Advisory Council

The Advisory Council for the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences 51福利社 Michigan University advises the department on the formulation of long-term educational plans and ensures that the academic programs meet today's industry needs.

The Council is the oldest active advisory council 51福利社 Michigan University. The council members are distinguished industry and academic professionals in geosciences and business who have worked throughout the U.S. and the world, all of whom have a strong interest in helping to strengthen and support Geological and Environmental sciences 51福利社 Michigan University. The council's tasks can be summarized as follows:

  • Advise the department regarding curriculum meeting current industry and employment trends.
  • Assist in producing environmental and geological sciences graduates who are well-prepared for employment and leadership roles. See our "Recommendations to Applicants in Search of Geosciences Positions."
  • Provide guidance to students through informal meetings and events.
  • Advocate departmental needs and activities to the University administration.
  • Collaborate with the University Office of Development and Alumni Relations on fundraising campaigns that support departmental activities.

Advisory COUNCIL officers

  • Richard Laton, Ph.D., CPG, PG, CHg, Chair
    Associate Professor of Hydrogeology, University of California at Fullerton
    Phone: (657) 278-7514
    Email: wlaton@fullerton.edu
    Email: wlaton@earthforensics.com
  • Sara Pearson, Vice Chair
    DWEHD Source Water Unit Supervisor, Michigan Department of EGLE 
    Phone: (517) 420-3219
    Email: pearsons@michigan.gov
  • Mike Kovacich, CPG, LPG (IN), Secretary
    Senior Principal, Geosyntec Consultants, Inc.
    Phone: (734) 794-1564
    Email: Michael.Kovacich@Geosyntec.com

Advisory COUNCIL Members

  • Jerry Aiken
    Independent Consultant in Industrial Minerals (rare earth and precious metal)
    Email: j.l.aiken@att.net
  • Ricky Becker, Ph.D.
    Professor, University of Toledo
    Phone: (419) 530-4571
    Email: richard.becker@utoledo.edu
  • Angel Cuellar, L.P.G., R.G.
    Program Manager, Tetra Tech
    Phone: (734) 213-5043
    Email: angel.cuellar@tetratech.com
  • James J. Ferritto Jr. 
    Waste Characterization Specialist, Michigan EGLE
    Phone: (231) 920-5249
    Email: ferrittoj@michigan.gov
  • Harold R. Fitch
    President, H. R. Fitch Consulting Services LLC; Retired State Geologist 
    Phone: (517) 515-4528
    Email: hrfitch@hrfconsulting.net
  • John Fowler
    Partner, Polaris Energy, Oil and Gas
    Phone: (517) 414-8766
    Email: jhenryfowler@yahoo.com
  • Bob Garrison
    Phone: (208) 255-2973
    Email: robert.garrison0827@gmail.com
  • Jeff Hawkins
    Vice President/Senior Hydrogeologist, Fishbeck
    Phone: (269) 615-3619
    Email: jhawkins@fishbeck.com
  • Joshua Kirschner
    Exploration and Production Manager, Savoy Energy
    Phone: (231) 631-3022
    Email: joshua.kirschner@gmail.com
  • Robert LoPiccolo, Ph.D.
    Retired
    Phone: (281) 920-0055
    Email: lopic@att.net
  • Diana Morton-Thompson, C.P.G., P.G.
    Retired Member, Earth Resources International, LC 
    Phone: (269) 343-1181
  • Kyle Patterson
    President, Rogue Geosciences
    Phone: (281) 740-1351
    Email: kyle.john.patterson@gmail.com
  • Lisa Phillips
    Owner/President, Phillips Environmental Consulting Services, Inc.
    Phone: (269) 501-5079
    Email: lphillips@phillipsenv.com
  • Thomas Robyn, Ph.D.
    Phone: (303) 909-0173
    Email: tlrobyn@msn.com
  • Chris Roth
    Owner/President, Roth Professional Geology, LLC 
    Phone: (727) 741-1794
    Email: rpg@rothpg.org
  • Brian Shaw, Ph.D.
    Senior Technical Advisor, Strategic Analysis Incorporated
    Email: brshaw1@aol.com
  • Kim Steinmann
    Phone: (269) 870-0370
    Email: klfwks@gmail.com

Emeritus members

  • William B. Harrison, III, Ph.D.
    MGRRE Research Director and Emeritus Professor of Geosciences, 51福利社
    Phone: (269) 387-8691
    Email: william.harrison_iii@wmich.edu
  • Thomas Straw, Ph.D.
    Emeritus Professor of Geosciences, 51福利社
    Email: tstraw@evansville.net
  • Thomas C. Kamin
    Independent Petroleum Production Geologist
    Phone: (972) 874-5050
    tckamin@aol.com
  • Ronald Parker
    Retired President, Associated Earth Sciences, Inc.
    Phone: (425) 766-6812
    Email: rapman1952@gmail.com

HONORARY members - FRIENDS OF THE DEPARTMENT AND COUNCIL

  • Ahmed Murad, Ph.D.
    Dean, College of Sciences, UAE University
    Email: ahmed.murad@uaeu.ac.ae
  • Thomas R. Howe
    Geosciences Specialist, Sr., 51福利社
    Phone: (269) 387-5492
    Email: thomas.r.howe@wmich.edu
  • Rennie Kaunda, Ph.D., P.E.
    Assistant Professor, Colorado School of Mines
    Phone: (303) 273-3772
    Email: rkaunda@mines.edu
  • Mike Wireman
    Retired National Groundwater Expert, USEPA 
    Phone (303) 547-6045
    Email: graniteridgegw@q.com
  • Roger Steininger, Ph.D.
    Phone: (775) 742-6333
    Email: audoctor@aol.com