Mark Rudnicki
Advisor
mrudnick@mtu.edu
Dr. Mark Rudnicki is currently a Professor of Practice of Forest Biomaterials in the College of Forest Resources & Environmental Science at Michigan Technological University, where he conducts and coordinates research & teaching in sustainable bioproducts & more holistically, the circular bioeconomy. Mark is an advisory board member for the 2021 World Bioeconomy Forum & a founding member of the Houghton-based FinnZone, a commercial launchpad for Finnish tech companies entering the United States. His diverse research interests include tree biomechanics, forest meteorology, circular bioeconomy, biomaterials & mass timber. Dr. Rudnicki was also the Executive Director (2015-2019) of the Michigan Forest Biomaterials Institute since its establishment as a non-profit NGO dedicated to the facilitation of the forest bioeconomy in the State of Michigan.
Isaac Holden
President & CFO
iholden@mtu.edu
Isaac is a fourth-year Electrical Engineering major with a focus for power and sustainability, joining Circular solutions in the spring semester of 2025. Isaac loves spending time out on hikes, snowboarding, and camping, as well as playing video games, euchre, and 3d printing. He is interested in the aspect of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, and finding sustainable ways to use, store, and make that energy.
Alexis Whittredge
Vice President
alwhittr@mtu.edu
Alexis is a fourth-year Environmental Engineering major, and is minoring in Ecological Engineering. Alexis joined Circular Solutions in the Spring semester of 2025. Alexis is interested in finding new ways to recycle or reuse waste products to reduce waste outputs in a system. In the winter she enjoys snowboarding at Mt. Ripley and skiing at Mt. Bohemia, or staying in and reading a fictional book. In the summer she enjoys hiking, going to the beach, fishing, and is a beginner mountain biker.
Rachel Zurek
Public Relations
rgzurek@mtu.edu
Rachel is a fourth-year student majoring in Sustainable Bioproducts with a focus on structures and a minor in Business. She is also a member of Michigan Tech’s Varsity Volleyball team. Rachel joined Circular Solutions to explore innovative ways to prevent one-use products from being thrown away. Rachel is originally from Highland, MI, and loves exploring the outdoors whenever she can.
Rian Grotberg
Digital Outreach
rgrotber@mtu.edu
Rian is a fourth-year Geological and Environmental Engineering major with a minor in Ecological Engineering. Rian has an interest in weather, climate, and natural hazards. Rian joined Circular Solutions in the Fall of 2025 because of his love for sustainability and finding new and innovative ways to reuse and recycle materials to reduce waste. He transferred to Michigan Tech last year from Northern Minnesota where he loves to hike, camp, chase storms, and do photography.
Elisha Correll
Secretary
efcorrel@mtu.edu
Elisha is a third-year Sustainable Bioproducts major with minors in German and Plant Science. Elisha joined Circular Solutions in the Spring semester of 2026. He enjoys hiking, running, playing games, spending time with friends, and learning new things. Elisha is interested in finding new ways to reuse, repurpose, and recycle materials and products to lengthen their lifespans before they are made into something new and restart the life cycle.
Chloe Hnilica
cihnilic@mtu.edu
Chloe is a third-year student majoring in Sustainable Bioproducts with a focus on the Circular Economy and a minor in Business. She joined the Circular Solutions team in the Fall of 2026 to find new and creative ways to recycle, repurpose, and reduce waste. Chloe is originally from Fenton, MI, and loves being outdoors, whether that’s hiking, swimming, or going for a nice walk
Nathan Garbaz
nlgarbar@mtu.edu
Nathan is a second-year Sustainable Bioproducts major with a focus on sustainable structures and a minor in Business. He joined Circular Solutions in the Fall of 2026 to explore practical and innovative ways to strengthen circularity across everyday products. Nathan enjoys wildlife photography, hiking, and staying active through volleyball and soccer.