The Michigan Technological University Student Chapter of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG) continued its strong year of achievement at the 63rd Annual AIPG National Conference in Duluth, Minnesota, with chapter members coming together to learn, network, and represent Michigan Tech’s geoscience community.
Among those attending was AIPG MTU Student Chapter President Sarah Woodworth, who presented her poster, Spatial Prioritization for Infrasound Monitoring in Indonesia. Her research grew out of a long-term class project for Dr. Trepal’s Advanced GIS course, and explored where additional infrasound monitoring infrastructure could have the greatest potential benefit in Indonesia.
Indonesia has more active volcanoes than any other nation and already has extensive seismic monitoring around many of them. Woodworth took a closer look at the role of infrasound monitoring in detecting and characterizing volcanic activity, examining whether existing stations were being used for early detection, where they were located, and whether Indonesia could benefit from additional monitoring infrastructure.
Using open-access global datasets, Woodworth developed a GIS-based weighted overlay analysis incorporating five thematic layers: volcanic hazard density, population exposure, existing monitoring coverage, terrain accessibility, and provincial socioeconomic capacity. These layers were combined to create an Infrasound Monitoring Benefit Index for Indonesia, identifying regions that could be prioritized for additional monitoring and providing a final map of the results.
After presenting her poster to conference attendees and fellow students, Woodworth was named runner-up in the undergraduate poster competition.
“Presenting my poster was an amazing experience for me to feel confident in my work and the challenging questions that came with it,” Woodworth reflected.
For the Michigan Tech AIPG team, the conference was also an opportunity to connect with geoscience professionals and students from across the country. These conversations provided valuable opportunities to exchange ideas, learn more about careers in the field, and build professional relationships that can extend well beyond the conference.
Woodworth emphasized, “Events like this are how young geologists like myself can build diverse and expansive networks in a space that aims to push the next generation of scientists to make their mark in the industry and academia spaces in the coming years.”
The conference was another highlight in a successful year for the Michigan Tech AIPG Student Chapter, which received the 2026 AIPG Excellence Award in May. Together, these accomplishments reflect the chapter’s continued commitment to professional development, student research, and connecting Michigan Tech students with the broader geoscience community!
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This summer, GMES team including, Dr. Leo Surovitskii, Dr. Elisa Piispa, Sam Jensen (MS Geophysics), Miah Mol (BS Geophysics), and Zoé Lacaze (University of Strasbourg), spent six weeks in northwestern Iceland as part of an NSF-funded paleomagnetic research project studying Earth’s magnetic field during the early history of Iceland.
Based in the remote Westfjords village of Drangsnes, the team spent much of their time hiking to lava flow outcrops, drilling core samples, and carefully cataloging each sample for analysis back in the lab. Field days often meant an hour-long drive to a site, roughly six hours of drilling and sample orientation, and then a trip home to rest and prepare for the next day.
For Sam and Miah, the fieldwork was challenging but incredibly rewarding. One of the biggest challenges was maintaining the stamina needed for day after day of demanding fieldwork, including hauling gallons of water up mountainsides to keep the water-cooled drill running.
“I thought I would grow tired of it by the end because of how hard it was, but I truly enjoyed it and could’ve kept going!” Miah said.
The experience also gave Miah a glimpse into a possible future as a geophysicist.
“Getting a taste of what my future career in academia could look like, fieldwork-wise, just made me want to work 10 times harder at my degree!”
For Sam, the trip was an unforgettable opportunity.
“I would say the fact I got to go on this journey is the most surprising part,” Sam said. “I am extraordinarily thankful for this life changing experience.”
Outside of the fieldwork, the team explored Iceland’s spectacular landscapes and wildlife, visited towns and historical sites, and connected with people from different countries and backgrounds. During their free time, Sam explored Reykjavík and the Westfjords, while Miah took a road trip around the entire country during the final week of the trip.
For both students, the friendships they formed were among the highlights of the trip.
“Meeting new people! The locals were all extremely kind,” Sam said. “It was enriching to meet people from starkly different backgrounds than my own.”
“I really enjoyed getting to become friends with people from different countries and backgrounds, and getting to become close with people I never would have met if it wasn’t for this trip!” Miah shared.
And their advice to future students considering a similar opportunity?
Sam said, “Be prepared to work a lot! But also be prepared to take time for yourself and enjoy your surroundings. It all went by so fast.”
Miah offered similar advice: “Take soooo many pictures because you will want to look back on them one day! Also enjoy every moment, even the hard ones, because the hard moments are where you will grow the most!”
From drilling lava flows on remote Icelandic mountainsides to uncovering clues about Earth’s magnetic field, the GMES team returned home with valuable research, new friendships, and memories that will last a lifetime.
