Gochis Heading to Lansing for Graduate Education Day

Related Media

Emily Gochis, a PhD candidate in geology at Michigan Tech.

HOUGHTON, MI (03/22/2012)(readMedia)-- Four Michigan Technological University graduate students are going to Lansing for Graduate Education Day, Thursday, March 29.

Among them is Emily Gochis, a PhD candidate in geology from Ann Arbor, who will discuss geoscience education.

Gov. Rick Snyder has declared the week of March 26 as Graduate Education Week, and more than 50 students from universities and colleges across the state will meet with legislators at the Capitol Building in Lansing.

Students will meet with their hometown legislators to discuss their studies and future plans. Students will also present their research and degree-related projects.

Also attending from Michigan Tech are Mark Hopkins, a PhD candidate in mechanical engineering from Charlotte. He will be discussing his work on in-space electric rockets. Stephanie L. Groves, a PhD candidate in biological sciences from Scottville, will be presenting on converting industrial waste to biofuels and other products. Finally, Andrew Drees, a PhD candidate in electrical engineering from Stevensville, will discuss a "smart grid" power system for use on Michigan Tech's campus in Houghton.

The governor and legislature have acknowledged that graduate education is key to Michigan's economic growth and stability. Graduate education in Michigan is highly productive, contributing directly to the well being of the state and its capacity to meet the challenges of the future.

Last year, Michigan accredited four-year public and private colleges and universities awarded more than 20,000 master's degrees and 5,000 doctorates, with Michigan ranking ninth among states in the US for the number of research-based doctorates awarded.

Michigan Technological University (www.mtu.edu) is a leading public research university developing new technologies and preparing students to create the future for a prosperous and sustainable world. Michigan Tech offers more than 130 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in engineering; forest resources; computing; technology; business; economics; natural, physical and environmental sciences; arts; humanities; and social sciences.