In Memoriam, Dr. Bernard C. Peters
August 31, 2023
Dr. Bernard C. Peters, age 89, passed away Saturday, August 12, 2023, at UP Health System – Marquette. Dr. Peters was a longtime Professor in the Geography Department at Northern Michigan University. Most weekday mornings after retiring in 1994, he would work out at the PEIF and then sit in the department to conduct his historical research on Native Americans and on shipping in the Great Lakes region. Dr. Peters visited archives and meticulously sought facts and quotations on microfilm, publishing his findings in several articles in the quarterly journal Inland Seas® among other outlets. After the global pandemic hit, he continued writing at home. He was a dedicated scholar and geographer, and a memorable instructor. Dr. Peters’ obituary may be accessed here.
Elizabeth Armstrong ’22 returns to EEGS to teach GC 202 Soils Labs
August 31, 2023
This fall semester, Elizabeth Armstrong '22 is teaching three laboratory sections of GC 202 Soils, with Dr. Matt Van Grinsven covering the lectures and the other three labs. Liz has been busy since graduating, and has immersed herself in the profession of research related to sustainable agriculture. As the semester launched, we asked Liz to share details about her pathway to Northern and beyond. Welcome back, Liz!
What was your major/minor, and when did you graduate from NMU?
My major at NMU was Environmental Science with a concentration in Natural Resources. I graduated with my Bachelor’s degree and a GIS Certificate in Spring of 2022.
Where are you from and what brought you to NMU as a student?
I was born and raised in Chicago, but I was drawn to NMU to study Environmental Science after high school for a number of reasons. I liked the smaller class sizes which allowed me to have personalized attention from faculty. At NMU, you truly have the ability to create long lasting connections with your professors, and they are there to challenge and support you throughout your academic journey.
I was also drawn to the EEGS Department at NMU specifically for the active learning incorporated into most of my courses. Getting to travel by van out to various locations across Marquette County to perform field work allowed me to gain so much practical hands-on experience and test out new innovative technology/equipment for relevant job experience within my career field.
What is your current professional position and what is your focus?
I am currently an Agricultural Research Technician at The North Farm at the Michigan State University Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Center (UPREC), located in Chatham, Michigan. This facility is a research farm, and my work here primarily revolves around diversified organic vegetable production and season extension in northern climates. I also work with Abbey Palmer, who is the Education and Outreach Coordinator at UPREC, on farm-to-school and land-based learning projects with the K–12 schools across the UP.
What was your trajectory from majoring in the EEGS Department to your current work?
During the summer of my junior year at NMU, I worked as a GIS Intern at Partridge Creek Farm (PCF) in Ishpeming, Michigan. This internship helped me gain practical experience in my career field and apply my skills that I learned in my EEGS classes to the real world. It perfectly combined my passion for GIS and innovative environmental technology with sustainable agriculture, and this internship was able to count toward credits for my GIS Certificate. Because of this internship and the relationships I built there, I was hired back at PCF the summer after graduation to do contract work focusing on soil technology research. Working at Partridge Creek Farm allowed me to explore my profession in sustainable agriculture and to network with other local organic farmers. Subsequently I was employed at various organic farms in and around Marquette to gain the hands-on farm experience needed to be hired on at my current job at MSU UPREC. And now, with my combined internship/work experience in sustainable agriculture research and the professional relationships I maintained with EEGS faculty, I am fortunate to be hired as a part-time instructor in NMU’s EEGS Department to teach three GC 202 Soils labs with Dr. Matt Van Grinsven.
What are your hobbies and interests?
Outside of work, I love spending my free time outdoors. I do a lot of long-distance running and am very happy to be a part of such a vibrant and accepting local running community in Marquette. Some of my other hobbies include backpacking, gravel biking, and gardening.
Is there anything else that you’d like to share?
I am very thankful for the support of EEGS faculty throughout my time at NMU. They challenged me and provided me with the skills and opportunities I needed to advance in my career of sustainable agriculture research.
