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Regis to lead field trip to Pictured Rocks for American Institute of Professional Geologists
August 2, 2022
On August 6–9, 2022, NMU welcomes the American Institute of Professional Geologists for their annual conference with the theme Geology: The Cornerstone of our Future. Dr. Robert Regis, NMU Professor Emeritus of Geology, will lead a sold-out field trip titled Sandstone Cliffs and Glacial Features of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The tour will include visits to waterfalls and a cruise on Lake Superior to admire the sandstone cliffs.
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EEGS and Seaborg Center host Summer 2022 Environmental Science Camp
August 1, 2022
In cooperation with the Seaborg Mathematics and Science Center, EEGS hosted the Summer 2022 Environmental Science Camp. For one week in July, high school students from the region with interests in environmental science, biology, engineering, and law visited sites around the Upper Peninsula to learn about the local geology, forest ecology, energy production, and sustainability practices.
Richard Ziegler took the campers to the Michigan Iron Industry Museum, Jasper Knob, and Deer Lake. Along the way they observed old mines, hematite and magnetite, Mona Schist, pillow basalt, and Kitchi Schist. Prior to guiding the students down the Au Train River a few days later, Mr. Ziegler helped the campers understand topographic map scale and contour lines, and measure the distance they would paddle on the river.
The students had the opportunity to learn about different types of energy production at the Marquette Board of Light and Power. Dr. Sarah Mittlefehldt set up a scavenger hunt in her nearly net-zero home, and then took them to an off-the-grid home outside of town.
In addition, the campers had a chance to hike in the Longyear Tract with Dr. Adam Naito, learn about forest ecology, and even collect some scientific data to estimate forest biomass.
On their final full day, campers helped at the NMU Hoop House. Tricia Schultz (BS, Environmental Studies and Sustainability, 2022) shared with the campers the results of her senior capstone project about the therapeutic properties of certain herbs, which the group then planted and labeled. Meanwhile current Environmental Science major Mary Kelly facilitated projects such as harvesting garlic, planting new garden beds, and picking lavender blossoms to dry. Dr. Susy Ziegler organized a visit to downtown Marquette for lunch at Donckers and time to explore Presque Isle Park.
The culmination of their week was developing an ArcGIS StoryMap presentation to their friends and family detailing their endeavors and experiences. Be sure to check out their StoryMap here to learn about the week from the campers' perspective.
The camp would not have been possible without the following individuals:
- Seaborg staff Chris Standerford, Renee Jewett, and Lisa Mattson.
- EEGS Embedded Student Success Specialist Kelsey Avey.
Jana Nicholls celebrates 20 years working in EEGS
August 1, 2022
Jana Nicholls grew up in Negaunee, lives in Ishpeming, and works in Marquette. A true Yooper, she graduated from NMU in 1996 and joined the Department of Geography in 2002. In September 2022, Jana will have worked as the secretary for 20 years in our department, which for the past ten years has been called Earth, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, or EEGS! She is the glue that holds us together, and we are grateful for her myriad contributions toward student and faculty success. Jana reflected recently on her long affiliation with NMU.
What is your current position and what are your responsibilities?
As principal secretary, I collaborate with the department head, faculty, and students. I greet visitors, including prospective students and their families, community members, and alumni. I monitor student progress toward their degrees, which helps with advising and streamlining each student’s program. Another task is overseeing the paperwork when students want to complete GC 491 Internship for credit that can count toward their major or minor. In that role, I work closely with each student and their internship supervisor to make sure that tasks are completed on time. To prepare for course registration for upcoming semesters, I help the department estimate how many seats our majors will need in required and elective GC courses so that we can plan how many sections to offer and how frequently the courses are needed.
What were some of your previous positions at NMU?
My student job was in Purchasing for five years. After graduating, I was employed for 10 months in Vocational Support Services (an office that no longer exists), for three years in Career Services, and then two years in the English Department.
What are the most interesting or rewarding aspects of your job?
Working with the students! Helping them graduate in a timely fashion is very satisfying. I like getting to know our majors when they stop by the department to say "hi" or to share their accomplishments like landing an internship or job. I also like the atmosphere of working for a small department. The connections with faculty and students are meaningful. We connect in different ways to help each other.
What are some of the biggest changes you have seen over your tenure?
