The Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering would like to congratulate our Spring and Summer 2025 graduates and raise you up for all to see. We are proud of you and want to wish you the best of luck in your next chapter.
Opeyemi Alamtutu
MS Environmental Engineering
Opeyemi will put all he has learned to practice and get hands on experience after graduation. He says he will miss the weather and the snow. Opeyemi says he is thankful to Tech for giving him the opportunity to advance his career and wanted to recognize Dr. Brian Barkdoll as someone who made a diffence while at Michigan Tech.
Alexander Arnold
MS Integrated Geospatial Technolgy
After graduation, Alex will work in the remote sensing field for Planetary Science or Earth Observation. He will miss the educational experiences and opportunities provided through the University. Alex says he is thankful for the flexibility that MTU offers through online programs and specifically wanted to recognize Dr. Jae Sung Kim.
Luke Bauer
BS Civil Engineering
After graduation, Luke will move back home to Illinois and start working. He says he will miss the snow and cool things to do in the UP and is thankful for the good teachers and classes that prepared him well for his future job.
Arika Booms
BS Environmental Engineering
Arika plans to do remediation work for TRC Companies in Madison, WI after graduation - planning to continue being involved in the sustainability movement and music-making. Arika says, "I will miss the great community I've found here, the view of the portage, and everything." She says she cannot name just one thing that she is thankful to Tech for, saying "So many opportunities, community, home away from home, financial aid, sustainability organizations and leaders, etc. SO MANY GREAT PEOPLE! Thank you to all of my professors, classmates, friends, supervisors, and other amazing people all the journey! Thank you to all of the staff who keep this place going! Thank you to Dr. Morse for helping me believe in myself and ultimately decide to go to Tech! Thank you all so incredibly much! I could not ask for a better 4 years of college! Thank you for growing my knowledge and confidence in my ability to make a positive impact on the world."
Dorian Brotschul
BS Environmental Engineering
After graduation, Dorian will work, visit friends, swim in Lake Michigan, and bike around his country. He says he will miss the people and the snow and is thankful to Michigan Tech for the people and the snow. Someone that made a difference during Dorian's time at Michigan Tech is Dr. Noel Urban, he says "Noel Urban was a good teacher. I learned a lot about this little corner of the world I'm about to dive into. If I end up being good at my job, I have to give him some credit." he adds, "Julie Ross = best advisor. The saddest people I know are all mechanical engineer students. The dining hall is bad. Everyone I know that is a happy person shares the singular trait that we all get outside a LOT. Going in the sauna also helps with being happy."
Eric Buregeya Mbabazi
MS Civil Engineering
Eric will miss the people and environment at Tech and the community at St. Al's. He says, "I am grateful for the opportunity of working at Center for Technology and Training during my academic journey, and the opportunity to learn from distinguished & experienced professors at MTU. I would like to appreciate specifically the Fulbright Program, Graduate School, CTT and CEGE at Michigan Tech. Without them, I wouldn't have made it this far, completing my graduate studies in United States."
Brad Busby
BS Construction Management
After graduation, Brad will begin working as a Field Engineer at Boldt. He will miss the outdoor winter adventures and lifelong friends. Max is thankful to MTU for advancing his knowledge in communication, construction, and project management.
Connor Cardell
BS Civil Engineering
Connor will be working as a transportation engineer at Bolton & Menk in Minnesota after graduation. He will miss the unique atmosphere of being at Michigan Tech and being able to compete within athletics. Conner says, "I am thankful for all my mentors and coaches who have helped me progress throughout college. I am also thankful for all the personal relationships I have made."
Rane Castor
BS Civil Engineering
After graduation, Rane plans on moving to Green Bay with his longtime girlfiend, Olivia, and starting his career in the structures department at JT Engineering. He says, "What I’ll miss most about MTU are the friendships I’ve built over the years. I am thankful to MTU for providing me with excellent teachers in the realm of structural engineering. Dr. Daniel Dowden made a significant impact on my time at MTU by challenging me with complex concepts in steel and concrete design. His excellent guidance and engaging teaching style not only deepened my understanding but also kept me motivated to push my limits. His passion for structural engineering and dedication to his students made a lasting impression on me, shaping both my academic growth and my excitement for the field."
Michelle Cooper
PhD Civil Engineering
Michelle will continue working full-time as a concrete materials research engineer after graduation. She is will miss and is thankful for the kind faculty and staff who supported her through her online PhD program. She specifically wanted to recognize her advisor, Dr. Amlan Mukherjee.
