Tag: volcano

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. 


GMES Students Wow Houghton Elementary

We are delighted to recount the recent visit of two Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences (GMES) students to Houghton Elementary School, where the Rock Your School event sparked geologic wonder. Jhuleyssey Sanchez Aguila, an MS student in geological engineering, and applied geophysics undergrad student Brendan Harville took center stage as they masterfully conducted a captivating presentation on volcanic hazards, capturing the imaginations of the bright minds in the third, fourth, and fifth grades.

It was an immensely gratifying experience for all involved as the students exhibited an insatiable curiosity, inspiring questions that underscored their genuine interest in the particularities of geological science. The eagerness displayed by the young learners further reinforced the value of fostering scientific curiosity at an early age. This collaborative effort between our university and the elementary school enriched the children’s educational experience. It exemplified the profound impact that dedicated mentorship and knowledge-sharing can have on the budding scientists of tomorrow. TV6 gives a nod to Michigan Tech in the concluding comments of their news segment.

A special thank you to Jhuleyssey and Brendan!

Houghton Elementary School Principal Cole Klein introduces Jhuleyssy and Brendan to a group of 3rd, 4th, & 5th graders.
PC: Jennifer D’Luge

Dean’s Award for Outstanding Scholarship Awarded to Emmeline Wolowiec

Emmeline Wolowiec Emmeline, pictured with Turrialba Volcano in Costa Rica, thinks that her travel to Costa Rica and Switzerland for research has been a highlight of her time at Michigan Tech.

Emmeline Wolowiec, MS geology student, is recognized for her academic accomplishments, receiving the Dean’s Award for Outstanding Scholarship in the Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences Department. A certificate of recognition for this award will be presented to Emmeline at the Graduate Research Colloquium Banquet held this spring. 

Emmeline, advised by  Dr. Chad Deering, is working to look at the generation of high silica magmas in Costa Rica. They’re looking at the connection between plutonic and volcanic rocks to see what that can tell about where in the crust the volcanic rocks formed in relation to the plutonic rocks and what the possible magma chamber structure looked like. Hopefully, this will give insight into how the volcanic rocks formed, whether through fractional crystallization, magma mixing, or other processes.

MTU Geology Major Assists in Tracking Uplift at the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory in Oregon

The area around Three Sisters volcanoes in Oregon is moving, and geology MS student, and NAGT/USGS intern Natalea Cohen, demonstrates the portable GPS monitoring equipment used to track it. Uplift, a subtle rise in the ground’s surface, is monitored by the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory. Could magma underground be to blame? See how radar satellite data and GPS equipment come together to get scientists one step closer to knowing the truth: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QfARy8zPEk

Nat Cohen Volcano Picture
Natalea Cohen, pictured, received the 2021 NAGT/USGS Cooperative Summer Field Training Internship before joining MTU.