Finton named Outstanding Graduating Senior
May 18, 2023
May 2023 graduate Mackenzie Finton is outstanding for double majoring in two rigorous programs: Environmental Science and Biochemistry. She has demonstrated her ability to apply herself, quickly master complex material, complete high quality work, and exhibit exceptional field, lab, and computational skills. She is part of NMU’s Eta Chi Chapter of Gamma Theta Upsilon International Geographical Honor Society. Additionally, Mackenzie completed an important senior capstone project on PFAS in local well water. Faculty also recognized her volunteer efforts on a collaborative research project with Chemistry and EEGS Department faculty and students to determine concentrations of several heavy metals in organic and non-organic fruits and vegetables purchased locally. Mackenzie is an engaged student who completes her class assignments thoroughly, while also working an off-campus job many hours a week at Babycakes Muffin Co. Mackenzie is incredibly grateful for all the opportunities and support she has been given by the EEGS and Chemistry Departments over her years at NMU and looks forward to applying the skills she has gained in her future career.
DeJonge graduates with 4.0 GPA
May 18, 2023
Ansje DeJonge is a May 2023 graduate with a 4.0 GPA. She majored in Environmental Studies and Sustainability with minors in Writing and in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). She earned a certification in Basic Study of Spanish. Ansje is passionate about sustainability and fascinated by linguistics. For her senior capstone project, she combined these two interests to trace how phrases that communicate about climate change have evolved over time. She gathered data from student-published newspapers at 12 universities in the U.S. to map regional differences in the words used to describe climate change (including greenhouse effect, global warming, carbon footprint). Her findings could help reduce miscommunication caused by using terms with multiple perceived meanings. Ansje hails from Petoskey, Michigan. During her time at Northern, she pursued her hobbies of skiing, rock climbing, hiking, and fishing.
Fitkin graduates with 4.0 GPA
May 18, 2023
Jane Fitkin graduated in December 2022, maintaining a 4.0 GPA while earning a B.S. in Environmental Studies and Sustainability with a Political Science minor. Jane made Marquette her home when she came up to NMU in 2019, and has invested significant time toward improving the community through conservation, community aid, and policy efforts. Her capstone research focused on Marquette City policy regarding brownfield redevelopment and bicycle infrastructure, creating policy recommendations to encourage the City to make these programs more environmentally friendly and community-centric. In college Jane served as President of the Eta Chi Chapter of Gamma Theta Upsilon International Geographical Honor Society for three semesters and as a Co-leader of the NMU Conservation Crew for four semesters. She also has supported the local climbing and agricultural community through her affiliation with the Marquette Climbers’ Cooperative, both during school and post-graduation. Jane is endlessly thankful to her many professors at NMU who challenged her, valued her, and led her through this academic journey. She looks forward to using her skills learned at NMU to benefit her community.
Kuhn graduates with 4.0 GPA
May 18, 2023
Makaylee Kuhn, a May 2023 graduate, earned a 4.0 while majoring in Environmental Science with a Natural Resources concentration and a Sustainability minor. Makaylee hails from Hilbert, Wisconsin, and captains the Women’s Basketball Team. She is a frequent top-scorer and earned All-Conference honors three years in a row. In 2022 Makaylee was NMU Female Student-Athlete of the Year, and she was a Wildcat Scholar-Athlete of the Month for November 2022. Makaylee serves as secretary of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. For her senior capstone project Makaylee surveyed student-athletes and NMU Athletics staff members to gather baseline information about sustainability perceptions and efforts within NMU Athletics. This project bridges the gap between two of her greatest passions. NMU’s College of Graduate Studies accepted Makaylee to pursue a Master of Interdisciplinary Studies next year, for which she plans to apply her knowledge of natural science to address issues of environmental injustice. Makaylee shared, “I am incredibly grateful for the EEGS faculty and staff that supported me and challenged me along the way. :)”
Swanson graduates with 4.0 GPA
May 18, 2023
Bailey Swanson is graduating in May 2023 with a 4.0 GPA, a major in Environmental Studies and Sustainability, an EEGS Cluster Minor titled Environmental Sociology, and a Certification of Intermediate Study in Spanish. During her time at NMU, Bailey was able to dive deep into learning about the human and societal aspects of the environment, and how all of these pieces interact. For her senior capstone project, Bailey developed and implemented ways to raise awareness of the Lincoln Street Community Garden (LCG). At NMU, Bailey joined the Eta Chi chapter of Gamma Theta Upsilon International Geographical Honor Society.