Javier De La Cerda
MS Civil Engineering
After graduation, Javier plans to continue his civil engineering career. He says, "I genuinely enjoyed the online learning courses, and I am grateful for the practical skills. The water resources engineering education focus is excellent and practical for all students. Dr. Brian Barkdoll has amazing lectures that I enjoyed learning from. Thank you so much! I am tremendously honored and appreciative of becoming a Tau Beta Pi member with MTU. "
John Decator
BS Civil Engineering
John will be returing to Tech in the fall to obtain his Master's degree. He will miss the friends he has made over the past four years and is thankful to Michigan Tech for providing experiences/courses not available at other universities. John would like to recognize Dr. Audra Morse, saying "She has been a great help to me ever since I was a freshman. She has helped me with projects I have had the opportunity to work on and advice on other things in general."
Jacob Dezelski
BS Environmental Engineering
After graduation, Jacob will begin working at Gosling Czubak Engineering Sciences. He says he will miss the UP, hiking, friends and winter. Jacob says he is thankful for the friends made and lessons learns and would like to recognize his wife, Lauren, as someone who has made a difference to him during his time at Michigan Tech.
Brandon Dobson
BS Construction Management
After graduation, Brandon will be working at SME as a Field Technician. He will miss the people and the area and is thankful for making a lot of great friends and exploring many cool places while at Tech. Brandan would like to recognize Kerri Sleeman, saying"I learned a lot from being her student and she helped land me a job one summer which showed me a different side of the construction industry that I hadn't seen much of before."
Teddy Ellis
BS Construction Management
Teddy will begin work for a large GC and go to graduate school after graduation. He says that he will miss the nature of the UP and is thankful for all the friends he has made while at Tech. Teddy would like to recognize "Kerri Sleeman for feeding my construction passion. Lisa Gordillo for helping me navigate a graduate portfolio. Shelia Milligan for guiding me through the beginning of college. Dr. Stephen Morse for being the first math class I truly understood and enjoyed in a long long time."
Sam Foulke
BS Civil Engineering
After graduation, Sam will move west and go from there. He says he is thankful for the professors that are eager to help you learn and excel at Michigan Tech and specifically recongnized Dr. Daniel Dowden as someone who made a difference during his time at Tech.
Emma Giem
BS Environmental Engineering
After graduation, Emma will start working at Arcadis. She says she will miss friends, waterpolo, broomball and IM leagues. Emma says she is thankful to Tech for a solid education and new experiences.
Max Hazen
BS Civil Engineering
Max will begin working full-time as an entry level engineer at Prein & Newhof, focusing on water resources following graduation. He says he will miss everything about Tech - enven the winters but the nature and his friends the most. Max says, "I'm thankful for so much. I'm thankful for the life-long friends I've made in the dorms and Concrete Canoe. I'm thankful for all of the fun I've had exploring the Keweenaw and all the fun I've had going to local music shows. I'm thankful for all of the skills and lessons I've learned from Concrete Canoe. I don't think I would be here without the support of my family, friends, and mentors. Specifically, I would like to thank my Mom, Dad, and sister. I want to thank my professors that have inspired and taught me to build a better world for the public. I want to specifically thank Dr. Watkins, Dr. Barkdoll, Dr. Walber, Dr. Webster, Dr. Sadeghi, Julie Ross, and the entire CEGE department. I didn't think I could get an engineering degree, let alone, during COVID. I attribute so many of my successes and growth as a person to my support system; they supported me during my lowest lows. My gratitude towards Concrete Canoe is immeasurable. They're like a family to me."
Hayden Huckins
BS Civil Engineering
Hayden will be returning to MTU for an accelerated Masters in Civil Engineering with a Water Resource emphasis after graduation. After obtaining his MS, he hopes to find a career in hydrology or hydraulics - looking to work within natural environments and promote more ecologically conscious solutions to water related challenges. Hayden will miss the DiscoTech and Superior Ma's ultimate frisbee teams. He is thankful to Career Services for the career fair and general encouragement/assistance with finding internships and planning for full-time jobs both after and during school, saying "I highly recommend making the most of these resources." He adds, "I would like to thank Casey, Chair of the Biology department, for being incredibly supportive, knowledgeable, and helpful. He's constantly trying to look out for students at Michigan Tech, and was always available when I needed advice. Thanks Dad!"
