Changing forecasts, unchanged enthusiasm at the Tenth Environmental Science Camp
July 23, 2026
In July, the EEGS Department and Seaborg Mathematics and Science Center co-hosted the Tenth Environmental Science Camp. Eighteen high school students from the region spent one week at NMU immersed in the college experience. The campers visited sites around the Marquette area to learn about geology, solar energy, watersheds, forest ecology, environmental management, and coastal restoration.
Please see the Tenth Environmental Science Camp news page for the full story.
Stock selected as Chair of AAG Climate Action Committee
July 22, 2026
Dr. Ryan Stock was selected as the Chair of the Climate Action Committee of the American Association of Geographers (AAG). In this role, he will focus on mobilizing climate advocacy within the organization, decarbonizing operations and conferences, and prioritizing climate justice initiatives. Dr. Stock has been a member of the Climate Action Committee since August 2023 and was selected to represent AAG at the 2025 United Nations climate conference (UNFCCC COP30). Prior to accepting this new role, Dr. Stock was Co-Chair of the AAG’s Energy & Environment specialty group, where he spearheaded numerous climate and equity initiatives. At NMU’s EEGS Department, Dr. Stock is an energy geographer and political ecologist with an active research agenda approaching climate solutions from an intersectional and decolonial perspective. For many years on campus and in the community, Dr. Stock has been an active leader in the realms of climate, energy and environmental justice.
Legg begins term as Department Head
June 30, 2026
Dr. Robert Legg begins serving his term as the EEGS Department Head. He succeeds Dr. Sarah Mittlefehldt, who served as Interim Department Head for the 2025-2026 Academic Year.
Dr. Legg has worked at Northern since 2006, and he teaches courses in Geographic Information Systems, cartographic design, spatial analysis, and quantitative methods. Dr. Legg also maintains an active research agenda in Geographic Information Systems, geoarcheology, and paleo-environments.
EEGS faculty receive key promotions
June 30, 2026
Three faculty members in the Department of Earth, Environmental and Geographical Science (EEGS) have been recognized with significant career advancements. Dr. Weronika Kusek received promotion to the rank of Full Professor. Dr. Adam Naito and Dr. Ryan Stock received promotions to the rank of Associate Professor with tenure.
Dr. Kusek is a human geographer who specializes in cultural geography, ethnic geography, and urban geography. She teaches courses in human geography, urban geography, and population geography. Dr. Kusek also serves as a Provost Fellow and the EEGS Graduate Program Director for the MS in Sustainability program.
Dr. Stock is an energy geographer and political ecologist. He teaches courses in geographic research, economic geography, sustainability, environmental justice, and gender and environment. Dr. Stock maintains a highly active research agenda in renewable energy transitions and climate change interventions spanning projects in Ghana, India, and the United States.
Dr. Naito is a physical geographer and landscape ecologist. He teaches courses in physical geography, Geographic Information Systems, remote sensing, and landscape ecology. Dr. Naito serves as a faculty author on Northern's Assurance Argument for accreditation reaffirmation with the Higher Learning Commission, as well as on the editorial board of the Annals of the American Association of Geographers.
These key promotions were approved by the NMU Board of Trustees at their May 1, 2026 meeting.