EEGS welcomes new Senior Success Advisors
August 31, 2023
As part of an advising realignment, NMU now has a Student Success Department. Lauren Anargyros and Jose’ Garcia have joined Kelsey Avey ‘17 on the team that advises EEGS students as part of the Natural and Physical Sciences Cluster. Each of them has the title of Senior Success Advisor.
For nearly three years Lauren Anargyros has been an Embedded Student Success Specialist in the Biology Department. She continues to advise Biology students. As the team looks forward to having a fourth Success Advisor join them this fall, Lauren will train to assist students in Chemistry, EEGS, and Physics, too.
Jose’ Garcia has been an Academic Advisor at NMU for nine years. Previously, Jose’ was a Residence Hall Director and an Admissions Counselor here at Northern. He has lots of experience helping students with course registration, scheduling, degree planning, and connecting students to faculty and staff around campus. Jose' and Kelsey will advise EEGS students new to NMU this fall.
The EEGS Department is thrilled to have such an experienced, hardworking, and enthusiastic team. Our students are fortunate to have these dedicated advisors supporting student success in many dimensions of wellbeing. Read the November 2023 e-newsletter for a more detailed introduction to our new Success Advisors.
Williams interns at BLOXHUB
August 31, 2023
In Summer 2023 Elizabeth Williams interned for three months in Copenhagen, Denmark, at BLOXHUB, a coworking and event coordinating space that aims to bring research and industry closer together under the umbrella of sustainable urbanization and the built environment. Eli, an Environmental Studies and Sustainability major, described her experience: “I worked closely with the Science Program, which organizes talks and PhD networks, and Urban Partnerships, who hosts international delegations and BLOXHUB and makes connections with organizations globally. I attended multiple conferences including the UIA World Congress of Architecture and the BMW Re*Leadership Festival.”
This internship was made possible through a Voyager Scholarship, which is a two-year program for students in their junior and senior years of college from across the United States who are committed to pursuing careers that serve the public and their communities. Eli encourages other students to apply for this amazing opportunity.
Two NMU students awarded GTU scholarships
August 31, 2023
Gamma Theta Upsilon International Geographical Honor Society announced the 2023 student scholarships. NMU’s Eta Chi chapter of GTU is thrilled to announce that two of the four recipients are members of the EEGS Department. Mary Kelly, Eta Chi President, was honored with the Richason Scholarship. Elizabeth Williams, Eta Chi Secretary, was awarded the Maxfield Scholarship. Each scholarship is for $1000. Congratulations, Mary and Eli, on co-leading and representing our chapter so well!
The Eta Chi Chapter is repeatedly recognized as one of the most active GTU chapters internationally. Each semester the EEGS Department mails invitations to students who meet the eligibility requirements to join GTU, an organization certified by the Association of College Honor Societies. Students in any major may join GTU if they have met the criteria. We are proud of Mary, Eli, and all of the Eta Chi members for promoting geography through their dedicated learning and giving back to Planet Earth. For further information about GTU at the international or local level please contact Eta Chi chapter sponsor Susy Ziegler at suziegle@nmu.edu.
Lake to Lake CISMA crew assists in Outdoor Learning Area
August 31, 2023
This summer. three members of Lake to Lake Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (L2L CISMA) spent a day pulling invasive species from the Native Plant Park of the Outdoor Learning Area. The group was organized by Maddie O’Donnell (BS ‘19 Environmental Science), District Manager of the Marquette County Conservation District, and Elise Desjarlais (BS '13 Zoology), L2L CISMA Coordinator.
Noah Gostomski (BS ‘20) graduated from the EEGS Department with a major in Environmental Studies and Sustainability and a minor in Biology. After completing his degree, Noah headed to the West Coast to work as a crew leader with the Northwest Youth Corps in Oregon. He reflected, “It was a great way to introduce 15- to 19-year-olds to nature and build a sense of stewardship.” He also led AmeriCorps crews. Returning to Marquette Noah has enjoyed supporting the native ecosystems of his hometown. He takes pride in restoring the health of the environment.
