January 30, 2026

“Through Ice and Snow, to Space We Go,” is the theme for Michigan Tech’s 2026 Winter Carnival, which rockets the campus, community and visitors into a galaxy of winter games and festivities from Wednesday, Feb. 4, through next Saturday, Feb. 7.

The theme pays homage to aerospace achievements and the Husky tendency to lead exploration of new frontiers, and promises to transform Tech’s wintry campus into an astronautical array of huge and intricate snow statues. Other highlights include a new Wednesday night drone show and a crowd favorite, fireworks over Tech’s Mont Ripley Ski Area next Saturday night.

As it has since 1934, Blue Key National Honor Society, a student organization composed of outstanding scholars and leaders, is staging and managing every aspect of Carnival. The point person this year is Winter Carnival President Andrew Hemstreet ’26. The electrical engineering major offered a rundown on new and returning events and how his experiences as a student are helping him to lead the select group of Huskies who put on one of the top-rated winter festivals in the region. 

“I’m hoping to create a welcoming and magical feeling for all attendees,” said Hemstreet. “Between the towering snow statues, drones lighting up the sky, students performing on stage, broomball, SnoBall and fireworks, Winter Carnival stands out as an event as unique as Michigan Tech!”

Get the full Carnival schedule and hear more from Hemstreet at Michigan Tech News.

Michigan Technological University researchers are leading the way in addressing one of Michigan's most critical challenges: the future of our water resources. 

Michigan Tech is represented in four out of five projects funded through the Research Universities for Michigan (RU4M) Livable Futures Initiative Water Collaboration Grants. RU4M announced the grant recipients this week. 

“We’re proud of Michigan Tech’s strong participation in the first Livable Futures Initiative,” said Andrew Barnard, vice president for research. “Our researchers are bringing critical expertise in water systems, environmental monitoring, and sustainable infrastructure to address challenges that affect communities across Michigan and beyond.”

Recognizing that Michigan’s most complex challenges cannot be solved in isolation, RU4M’s Livable Futures initiative (LFI) brings together Michigan’s four R1 research universities to tackle complex societal challenges through collaborative research. The LFI’s first funding round focuses specifically on water — a fitting emphasis for a state surrounded by the Great Lakes.

RU4M invested $400,000 in seed funding to launch this initiative. The funding is designed to break down institutional silos, bringing together interdisciplinary research teams from Michigan State University, Michigan Technological University, the University of Michigan and Wayne State University.

“These projects reflect the power of collaboration across RU4M institutions,” said Britany Affolter-Caine, RU4M executive director. “By uniting researchers across disciplines and campuses, we’re accelerating the ideas and partnerships Michigan needs to build a more resilient future — one that protects our water resources, strengthens communities, and supports long-term prosperity.”

This round of grants will support five collaborative projects focused on protecting and strengthening Michigan’s water systems, communities and economy:

• “Faster, Safer Beach Days” — Ishi Keenum (CEGE)
  Lead principal investigator (PI) Ishi Keenum of MTU and colleagues (Marisa Eisenberg, U-M; Jeffrey Ram, Wayne State; and Nishita D'Souza, MSU) are testing a new tool that provides beach water bacteria results in 15 minutes, drastically reducing the current 24-hour wait.

• “Turning Waste into Fertilizer” — David Watkins (CEGE)
  Lead PI Nancy Love of U-M and team members (Stephen Gasteyer, MSU; Matthew Seeger, Wayne State; and David Watkins, MTU) will capture nutrients from human and food waste to prevent lake pollution, recycling them into safe, affordable fertilizer for farmers.

• “Using Water Towers to Save Energy” — Anna Stuhlmacher (ECE)
  Lead PI Anna Stuhlmacher (ECE) and colleagues (Johanna Mathieu, U-M; Maggie Williams, MSU; and Carol Miller, Wayne State) will study using water towers as “giant batteries”: utilities can pump water when electricity is cheap and use gravity during the day during peak hours. This smarter method reduces electric bills, grid strain and pollution.

