The Realist's Lens: The Lasting Legacy of Gary Campbell

After 44 years and more than 10,000 students, College of Business Professor Emeritus Gary Campbell is officially trading global markets for nature walks. For four decades, he has helped the world understand the macro — the massive global markets of minerals and metals. In retirement, he’s turning his attention to the micro — the intricate veins of a dragonfly wing and the silent bloom of a Keweenaw wildflower.

Campbell arrived at Tech at a time when the College of Business was increasing cross-collaboration with the technological side of campus, including geology, mining and engineering. Campbell was a bridge. He founded the Master of Science in Mineral Economics program, now Applied Natural Resource Economics.

Learn more about Campbell’s legacy, hear his message to colleagues and find details about an upcoming celebration for all three of COB’s latest emeriti faculty on the College of Business Newsblog.

Jeffrey Pettibone Selected for Deans' Teaching Showcase

College of Sciences and Arts Dean LaReesa Wolfenbarger has selected Jeffrey Pettibone, visiting assistant professor in the Department of Psychology and Human Factors, for this week’s Deans’ Teaching Showcase.

Pettibone will be recognized at an end-of-term event with other spring showcase members and is a candidate for the CTL Instructional Award Series.

Pettibone has been a visiting assistant professor in the Department of Psychology and Human Factors for two years. He demonstrates a deep commitment to pedagogical excellence and student engagement. Since arriving, he has received student evaluations in the top 10% each of his four semesters and for a total of 10 of the 11 courses he has taught.

Especially noteworthy is the fact that Pettibone teaches foundational courses like Introduction of Psychology (PSY2000) and Developmental Psychology (PSY2300) with enrollments ranging from 50-100 students. Pettibone also leads the department’s two-semester research methods series where students learn the basics of research in the fall and develop a research project in the spring that they present in a poster session at the end of the semester.

“Pettibone effectively mentors a variety of student-led research projects, spurring curiosity and creativity, helping students to imagine possibilities and then seeing them to fruition,” says Richelle Winkler, chair of the Department of Psychology and Human Factors.

Pettibone creates an active learning environment in large courses and balances rigorous academic standards with genuine efforts to help students succeed. One student in his 60-student PSY2300 section highlighted his clarity and support: “The course objectives were always clear, and I felt like he truly cared about our success. He makes complex psychological concepts easy to grasp without watering down the science.”

Another student summarized Pettibone’s effectiveness in large classes: “Professor Pettibone has a way of making a large lecture hall feel like a small seminar. He is incredibly organized, and his passion for the material is contagious.”

Students attribute Pettibone’s high-quality visual aids as a reason why the larger enrollment classes remain easy to follow and academically engaging. Additionally, he uses a range of in-class activities to promote reflection and deepen learning. He incorporates “minute essays” and other short writing assignments that students find both enjoyable and effective for retaining complex content.

He also works with students to identify knowledge gaps before major assessments by offering pre-exam quizzes and incorporating gamified learning through “Jeopardy” review sessions. Students repeatedly identified the “Jeopardy” sessions as something they hope will remain part of future courses. In fact, the most common advice from students was simply to keep the class as it is. As one student put it, “Never change.”

Pettibone’s impact extends beyond the classroom. Winkler noted that he builds strong relationships with students and creates an atmosphere in which students feel comfortable seeking help outside of class. “Students are regularly waiting in our co-working space for a chance to meet with him after class to talk through their interests and ideas for digging deeper into material presented in class,” she said. 

“Dr. Pettibone has a rare ability to turn large, foundational lectures into intimate learning communities where every student feels seen and challenged. He sets the gold standard for maintaining high academic rigor while fostering a supportive and inclusive environment,” said Wolfenbarger.

Bre Baker Honored by Michigan Association of College Admission Counseling

Please join Admissions in congratulating Bre Baker, recipient of the 2026 Michigan Association of College Admission Counseling ACE Award. 

The ACE Award recipient reflects MACAC's commitment to "advocate, collaborate and educate" on behalf of students and counselors. The honor recognizes leadership, service and commitment to the field of college admission counseling.

