Stock receives 2026-2027 NMU's prestigious Excellence in Scholarship Award
November 6, 2026
Dr. Ryan Stock was selected to receive NMU’s prestigious Excellence in Scholarship Award for 2026-2027. Dr. Stock is an energy geographer and political ecologist committed to researching and advocating for environmental justice, and serves as the Chair of the Climate Action Committee of the Association of American Geographers. At NMU, Dr. Stock spearheaded the successful carbon neutrality and fossil fuel divestment initiatives, earning the Faculty Emerging Leadership Award for these transformative efforts. In 2025, he was listed in the top 2% of highly cited scientists in the world, according to Stanford University and the publisher Elsevier. Since joining EEGS in 2019, Dr. Stock has published 41 peer-reviewed articles in scientific journals with more under development. Through his research endeavors, Dr. Stock mentors and co-publishes with many students. He also serves on the Editorial Board of Environment and Planning E: Nature and Space.
In his Illume Lab, he maintains a global research program that collaborates with students, scholars, and community members worldwide and receives grant funding. He is also the Co-Director of the Sustainability Lab, along with Dr. Sarah Mittlefehldt and Dr. Jelili “Gana” Adebiyi. He has launched multiple research projects at NMU focusing on renewable energy, climate change, and resource extractivism. Some of the projects have been examining the gender and caste dimensions of solar development in India, gender and resource access in solar enclosures in Ghana, solar waste labor and ruination in India, and climate vulnerability of farmers in India. During Summer 2026, Dr. Stock launched two new research studies. The first new study interrogates how gender and racial identities animate the environmental politics of resource mining in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The second new study examines public perceptions of brownfield redevelopment of legacy mining sites through solar power plants in the Upper Peninsula. All of his research emerges from his commitment to catalyze social and systemic change, always striving to conduct empirically robust and methodologically defensible scholarship in the service of solving real-world problems.
Kusek receives 2026–2027 NMU's prestigious Faculty Leadership Award
November 6, 2026
Dr. Weronika Kusek, Professor in the Department of Earth, Environmental and Geographical Sciences (EEGS), has received Northern Michigan University's 2026–2027 Faculty Leadership Award in recognition of her sustained contributions to university leadership, institutional initiatives, and faculty and student success.
During her 13 years at NMU, Dr. Kusek's leadership has evolved through a continuous commitment to recognizing institutional needs, bringing people together, and turning ideas into meaningful initiatives. As Provost Fellow in Academic Affairs (2024–present), she has contributed to several university-wide projects, including introducing Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), strengthening support and retention of international faculty, advancing the Wildcat Welcome Retention Initiative, establishing General Education Pathways, and leading the effort to establish NMU's Master of Science in Sustainability program, where she served as the inaugural Graduate Program Director.
Dr. Kusek has also made a deliberate investment in developing her leadership capacity through several national and professional development programs. She was selected for Cohort 7 of the AGB Institute for Leadership & Governance in Higher Education (2025–2026), completed the HERS Leadership Institute Executive Leadership Training in Warrenton, Virginia (2025), and participated in Harvard University's Women in Leadership: Online Program for Emerging Leaders (2024).
For Kusek, leadership extends beyond formal titles and appointments. It is an ongoing process of learning, building relationships, collaborating across departments, and taking responsibility for initiatives that strengthen the university. She views the award as recognition not only of her recent institutional work but also of her longstanding commitment to contributing to NMU's growth and future.
Urban Geography students learn about rural healthcare and community planning
November 5, 2026
Students in Dr. Weronika Kusek’s Urban Geography course recently welcomed Dr. Amadeo Sturla, an emergency medicine physician, who shared his experiences providing healthcare to rural communities in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. His presentation explored the challenges of serving geographically dispersed populations, transporting patients over long distances, and ensuring access to emergency medical services in rural areas and small communities. The guest lecture provided students with a real-world perspective on how healthcare access, infrastructure, and community planning are interconnected. Throughout the semester, students apply concepts from lectures, readings, and documentaries to a hands-on project in which they use LEGO pieces to redesign a post-industrial city. Guest speakers like Dr. Sturla help students connect urban geography concepts to the practical challenges facing communities and the professionals working to address them.