• “Fighting Floods with Nature in Cities”
  Lead PI Maria Arquero de Alarcon of U-M and colleagues (Angela Burrow, MSU; and Lamine Boumaiza, Wayne State) will implement “rewilding” strategies — using nature, such as wetlands and rain gardens, to manage stormwater and restore local ecology.

• “A ‘Master Plan’ for Michigan’s Water” — David Watkins (CEGE)
  Lead PI Andrew Gronewold of U-M and colleagues (Ethan Theuerkauf, MSU; Donna Kashian, Wayne State; and David Watkins, MTU) will unite Michigan’s water experts with community leaders to create a unified 25-year “playbook” for water protection through 2050.

College of Engineering Dean Michelle Scherer has selected Anna Stuhlmacher, assistant professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), as this week’s instructor in the 2026 Deans’ Teaching Showcase. Stuhlmacher will be recognized at an end-of-term event with other spring showcase members and is a candidate for the CTL Instructional Award Series.

“Anna is preparing our Husky engineers to be leaders in the transition to Energy 4.0. She shares her deep expertise in all things power with the mindset that power systems are rapidly changing to highlight the importance of mastering core concepts and then be ready to adapt. The power grid is one of tomorrow’s pressing needs and Anna leans into practicing the legacy of a Michigan Tech hands-on education,” said Scherer. 

Stuhlmacher regularly teaches EE3120 Electric Energy Systems, which is a large undergraduate required course that serves as an introduction to the power systems field. The course provides an overview of energy generation, transmission and distribution, and covers topics such as renewable energy sources, three-phase systems and transformers. Her goal is to introduce students to the different areas within the power systems field and show them how the field is changing, while also making sure they leave with a solid foundation in the core concepts they’ll use in other power electives at Michigan Tech. As this is a required course for all electrical engineering majors, Stuhlmacher desires to increase students’ excitement about power systems as it’s a very exciting time to be a power systems engineer.

In terms of teaching style, Stuhlmacher provides students with note templates which she adapted from colleague and mentor John Lukowski, and she spends a significant amount of class time working through practice problems with the students. She passionately connects course material to real-world experiences and active research areas. Each time she has taught EE3120, she organized a field trip to the UPPCO substation or the solar regional test site at the Advanced Power Systems Research Center. Other activities she has employed to connect students to real-world power systems include a bingo activity where students identify and take pictures of power grid infrastructure on and around campus; students sharing current news articles related to the power grid; and in-class presentations from power-related career fair recruiters. She’s found that student engagement increases when they understand the practical relevance and importance of the material. Stuhlmacher said her goal is for students “to leave the course with strong fundamentals and a clearer understanding of our power grid.”

Wayne Weaver, chair of the ECE department, believes Stuhlmacher’s teaching success stems from her impeccable organization and innovative use of technology. Moreover, students believe her teaching style should be a model for the University. Students note that Stuhlmacher’s use of tools, such as Huskycast recordings, note templates and annotated slides, enhance their learning. One student remarked to Weaver, “I do not think in all of my time at MTU I have found a professor who has everything on point, such as Dr. Stuhlmacher.” 

Stuhlmacher is a truly exceptional educator who goes the extra mile for her students. “Dr. Stuhlmacher is a dedicated educator whose commitment to student success ensures our graduates are confident and prepared for their careers,” said Weaver.

Michigan Tech’s College of Engineering (COE) and College of Sciences and Arts (CSA) invite applications for faculty to develop a Research Experience for Undergraduate Students (REU) this summer 2026 semester. 

Two faculty fellows will be awarded, one from each college, to collaborate on creating the summer REU. Fellows will coordinate and recruit faculty mentors, create professional development opportunities for students, write and submit a National Science Foundation (NSF) REU Site proposal, and help build a pathway to graduate school for Michigan Tech students.

See the full Request for Applications for more details.

Submit your application by Thursday, Feb. 5!

Award amount: $10,000 discretionary funds, $5,000 program funds, one semester of tuition for a Ph.D. student.

