A Distinguished Career: Celebrating John Gierke’s Contributions to Michigan Tech
Michigan Tech's Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences (GMES) is proud to announce that John Gierke has been granted the title of professor emeritus, a distinction approved by the Board of Trustees in recognition of his exceptional 35-year career of teaching, research and service at MTU. This announcement follows his retirement in June 2025.
Gierke’s connection to Michigan Tech spans more than four decades and runs deep. A proud triple Husky, he earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees in civil engineering in 1984 and 1986, followed by a Ph.D. in environmental engineering in 1990. That same year, he joined the faculty of GMES, where he would have a lasting impact.
Throughout his career, Gierke was known for his dedication to student success. He advised dozens of M.S. and Ph.D. students whose careers now span industry, government and academia around the world. He also founded and advised Aqua Terra Tech, Michigan Tech’s first environmentally focused Enterprise, which he led from 2003 to 2012.
In recognition of his teaching and mentorship, Gierke was named Michigan Distinguished Professor of the Year in 2007 by the President’s Council of State Universities of Michigan — a testament to his impact in and beyond the classroom.
Gierke was successful in obtaining research grants that supported students’ impactful research, often in developing countries and in challenging research environments. His role in supporting the Peace Corps Master's International program helped students tailor research projects to address community-identified needs. He has made lifelong friendships with colleagues throughout Latin America and the world.
Gierke also served as department chair of GMES from 2014 to 2020 and as interim chair for two years. His leadership helped guide the department through essential initiatives, including ABET accreditation and efforts to broaden participation in the geosciences.
But Gierke’s contributions weren’t limited to formal roles. Colleagues remember his generous spirit, collaborative nature and commitment to an inclusive community — whether supporting local projects, helping students press apples at his farm, or inviting faculty families out for ice fishing adventures. His service to the broader Keweenaw community dates back to his undergraduate student days, when he volunteered for Little Brothers- Friends of the Elderly. Through international service projects with Farmers-2-Farmers and other organizations, he shared practical expertise in water well siting and agricultural irrigation designs.
Gierke’s legacy at Michigan Tech is profound, and while he may be retiring from active duty, his influence will endure. Please join us in congratulating Professor Emeritus John Gierke on his exemplary career and wishing him all the best in this next chapter of life! Reach out to Luke Bowman at ljbowman@mtu.edu or Brittany Buschell at babusche@mtu.edu for details regarding plans to celebrate John later this summer.