At Michigan Tech, Baker is known for her dedication to students and her work supporting future Huskies. She also serves as a committed committee chair and advocate for MACAC, making meaningful impact across the state. Baker joins Jen Todd, who received the ACE Award in 2019.

Congratulations, Bre. It is our honor to work with you each day.

ESC Student Research Forum Awards Announced

The Ecosystem Science Center (ESC) is proud to announce the winners for best poster presentations at the ESC’s annual Student Research Forum. The forum was held on March 12, with over 20 participants presenting their research on a variety of topics related to socio-ecological processes, patterns, interactions and connections.

The following awards were earned:

  • Undergraduate Student Grand Prize: Mara Sorensen
    – Presentation: “Using Fatty Acid Analysis to Evaluate the Effects of Human-Altered Landscapes and Sex on the Nutritional Status of Black Vultures (Coragyps atratus)” 
    – Advisor: Jill A. Olin

  • Graduate Student Grand Prize: Lily O'Hagan
    – Presentation: “Interactive Effects of Nutrients, Oxygen, and Composition on Estuarine DOM Biodegradation”
    – Advisor: Amy Marcarelli

  • Graduate Student Merit Award: Ellie Resendiz
    – Presentation: “Life Cycle Phase Shapes Variation in Songbird Metabolic Profiles”
    – Advisor: Jared Wolfe

  • Graduate Student Merit Award: Molly Vander Werp
    – Presentation: “Climate-Linked Variability in Winter Diet Composition of Moose”
    – Advisors: Sarah Hoy and Kristin Brzeski

MTRAC Grant Request for Proposals

Applications for the 2026 Michigan Translational Research & Commercialization (MTRAC) grants are open until March 31. 

The MTRAC Innovation Hub for Applied Advanced Materials program at Michigan Tech provides funding and resources to support materials related projects with high commercial potential. This support includes research and development funding for prototype and late-stage translational activities, with consultation and mentoring from an Oversight Committee including industry and investment experts. Contact Julie Baker at juabaker@mtu.edu or 989-289-5135 to receive assistance and guidance on proposal preparation.

Full details can be found at these links:

Michigan Tech Archives Call for Independent Researchers

The Michigan Technological University Archives and Copper Country Historical Collections is updating its list of local historical researchers for hire. We are seeking individuals interested in providing unaffiliated fee-based research services to patrons unable to undertake their own research projects or patrons with more in-depth remote research needs above and beyond what Archives staff can provide. Although our primary interest is in supporting the use of our collections, researchers on this list may also be contacted for projects involving research at local records offices, cemeteries and other archives.

The Archives’ only role is to maintain this listing for the convenience of our patrons unable to conduct their own research. It is up to each individual to establish their own operating procedures, manage contact with patrons, abide by sound research methods and good citations, and bear responsibility for the outcome of their work. The Archives takes no involvement in setting fee schedules for this sort of research and will not include fees as part of its listing. In addition, the Archives bears no responsibility for the quality of each individual researcher’s work and reserves the right to remove listings at any given time, especially if an independent researcher is misusing or misrepresenting materials, treating patrons unfairly, or not citing their sources.

Please note, the list will be posted on our website and will be publicly distributed. This list is maintained as a service to the public, and these researchers are not employed as such by the Michigan Tech Archives. 

To be included on our updated independent researcher list, please send a letter of interest to our University Archivist by April 3:

Lindsay Hiltunen, University Archivist
Michigan Tech Archives – Van Pelt and Opie Library
copper@mtu.edu or lehalkol@mtu.edu
906-487-3209

Summer Youth Programs Staff Applications Now Open for Summer 2026

The Center for Educational Outreach is excited to announce that counselor and program support staff applications are now open for the 2026 season of Summer Youth Programs (SYP)!

Each summer, SYP welcomes more than a thousand middle and high school students to campus for an unforgettable experience filled with hands-on learning, discovery and adventure. We’re looking for college students from Michigan Tech and beyond who are excited to help create a fun, welcoming and meaningful environment for the thinkers, doers and problem-solvers of tomorrow.

