Michigan Tech Department of Geological & Mining Engineering & Sciences

09/04/2026

GMES Summer Experience Showcase🔅

From Milwaukee to Detroit, this summer took Geology PhD candidate Karl Bosse onto the Great Lakes aboard the 180-foot R/V Lake Guardian as part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) summer survey of Great Lakes water quality.

Alongside two colleagues from Michigan Tech Research Institute (MTRI), he sampled the optical properties of Lakes Michigan and Huron, collecting data that will help develop and validate satellite-based methods for monitoring freshwater quality.

The team also put new tools to work, including an Imaging FlowCytobot (IFCB) that captured images of phytoplankton and zooplankton in the water. These observations will help researchers better understand Great Lakes phytoplankton communities using hyperspectral satellite imagery.

From measuring water quality to deploying instruments and watching the Mackinac Bridge come into view, this cruise offered a unique combination of field research, technology, and Great Lakes exploration.

09/02/2026

GMES Summer Experience Showcase🔅

This summer, MTU PhD candidate Jacob Murchek interned with U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in the Kuskokwim region of Alaska, working alongside USGS geologists to better understand the mineral potential of the area.

Jacob combined field geology and geophysics to investigate the region. His work includes collecting magnetic susceptibility data from rock outcrops to help interpret geophysical data, as well as collecting rock samples for geochemistry, geochronology, and thin-section analysis.

One of the highlights of his experience has been “ground truthing” geophysical anomalies identified in aeromagnetic data and working to interpret anomalies when the rocks observed at the surface don't appear to be their source.

Field experiences like this provide valuable opportunities to connect geophysical data with observations from the rocks themselves!

08/31/2026

🎉Calling all GMES Students, Faculty, & Staff!

Join us for a welcome back party on Tuesday, 9/8 from 5 to 7 PM!
Come hang out, catch up, and enjoy freshly grilled burgers and chocolatey s’mores by the fire.

Plus, we’ll be giving away fun prizes throughout the night!

RSVP by Friday, Sept 4 and snag an extra raffle ticket for even more chances to win while you eat and mingle.

Stop by anytime, we'd love to see you there!

📩RSVP - Scan the QR Code or visit: https://forms.gle/Mh9eXNCGG8hoVHG56

08/24/2026

✨COE Alumni & Friends Social!✨

Thursday, September 10, 2026, 5 – 7 p.m.

Join Michelle Scherer, dean of the College of Engineering, along with the College of Engineering External Advisory Board, for a Michigan Tech alumni and friends social!

While enjoying complimentary refreshments, learn about the one of a kind, project-based Enterprise Program at Michigan Tech and our Translational Health Engineering Research Center (THERC) located in Grand Rapids.

Hear directly from students how Enterprise is shaping their Husky student experience!

The event is hosted by the College of Engineering and the External Advisory Board and will be held on the seventh floor of the Doug Meijer Medical Innovation Building, located at 109 Michigan St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

Check out more details & RSVP here:
https://events.mtu.edu/event/west-michigan-alumni-friends-social

08/14/2026

GMES Summer Experience Showcase🔆

For Brandon Mutovido, this summer has been an opportunity to put his knowledge to work on real-world infrastructure, mining, and roadway construction projects with Braun Intertec Corporation.

As part of his co-op experience, Brandon has been performing compressive strength testing on concrete cylinder samples for the Duluth International Airport runway construction project. He prepares samples on site for field curing before collecting them for final curing and testing in the laboratory.

Beyond the technical experience, Brandon shared that honing his professional skills and learning to speak up with confidence has been one of the most rewarding parts of his experience.

“l have enjoyed the journey of improving my communication skill[s] and speaking bold[ly] within meetings and on the job sites.”

Taking advantage of the wonderful opportunities for growth and connection at Braun, he’s planning to continue his co-op experience for another semester.

We're proud to see our students building both technical expertise and confidence as they prepare for their careers!

08/13/2026

GMES at the White House! 👏

We are so proud to see our students and faculty making an impact on the national stage and inspiring what’s next for the mining industry!

Go Huskies!

08/07/2026

GMES Summer Experience Showcase🔆

From conducting geophysical surveys and mapping waterfalls to exploring historic mine sites and rock formations across the Upper Peninsula, Geology undergraduate student Sarah Woodworth gained hands-on experience during her Field Geophysics course while building skills that apply to both industry and research.

One of her most memorable moments came during a visit to the Harvey Quarry area near Marquette, where she saw preserved stromatolites, among the oldest known evidence of life on Earth. Standing before these ancient fossils gave her a new perspective on Earth's history and reinforced why she loves studying geology.

“It makes you feel just a little smaller that we as humans are just a blip in this history of life. It is simply incredible to be able to see traces of early life today.”

Beyond the science, Sarah’s summer was filled with unforgettable memories made alongside classmates, from long days in the field to sharing a cookout after a day of exploration.

Experiences like these are what make learning at Michigan Tech so rewarding. We're excited to see where her passion for geology takes her next!

07/31/2026

GMES Summer Experience Showcase🔅

Ronald Gonye, Mining Engineering grad student, is spending the season with WSP in Portland, Oregon, gaining hands-on experience in geotechnical engineering and tunneling.

From construction sites to the region's remarkable geology, he's learning how geologic conditions influence engineering and infrastructure while working alongside experienced professionals. “One of the highlights so far has been seeing Mount Hood, the iconic 11,249 foot stratovolcano that dominates the Oregon skyline and stands as the highest peak in the state.” The glacial landscape offers a striking example of the geology that shapes the Pacific Northwest.

Beyond technical skills, he's discovering the “value of asking questions, collaborating with experienced professionals, and embracing continuous learning.” The experience has strengthened his passion for geotechnical engineering while giving him the opportunity to explore one of North America's most geologically fascinating regions.

We're excited to see where the rest of his summer takes him!

07/28/2026

We're proud to see our own Dr. Jim DeGraff, GMES Research Professor, featured in this engaging video by Alexis Dahl.

Learn how ancient geologic forces shaped the Keweenaw Peninsula into one of the world's most fascinating geological landscapes.

Whether you're a geology enthusiast or simply curious about the place we call home, this is a great watch!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeqoiDpqgrM

They say this place was shaped by colliding continents, millions of...

05/19/2026

Big congratulations to the Michigan Tech American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG) Student Chapter on receiving the 2026 AIPG Student Chapter Excellence Award!

This national recognition highlights the chapter’s outstanding leadership, professional engagement, and dedication to building a strong geoscience community.

Check out our Geonews Blog (https://blogs.mtu.edu/geo/) for all the details!