Research teams from GEO 181 First-Year Research in Earth Sciences (FYRES) will present the results of their research projects focused on Lake Michigan dunes on Thursday, December 3rd, 2026 at 3:00 PM in North Hall 078. Come hear about the research they've been working on all semester!
FYRES 2025 Students posing for a photo with their dune profile sketch.
Presentation Topics and Research Teams
Comparing Two Blowouts: Mentor Emily Baartman
Charlie Corder, Jabin Dieleman, Julianna Lundberg
Wooded Dunes as Tick Habitats: Mentor Syann Benckhuysen
Luke Addick, Josiah Johncox, Lorelei Reiffer
Alongshore Measurement of Dune Boundaries: Mentor Jordyn Holtsoi-Henry
Miriam Kloha, Tyler Schoffstall, Noah Yovanov
Spatial Distribution of Pitcher’s Thistle: Mentor Jace Porter
Clara Hart, Saydi Kiley, Angelisse Vogel
Drivers of Dune Formation: Mentor Susannah Tenhuisen
Bea Arnoys, Dian Goosen, Eden Kruis
Japanese Barberry Habitat in Michigan Dunes: Mentor Nick Zwiers
Holly Copeland, Joslyn DenHartigh, Adrian Schreurs
Dune Research Presentations
The GEO Seminar on 4 December 2025 from 3-4:30pm was Dune Research Presentations by First-Year Research in Earth Sciences (FYRES): Dunes research teams. To see the video of the entire event which was livestreamed via Zoom: https://youtu.be/83Jq83xYboE
Links to videos of individual presentations are available below.
Impacts of Unmanaged Trails on Sand Movement https://youtu.be/Hv0VI-XVUaw
by Makayla Goodrich, Lucy Giessen, Renata Laird, and Mia Powell
Tick Habitats on Dune Slopes https://youtu.be/tCqHlksy_O0
by Peter Baima, Jacob Kissinger, Micah Mackenzie, Betsy Perez, Kaley Sheahan, Jonathan Solis
Blowout Activity at Hoffmaster State Park https://youtu.be/BZz-dDCIN9s
by Ian Emmelkamp, Bibi Moricette, Nancy Oteney, and Cohen Schneider
Cirsium pitcheri in Relation to Unmanaged Trails https://youtu.be/DuHO3oMS8To
by Willem Klop, Asher McNiel, Ivy Ries, and Alisha Steinmann
Wooded Dunes as Tick Habitats https://youtu.be/okIteRJe-vU
by Benjamin Cooper, Jared Genthner, Levi King, Cole Schmidt, and Polly Zenk
Team member and coauthor Jared Genthner had a schedule conflict and was not able to join his team for the presentation.
The GEO Seminar on 5 December 2024 from 3-4:30pm was Dune Research Presentations by First-Year Research in Earth Sciences (FYRES): Dunes research teams. To see the video of the entire event which was livestreamed via Zoom: https://youtu.be/69TzLs4Zi2U. Links to videos of individual presentations are available below.
Emerging Dunes Found Along the Lake Michigan Shoreline https://youtu.be/JREWvS-8Pqo
by Syann Benckhuysen, Mary Claire Davis, and Abigayle Seigneurie
Threats to Cirsium Pitcheri at Rosy Mound Natural Area https://youtu.be/owPCXSo0Y4o
by Rhys Bedford, Nathan Boersema, Sam Hagberg, and Elem Rottman
Characteristics of Succession on a Lake Michigan Blowout https://youtu.be/o8Rl6AxwnSc
by Lilliah Engel, Hope Gritter, Lucas Phelps, Jace Porter, and Susannah TenHuisen
Impacts of Building a Boardwalk on a Dune https://youtu.be/oOeAuGL5tak
by Emily Baartman, Tyler Gerrick, and Jordyn Holtsoi
Vegetation Patterns and the Effects of Trampling on Blowouts https://youtu.be/j9R9nEKMXyY
by Kelsey Brunsting, Charles Kuiper, Linnea Pothoven, and Josslin Wright
Sand Fences and Rare Thistle Patterns on a Managed Dune https://youtu.be/GZtivGtxV3s
by Bethany Carlson, Rebecca Evenhouse, Maia Peterson, and Corinne Van Stratt