"The past two semesters, with each success coach, really did help me and without them I wouldn't be where I am today. Because of their help and guidance I can confidently go into my third year knowing I will be successful while much less stressed. "
Success Coaches are peer advisors trained to assist with time management, study habits, social interaction, and more. Our coaches come from a variety of backgrounds and majors, but they all share the same goal: help their fellow students succeed at Michigan Tech.
Meet the Success Coaches
Dallas Dunning
Year at Tech: Junior
Major: Medical Laboratory Science
Interests: I am super active on campus including: on campus research, being a TA, learning facilitating
HON 1150, lead success coach, and other clubs on campus! I enjoy hiking, reading,
and hanging out with my friends.
My experience at Michigan Tech: Michigan Tech has been such an incredible place to live and explore, it has been
such an adventure to be able to attend college in this location.
Niko Johnson
Year at Tech: Third
Major: Biological Sciences
Minors: Biochemistry and Microbiology
Interests: Enjoys learning and engaging in scientific discussion, especially with regard to biochemical,
cellular, and molecular considerations in neuroscience and immunology. Also enjoys
nature walks, lifting weights, and participating in sports.
Anna Kavanaugh
she/her
Hometown: Berkley, MI
Year at Tech: Fifth
Major: Environmental Engineering and Sustainability Science and Society
Interests: Hiking, skiing, art, cooking/baking, and exploring the places around me!
My Experience at Michigan Tech: My experience at Michigan Tech has been one of community. Everyone I have worked
with has shown me acceptance and support in whatever I might need. I've been provided
many opportunities through Michigan Tech, whether that be attending a COP in Egypt,
holding a leadership position, or seeing the northern lights right outside my bedroom
window. There is no place quite like the Keweenaw or Michigan Tech, and there is
definitely no other place I's rather attend college.
Aliyah Maxwell-Abrams
they/them
Hometown: Lived in Ann Arbor, Grass Lake, and Jackson, Michigan
Year at Tech: Senior
Major: Civil Engineering
Minor: Mathematics
Interests: Passionate about renewable energy, entrepreneurship and accessibility, interested
in nature, yoga, and new adventures
My Experience at Michigan Tech: Always busy working, schooling, or building connections/projects. I am the Vice President
of the Aikido club, a KYCA member, and a Maker's Space Coach too! :) At first, I thought
that I would have a hard time adapting MTU; yet, because oft he resources on campus,
I am able to not only survive but thrive, too! MTU is a great climate for making long-lasting
relationships varying from friends, study buddies, professional connections, mentors,
and more! I am a project lead on the Alternative Energy Enterprise, a research fellow,
and training to be a catalyst on campus. I want to make a difference in the world
and MTU is highly compatible with that. Hopefully, I can help you pursue your passions
and answer your questions.
Josh Nygaard
he/him
Hometown: Blaine, MN
Year at Tech: Junior
Major: Computer Science
Interests: Gaming, music production, running, swimming, lifting, being outdoors, and making
new friends!
My experience at Michigan Tech: I am incredibly grateful for my time at Tech, especially for the opportunities to
participate in several events ant traditions them make Tech a unique place. I am involved
in His House Christian Fellowship, Husky Swim Club, MUB, Students for Life, and St.
Alber the Great. All those organizations -- as well as my classes and mingling about
campus -- are where I started numerous lifelong friendships that I cannot be thankful
enough for. I am also immensely appreciative of Tech's advocacy for student well-being.
I am tremendously thankful for every moment I've had here.
Lillia McCurdy
Year at Tech: Fourth
Major: Environmental Engineering
Interests: Trying new sports, writing, reading sewing, and spending time in nature
Cameron McKenna
Year At Tech: Second
Major: Medical Laboratory Science
Minor: Pre-Health and Psychology
Interests: Swimming, Snowshoeing, Reading Nonfiction, Journaling, Painting
Genevieve Myers
Year At Tech: Fourth
Major: Electrical Engineering
Minor: Mathematical Sciences and Alternative Energy Technology
Interests: Love exploring the Keweenaw, biking, and traveling with the soccer club. I also am
the president of MUB Board, we plan and coordinate many of the free events available
for students on campus. I'm very excited as well to be working with the Alternative
Energy Enterprise on a project looking to get a solar array set up on the Portage
Lake District Library in downtown Houghton
Carli Pares
Year At Tech: Third
Major: Psychology
Interests: I love being involved! At Tech I'm a member of the Huskies Pep Band, Treasurer of
Craft Club, a Makerspace Coach, and love to play broomball and other IM Sports! I
love anything research especially within abnormal psychology and UX. Outside of MTU
I love crocheting, hiking, reading, photography, baking, and music.
Breeanna Schlicker
Year At Tech: Second
Major: Computer Science
Interests: I love art, reading and playing the piano
Tina Swenson
Year At Tech: Second
Major: English
Interests: I love to write whenever I have free time in my busy schedule. I occasionally run
down by the waterfront. I play video games and spend my Sundays watching the NFL.
I am part of the CinOptic Enterprise team. If I get the chance to, I try to take photos
of nature. I spend my summers working at a kids' camp. I also participate in a form
of martial arts called Soo Bahk Do twice a week.
Josie Towery
Hometown: Kalamazoo, MI
Year At Tech: Third
Major: Mathematics - with a goal of going into education.
Interests: I have an 11 month old golden retriever husky named Mia who I love spending a large
fraction of my time with. I also love watching MTU hockey and attending all of the
games, and exploring the beautiful Keweenaw.
Morgan Wagner
Year At Tech: Second
Major: Electrical Engineering Technologies
Interests: I like to be outdoors and work on my vehicles.