Eden LaTulip '20, took what she learned at LSSU and reached for the stars. Now, she works at Tesla as a Senior Controls Development Engineer. While it hasn't been easy and she didn't know how to do every part of the job when she first started, Eden was able to pick up the necessary skills quickly with the general programming and systems knowledge she'd been equipped with during her time at LSSU. With the time management, prioritization, and mental stamina she honed as a student, she's well on her way to a successful engineering career.

When asked what advice she would give to current and future students, Eden said, "Don't take no for an answer. Much of my success in my career has come from perseverance and not giving up. To be successful, you have to be both determined and driven."

Lake Superior State University alumna Leslie Johnson '92  (Business Administration and Management, high honors) was recently featured in CFX Magazine for her outstanding career in accounting and private lending. A CPA with more than 30 years of experience, Leslie currently serves clients at Paradise Accounting & Tax Solutions PLLC in Kentwood, Michigan, specializing in tax planning, compliance, and strategic financial consulting.

In addition to her accounting work, Leslie is the founder of Paradise Funding LLC, where she operates as a Certified Private Money Lender supporting real-estate investors with flexible financing solutions. Her dual expertise in accounting and lending has positioned her as a trusted advisor to both individuals and businesses.

Her path to the profession began at LSSU, where she balanced full-time studies, parenting, and a 90-mile commute—graduating with a 3.899 GPA before qualifying for the CPA exam through Grand Valley State University. Leslie remains active in the field through community service, mentoring, and long-standing membership in the Michigan Association of CPAs.

Read the full article about Leslie's road to success here.

Lake Superior State University alumnus Alex Eckman '25 has been named a 2025 recipient of the ElSohly Award, one of the most prestigious honors presented by the Cannabis Chemistry Subdivision (CANN) of the American Chemical Society (ACS). Established in 2018, the award recognizes researchers, students, and industry professionals making significant contributions to the rapidly advancing field of cannabis and cannabinoid science.

Eckman earned national recognition for his project, “Evidence of Pre-Use Polymer Leaching in Hemp-Derived Vaporizers,” which presents critical findings about material stability and consumer safety in hemp vaporizer hardware. His work identifies pre-use polymer leaching—chemical compounds migrating from device materials before the product is used—and underscores the urgent need for stronger quality control across the industry.

As an LSSU graduate, Eckman joins a distinguished group of awardees from across the United States, contributing research spanning cannabinoid pharmacology, allergen mitigation, enzyme engineering, and public-health risks in vaporizer materials. The breadth of topics reflects the growing global movement to deepen scientific understanding of cannabis chemistry.

Award recipients will present their research at the ElSohly Award Symposium during the Spring 2026 ACS National Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, giving Eckman the opportunity to share his work on a national stage among leading researchers, industry professionals, and public-health experts.

Eckman’s recognition highlights the strength of LSSU’s academic programs in forensic and cannabis chemistry and the university’s continued success in preparing alumni to make meaningful contributions to emerging scientific fields.

During Great Lake State Weekend, the School of Natural Resources launched three new advisory committees for its bachelor’s programs in Fisheries and Wildlife Management, Conservation Biology, and Outdoor Recreation and Leadership. Each committee includes 8–10 members from across the Upper Great Lakes, representing organizations such as the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Bay Mills Indian Community, Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, Little Traverse Conservancy, Michigan State Extension, Milwaukee Zoo, and more.

Notably, over half of the committee members are LSSU alumni, bringing their professional experience and Laker pride back to campus. Meetings included discussions on curriculum and student opportunities, a meet-and-greet with more than 60 School of Natural Resources students at CFRE, a pre-game tailgate, and tickets to the hockey game—generously provided by Athletics.

The event was a resounding success, showcasing the continued impact of LSSU alumni in shaping the next generation of natural resource professionals.