Kora Johnson
BS Environmental Engineering
After graduation, Kora will be moving to Minneapolis, MN to pursue music before applying to graduate schools for freshwater sciences. She will miss the unique community of passionate and creative students. She says, "I am thankful to MTU for offering many hands on experiences for my degree. I really appreciate the emphasis on water quality in the Great Lakes. I had the unique opportunity to intern at the GLRC for two years which really exposed me to the breadth of research that the university supports in this area, and the different ways I might be able to use my degree in the future."
David Kuhar
BS Construction Management
After graduation, David will be working for DPR Construction in Charlotte, NC. He says he will miss his friends and the nature of the UP and is thankful for the friends he has made and the education he received at Tech.
Samuel Kuipers
BS Civil Engineering
BS
Geospatial Engineering
Sam will be attending Calvin Theological Seminary for a Master's in Divinity after graduation. He will miss the people and the snow at Tech and is thankful for a quality education in surveying and civil engineering. He would like to recognize Jeffery Hollingsworth and Kris Mattila as professors that made a difference while at Tech.
Jonathon Lafave
MS Civil Engineering
Jonathon will work at BOSS Engineering after graduation. He says he will miss his friends and is thankful to Michigan Tech for those friendships.
Kimberly Ann Lopez
BS Civil Engineering
Kimberly Ann plans to move to the west coast and pursue a career in transportation engineering. She says "I'm excited to contribute to projects that enhance mobility and improve infrastructure, creating more efficient and sustainable transportation systems for communities. I’ll definitely miss the snowstorms that test our tenacity—first and foremost. I’ll also miss the traditions that make this place special—building snow statues during Winter Carnival, the rush between classes, and the small but meaningful moments, like holding the door for someone just in time for them to sprint. I’ll miss the challenge of office hours, where I pushed my professors with endless questions, and most of all, the friendships I’ve built and the incredible people I’ve had the chance to meet. I am grateful that Michigan Tech has a place for everyone. I came here alone, but I will leave with meaningful connections and lifelong friendships. I appreciate the opportunities I’ve had, the challenges that pushed me to grow, and the organizations that have enriched both my education and my overall experience. Michigan Tech has not only shaped my career but also enhanced my perspective on life. I would like to sincerely thank Dr. Zhanping You for his mentorship and for giving me the opportunity to contribute to his research from my second year through my senior year. His guidance, along with the knowledge I gained in his classes and research, has deepened my understanding of transportation engineering and reinforced my passion for this field. His support has played a significant role in shaping my academic and professional journey.
Matthew Machin
BS Construction Management
Matthew will be joining Alberici Constructors as a project engineer on the Soo Locks after graduation. He says, "I'm excited to apply the skills I learned from Michigan Tech, and eventually become a project manager. I will miss the countless memories I have made, and the amazing people I have met. I am thankful for the constant push to network and establish credibility in the industry I'm going into. Many people have influenced my success here at Michigan Tech. If I were to choose one person, it would be Kerri Sleeman. As a professor, she goes above and beyond to support her students in any way she can. As a friend, she is willing to talk to anyone about any subject matter. Her dedication, kindness, and encouragement have made a profound impact on my academic journey."
Benjamin Marion
BS Construction Management
After graduation, Benjamin will begin working at Granger Construction. He says that he will miss the bike trails and is thankful for the opportunity Tech gave him to make great friends. Benjamin wanted to recognize Dr. Kris Mattila as someone who made a differnce during his time at Tech.
Reagan May
BS Civil Engineering
Reagan will begin work in Bridge Design for Benesch in Nashville. She will miss the tight-knit community of Michgian Tech and is thankful for the relationships she has created and the support she has received. Reagan would like to recognize Chris Gilbertson, saying he "has been a phenomenal mentor and is always willing to help me when I ask. He has made a long-lasting impact on me and I hope I can someday make a difference like he does."
Alice McKnight
BS Environmental Engineering
Alice will move to Fairbanks, AK to work for an environmental consulting company after graduation. She says she will miss the snow and the Michigan Tech community. Alice is thankful for all the people she has met and the support that she has felt from the faculty and staff and would like to recognize her nordic ski team coaches, Tom and Kirsten Monahan-Smith.
Justin Micillo
BS Geospatial Engineering
After graduation, Justin will be working for an engineering firm as a Design Engineer and will be primarily designing railroad alignments with some field work. He says, "I will miss the people, pasties, going to hockey games and the many parks and beaches along Lake Superior. I am thankful for all that I learned about railroads and the railroad industry through attending conferences, going on field trips, attending monthly REAC meetings and taking the railroad specific courses tech offers. Railroad education is rare in the US and I believe I am already ahead as I enter the industry. I came to tech from New York specifically for the rail program and absolutely believe it was worth it. I would like to recognize Dave Nelson and Pasi Lautala for all that they have done for and taught me and for what they do for the Railroad Transportation Program. Go Huskies!"