Mittlefehldt publishes research on the origins of cellulosic biofuels
November 5, 2026
In October, Dr. Sarah Mittlefehldt published her research on the origins of cellulosic biofuels in Environmental History, the flagship journal in the field. Dr. Mittlefehldt will join Dr. Amy Hamilton (English) on a panel titled “Encountering Place: Environmental Humanities on the Great Lakes” at Lawrence University on November 5. Mittlefehldt and Hamilton will discuss different ways in which they engage students in place-based environmental learning and research within the Great Lakes.
Dedenbach receives 1st place distinction at national Society of American Foresters convention
November 4, 2026
EEGS graduate student, Ezra Dedenbach was part of a three-way tie for first place for the best student presentation at the national convention of the Society of American Foresters held October 6-9 in Tacoma, Washington. The presentation, Mapping for Community Biomass Heating in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, was research Ezra developed as part of his work with the Northern Woodshed Project. The Northern Woodshed Project examines the feasibility of NMU potentially transitioning from natural gas to locally harvested woodchips to heat campus.
Sustainability Lab hosts debate on AI and data centers
November 3, 2026
On October 29th, the Sustainability Lab of Northern Michigan University hosted a debate on the sustainability-related dimensions and environmental impacts of artificial intelligence and data centers. The event was hosted by the Sustainability Lab, a collaborative research lab between Dr. Jelili "Gana" Adebiyi, Dr. Sarah Mittlefehldt, and Dr. Ryan Stock, all of whom are EEGS faculty. Participating in the discussion were four panelists: Dr. Ibrahim Ozdemir (American Islamic College), Dr. Lucy Miller (Northern Michigan University), Jenn Hill (UP North Advocacy), Rilwan Musa (Getitech). The dynamic and well-attended event included interactive polling throughout to keep the audience engaged. The conversation covered a vast range of topics and perspectives, including grid burdens, water footprints, zoning ordinances, public engagement, and environmental injustices. Striving to meet this political moment with rigorous science and passionate advocacy, the Sustainability Lab will host another campus-wide debate next semester. Stay tuned!
Stock chosen to represent AAG at UN climate conference
October 29, 2026
Dr. Ryan Stock, Associate Professor in the EEGS Department, was selected to represent the Association of American Geographers (AAG) at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 31) in Türkiye from November 9-20th, 2026. The AAG has observer status through the UN Conference of Parties to attend this conference. Dr. Stock is the Chair of the AAG’s Climate Action Committee, he was also selected to represent AAG at the 2025 UN climate conference (COP 30). Dr. Stock was chosen for these roles because of his longstanding and impactful research and activism in climate justice in academia and beyond. While deeply honored, Dr. Stock has decided to attend the climate conference virtually for reasons of climate and childcare.
Students and faculty represent EEGS department at AAG West Lakes Regional Division Meeting
October 27, 2026
On October 16, EEGS students and faculty traveled to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to attend the 2026 American Association of Geographers (AAG) West Lakes Regional Division Meeting. Lola Rigano attended the conference for the fourth time and presented a paper on her research addressing gaps in revegetation efforts at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Nola Ecker and Emma Shermak presented a poster on their work studying food waste and mitigation strategies in Marquette. The department’s own Dr. Robert Legg and Dr. Jelili Adebiyi, as well as Dean of Graduate Studies and Research Dr. Susy Ziegler, attended the conference with the students.
Lola’s research stems from her work as a Biotechnician Intern at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore where she identified gaps in native plant revegetation projects. She noticed that Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore lacked information on native plant seed collection sites and inventory lists of what seeds they had in stock. Lola was able to map out 12 seed collection locations for a variety of plant species within the park and create a digital inventory system to assist future revegetation efforts. In her senior capstone project, Lola plans to expand on her research and help the park build an Upper Peninsula-specific seed collection and storage protocol.
Nola and Emma’s research on food waste in Marquette County had the objective of answering three questions: 1) what category of food gets wasted? 2) why does food tend to get wasted? and 3) how are employees trained to mitigate waste in stores? They found that expiration dates on food is one of the main contributors to grocery store food waste. This research provides meaningful insight into the different avenues on how the county can manage waste because waste not only contributes negatively to the environment, but also causes a loss in grocery store businesses.