Also part of the crew was Kyler Hanson (BS ‘23) who graduates this August with a major in Biology. He enthusiastically removed tansy and spotted knapweed by their roots to provide more room for native grasses and wildflowers. Kelly Ahern, a current Biology major with an Earth Science minor, is grateful for what she described as the opportunity to “get paid to do a lab class every day.” She appreciates the amazing hands-on experience with great co-workers, and has seen “tons of species including a dwarf iris” this season.
It’s heartwarming to see students develop their passion for the environment at NMU and venture out into the wider world to help manage natural resources with great dedication and determination. Thank you, CISMA crew, for giving the native plants more room to thrive.
Kelly presents at SCGIS conference
August 31, 2023
On August 18, 2023, Mary Kelly presented her project "Investigating spatial distributions of late-successional forest in western Oregon" at the Society for Conservation GIS (SCGIS) Virtual International Conference. This work stemmed from her internship that she completed during Summer 2022 with The Nature Conservancy (TNC). Kelly notes that "presenting my work whenever possible has been a highlight of my time at NMU. While conducting independent research as an undergraduate is significant, learning to communicate our findings in a straightforward manner to diverse groups is an even more valuable skill. I am grateful to TNC for funding my attendance at the conference, as well as Randy Swaty (TNC Ecologist and EEGS Research Associate) for his guidance and enthusiasm throughout my internship."
EEGS and Seaborg Center host 2023 Environmental Science Camp
August 31, 2023
In cooperation with the Seaborg Mathematics and Science Center, the EEGS Department hosted the Summer 2023 Environmental Science Camp. During the last week in July, 19 high school students from the region with interests in environmental science, sustainability, conservation, forestry, biology, history, and psychology visited sites around the Upper Peninsula to learn about the local geology, forest ecology, energy production, and sustainability practices.
Richard Ziegler guided the students down the Au Train River on the first day of camp. Prior to the canoe trip, he helped the campers interpret topographic maps and contour lines. The group measured the distance they would paddle on the meandering stream…which was a few miles longer than the route as the blue heron flies. The next day Mr. 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, and outcrops of pillow basalt and other ancient rocks.
Then the students had the opportunity to learn about different types of energy production at the Marquette Board of Light and Power with Dr. Ryan Stock. The group learned about the sustainability initiatives of the downtown business Donckers while eating lunch there. The afternoon activity was to engage in composting at Partridge Creek Farm in Ishpeming. That evening students explored the Downtown Marquette Farmers Market and local shops along Washington Street.
After a passing thunderstorm the next morning, the campers hiked in the Longyear Tract with Dr. Adam Naito to learn about forest ecology. They collected data on the species and sizes of trees to estimate forest biomass and carbon storage. The group enjoyed the beautiful views along the hike.
On their final full day, Kathleen Henry (’16, BS Environmental Studies and Sustainability) facilitated a fascinating lesson on coastal resilience in the face of a changing climate. The class learned about living shorelines, touring Lakeshore Drive and ending up at South Beach. There they helped Superior Watershed Partnership and a crew from the Great Lakes Climate Corps remove the invasive species spotted knapweed, restore beach grass, and pick up the scraps of fireworks from Fourth of July celebrations.
The culmination of their week was developing and presenting a multimedia MURAL project to their friends and family detailing their endeavors and experiences. We look forward to seeing these future Wildcats back on campus for college. One of the participants of this camp already joined us for Fall 2023!