A wide range of positions are available, including roles focused on youth engagement, residence life, evening programming, transportation, and daily operations. Staff begin paid training in early June, and programs will run through July 18th.

If you know a college student (at Michigan Tech or elsewhere) seeking an impactful summer opportunity who enjoys working with youth and wants to be part of a positive, energetic campus community this summer, please encourage them to view our website to learn more and apply through our hiring portal.

Questions? Reach us at outreach@mtu.edu or 906-487-2219, or stop by Suite 217 of the Administration Building.

On-Campus Pipette Calibration

To support your ongoing research, we are hosting an on-site Pipette Calibration Event starting May 4, 2026.

This is a convenient opportunity to have your liquid handling instruments serviced without the downtime and risk associated with shipping them off campus. We have partnered with Ramsun Services, who will be providing single and multichannel and Pipet-Aid calibration.

How to Participate
Please reserve your spot and estimate your pipette count on our Pipette Calibration Interest Google Form.

Please sign up as soon as possible to guarantee that our provider has ample time scheduled. If you have any questions, please reply to Lynn Manchester at lmmalone@mtu.edu.

Event Details:

  • What: Pipette Calibration Event
  • When: Starting Monday, May 4
  • Drop-Off Location: On campus
  • Turnaround: 48 hours or less
  • Pricing: $14 per single channel, $25 for multichannel and Pipet-Aid

Equal Pay Day Event on March 24

On Tuesday, March 24, the League of Women Voters of the Copper Country will emphasize the call for Equal Pay for Women by distributing cookies, oranges and information on Michigan Tech’s campus. 

League members and volunteers will wear red and gather at the Husky Statue from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Red symbolizes that women and people of color are “in the red” when it comes to equal pay for equal work. This day marks the number of extra days since Jan. 1 that women must work, on average, to earn what a man makes in one year. A woman must work at least 14 months to earn what a man earns in 12 months.

Co-sponsors of this event include the Friends of the Michigan Tech Library, the Michigan Tech Graduate School, Women in the Academy and the Society of Women Engineers.

Sunday at the Rozsa: Step Afrika! The Evolution Tour

This Sunday, March 22, at 3 p.m., Step Afrika! returns to the Rozsa stage for the last Rozsa Presenting Series Event of the season. Step Afrika!’s “The Evolution Tour” is an electrifying production that fuses groundbreaking step choreography with the vibrant soundscape of a live DJ. 

As the world’s leading authority on the art form of stepping, Step Afrika! pushes the boundaries of stepping, blending tradition with innovation to create an unforgettable, high-energy experience. Stepping blends percussive dance styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities, traditional West and Southern African dances, and an array of contemporary dance and art forms into a cohesive, compelling artistic experience.

This performance integrates songs, storytelling, humor and audience participation. A weekend matinee is the perfect family outing during a spring break weekend. Don't miss the evolution of step like you have never seen before!

Step Afrika! The Evolution Tour
Sunday, March 22 | 3 p.m.
Rozsa Center
Rozsa Presenting Series

Free Film Screening Presented by RTC: 'Laapataa Ladies'

Join the Department of Humanities Rhetoric, Theory, and Culture (RTC) graduate program today, March 20, for a free film screening and discussion in recognition of International Women’s Day!

The RTC grad program will be showing “Laapataa Ladies” at 4 p.m. in M&M U115.

Released in 2023, “Laapataa Ladies” is directed by Kiran Rao. The film language is Hindi with subtitles in English. The film description reads, “Mistakenly swapped en route to their new husbands’ homes, two brides navigate their unexpected surroundings, making delightful self-discovery journeys.”

Following the film, a panel of Humanities graduate faculty and researchers will share insights and engage in conversation about the film’s themes, context and impact.

Job Posting

Job Postings for Friday, March 20, 2026

Staff and faculty job descriptions are available on the Human Resources website. For more information regarding staff positions, call 906-487-2280 or email humanresources@mtu.edu. For more information regarding faculty positions, contact the academic department in which the position is posted.

Custodian – First Shift (12 months), Facilities Management. (​AFSCME posting dates are March 20 to March 26, 2026. External applicants are encouraged to apply; however, internal ​AFSCME applicants are given first consideration if they apply during the internal ​AFSCME posting dates.)

Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer that provides equal opportunity for all, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Accommodations are available. If you require any auxiliary aids, services, or other accommodations to apply for employment or for an interview at Michigan Technological University, please notify the Human Resources office at 906-487-2280 or humanresources@mtu.edu.

In Print

Andrew Fiss (HU) and Laura Kasson Fiss (HU/PHC) are the authors of a short article published by MAA Convergence, a journal of the Mathematical Association of America.

The article is titled “Historically Speaking — A New Ballad of Sir Patrick Spens”.

In the article, Andrew Fiss and Laura Kasson Fiss combine their expertise in the history of math and British humor to analyze the poetical recasting of the first proposition of Euclid’s “Elements” from Arthur Quiller Couch (called "Q"). As they trace, Q initially published the poem in the Pall Mall Gazette, and it reached American mathematicians through the later Q Anthology and then republication in the journal of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). As the authors argue, “A New Ballad of Sir Patrick Spens” combines jokes about Scots dialect as well as geometry, expecting readers to be familiar with traditions of border ballads and Euclidean propositions, and to be amused by their combination.

As the Van Pelt and Opie Library does not subscribe to MAA Convergence, the authors are sharing their eprint link for the first 50 copies of the article.

On the Road

Melissa Baird (SS) attended the Innovative Models for STEM Workforce Development in Critical Technologies symposium held at the National Academy of Sciences on March 17. The one-day event convened experts across industry, academia and government to discuss preparing the future workforce and STEM education.

In the News

My UP Now reported that Michigan Tech Ph.D. students Kamand Sedaghatnia (chemistry) and Zixin Shi (computational science and engineering) earned Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation grants to support their health research projects.

The Daily Mining Gazette quoted Susan Liebau (chemistry) and Michigan Tech students Colin Nowicki (civil engineering), Isaac Zull (marketing) and Ron Kuitula (mechanical engineering) in a story about Tau Kappa Epsilon’s bathtub-pushing fundraiser benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The Daily Mining Gazette mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about York Space Systems acquiring Orbion Space Technology, a MTU spinout specializing in satellite propulsion systems.

NHL.com, the Daily Mining Gazette, Sporting News, Yahoo! Sports, CBS Sports and 65 national news outlets covered Michigan Tech hockey defenseman Jack Anderson’s signing of a two-year, entry-level contract with the Dallas Stars.

Reminders

Upcoming Fischer Maintenance

On Sunday, March 22, from 8 a.m. to noon, Michigan Tech IT will be performing quarterly maintenance on the Fischer mylogin system, which requires a full shutdown and restart. During this maintenance, password resets and mylogin.mtu.edu will be unavailable.

If you have any questions, we can help. Email IT or call 906-487-1111.

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Join Us for Give Back to the Pack: April 7-8

Mark your calendars! Michigan Tech’s 24-hour giving challenge, Give Back to the Pack, will return starting at noon on April 7.

Everything You Need to Know:

Hosted by Advancement and Alumni Engagement, Give Back to the Pack is Michigan Tech’s 24-hour day of giving where every Husky — alumni, friends, faculty, staff and students — is invited to celebrate their Husky Spirit by making a gift to the areas at Michigan Tech that mean the most to them.

Give Back to the Pack 2026 will also mark the public launch of The Campaign for Michigan Tech. Any gifts made between today, March 20, and noon on April 8 will be counted toward Give Back to the Pack 2026 matches, challenges and totals, as well as the overall results of The Campaign for Michigan Tech.

Beyond making a gift to the area of your choosing, another way to participate in Give Back to the Pack is by becoming an ambassador. Whether you’re posting on social media, emailing a fellow Husky or texting a friend, your outreach can help us reach a broader audience and inspire others to join us in giving back to the funds and campus areas you care most about.

How To Get Involved:

  1. Make an Early Gift: You don’t have to wait until April 7! Your gift today will count towards both The Campaign for Michigan Tech and our Give Back to the Pack matches, challenges and totals.