Bailey shared these memories of her time at Northern: “I'm very grateful for the staff and faculty here; they saw so much value in our ideas and projects and always encouraged us to take our projects farther than we thought they could even go. One of my favorite examples of this was the native plant rain garden which started out as just a paper for a class assignment, but we were encouraged to take it farther and turn it into an actual proposal to submit to the Green Fund—and it was chosen and actually came to fruition. Another example was the Climate Action Resolution that started as a drafted statement by students, and with the help of professors and many students like me who made signs and posters and showed up to multiple City Commission meetings, it became a fully-fledged Climate Action Resolution that was actually passed by the City Commission. I was honored to take part in these moments on campus and to be a part of such an amazing community.”
Cohn works as restoration coordinator for RiversEdge West in Colorado
May 18, 2023
Montana Cohn graduated in December 2014 with a major in Environmental Studies and Sustainability and a minor in Outdoor Recreation. He currently works for RiversEdge West (REW) in Western Colorado. REW restores riparian habitat on many rivers in the arid American West. Montana has helped remove non-native ravenna grass from the Grand Canyon, and is mapping invasive Russian olive on the Dolores River. We thought readers would enjoy hearing how NMU prepared Montana for his journey westward.
How did you find your path after graduating?
After working seasonally as a park ranger and in wildland fire for the National Park Service, Florida Park Service, and the non-profit sector in Colorado, Utah, Florida, Alaska, and Virginia, I moved to Grand Junction, Colorado, where I was the coordinator for Mesa County's Noxious Weed Program. During my time with the County I worked closely with a non-profit called RiversEdge West. When I got the opportunity to join REW, I jumped at it.
What is your current job title?
I am a restoration coordinator for RiversEdge West. REW restores rivers across the arid West primarily focusing on invasive plant removal and native plant revegetation. REW also educates local community members and youth to foster river stewardship, and trains river restoration professionals through workshops and conferences.
What do you like best about your work?
I spend the majority of my time coordinating the Dolores River Restoration Partnership, which is a special river in an absolutely stunning landscape. I enjoy spending time along this river and having the opportunity to work with private landowners, land managers, and anyone who also has a passion for maintaining this and other western waterways.
How did the EEGS Department and NMU prepare you for your journey toward restoring riparian habitat?
While at NMU I gained valuable skills in GIS, plant identification, and multiple certifications like WFR [Wilderness First Responder] and S212 [wildland fire chainsaws training]. In addition to hard skills, I also learned the importance of the human factor on natural environments and how to navigate this subject. I practiced working with others to prepare technical papers, presentations, and fieldwork, while also being pushed to think and work independently.
When you are not working, what are some favorite activities?
I try to spend as much time outside as possible. Whether it is recreating (rafting, backpacking, mountain biking, hunting, and fishing) or raising my small flock of chickens, that is where I want to be!
For current NMU students interested in conservation or who want to work in the West, what advice can you share?
Try and understand the job market and how you will fit in before graduation. EEGS has many courses that will help you prepare for the future, but you need to understand your trajectory and what specific skills your potential job will require. USAjobs can be tricky [to navigate] so get a head start before leaving Marquette.
Note to current students and alumni: NMU Career Services is here for you at any stage of your job and career search. Check out their growing Alumni Mentor Program.
Czajka completes Master's degree at Michigan Technological University
May 18, 2023
Olivia Czajka is a May 2021 graduate of NMU with a major in Environmental Studies and Sustainability. In her final year as an undergraduate Olivia developed a passion for GIS. She chose to map food deserts in the Upper Peninsula for her senior capstone project. She then decided to pursue a Master’s degree at Michigan Technological University. In Spring 2022 Olivia was part of a panel discussion that GTU honors students organized on demystifying grad school. She explained how she decided to pursue a graduate degree and shared advice with current undergraduates. Olivia successfully defended her Master’s thesis in Spring 2023 and is excited to continue on for a Ph.D. She is a great example of someone who followed her passion, leading to unexpected, positive outcomes. We caught up with Olivia after she completed her first graduate degree.
How did you choose NMU and was your major?
I chose NMU because I wanted to feel connected to my environment and be on the lake. My major was Environmental Studies and Sustainability.
What was your pathway since graduating and where are you now?