The shift to using more technology. In fact, I just finished shredding a big box of old bubble sheets. We no longer use a Scantron machine for exams or teaching evaluations. They are electronic now. Another really big change is that students don’t have to line up at 6:00 AM to register for courses. We used to get here early in the morning on registration day to enter the courses that students wanted into the computer for them. Now students sign up for courses on their computers or phones—but students are still our priority. Even during the pandemic, we did our best to email out information and reassuring messages. Technology has made things more efficient, but also less personal in some ways. Students try to figure out things on their own more, but we are here to provide the personal touch…although a bit more behind the scenes than before. I like it when students stop the office by to introduce themselves or tell us how helpful some advice was that we shared with them.
What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
Walking our family dog, Buddy, on trails is a daily pastime. We also spend a lot of time at sporting events. [Jana was an All-UP basketball player in high school, and that is one of the many local sports that she follows.] Going to camp with family is a frequent summertime activity.
Kelsey Avey joins EEGS as Embedded Success Specialist
August 1, 2022
Kelsey Avey joined EEGS in August 2021 as an embedded student success specialist. Although having grown up in Warren, Michigan, Kelsey is no stranger to the Upper Peninsula. She completed a bachelor's degree at NMU, and then she moved to Wisconsin to complete a Master's of Science in Education. Following work in the University of Wisconsin system, Kelsey returned to NMU.
We caught up with Kelsey recently. The following has been lightly edited for clarity.
What is your current position and what are your responsibilities?
A Student Success Specialist is a newer role at NMU. We are staff members embedded within academic departments who will serve as the primary academic advisor for new transfer students and students who are transitioned to their department from centralized advising in the Academic Advising office, generally near the end of the students’ first year. I focus on holistic student support, everything from course scheduling, long-term degree planning, financial aid, academic skill development, and navigating NMU policies. I specifically work with students in three departments: Earth, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, Math and Computer Science, and Physics. Faculty continue to provide academic and professional mentorship to students within their programs.
What are the most interesting or rewarding parts of your job?
I work with a lot of transfer students, so it is really fun to watch them discover NMU and Marquette. Transfer students can be challenging because you sometimes have to be creative with the credits they are bringing in and help their prior experiences translate to NMU. It is great to help students, returning or new transfer, establish connections within the department and get excited about their major.
What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
Outside of work, you can find me hanging out in a Marquette coffee shop, kayaking or paddleboarding, or playing clarinet in the Marquette City Band.
Dr. Robert Regis retires from EEGS
August 1, 2022
Dr. Robert Regis retired on June 30, 2021 following decades of involvement in the department, first as an undergraduate and then for about 30 years as a faculty member. Dr. Regis taught several courses in Geology. He was the primary advisor for many Earth Science majors, and was the faculty advisor of the NMU Rock and Mineral Club. Over the years Dr. Regis pursued research on the glacial history of the Keweenaw Peninsula. He regularly attended academic conferences to present his research findings, and he consulted with federal, state, and local agencies. In retirement he plans to stay involved in finding solutions for the environmental effects of the Gay Stamp Sands, a result of twentieth-century copper mining in the Keweenaw.
Dr. Michael Broadway retires from EEGS
August 1, 2022
Dr. Michael Broadway retired on June 30, 2022 after 25 years at Northern. Dr. Broadway was hired as Head of the Department of Geography in 1997. He transformed the curriculum, introducing several new courses. Dr. Broadway next served for two years as Interim Director of the Honors Program and Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. As Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Broadway initiated some international exchanges for faculty and scholars. In 2016 he then joined the EEGS Department as a faculty member and taught courses for Honors and EEGS such as Human Geography, Introduction to Geographic Research, Geography of Food Systems, and Geography of Tourism. All the while he published more than 50 articles and co-authored a book. We wish Dr. Broadway the best as he continues his field explorations and scholarship on coffeehouses in the Midwest.
Lauren Argetsinger named 2022 Outstanding Graduating Senior
August 1, 2022
Congratulations to Lauren Argetsinger, the EEGS Department’s 2022 Outstanding Graduating Senior, who graduated in April with an Environmental Science degree and concentration in Pollution Control and Remediation. At NMU she discovered her interests in water quality and biogeography, and she developed her strengths in chemistry by working in the stockroom and testing municipal water for her senior capstone course. Lauren incorporated field work, quantitative and GIS analysis, and remote sensing into other class projects to help agencies manage natural resources. She explored the challenges and rewards of collaborating with academics, non-profit organizations, and government agencies. During her senior year Lauren served as Secretary of NMU’s Eta Chi chapter of Gamma Theta Upsilon International Geographical Honor Society. Lauren shared that she is “so appreciative of the EEGS faculty who were always ready to help me succeed and who made a huge impact on my NMU experience.” The EEGS Department wishes her great success in protecting water quality and someday pursuing a graduate degree.