  2. Become an Ambassador: Sign up to become an ambassador and help us spread the word for your favorite areas at Michigan Tech. Encourage your fellow colleagues and classmates to support Tech by becoming ambassadors, too! New this year, ambassadors can also take part in the HUSKY Ambassador Challenge. Winners will be awarded after the giving challenge ends!

  3. Matches and Challenges: Participate in a match or challenge to maximize your impact, thanks to match and challenge opportunities from some of our most generous donors. Challenges are just starting to be posted to the site, so check back often to see what new match and challenge opportunities have been added!

If you have any questions about Give Back to the Pack or the ambassador program, please reach out to Sana Dicks, director of annual giving, at sdicks@mtu.edu. Thank you in advance for supporting Michigan Tech during Give Back to the Pack!

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MSA Hosting Three-Day Eid Celebration for Campus and Community

The Muslim Students Association (MSA) at Michigan Technological University invites students, faculty, staff and community members to join a three-day Eid celebration taking place today, March 20, through Sunday, March 22.

Eid marks the end of Ramadan and is a time of gratitude, community and celebration. This event aims to bring together the campus and local community through inclusive, family-friendly activities.

The celebration is part of MSA’s ongoing efforts to foster community connection, cultural awareness and student engagement across campus and the greater Houghton area. All are welcome to attend.

MSA Eid Celebration — Schedule & Activities:

Day 1: Friday, March 20 — Community Gathering
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hancock Community Hub
View the Day 1 Event Flyer.

  • Community breakfast potluck
  • Kids’ carnival (games, activities, bouncy houses)
  • Student and volunteer recognition
  • Trivia and interactive activities
  • Community engagement with families and local residents

Day 2: Saturday, March 21 — Family & Youth Day
Portage Lake District Library

  • Children’s story time
  • Crafts and henna art
  • Community potluck

Day 3: Sunday, March 22 — Social & Recreation Day
The Mine Shaft Houghton

  • Community bowling event
  • Kids arcade activities

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MSE Seminar with Michael Knight

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) is hosting a seminar presented by Michael Knight, a ceramic materials scientist currently working in the research and development organization at CoorsTek.

The seminar will be held today, March 20, at 4 p.m. in M&M 610.

Knight will present “Resilience, Reinvention, and Materials Science: A Professional Journey”.

From the abstract:
This seminar explores a nontraditional pathway into materials science and how fundamental research translates into applied industrial innovation. The first half of the talk provides a brief narrative overview of a nonlinear academic and professional journey, highlighting how reinvention, mentorship, and hands‑on research opportunities shaped the pursuit of materials science.

The second half focuses on research examining the valence state and microstructural distribution of dilute transition metal cation dopants in functional oxide ceramics. Leveraging magnetometry to gain new information about these dopants will be discussed, emphasizing the relevance to functional behavior in complex oxides. The seminar concludes by connecting this academic foundation to current research and development efforts within the R&D organization at CoorsTek, illustrating how fundamental materials characterization informs method development, innovation, and decision‑making in an industrial setting.

Knight’s path into materials science followed a nontraditional trajectory, beginning with military service before returning to education through community college while working full-time in a technical role. He later transferred to the University of California Santa Barbara to study physics, where undergraduate research in materials science motivated him to pursue a Ph.D. in Materials Science. His doctoral work focused on understanding valence states and microstructural distribution of dilute transition metal cations in ion-conducting solid electrolytes. Knight now leads and supports advanced materials analysis efforts in industry, bridging fundamental materials science with applied research and development.

Today's Campus Events

To have your event automatically appear, please submit them to the University Events Calendar.

