Graduate School Newsblog

Category: News

Interesting stories about and for our students.

Doctoral Finishing Fellowship – Fall 2024 – Alexander Apostle

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Through billions of years of evolution, the chemical structure of biomolecules has become fine-tuned; they are radically fit for purpose. One of Life’s best kept secrets, that has interested me since my studies in my undergraduate degree (Genomics and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, 2019), is the chemical nature of DNA and RNA. After joining the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology PhD program (January 2020) – in the Department of Chemistry – at Michigan Technological University, I have been heavily involved in the use of organic synthetic chemistry to better understand the chemistry of DNA/RNA. I currently work on improving the chemical synthesis of DNA/RNA, whereby we make them readily available to medical and R&D applications. As I work on DNA/RNA chemical synthesis, I undoubtedly gain insight into the biochemical process of their synthesis in life. Nucleic acids will forever amaze me, as they can function both as catalytic structures and high information storage systems. With the help of organic synthesis, our knowledge in biology can greatly be expanded, and the door to Life’s deepest secret close to being unlocked.

It is with sincere gratitude that I thank the Graduate Dean Awards Advisory Panel, and those whose donations make this fellowship possible, for recommending and funding my awarding of this finishing fellowship. In addition, I am thankful for my advisors (Dr. Shiyue Fang and Dr. Yinan Yuan) for their deep wells of knowledge that I endlessly tapped in the pursuit of my research. Finally, I must thank my committee members (Dr. Tarun Dam, Dr. Marina Tanasova, and Dr. Mark Tang) as well as the Department of Chemistry (Current and past chairs: Dr. Athar Ata, Dr. Sarah Green, and Dr. John Jaszczak), for their advice and support through this journey.

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Doctoral Finishing Fellowship – Fall 2024 – Madhureeta Das

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I am deeply grateful and honored to receive the Finishing Fellowship Award from the Graduate School and the Graduate Dean’s Advisory Panel. I would also like to extend my appreciation to the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering for their unwavering support throughout my doctoral studies.


My journey at Michigan Tech began in 2020 as a Ph.D. candidate. I had the privilege of joining Dr. Zhang’s lab in the summer of 2021. I am deeply thankful to Dr. Zhang, whose guidance and mentorship have been invaluable in shaping my academic journey and honing my critical thinking abilities. When Dr. Zhang moved to another university, I transitioned to Dr. Yang’s lab for my final project. I am also thankful to Dr. Yang for his support and guidance in completing my Ph.D. studies. Additionally, I would like to thank my research lab colleagues for their support and friendship.


My research aims to explore the evolving landscape of machine learning and artificial intelligence, focusing on areas such as domain adaptation, tiny machine learning, and model stealing. By addressing key performance, scalability, and security challenges, my work contributes to developing robust, efficient, and secure AI systems that can be applied across a wide range of applications.


In addition to my research, I have contributed as a graduate teaching assistant in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department. I had the opportunity to work with Dr. Archer and Dr. Bergstrom to assist with lab courses, and I am grateful to them for their immense support in understanding the overall curriculum. I am grateful for the support and opportunities provided by Michigan Tech that have allowed me to explore my interests in the research field.

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King-Chávez-Parks Future Faculty Fellowship – Fall 2024 – Gabriel Ahrendt

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Having nearly completed two years of service as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Liberia, West Africa, I spent one sweltering afternoon in Spring of 2019 looking forward to what came next for me. Prior to service I had completed my bachelor’s degree in geology at the University of South Florida, researching igneous and metamorphic geochemistry of the smoky mountains. I knew two things about what I wanted from the next chapter of my life that afternoon: I wanted a change of climate and a chance to study unique and fascinating geology.


