Standerford recognized with Outstanding Graduating Senior Award
May 3, 2025
The NMU Board of Trustees recognized Tessa Standerford as an Outstanding Graduating Senior. Tessa earned a B.S. in Environmental Science with a Water Resources concentration, and she also completed the GIS Certificate—all within three years of graduating from Negaunee High School. She has been active on campus, including through the Student Leader Fellowship Program and as a co-leader of the Hoop House Student Organization. Tessa also served as an officer of NMU's Eta Chi chapter of GTU International Geographical Honor Society.
For her senior capstone research Tessa developed a project that built on her Summer 2024 internship experience for Superior Watershed Partnership and Trout Unlimited. Tessa and a field-partner flew a drone to collect areal imagery of places where roads cross streams, and at each site they collected information to characterize the suitability of habitat for brook trout and other aquatic organisms. The results of her capstone project will benefit conservation organizations and stream ecosystems in the Great Lakes region. Based on Tessa’s diligent work in 2024, she will begin a seasonal position with Trout Unlimited after graduating this spring. Tessa also has developed and applied her GIS and remote sensing skills as an intern for the MiSTEM Network—tying her technical skills to science education in Michigan.
The EEGS Department is pleased that Tessa chose Northern for her undergraduate studies, and grateful that she contributed so much to the community and environment.
Grabanski receives the EEGS Outstanding Graduating Senior Award
May 3, 2025
Congratulations to Amelia Grabanski, the EEGS Department’s 2025 Outstanding Graduating Senior, who completed a B.S. in Environmental Studies and Sustainability. Mentored by EEGS faculty member Dr. Jelili Adebiyi, Amelia conducted research on recycling behaviors of residents of Marquette County and students of NMU. Michigan State University's EDA University Center for Regional Economic Innovation funded the project. In August 2024 Amelia co-presented the findings in Lansing at the Innovate Michigan Summit at MSU. Policymakers and business leaders in attendance praised her presentation skills and depth of understanding of the subject matter.
Amelia served as Historian for two years and then for one semester as President of NMU’s Eta Chi chapter of Gamma Theta Upsilon International Geographical Honor Society. In those leadership roles she helped plan events like Anderton's Earth Week, career panels, grad school panels, hikes, and documentary screenings. She volunteered at Wildcat Weekend and the Science Olympiad, helping share her enthusiasm for Northern and recruit future Wildcats. Amelia also worked at NMU’s Writing Center for six semesters, helping peers one-on-one with a variety of projects and assignments. She co-presented a project titled Friendship is a Slow-Ripening Fruit: Writing Center Relationship Building at the International Writing Center Association Annual Conference in Chicago.
During Summer 2024 Amelia was a student trainee park guide for the National Park Service at Pullman National Historical Park. There she developed programs, led tours, and supported on- and off-site events. Amelia explained, “I found my passion working for the National Park Service and working outreach with the public. After graduation, I will work as a park ranger at Indiana Dunes National Park doing environmental education.”
The EEGS Department appreciates Amelia’s positive attitude and engagement in scholarly and service activities that supported the Northern community. Best wishes to Amelia as she inspires park visitors with her knowledge of sustainability and the environment.
Hall graduates with 4.0 GPA
May 3, 2025
Reed Hall graduates in May 2025 with a B.S. in Earth Science and a 4.0 GPA. His hometown is Dryden, Michigan. Outside of the classroom Reed was involved with Public Eye News, a student-run news program. He was active with the NMU Conservation Crew during sophomore and junior years, and he is a member of the Eta Chi chapter of Gamma Theta Upsilon International Geographical Honor Society. Reed enjoys hiking, skiing, and other sports. Exploring Little Presque and day trips to Big Bay were some of his favorite adventures while attending NMU. As Commencement approached Reed reflected, “I am incredibly grateful for the EEGS department and all the hands-on experience the courses had to offer. I would like to thank my parents for their endless support and encouragement.” This summer Reed plans to work with Mead and Hunt as an environmental intern. We wish Reed the best as he continues to explore Earth after his undergraduate years at Northern.