(For more pictures and videos, check out our Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn channels!)
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A meaningful new addition has just been installed in Michigan Tech’s Keweenaw Boulder Garden.
The new signs celebrate the vision and legacy of Professor William “Bill” Rose (1944–2025), whose 41-year career in the Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences left a lasting impact on generations of students, colleagues, and geoscientists around the world.
Bill was a renowned volcanologist, teacher, mentor, and champion of Geoheritage and place-based learning. He understood that rocks are not just objects of study – they tell stories about Earth’s history, landscapes, people, and place. The Keweenaw Boulder Garden reflects this vision beautifully.
Created through Bill’s inspiration and dedication, the garden brings together remarkable stones from the region and turns them into an outdoor classroom, a quiet place for reflection, and a visible reminder of the deep geologic history of Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula.
I am grateful to everyone who helped make this tribute possible. It is wonderful to see Bill’s vision recognized in a way that will continue to educate and inspire our campus community and visitors for many years to come.
“Where Rocks Tell Stories” is a very fitting phrase for this special place – and for Bill’s lasting legacy.
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Congratulations to Dr. Radwin Askari on receiving the Springer Nature Editor of Distinction – Editorial Contribution Award 2026 for Acta Geophysica.
This recognition acknowledges editors who demonstrate careful and consistent attention to manuscript evaluation, thoughtful management of the peer-review process, and a sustained commitment to maintaining the quality and integrity of the scientific record.
Please join us in recognizing Professor Askari for this well-deserved distinction!
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Michigan Tech was well-represented at the 72nd annual meeting for the Institute on Lake Superior Geology (ILSG), held in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada, from May 20-23.
- Professor Emeritus Bill Rose (GMES) was posthumously honored with the 2026 Goldich Medal at this year’s meeting. Erika Vye (GLRC/GMES) prepared and delivered (virtually) the citation for this prestigious award.
- Research Professor Jim DeGraff (GMES/GLRC) presented an oral presentation titled “Digital Preservation and Enhanced Utility of Exploration Core Descriptions, Keweenaw Copper District, Michigan: Progress Toward a Map-based Web Portal”; co-authors include Lindsay Hiltunen (VPOL), Don Lafreniere (SS), Erika Vye, Ted Bornhorst (GMES), Bill Rose, Daniel Lizzadro-McPherson (GRF/GLRC) and Bob Cowling (VPOL).
- Geospatial Research Scientist Daniel Lizzadro-McPherson (GRF/GLRC) delivered an oral presentation titled “Interactive Geospatial Geoheritage: Efforts to Support Place-based Exploration and Digitally Preserve Keweenaw’s Geoheritage” with co-authors Jim DeGraff, Bill Rose and Erika Vye.
- Tech alum Abraham Stone ’24 (B.S. Ecology and Evolutionary Biology) of the Michigan Natural Features Inventory presented an oral presentation titled “Rocks and Roots: The Role of Geoheritage in Biodiversity Stewardship”; co-authors include Daniel Lizzadro-McPherson and Erika Vye (this work was funded by a 2025 Great Lakes Research Center Rapid Research Seedling grant).
The ILSG is a nonprofit professional society that provides a forum for promoting better understanding of the geology of the Lake Superior region. The major activity of the institute is an annual meeting with geological field trips and technical presentations. Next year’s meeting will be held in Baraboo, Wisconsin, from May 2-5, 2027.
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Michigan Tech Professor Emeritus Bill Rose (GMES) was posthumously honored with the 2026 Goldich Medal at the 72nd annual meeting for the Institute on Lake Superior Geology (ILSG), held in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada, from May 20-23.
The Goldich Medal is awarded annually to a geoscientist who has made particularly noteworthy and meritorious contributions to the understanding of Lake Superior geology. Erika Vye (GLRC/GMES) prepared the award citation, which she delivered virtually at the annual meeting.
Rose, former chair of the Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences, made a tremendous impact on volcanic hazards research and education during his 41-year faculty career at Tech. After retiring, his research focus shifted to geoscience education and outreach, and he played a vital and formative role in shaping the vision for geoheritage in the United States. He passed away in July 2025.
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The Michigan Technological University Student Chapter of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG) has received the 2026 AIPG Student Chapter Excellence Award.
This national recognition is especially meaningful given that AIPG has 58 student chapters nationwide. It reflects the Michigan Tech chapter’s strong student leadership, professional engagement, and continued commitment to building a vibrant geoscience community. The 2025–2026 chapter officers are Sarah Woodworth (Geology ’26), President; Sabrina Bielecki (Geology ’27), Vice President; Milena Sremba (Geology ’28), Treasurer; and Olivia Braun (Geology ’27), Secretary.