Fast forward to now, where I am working on my Ph.D. in geophysics, studying rock magnetism and paleomagnetism. I have gotten to know the Precambrian geology of the Keweeenaw intimately through researching the history of intrusive igneous dikes that criss-cross the landscape from Marquette to Copper Harbor, and from researching the depositional environments that created some of the largest iron formations in the world down near Iron Mountain. I’ve even been able to go beyond the Keweenaw and study magnetic alloys in meteorites, using the most powerful microscopy methods known to look at how these unique metals form in space and are deformed by entering the Earth’s atmosphere. I am indebted to the Geological and Engineering Mining Sciences department for the opportunity to research and study these topics. I am especially grateful to my advisor Dr. Aleksey Smirnov and my committee members Dr. James Degraff and Dr. Gregory Waite for providing me with guidance and sharing in their knowledge. I hope to repay the debt by teaching a new generation about the dynamic land they stand on.


During my time at Tech, I have also been fortunate enough to continue my engagement in climate science and education, something I have been pursuing since I was a teenager making oyster matts to combat eutrophication in Florida’s Indian River Lagoon. Thanks to the gracious support and guidance of Dr. Sarah Green from the department of chemistry and Dr. Leah Dundon from the Vanderbilt University School of Engineering, I have been able to help teach a multi-university class on climate science and policy as well as participate in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s Conference of the Parties. I look forward to engaging with the climate policy and science network I have built up in my future career as an educator, my way of helping to sustain all Earth sciences for generations to come.

Sponsored by the King-Chavez-Parks Future Faculty Fellowship from the State of Michigan.

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Doctoral Finishing Fellowship – Fall 2024 – Bryant Goodenough

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Originally from Maine, my fascination with the automotive industry led me to explore schools in the Midwest. Michigan Tech stood out due to its automotive focus and the abundance of outdoor activities in the local area. After graduating from the University of Maine in 2020, I was fortunate to join a Department of Energy-funded project at Michigan Tech to pursue a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering.

At the Advanced Power Systems Research Center (APSRC), my research has centered on the modeling, simulation, and analysis of a heavy-duty off-road material handler, with a project goal to reduce fuel consumption by 20%. I developed a high-fidelity model of the propulsion and hydraulic systems, analyzed fuel-saving options, and identified electrified powertrain configurations that maximize fuel efficiency while maintaining performance. Additionally, my research has investigated advanced control methods to achieve further fuel savings, including artificial intelligence and optimization techniques.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my research has been witnessing the significant impact of these fuel-saving technologies on the heavy-duty off-road industry. This sector, often overshadowed by light-duty vehicle research, offers opportunities for substantial carbon dioxide reductions through relatively minor changes. Our team is currently nearing completion of a machine build for a plug-in series hybrid expected to achieve about 40% fuel savings compared to the baseline machine, showcasing the profound potential of this work in reducing emissions.

I am deeply grateful to the Graduate Dean Awards Advisory Panel and the dean for selecting me as a fellowship recipient. My sincere thanks also go to my co-advisors, Dr. Darrell Robinette and Dr. Jeremy Worm, whose unwavering support and guidance over the last four years have been invaluable. This achievement would not have been possible without their mentorship.

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Finishing Fellowship – Fall 2024 – Samuel Hervey

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I joined Michigan Tech as a PhD student during the winter of 2020 working with my advisor, Dr. Kristin Brzeski, and the National Park Service to track wolves and monitor their genetic health through the use of molecular tools. I was immediately drawn to this project as my research interests surround the use of molecular tools and application of evolutionary theory to make informed wildlife management decisions.


My dissertation utilizes a variety of molecular tools to understand the health of a recently introduced population of wolves on Isle Royale National Park and wolves in the western Great Lakes Region. To accomplish this, I optimized a set of molecular markers that will help track the number of wolves occupying Isle Royale as well as the level of inbreeding within the population. With this information we can better understand the health of the wolf population through time and if interventions may be necessary. Further, through work focused on the Great Lakes Region, we have found the most recently recolonized wolf populations (Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan) have the poorest genetic health, emphasizing the importance of maintaining wolf migration between states to alleviate these effects.