Jack Moon
BS Civil Engineering
Jack plans to continue his Civil Engineering career as he begins to work with RS&H after graduation. He will miss the many friends and great experience Tech has provided him. Jack says that he is thankful for Tech's numerous amonts of great professors and programs created to aid and help the students learn.
Andrew Olson
BS Civil Engineering
After graduation, Andrew will work full-time in civil and survey work. He says he will miss ice hockey and is thankful to Michigan Tech for the campus clubs. Andrew wants to recognize Bill O'Connor as someone who has made a difference to him while at Tech.
Sydney Peterson
BS Environmental Engineering
Sydney plans to travel out West to visit alumni friends from Tech before starting her career as a Process Engineer for Prein and Newhof in Muskegon, MI. She says, "I will miss seeing friends everywhere I go on campus and participating in Winter Carnival statue building with my sorority. I'm thankful for the drive and determination that Michigan Tech instilled in me. I have made such lasting relationships with the organizations I am apart of and I will miss the way we push ourselves to grow everyday & all our memories exploring the Keweenaw. Being apart of such a motivated and supportive community has helped mold me into the person I am today."
Pascal Pouokam Wabo Defo
Graduate Certificate Structural Eng: Buiding Design
After graduation, Pascal plans to continue his education towards a Master's degree while aslo looking for job opportunities to gain practical experience in his field. He says, "While I completed my Graduate Certificate through online courses, I still appreciated the strong academic community and learning experience at Michigan Tech. I’m excited to continue my education here as I pursue my Master’s degree and look forward to new opportunities for growth. I am thankful to Michigan Tech for the incredible hands-on learning experiences and the unwavering support from faculty and academic staff." Pascal wanted to recognize Angela Keranen and Dr. Andrew Swartz as people who made a difference during his time at Tech.
Averi Reno
MS Environmental Engineering
Grad Cert Natural Hazards and Disaster Risk Reduction
Grad Cert Engineering Sustainability and Reilience
Averi has accepted a full-time position with Barr Engineering in Ann Arbor, MI as an Entry Level Environmental Engineer. She will miss the wonder people and the welcoming community here at Tech. Averi says, "I am thankful for the hands on experience I got through my experience with the enterprise program and the opportunity to work in Dr. Minakata’s Lab! I would like to recognize Dr. Audra Morse. She has always been a role model of mine and an amazing friend. She has taught me to reach for the sky and be confident in my own abilities to work hard and succeed. Being so far away from home can be tough, but when you have someone like Dr. Morse to lean on, it makes the journey through college that much easier!"
Kayla Roffers
BS Civil Engineering
After graduation, Kayla will be moving to Green Bay, Wisconsin to work for an engineering consulting firm. She says, "I am going to miss seeing the vibrant northern lights and hunting for Yooperlites at Agate beach." When asked if she would like to recognize anyone at Tech, Kayla says, "Professor Fredin is an outstanding professor who makes his classes engaging and cares about his student's education, making my experience at Michigan Tech even better."
Jonathan Romes
BS Construction Management
Jonathan will move to Denver, Colorado to work with Kiewit after graduation. He says he will miss the professors at Michigan Tech.
Trevor Russell
BS Construction Management
Trevor will continue to play hockey after graduation. He will miss the community and wanted to recognize Tyler Shelast as someone who made a difference during his time at Tech.
Edward Sandy
MS Civil Engineering
Edward will start his optional practical training as a field engineer with Geotechnical Consultants Inc. in Columbus, OH after graduation. He says, "I will deeply miss the strong sense of community at Michigan Tech. From walking through campus during the long winters to engaging with peers in research and student organizations, there was always a spirit of support and camaraderie. The unique blend of international and local students made for a rich, diverse environment where we all learned from one another. I’ll miss those small but powerful moments like sharing coffee during late-night study sessions, celebrating Winter Carnival, and finding warmth in the middle of snowstorms through the friendships I built here. I am incredibly thankful to Michigan Tech for giving me not just an education, but a transformative experience. It was here that I grew as a leader, a researcher, and an individual. I gained more than academic knowledge. I developed resilience, adaptability, and a deep appreciation for collaboration. Tech offered me the platform to express myself, contribute meaningfully, and connect with people from all walks of life who expanded my worldview. I would like to recognize Dr. Andrew Swartz, who served as my advisor during my time at Michigan Tech. His guidance, patience, and mentorship played a crucial role in my academic journey. He challenged me to think critically, supported my research interests, and provided consistent encouragement that helped me believe in my potential. His influence will continue to shape my path moving forward. Michigan Tech will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s more than just a university, it's a place where I found my voice, overcame challenges, and built lifelong connections. As I move forward, I carry the Husky spirit of tenacity, community, and accountability with me. I am proud to be a part of this family, and I’m excited to see how each of us, in our unique ways, will go on to change the world. Go Huskies!"