The chapter’s faculty sponsor is Dr. Chad Deering, Associate Professor in the Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences. The chapter sponsor is David Adler (Geology ’82), CPG Emeritus.
Chapter President Sarah Woodworth shared, “As president, this makes me extremely proud of our chapter and the work that has gone into it. A special thanks to our chapter advisor, Dr. Chad Deering, Dave Adler, and Helen Foldenauer (2025 President).”
The award continues a strong tradition of AIPG student chapter excellence at Michigan Tech. The chapter received the AIPG Student Chapter of the Year Award in 2020, 2021, and 2022, and was selected as the second-place Student Chapter of the Year in 2023.
Recent chapter activities have included participation in the AIPG 62nd National Conference, held in St. Louis, Missouri, in October 2025, where students had opportunities to connect with geoscience professionals, students, and stakeholders from a wide range of geology backgrounds.
Congratulations to the Michigan Tech AIPG Student Chapter on this well-deserved recognition. The Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences is proud of your continued success.
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The Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences Department hit the road in February 2026, bringing the excitement of geoscience, engineering, and exploration directly to classrooms across the Midwest. Undergraduate Advisor Matt Laird traveled to 5 schools, visited 15 classrooms, and connected with approximately 450 students to share what makes the world of geology, mining, and geophysics so impactful and so exciting.
From Michigan to Minnesota, students at Hudsonville, West Ottawa, Zeeland, Okemos, and Edina schools got a firsthand look at the incredible opportunities available through the GMES Department at Michigan Tech.
Throughout the trip, students explored what geo-careers really look like in today’s world. Matt highlighted how careers in geological engineering, mining engineering, geology, and applied geophysics combine science, technology, environmental stewardship, problem-solving, and adventure. Students learned how these fields contribute to everything from locating critical minerals and managing natural resources to environmental protection, infrastructure development, hazard mitigation, and cutting-edge research.
The impact of the visit was immediately noticeable in the classrooms. One teacher shared, “Your talk means a lot and it always perks a few kids’ interests into the geology field! It is awesome.” Another noted, “I mentioned that you’re coming and several were super intrigued by the career field as they learned a bit about it.”
“Students love and need to hear about all the career opportunities in the geology field!” was a common sentiment among teachers, emphasizing how important these conversations are for students exploring future pathways.
One of the biggest themes of the presentations was the future of geo-careers in an evolving technological world. Students were especially interested in learning how geoscience careers remain highly valuable and adaptable in the age of artificial intelligence. Through fieldwork, laboratory experimentation, proprietary data analysis, computational modeling, and hands-on problem solving, GMES careers continue to emphasize skills that technology enhances rather than replaces.
The presentations also gave students an inside look at the Michigan Tech experience. From studying the Keweenaw Fault that runs through campus to hiking billion-year-old lava flows tied to the Midcontinent Rift, GMES students are immersed in world-class geology from day one. Students discovered that first-year field trips can include exploring historic copper mines and learning directly from the unique landscape surrounding campus.
Matt shared examples of current students, alumni, and faculty research projects to show how GMES disciplines intersect with data science, remote sensing, environmental studies, engineering, and computational modeling. Students learned about opportunities to participate in undergraduate research, attend professional conferences, engage in international collaborations, and work on industry-sponsored senior design projects that tackle real-world challenges.
Another highlight for visiting classrooms was learning about the department’s supportive and close-knit environment. With a low 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio, access to renowned professors, excellent laboratory facilities, scholarship opportunities, and the Geology Learning Center, students saw how GMES emphasizes hands-on learning and personalized support. The department’s strong industry partnerships and impressive job placement outcomes also helped students envision meaningful and rewarding career pathways after graduation.
Of course, no outreach trip would be complete without some Michigan Tech spirit along the way. Students received GMES caps, shirts, stickers, magnets, and informational materials while learning about life in the Copper Country, from research labs and outdoor adventures to hockey games at the John Macinnes Ice Arena and skiing at Mt. Ripley.
Most importantly, the outreach trip sparked curiosity. Students asked thoughtful questions about earth systems, engineering challenges, environmental sustainability, field research, and prospective careers. For many, it was their first introduction to the diverse possibilities within geoscience and engineering disciplines.
“Four students for Geology have me in Astronomy next hour and were talking about geology still. Haven’t seen that before,” one teacher noted, reflecting the lasting enthusiasm sparked by the outreach visit.
By the end of the trip, nearly 450 students had been introduced to the exciting opportunities available through GMES at Michigan Tech, and inspired to see the world beneath their feet in an entirely new way.