Since I first arrived at Michigan Tech, I have had the opportunity to learn many new skill sets ranging from technical molecular methods to communicating scientific information to broad audiences. I cannot thank my advisor, my committee, fellow graduate students, and staff for their guidance, help, and training throughout my PhD journey. Last, I would like to thank the Graduate Dean Awards Advisory Panel for awarding me the finishing fellowship.

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King-Chávez-Parks Future Faculty Fellowship – Fall 2024 – Alan Larson

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First, I would like to thank the KCP reviewers for selecting me as a recipient of the KCP Future Faculty Fellowship, for allowing me to pursue my own education with the goal of teaching others in the future. I would also like to thank my advisor, Dr. Pati, my family, as well as the rest of the Physics department for always having my back.

The research that I am interested in is observing emergent magnetic phenomena occurring from defects within graphite. More specifically, I am using Density Functional Theory to calculate the charge density and converged wave vectors of graphite crystals with small defects. Using that information, I am able to build an electronic band structure of the defected crystal to observe the properties that emerge. Applying twists to single layer graphene and stacking them has shown interesting properties, such as Quantum Spin Hall Effect and superconductivity. Hopefully we can find new materials to base computers on spintronics instead of electronics which will increase their efficiency by a large amount.

My favorite part is that sometimes the calculations take awhile to finish, so during that time I’m able to walk through campus while giving local chipmunks the spare peanuts I have.

My interest in mathematics and physics started in the third grade, by the eighth grade I was already teaching my classmates the Algebra lessons for the day. In high school the guidance counselors reached out so I could tutor struggling classmates and friends with their mathematics homework. Upon graduating with a double major in Physics and Applied Mathematics, I was able to teach once again for a year! Since then I knew I wanted to become a physics professor, to continue my research, and help others along the same path.

Sponsored by the King-Chavez-Parks Future Faculty Fellowship from the State of Michigan.

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King-Chávez-Parks Future Faculty Fellowship – Fall 2024 – Bianca Mercado Velez

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My passion for STEM, health-related research, and advice from various mentors has driven my journey as a first-generation Latina student from Puerto Rico. After graduating from high school in Puerto Rico, I moved to Florida to attend Valencia Community College, where I earned my associate in arts before transferring to the University of Central Florida to pursue a dual bachelor’s in biomedical sciences and biotechnology. The invaluable mentorship from my professors, Dr. Dheeraj Verma and Dr. J. Marla Toyne opened up opportunities for me to participate in interdisciplinary research projects in biology and anthropology, health-related internships, and leadership positions in student organizations like Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Multicultural Association for Pre-health Students (MAPS), and Scientista.

In the summer of 2019, thanks to the guidance of my aunt, Madeline Mercado Voelker, I had the opportunity to do a summer undergraduate research internship at the Heldt bioseparations lab at Michigan Technological University (MTU). My research project focused on virus purification with an aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) for vaccine production. This internship led to the opportunity to join Dr. Heldt’s lab as a PhD student at MTU in the Spring of 2022. Currently, I am a third-year Biology PhD candidate co-advised by Dr. Paul Goetsch (Biological Sciences) and Dr. Caryn Heldt (Chemical Engineering). My dissertation focuses on characterizing tumor-derived exosomes with atomic force microscopy for gene therapy and drug delivery. Since starting my Ph.D., I have taught and mentored middle and high school students in summer youth programs (SYP), helped promote and recruit undergraduate students for the Health Research Institute (HRI) summer research program and facilitated workshops for graduate students. These experiences and teaching conversational English classes to adults during undergrad have strengthened my commitment to an inclusive learning environment and mentoring future scientists as a research professor in postsecondary education.