Women's Rights are Human Rights: International Posters on Gender-based Inequality, Violence, and Discrimination Gallery Exhibit - Rozsa Art Galleries

MICHIGAN TECH ART SERIES EVENT Women’s Rights are Human Rights is a fitting title for an exhibition of women’s rights and advocacy posters, as it was a term used in the women’s rights movement and was the title of an important speech given by Hillary Rodham Clinton in 1995 at the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing. This exhibition features posters created by artsit of all genders to celebrate and acknowledge the vital role that all citizens should play in protecting and promoting human rights while challenging gender inequality and stereotypes, advancing reproductive and sexual rights, protecting women and girls against brutality, and promoting women’s empowerment and participation in society. These poster images challenge patriarchal attitudes that subordinate, stigmatize or restrict women from achieving their fullest potential. These images argue for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls enabling empowerment of women and achievement of real equality between women and men that fosters societal stability and human dignity. Learn more at womensrightsarehumanrights.org Things to know ROZSA ART GALLERIES HOURS | M-F 8 a.m.-8 p.m. and…

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FIRST Robotics Competition WIN Appleton District Event

Come volunteer with Copper Country Robotics at Appleton East High School on March 20-22 for their FIRST Robotics Competition District Event! The Appleton event is looking for volunteers of all types and needs help in most roles to make this event a success. Keep in mind that you will need to also register on firstinspires.org and pass a YPP background check.

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Undergraduate Research and Scholarship Symposium

Are you interested in exploring what research undergraduate students have been participating in? Join us on March 20th for the 2026 Undergraduate Research & Scholarship Symposium held in the Rozsa Center Lobby. The Symposium will highlight the exceptional undergraduate research being conducted and represents a wide array of disciplines from Michigan Technological University. Explore groundbreaking research happening right here at Michigan Tech! Connect with talented student researchers, dive into innovative projects across disciplines, and discover ideas that spark your curiosity. And be sure to join us at 3:15 pm for our URSS awards presentation! Whether you're looking for inspiration, a potential research topic, or want to see the incredible work being done. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, ask questions, and get inspired!

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PhD Defense: Joshua Orlando

Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics Advisor: Darrell Robinette MACHINE LEARNING AND MUTLI-SCALE OPTIMIZATION FOR CONTROL AND ENERGY MANAGEMENT IN CONNECTED AND AUTOMATED VEHICLE PROPULSION SYSTEMS Attend Virtually: https://michigantech.zoom.us/s/83318435618

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Implantable Living Pharmacies: Engineering Durable Treatments for Chronic Diseases

Biomedical Engineering Research Seminar Suman Bose, Ph.D. Mayo Clinic Arizona Abstract Implants carrying engineered cells offer transformative potential for treating chronic diseases, including autoimmune disorders, endocrine imbalances, neurodegenerative conditions, and cancer. These living pharmacies can deliver biologics directly to target tissues, eliminating the need for repeated injections and patient compliance challenges. However, clinical translation has been hindered by persistent challenges: foreign body responses and cellular dysfunction that compromise long-term therapeutic function. This talk will discuss three convergent strategies our lab has developed to overcome these fundamental barriers. First, we will present our biocompatible macrodevice platform, which enables sustained protein delivery in rodent and non-human primate models over extended periods. Second, we will describe advances in device design that allow devices to be folded into an injectable form factor, enabling minimally invasive implantation. Finally, we will present our latest findings on controlling foreign body responses through precisely designed chemical and biophysical surface modifications…

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Ryan Kelly - Comedy Night

You may know him online as youthpastorryan, internet personality and comedian Ryan Kelly is coming to MTU! He was spiderman at disneyland and has a master's degree in homeland security, what more could you want from a comedian? Join us at the Rozsa, students get in FREE! Tickets can be found here! (Log in through your MTU account to get a student ticket for free)

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Ryan Kelly: Comedian - Memorial Union Board

PRESENTED BY MEMORIAL UNION BOARD Ryan Kelly was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri where he started comedy as an improviser. Now with over 9 million total followers, he shares his comedy through standup and social media. Things to know DATE | Friday, March 20, 2026 TIME | 7 p.m. LOCATION | Rozsa Center EST. RUN TIME | TBD SEATING | Reserved Seating STUDENT TICKETS | Student tickets $0. Students can request advance student rush tickets by emailing rozsa@mtu.edu. Full details on requesting advance student rush tickets here. PUBLIC TICKETS | General public $20 CONTENT GUIDANCE | TBD AccessibilityNoise-canceling headphones Available at the Rozsa Box Office. Assisted Listening Devices Available at the Rozsa Box Office. Plan Your Visit to the Rozsa Rozsa Box Office InformationAccessibility Services Find a Digital ProgramPlan your Parking​ Get Involved Volunteer to UsherDonate to Support the RozsaMeet Our DonorsGet Updates via Email View All Upcoming Events Personal Responsibility Statement Not all productions may appeal to or be appropriate for every person or for all ages. The Rozsa Center provides content guidance to alert audience members to common potentially…