Thank you to all the schools and classrooms that welcomed us so warmly and made space for meaningful, thoughtful conversations about the future of geoscience and engineering. We are truly grateful for the opportunity to connect with your students!
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This year, the Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences Department proudly participated in the 2026 SME Annual Conference & Expo in Salt Lake City, as faculty and students engaged with mining professionals, researchers, and industry leaders from across the country for a week of learning, collaboration, and networking.
One of the highlights of the conference was our student team, known as the School of Minds, participating in the SME / NSSGA Student Mine Design Competition. The competition challenged students to apply technical knowledge, teamwork, and problem-solving skills to realistic mining scenarios, giving them valuable hands-on experience while showcasing the strength of our program on a national stage. We are incredibly proud of the dedication and professionalism our students demonstrated throughout the event.
The department also hosted an Alumni Social during the conference, bringing together students, faculty, and alumni for an evening of meaningful conversation and connection. Over tacos and refreshments, attendees had the opportunity to reconnect, share career experiences, discuss industry trends, and strengthen the growing GMES community. Events like these continue to highlight the importance of mentorship and professional networking within the mining and geological engineering fields.
“My favorite moment was having one-on-one conversations with alumni who are currently working in the industry. It was really valuable hearing how they transitioned from Michigan Tech into their roles and the advice they shared about breaking into the field.”
– Felix Manenji, MS Mining & Mineral Engineering
“I had the opportunity to speak with a colleague who began their career working directly in underground mining operations and later transitioned into consulting, performing similar work within the geotechnical field.
As a graduate student currently focused on a different technical path, that conversation was truly eye-opening. It showed me how skills developed in mining operations can translate into consulting and geotechnical roles, and how career paths in our industry are often more dynamic than they initially appear.
For me, it was a reminder that conferences are not just about presentations, they are about the people, the shared experiences, and the insights that shape how we think about our future in the mining and geotechnical industry.”
– Brandon Mutovido, MS Mining & Mineral Engineering
Faculty members participated in several professional meetings and leadership activities throughout the conference. Dr. Snehamoy Chatterjee notably contributed a technical presentation, “Advancing Mining Safety Analytics: Domain-Adaptive Language Models for Automated Safety Information Extraction”, based on the doctoral research of former PhD student Dr. Abid Danish, who graduated last year. During the conference, Dr. Chatterjee also participated in the Mining Schools Department Chairs meeting.
Dr. Nathan Manser attended an ABET Program Evaluation Training as an Alternate Accreditation Commissioner, participated in an Industrial Minerals Executive Nomination Meeting as Past Chair, attended a leadership luncheon for the local Upper Peninsula Section as director, and supported the NSSGA Student Design team throughout the conference.
The 2026 SME Conference was an exciting and rewarding experience for our department, providing opportunities for professional growth, industry engagement, research dissemination, leadership involvement, and alumni connection. We are grateful to everyone who represented GMES so well and value the lasting connections and experiences gained throughout the conference. These meaningful opportunities for our students and faculty were made possible through the generosity of our donors, whose continued support helps inspire learning, professional growth, and future success within the GMES community.
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The strength of the GMES Department lies in its community, and this spring we’re proud to celebrate one of our own for his continued impact as an educator and mentor.
Please join us in congratulating Luke Bowman as one of only 54 instructors across Michigan Technological University to receive an exceptional “Average of 7 Dimensions” student evaluation score for Spring Semester 2026.
His course, GE5660: Social Dimensions of Natural Hazards, ranked in the top 10% of similarly sized sections university-wide, an achievement reached by just 69 out of more than 1,280 surveyed sections. Even more impressive, Luke also earned this distinction in Fall 2025, reflecting his consistent commitment to high-quality instruction and student engagement.
GE5660 introduces students to the interdisciplinary nature of natural hazards and the challenges of working across cultures to address disaster risk. By emphasizing global perspectives and the social dimensions of hazard mitigation, the course encourages students to think beyond technical solutions and consider the human side of geoscience.
Those who know Luke understand that his impact goes far beyond course content. He is a trusted and supportive graduate advisor, known for his thoughtful guidance and genuine care for students. In class, he creates a learning environment where complex, real-world topics are approachable, discussions are meaningful, and students feel both supported and challenged.
Exceptional teaching does not happen by chance, it is the result of intentional effort, adaptability, and a deep investment in student success. This recognition not only highlights Luke’s individual achievements but also reflects the collaborative and student-centered culture of the GMES Department. We are fortunate to work alongside colleagues who are as committed to excellence as they are to each other.
Luke, thank you for the energy and expertise you bring to our community, we are grateful for the impact you make every day!
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