Every year, the AAG West Lakes conference provides an excellent opportunity for students to network with other universities and connect with fellow students and presenters. At the conference, students are able to learn presentation techniques and skills, as well as learn about interesting research topics from each other. Reflecting on her experience, Emma shared that, “it was very insightful to see other student’s work and research. I feel more confident and comfortable putting myself out there and sharing my work with others!”
Excited to return to the conference next year, Nola noted that “going to an AAG conference has taught me that enthusiasm goes a long way into capturing an audience. There was a student who presented a project on genetic differences of beetles; for reference, I do not know a ton about genetics, nor do I like learning about genetics. But the student explained things so clearly, and showed so much interest in their project that I could not help but be engaged. In future AAG conferences, I aspire to have an impact on my audience like that student had on me.”
Lola reflected back on all of her experiences at AAG West Lakes and shared how they impacted her: “Over these past three years I have grown so much as a researcher and a presenter, and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to gain more exposure to the professional world of research.”
Standerford ‘25 builds career in fisheries conservation
October 27, 2026
Tessa Standerford (BS ‘25 Environmental Science, GIS Certificate) has been developing her career in fisheries science and conservation since graduating in Spring 2025. Her work has taken her throughout the Upper Peninsula to all the way across the country in Grand Teton National Park. Next up, she will be headed to California to work for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a seasonal Fisheries Biological Science Technician. Read more below about Tessa’s cool experiences!
1. What have you been up to and what have you accomplished since graduating in 2025?
Since graduating from NMU in 2025, I’ve had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in fisheries and aquatic resource conservation through several seasonal positions. Immediately following graduation, I worked for Trout Unlimited as an Aquatic Resources Field Technician, conducting electrofishing surveys and road-stream crossing inventories throughout the UP to support brook trout conservation efforts.
Following that position, I joined the National Park Service as a seasonal Biological Science Technician (Fisheries) working in Grand Teton National Park. This experience has been a highlight of my first year out of college, allowing me to continue developing my fisheries field skills while working in an incredible landscape. I’ve also loved exploring the Tetons and taking advantage of the opportunities that come with living in such a beautiful place!
Later this fall, I’ll begin another seasonal Biological Science Technician (Fisheries) position with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in California. I’m excited to continue building my experience, learning from other professionals in the field, and contributing to fisheries conservation in new places. It’s been a rewarding first year since graduation, and I’m grateful for the opportunities to turn my interests in environmental science and natural resource management into meaningful, hands-on work.
3. How have your experiences from undergrad prepared, supported, or impacted you while working in the field?
My undergraduate experience was fundamental in helping me discover new interests, develop valuable skills, and deepen my curiosity about the natural world. Studying environmental science exposed me to the interconnectedness of natural and social systems and helped me understand how these relationships shape the world around us. Through hands-on outdoor labs, opportunities to explore natural resource management, and the freedom to design my own capstone research project, I was able to connect classroom learning with real-world questions and challenges.
Equally impactful was the opportunity to learn from NMU's supportive and talented faculty who brought their knowledge, passion, and real-world experience into the classroom. Their guidance and encouragement helped enrich my education, foster my curiosity, and create an environment where I felt supported in exploring my interests and pursuing new challenges.
These experiences gave me both the practical skills and the confidence to pursue my interests, ask meaningful questions, and approach complex environmental issues from different perspectives. Just as importantly, my time as an undergraduate gave me the space to explore the many paths within environmental science and discover where my passions lie. That combination of curiosity, hands-on learning, and interdisciplinary thinking has provided a strong foundation for my career and continues to shape the way I approach new opportunities and challenges.
4. What advice would you give to current seniors or graduating students as they prepare for the work field and life after undergraduate studies?
One of the most valuable skills you can develop in college is learning how to learn! Education doesn't end at graduation - in many ways, that's where a whole new chapter of learning begins. Be curious, stay open to new experiences, and don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone or pursue opportunities that may not fit neatly into your original plan. You don't need to have your entire career or life figured out right away.
The ability to adapt, ask questions, seek out new perspectives, and learn from both successes and setbacks will serve you throughout your career and personal life. Give yourself the freedom to explore, trust that your interests may evolve, and remember that growth often comes from experiences you couldn't have planned for. More than anything, approach the next chapter with curiosity and a willingness to keep learning.