I graduated from NMU in May of 2021. I spent that summer leading an AmeriCorps crew around the Upper Peninsula. Some duties included trail maintenance, campsite restoration, and historical building restoration. I spent one month that summer building a utilities database and data dictionary for Isle Royale National Park. That will be used this summer (2023) to conduct a utility survey on the island. In January 2022, I began my Masters at Michigan Technological University in GIS. I am graduating this April after defending my Masters work on georectifying historic maps to create a comprehensive, chronological vegetation database for Isle Royale National Park.
Tell us about your project for your M.S. at MTU.
My Master’s project is in partnership with USGS [U.S. Geological Survey] and Isle Royale National Park. We have stacks of handwritten field notes that correspond to hand drawn transects on a paper map. The goal is to compile as much data on Isle Royale as possible so we can study the effects of fire and moose herbivory on the island. There is a lack of historical data so the product of my Master’s was to get the paper map georeferenced so our historical data has a spatial component.
How did you decide to attend graduate school, and why did you choose to study GIS?
I wanted to add something to my environmental science background. I think having computer skills, especially GIS skills, gives you extra utility when it comes to applying for jobs or continuing education. Many government employers I was researching when applying for jobs were looking for GIS skills.
What's next after finishing your Master's degree?
I am continuing the vegetation survey on Isle Royale which will be my Ph.D. thesis work. I am going to be working with Evan Kane and other NPS [National Park Service] employees.
For what class were you a teaching assistant at MTU, and what was it like?
I taught the Master’s and undergraduate Intro to GIS labs. It was extremely eye opening and humbling. I think I learned the most in the times I was teaching because you really need to understand the content to be able to explain it to someone else. As for the eye opening aspect, if you’ve ever used ArcGIS Pro, you know there are many ways to do things and different workflows. My students would come up with these strange ways to solve problems and that taught me a lot.
What is a happy memory from your time at NMU?
My entire experience at NMU was great. I think the happiest was digging soil pits for the [GC 202] Soils class. We had a lot of fun outside that day. Another happy experience, I’d say, was just how helpful everyone was when I decided to apply to grad school. Many of my professors offered help with the application process and letters of recommendation. It was just really nice to feel all that support.
What are some of your favorite activities when you are not making maps?
When I’m not making maps you can find me skiing at Mont Ripley, XC skiing at the Tech Trails, making yummy meals, or doing yoga. One of the most important things I’ve learned in grad school is how important it is to make time for things that make you feel good.
Olivia’s undergraduate advisor, Dr. Michael Broadway, observed, “Olivia exemplifies a student who found her passion in making maps and has pursued this interest all the way to beginning a Ph.D. program. During her time at NMU, she impressed me with her enthusiasm for learning and that energy has served her well since leaving the EEGS Department and obtaining a Master’s degree from Michigan Tech.”
In closing Olivia extended a thank you to Dr. Susy Ziegler and Dr. Michael Broadway for their support of her graduate school venture. She concluded, “Life really is all about the connections you make, and I am grateful for the connections I made at NMU!”
Sustainability students visit alumnus-owned business Maple Syrup Hunk
May 18, 2023
Adam Magnuson graduated from NMU in December 2013 with a major in Environmental Studies and Sustainability and an interest in GIS. He worked in the conservation field, doing restoration work for the U.S. Forest Service, local government, nonprofits, and for-profits before ending up at a GIS job for the past few years. “I appreciate the trajectory that the EEGS Department set me out on!” Adam reflected. Recently he and a business partner started developing a sugarbush off of County Road 550, about 35 minutes from the NMU campus. Maple Syrup Hunk focuses on value added products like infusions, maple cream and maple sugar. Adam remembers really enjoying the GC 317 Geography of Food Systems course as an undergraduate. He contacted the EEGS Department to see whether students interested in sustainability and food security would want to collaborate.
Please visit the Sustainability students visit alumnus-owned business page for the full story.
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Dr. Van Grinsven co-hosts shiitake mushroom event with MCCD and MycoNaut
May 13, 2023
Dr. Matt Van Grinsven, in collaboration with the Marquette County Conservation District and MycoNaut, hosted a shiitake mushroom growing workshop on the NMU campus on Sat May 13. The workshop was designed to teach community members how to grow their own mushrooms, and it could more broadly address food security problems across the Upper Peninsula.
For more information and to watch the news clip, visit the original WLUC TV6 news story.
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