Murtha graduates again with 4.0 GPA
May 3, 2025
Rhyan Murtha graduated from NMU in December 2021 with a B.S. degree in Elementary Education Language Arts and a minor in Integrated Sciences, a 4.0 GPA, and recognition as the Outstanding Graduating Senior of the School of Education, Leadership, and Public Service. She taught as an elementary teacher for two years before returning to NMU to earn a second B.S. degree in Environmental Science with a concentration in Natural Resources. Rhyan is a member of the Eta Chi chapter of Gamma Theta Upsilon International Geographical Honor Society. Rhyan currently works as a biological science technician intern with the U.S. Forest Service through the Resource Assistants Program, and she plans to continue this work after graduation. For her senior capstone project Rhyan collaborated with NMU Marketing and Communications and the Marquette Fire Department and prepared educational signage to raise awareness about the dangers of walking on shelf ice along Lake Superior’s shoreline. Rhyan aspires to combine her passions and strengths to become an environmental educator. We look forward to learning from her.
Valentin engages in award-winning research
April 29, 2025
Trinity Valentin is an Earth Science major and active participant in many opportunities at NMU. She has engaged in Women’s Wrestling, the NMU Hoop House Organization, and the McNair Scholars Program. Trinity conducted research with EEGS faculty member Dr. Adam T. Naito titled Integrating field methods with drone-based remote sensing to estimate aboveground biomass and carbon. During the Peak25 Conference in February 2025 Trinity entered the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition to share the results of her summer project. In the McNair category, Trinity earned First Place and the People’s Choice Award, and she also won the trivia contest that took place throughout the 3MT competition! Trinity has embraced her research experiences and is planning to attend graduate school soon after completing her BS degree.
What have you appreciated about the McNair Scholars Program?
McNair gave me everything I needed not only to be successful, but also to believe in myself. I didn’t give graduate school any thought at all until I was part of the program, but my summer research, my cohort, and opportunities to present at conferences have changed everything for me. It gave me the chance to view graduate school as a tangible opportunity. It's become one of my biggest drivers in my academic journey and inspires me to keep going.
What visions do you have for future academic studies?
Originally, I didn’t want to study more. I thought it was a miracle enough that I was earning a BS degree. After my McNair experience, I started getting curious about Master's opportunities in GIS, and now I’m really adamant about pursuing my PhD in geospatial work. Working with drones and retrieving live data was an incredible experience and I would love to see what more I can do.
What tips do you have for being a student–athlete at NMU, and balancing the load of a McNair project, training for your sport, and being involved in student organizations such as the NMU Hoop House and Lincoln Community Garden?
I have been in a lot of programs and each one is special to me. My busy schedule made it necessary for me to make dedicated time slots for my schoolwork, which has helped me stay on track without getting lost. Sometimes, I do wonder what it would be like if I had done less. Yes, balance is important, but I also find that my path is getting more focused every year, becoming more confident in what I want to be and how I am going to achieve it. Don’t be afraid to let go. People will always support you. At the end of the day your happiness is a necessity, not a luxury.
Naito receives Faculty Emerging Leadership Award
April 3, 2025
Dr. Adam Naito was the recipient of the 2024-2025 NMU Faculty Emerging Leadership Award at the Celebration of Excellence in Teaching, Leadership and Scholarship Awards reception on Wednesday, April 2. The award "recognizes and honors junior faculty who since coming to the university have demonstrated exceptional leadership attributes on campus and the broader community." He previously was one of two recipients of the 2023-2024 NMU Excellence in Teaching Award.
Naito joins Dr. Ryan Stock as one of two EEGS faculty members that have received the Faculty Emerging Leadership award.
Pictured right is Naito with Dr. Robert Winn, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and Dr. Anne Dahlman, Provost of the University.
Please visit Northern Today to learn about all of the 2024-2025 faculty award winners.
