warning systems and help understand the impacts of climate change on landslide hazards.

Dr. Li’s publication was featured in the LA Times and Phys.org, underscoring the importance and relevance of his work.

This research illustrates how geological engineering can contribute to innovative solutions for predicting natural disasters and potentially saving lives.

Increasing red areas on a topographical map showing displacement in cm.
An animation depicting the land movement on Peartree Lane in Rolling Hills Estates before the July 2023 landslide (by Xiang Li).

Inspiring Stories: GMES Students Featured in Prestigious AIPG Magazine

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