Drew Schlaff
BS Civil Engineering
After graduation, Drew plans to pursue a graduate degree in the fate and transport of environmental pollutants. His goal is to advance research that helps protect ecosystems and public health. Drew says, "I will truly miss the friends I made at Tech. They were a big part of what made this experience so special. I'm thankful for the opportunity to be involved with research. It has allowed me to develop my interests and gain valuable experience in the field. I'd like to recognize Dr. Noel Urban and Dr. Judith Perlinger, who have greatly influenced the direction I want to pursue in my future career. They were incredibly knowledgeable, thoughtful, and patient mentors, and I am deeply grateful for their guidance."
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Emily Schmidt
BS Civil Engineering
Emily will be pursuing her career with Motenson Construction working in their Federal Contracting Group. She says "I will be working on projects in their Western District of Utah, Colorado and California and am excited to apply my degree to the real world! I will miss the late night trips to Breakers or McLain to watch the northern lights around a campfire. I’m incredibly thankful to Michigan Tech for teaching me the power of perseverance. Throughout my time here, I’ve faced challenges that pushed me beyond my limits, and I’ve come to realize that I am capable of much more than I ever thought possible. The environment at Michigan Tech has encouraged me to keep pushing forward, even when things seemed tough, and that’s a lesson I’ll carry with me forever."
Marc Sippel
MS Civil Engineering
Marc will work for Becher Hoppe Associates after graduation. He says he will miss the snow and is thankful to Tech for the great people he has met. He would like to recognize Doug and Heather Sippels for making a difference while he was at Michigan Tech
Lauren Stern
BS Civil Engineering
Lauren will begin working in Dexter with Material Testing Consultants after graduation. She will miss being so close to the outdoors and is thankful to Michigan Tech for giving her great learning and social opportunities to grow.
Connor Tokie
BS Civil Engineering
BS Environmental Engineering
Connoer will start a full-time job at Braun Intertec after graduation. He will miss the things that make Michigan Tech home and is thankful for "good friends, great memories, expensive tuition (2 truths and a lie)."
Ken Wade
MS Environmental Engineering
After graduation, Ken will work to protect our Great Lakes. He says he will miss the people who he has gotten to know and is thankful for the opportunity to participate in a great community. Ken would like to recognize Dr. Brian Barkdoll and Angela Keranen for making a diffence during his time in the online program, saying "Thank you for including me in the life of the department!"
Adam Wesolowski
BS Civil Engineering
Adam will begin work at Mead & Hunt in Depere, WI after graduation. He says he will miss all the new friends he made while at Tech and is thankful for the learning experience and professors.
Zach Whitton
BS Civil Engineering
Zach will begin work for Dow Chemical after graduation. He will miss the Keweenaw Peninsula and all the opportunities to try new things. Zach says his is thankful to Michigan Tech for helping him to prepare for his future career by making internships and co-ops a priority. He would like to recognize Dr. Andrew Swartz for making a difference during his time here.
Andrew Wozniak
BS Environmental Engineering
Andrew will work in Houghton for a while in consulting after graduation. He will miss playing random sports with friends, whether it's pick-up soccer, hockey, or inner tube water polo. Andrew is thankful for meeting so many amazing people in such a phenomenal place. When asked who make a difference, he says, "Dr. Audra Morse, definitely a great mentor and teacher. The only faculty member I can say I definitely connected with, it was fun to do enterprise for a year under her." He says "I am glad I went to Tech, I wouldn't have it any other way"
Lily Youngdahl
BS Environmental Engineering
Lily will miss the bell music at noon and 5pm everyday on campus. She is thankful to Tech for "Letting me find the best friends I could have ever asked for and giving me the room to grow into the person I want to be." Lily would like to recognize the past and present members of the swing dance club for giving her kindness, love, and the confidence to always be herself. /p>
Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial engineering