The camp would not have been possible without the following dedicated individuals:
- The six amazing college students who served as enthusiastic counselors, including EEGS majors Annie, Dayna, and Hope
- Seaborg staff Chris Standerford, Renee Jewett, and Lisa Mattson
- Senior Success Advisor Kelsey Avey and EEGS Administrative Assistant Jana Nicholls
- The Wildpups and their handlers who visited the camp and helped everyone chill and appreciate life one afternoon between academic activities
- Gerri Daniels, Executive Director of Admissions, who presented the campers with a certificate of completion and conditional admission to NMU
Kelly presents research at the Society of Wetland Scientists Annual Meeting
August 31, 2023
In June 2023, Mary Kelly traveled to Spokane, Washington to present research at the Society of Wetland Scientists Annual Meeting. Her research poster focused on the use of a LiDAR survey to support restoration and management objectives for mitigation wetlands in Marquette. Mary noted that "[t]he poster session itself was a great learning experience and gave me the opportunity to connect with industry professionals, academics, and students from around the country. One aspect that stands out to me in particular is that many attendees thought I was a graduate student. I think this observation speaks not only to the caliber of research conducted in the EEGS Department and at NMU, but also the way in which our undergraduate students are treated as valued members of the research community here."
To support her conference expenses, Mary received travel funding from the EEGS Department, the NMU College of Arts and Sciences, and the North Central Chapter of the Society of Wetland Scientists.
Mary also extends her appreciation to Dr. Van Grinsven and Dr. Naito for their unwavering support leading up to the conference.
Maynard leads a Great Lakes Climate Corps crew
August 31, 2023
Several crews of the Great Lakes Climate Corps (GLCC) are deployed across the region this summer, working on initiatives to help the environment. In early June, GLCC crew leader Olivia Maynard and crew members Jacob Fewkes, Liv Gordon, and Michael Silvernail assisted in the Native Plant Park of NMU’s Outdoor Learning Area (OLA). These NMU students helped remove spotted knapweed, an invasive species that inhibits the growth of native plants, and tansy, which is an aggressive, deep-rooted plant that crowds out other species. Then, to keep unwanted plants from returning to the bare areas, they spread seeds of native grasses and flowers. With careful watering—and hopefully some gentle rain—residents of Birch West should have a refreshed field of native plants to view out their window this coming fall.
Please visit the Great Lakes Climate Corps crew news page for the full story.
Dr. Sarah Mittlefehldt hosts wood energy workshop on NMU campus
August 31, 2023
Dr. Sarah Mittlefehldt organized and led a wood energy workshop on the NMU campus on Fri Aug 18. The workshop was designed to bring together industry, leaders, policy makers, researchers, conservation officials, engineers, economic development experts, loggers and others interested in forest-based renewable energy technologies in discussions of how to implement wood energy locally. The workshop was financially supported by the National Science Foundation's Science and Technology Studies Program.
For more information and to watch the news clip, visit the original WLUC TV6 news story. Additional information can also be found in this Mining Journal story and in this Northern Today article.
Dr. Ryan Stock serves as vice chair of American Association of Geographers' Energy & Environment Specialty Group
August 31, 2023
Dr. Ryan Stock was nominated to serve as the Vice Chair of the American Association of Geographers' Energy & Environment Specialty Group. In this capacity, he has led several initiatives related to diversity, equity and inclusion and is currently planning the annual Energy Geography Conference.
Dr. Stock maintains a global research program through his Illume Lab, collaborating with many scholars and students worldwide. He recently launched a new research project, entitled Daybreak Wastescapes, illuminating the social and environmental injustices of solar e-waste in India. He initiated another new project, in collaboration with Dr. Efadul Huq (Smith College) and the River and Delta Research Centre in Dhaka, entitled Just Riverine Urbanisms, that studies the social movements of marginalized fisherfolk along the Turag River in Bangladesh that mobilize against river pollution and displacement. He recently completed a research study with Dr. Benjamin Sovacool (Boston University) entitled Left in the Dark, studying the environmental injustices at each stage of the solar PV lifecycle in India. He is also finishing up a research collaboration with Dr. Hanson Nyantakyi-Frimpong (University of Denver) and Dr. Philip Antwi-Agyei (Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology), entitled Volta Photovoltaics, examining the gender politics of solar development in Ghana. Undergraduate and graduate students from multiple universities, including NMU, have been involved in these projects and he looks forward to more student research collaborations in the Illume Lab.
