Academic Spotlights

LSSU senior Alana Schofield is one of seven recipients of scholarships from the Kurt and Grinnell Aquaculture Scholarship Foundation (KGASF) for the 2025–2026 academic year. The KGASF aims to support Indigenous students studying in the fields of aquaculture, fisheries, and natural resource management.

Alana, who previously received another scholarship from the KGASF, is working to complete a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Wildlife Science. She is also a member of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and plans to build a career in natural resources and cultural food sovereignty while working toward a Ph.D.

Dr. Paul Kelso and research students assisted with a cold case investigation. The project involved
multiple geophysical studies at the site, which was conducted in collaboration with law enforcement
personnel and archeologists. The objective of the project was to recognize disturbed sediments and
soils which could be related to potential burials at the site. The initial results of the LSSU
geophysical study were shared with law enforcement. This project provides hands on experience
for LSSU students to use geophysical tools to assist a law enforcement investigation. Data
processing and analysis related to this project continues as a LSSU student research project.

The LSSU Geology Club organized a visit to the new Soo Lock construction site in October, which included students and faculty from the School of Chemistry, Environmental, and Geosciences, as well as the School of Engineering and Technology. The group toured the site with staff from the Army Corps of Engineers, including three Army Corps geoscientists. They observed the ongoing excavation of the Jacobsville sandstone, the construction of parts of the new lock, and learned about the lock construction processes. Some students and faculty also collected samples of sandstone from the construction site, the same distinctive stone that adorns the base of the Crawford Hall tower. The new lock megaproject is expected to span approximately 10 years and cost about $3 billion, adding a new, larger lock to the existing Soo Locks system.

The Lake Superior State Nurses Association (LSSNA) represented our School of Nursing at the Michigan Nursing Student Association (MNSA) Annual State Convention held on October 17, 2025, in Grand Rapids. LSSNA was awarded a $500 club scholarship in recognition of being the school that traveled the greatest distance to attend. LSSNA plans to use the award to further support the professional development and engagement of its members.

In addition to the club scholarship, several individual students also received recognition from event sponsors. Nursing student Amber Curtis was awarded a scholarship covering her NCLEX examination fee and first year of nursing licensure.

Throughout the convention, LSSNA members demonstrated outstanding professionalism and enthusiasm as they participated in leadership development sessions, engaged with vendors, and established networking connections.