I am deeply grateful to my co-advisers, Dr. Heldt and Dr. Goetsch, for their continuous support and motivation of my aspirations of pursuing a career in academia and for demonstrating to me the type of mentor I want to be to my future students. I thank my parents, sister, family, and friends from Puerto Rico and the United States for their unwavering support. I also thank the Graduate School, the Biological Science Department, and the state of Michigan for awarding me the King -Chavez- Parks (KCP) future faculty fellowship. The KCP fellowship represents a crucial step toward becoming a tenure-track professor, where I can continue to inspire and support students in pursuing their academic and career aspirations.

Sponsored by the King-Chavez-Parks Future Faculty Fellowship from the State of Michigan

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Degree Progress Checklist – a Michigan Tech App

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The Graduate School is pleased to announce a new Michigan Tech app, the Graduate Degree Progress Checklist.

The checklist contains a personalized list of all items students are required to complete for each graduate degree they are pursuing along with the date received. Please note that most forms are manually entered in banner, and may require up to five business days to show as received on the checklist.

The top of the list has overall requirements for students. Note that your list may not include all items, since coursework students are no longer required to complete Advanced RCR training.

The top of the Degree Progress Checklist indicating overall requirements for a graduate degree.
A screen shot of the top of the Degree Progress Checklist indicating overall requirements for a graduate degree.
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CGS/ProQuest Distinguished Dissertation Award – Summer 2024 – Betsy Lehman

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I have always been fascinated with psychology, particularly the way people think and make decisions. We make judgments about our experiences all the time – from everyday social interactions to big events on the news – so it’s an area that is relevant and potentially very impactful. As a lifelong Yooper, I feel lucky to have gotten an amazing education from the Applied Cognitive Science & Human Factors program. It has really highlighted the importance of both basic research and how to apply it effectively to real-world domains.

My dissertation research explored the ways in which people question their theories of events – particularly in ambiguous situations. I believe studying strategies used to question theories can lead to effective methods for changing them. As a social cognition researcher, I combine theoretical perspectives like motivated reasoning and sensemaking in analytical domains to understand how people form theories about events and what causes people to rethink them. I experimentally tested several strategies to promote questioning one’s theory. These strategies can then be used in domains like hiring to mitigate decision-making biases.

I’m very grateful to the Cognitive & Learning Sciences department and Michigan Tech nominating my dissertation for the CGS/ProQuest Distinguished Dissertation Award, it’s truly an honor. I want to give a heartfelt thank you to my advisor Dr. Beth Veinott for all of her support with my PhD – her enthusiastic and thorough guidance has been invaluable. Additionally, I thank everyone in the CLS department and the ADVANCE Initiative for their continued support.

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CGS/ProQuest Distinguished Dissertation Award – Summer 2024 – Xuewei Cao

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I am currently a Postdoctoral Research Scientist at Columbia University and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. I obtained my Ph.D. degree in the Department of Mathematical Sciences in Spring 2023. My advisor is professor Qiuying Sha. Prior to joining MTU, I obtained a Master’s degree in System Theory from the School of Systems Science at Beijing Normal University (2018) and a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics from the Department of Mathematical Sciences at Heilongjiang University (2015).

My research is in statistical genetics. I focus on the development of novel statistical methods and efficient bioinformatical tools to find genetic variants or genes related to complex diseases and traits. My thesis title is “Statistical methods for gene selection and genetic association studies”. One of my main projects in my thesis is incorporating the genotype and phenotype association network to simultaneously analyze multiple phenotypes and multiple genotypes and improve the power to identify genes that are associated with complex diseases by using the constructed network. I also work on serval collaborative interdisciplinary projects falling in statistical genetics, RNA sequencing data analyses, clinical statistical problems, etc.

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my advisors Professor Qiuying Sha and Professor Shuanglin Zhang for all of their valuable guidance and support through my PhD journey and beyond, and I am extremely grateful to the graduate program in Math Department for their constant help and generous support throughout my entire graduate school studies I also want to thanks to Dr. Kui Zhang, Dr. Weihua Zhou, and Dr. Hairong Wei for their endorsement and support with several professional projects in my thesis. Thank you all for your support and for endorsing this nomination.

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