In the past 3 months, seven people have joined the EERC. We welcome them to the team!
Erin Theisen
Senior Research Engineer/Scientist
Before coming to the EERC, Eric was the Director for R&D at Metglas, Inc. He first heard about the EERC through an internship and was interested in joining to seek out new R&D opportunities. Eric is originally from South Carolina. He and his wife have three children and a dog, all of which keep him pretty busy.
Jared Altepeter
Senior Cybersecurity Analyst
Jared first heard about this position through his wife, Heather Altepeter, and was interested in joining the EERC because of his interest in the innovative projects the EERC works on. Before coming to the EERC, he was an IT Manager for True North Equipment. Jared is originally from Fisher, MN, but he currently lives in Thompson, ND. His hobbies include all things sports, outdoor activities, UTV/snowmobiling, camping, and spending time with his family. He has been married to Heather for 12 years, and together, they have three children.
Jeanie Clement
Accounting/Travel Specialist
Jeanie previously worked as an Accounting/Travel Specialist for the EERC for 11 years before moving to Mankato, MN and working for the Mankato Public School District, then as a Student Payroll Coordinator at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Jeanie is originally from East Grand Forks, MN and currently lives in Mankato, MN. In her free time, she enjoys remodeling homes, and her family has remodeled four homes since moving to Mankato. Jeanie has four children and two grandchildren. She has been a basketball mom for 10 years, which has recently taken her to Chicago, Kansas City, Omaha, and Minneapolis.
Luke Hotchkiss
IT Support Specialist
Prior to coming to the EERC, Luke worked as an IT Specialist for Rural Psychiatry Associates. Luke is originally from Williston, ND and enjoys hockey, gaming, music, and playing the guitar. Since moving to Grand Forks in 2018, he’s enjoyed playing goalie in adult hockey leagues around town. He has been playing the guitar for 30 years and gaming since he could pick up an Atari. During the summer months, Luke enjoys working with his hands on projects around the house. He and his wife have been together for 16 years and married for 10 years; together, they have a 9-year-old son and two cats named Remer and Bucky.
Mark Peters
Building Services Technician
Mark first heard about the EERC through former coworkers and worked as a Raw Lab Technician for Ag World before coming here. Mark is originally from Devils Lake, ND, and enjoys cooking, fishing, and the outdoors.
Michelle Schumacher
Administrative Assistant
Michelle was initially interested in joining the EERC because the position “checked all of the boxes” for the great job opportunity she was looking for. Before coming to the EERC, Michelle worked as an Administrative Assistant for UND’s School of Law. Michelle is originally from Thompson, ND and has four adult children. She also has a three-month-old grandson and a Jack Russell Terrier named Charley. In her free time, she enjoys doing crossword puzzles, cooking, baking, and sharing a meal with her family every Sunday. Her son, Brady, will be getting married in September of next year.
Olivia Lacher
Graphic Designer
After working as a Graphics Student for the EERC since 2021, Olivia realized she enjoyed working with such smart and impactful people and decided to apply for the position of Graphic Designer. She’s originally from Mandan, ND and recently graduated from UND with a B.A. in Graphic Design and a minor in Communications. In her free time, she’s a big fan of knitting, rollerblading, and painting.