Defenses Next Week

The Graduate School is pleased to announce the following dissertation, thesis and report defenses occurring next week. Please consider attending to learn more about our students’ scholarship and celebrate their academic accomplishments. Check the University Events Calendar for last-minute updates to times, dates and locations.

PhD Defense: Padmanabh Shridhar Desai

  • Title: SHM FOR INCIPIENT BUCKLING DETECTION IN OVERLOADED STRUCTURES USING NONLINEAR SYSTEM IDENTIFICATION ALGORITHMS ON REDUNDANT DATA SETS

  • Department: Civil and Environmental and Geospatial Engineering (CEGE)

  • Advisor: Raymond Swartz

  • Date: Tuesday 3/24/2026 at 12:00 PM

  • Location: Dow Environmental Sciences and Engineering Building 875

  • Attend Virtually

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Master's Defense: Hailey LaBonte

  • Title: Disentangling the Hemodynamic Effects of Atrial Contraction Loss and Cardiac Output Reduction in Atrial Fibrillation

  • Department: Biomedical Engineering (BME)

  • Advisor: Hoda Hatoum

  • Date: Wednesday 3/25/2026 at 1:00 PM

  • Location: H-STEM Complex Complex 348

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PhD Defense: Chaz Cornwall

  • Title: The Excess Path Length Distribution: A Stochastic Model for Sample-based Path Planners

  • Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE)

  • Advisor: Jeremy Bos

  • Date: Thursday 3/26/2026 at 9:00 AM

  • Location: Electrical Energy Resources Center (EERC) 501

  • Attend Virtually

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Master's Defense: Mark Hobbs

  • Title: Measuring Wave Elevation Using Piezo-Electric Hydrophone

  • Department: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

  • Advisor: Gordon Parker

  • Date: Thursday 3/26/2026 at 12:30 PM

  • Location: R. L. Smith Building (MEEM) 208

  • Attend Virtually

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Master's Defense: Helen Foldenauer

  • Title: The Geochemical, Tectonic, and Temporal Evolution of the Southeast Superior Craton in Three Lakes, Michigan

  • Department: Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences (GMES)

  • Advisor: Chad Deering

  • Date: Thursday 3/26/2026 at 1:30 PM

  • Location: Dow Environmental Sciences and Engineering Building 619

  • Attend Virtually

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Master's Defense: Eleanor Zimmermann

  • Title: Numerical and Experimental Evaluation of a Simple, Low-Energy Lunar Volatile Separation Technology

  • Department: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

  • Advisor: Paulus van Susante

  • Date: Friday 3/27/2026 at 10:00 AM

  • Location: R. L. Smith Building (MEEM) 1021

  • Attend Virtually

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Master's Defense: Edward Sloan

  • Title: A TUNABLE ENVIRONMENT FOR TISSUE Engineering Establishing gelatin and nanofibers for 3D cell culture

  • Department: Biological Sciences

  • Co-advisors: Rupali Datta, Smitha Rao Hatti

  • Date: Friday 3/27/2026 at 11:00 AM

  • Location: H-STEM Complex Complex 248

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Master's Defense: Michael Dahamah

  • Title: INTEGRATING LEAN PRINCIPLES AND ENERGY MANAGEMENT FOR SUSTAINABLE MANUFACTURING: A PDCA-BASED FRAMEWORK WITH DYNAMIC AND ERGONOMIC ENERGY ASSESSMENT

  • Department: Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering Technology (MMET)

  • Co-advisors: Anis Fatima, John Irwin

  • Date: Friday 3/27/2026 at 3:00 PM

  • Location: Electrical Energy Resources Center (EERC) 422

  • Attend Virtually