Faculty are invited to encourage qualified undergraduate students to apply for the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program. SURF provides students with a structured, funded opportunity to engage in meaningful research under faculty mentorship during the summer.

Faculty involvement is central to the SURF experience. We encourage you to:

• Identify students who would benefit from a summer research experience
• Discuss potential research projects with interested students
• Serve as a research mentor for a SURF fellow this summer

Participation in SURF allows students to develop research skills, contribute to ongoing scholarly or creative work, and prepare for graduate study or professional careers.

Learn more and apply on the SURF website. The application deadline is next Friday, Feb. 6, at 5 p.m.

Questions about SURF or faculty involvement may be directed to Chris Hohnholt at cahohnho@mtu.edu.

Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) of 2025, a new federal income tax deduction is available for qualified overtime compensation for tax years 2025-2028. This deduction applies only to the premium portion of FLSA-covered overtime (hours worked over 40 in a workweek).

Because the law was enacted midyear, employers are not required to separately report this amount on the 2025 Form W-2. Employees must use their 2025 pay stubs to determine the eligible overtime premium. Only the “half” portion of “time and one-half” overtime qualifies.

Upon further review of employment contracts and overtime policies, Human Resources and Payroll Services have determined that it is not feasible to identify or separately report FLSA-eligible overtime for 2025. Michigan Tech pays overtime under a mix of FLSA requirements, employment contracts and institutional policies that cannot be reliably separated. As a result, overtime statements cannot be issued, and employees must rely on their pay stubs to make their own determination.

Example of the qualifying premium portion:

If your regular rate is $15 per hour and your overtime rate is $22.50 per hour, the $7.50 premium portion ($22.50 minus $15) is the amount eligible for the deduction.

The deduction is capped at $12,500 ($25,000 if married filing jointly), subject to IRS income phase-outs.

Key Reminders:

• Overtime pay is still taxed when paid; the benefit is claimed as a deduction on your tax return.
• Social Security and Medicare (FICA) taxes still apply.
• Only FLSA-covered overtime qualifies.
• Comp time qualifies only if earned from FLSA-covered overtime.
• Overtime paid under non-FLSA contracts or policies is not eligible.

For official guidance, please refer to the IRS website or U.S. Department of Labor FLSA Overtime Guidelines, or consult a tax professional.

We are currently seeking research subjects for a study to identify the physiological pathways through which Hibiscus sabdariffa, a flowering plant, may influence neural regulation in humans. You are eligible to participate if you are between the ages of 18 and 64 and meet our study inclusion criteria. 

We will conduct two experiments separated by at least two weeks, with a time commitment of about two to 2.5 hours per visit. There is monetary compensation for participation.

Please email Oluwatosin Oyeniran at oioyenir@mtu.edu for more information and to determine your eligibility.

Tonight, Jan. 30, join Rozsa Art Galleries Director Terri Frew from 5-7 p.m. for an opening reception for the poster exhibit “Women's Rights Are Human Rights: International Posters on Gender-based Inequality, Violence, and Discrimination” in the Rozsa Art Galleries A-Space.

“The artworks being featured are from a larger collection of international posters created to address the subject of gender inequality, discrimination, and gender-based violence,” said Frew.

As the exhibit curator, Frew chose these selections with the local audience in mind. “Posters, and the image in general, can indeed be powerful tools for social commentary. I hope that visitors walk away with a greater appreciation for the poster as a medium for social change, and that viewers are brought further into the Feminist conversation being supported by this collection,” said Frew. 

Enjoy refreshments and comments from Frew while examining the exhibit. Feminist rock band A Certain Rage will play a set in the Rozsa Lobby from 6-6:30 p.m.

Women’s Rights Are Human Rights
Reception: Friday, Jan. 30, 2026 | 5-7 p.m.
Exhibit Dates: Friday, Jan. 30, to March 28 during regular gallery hours
Rozsa Galleries A-Space
Michigan Tech Art Series

Enjoy some delicious homemade baked goods and help Michigan Tech’s Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) chapter support St. Jude’s Children's Cancer Research.

Visit us on Wednesday, Feb. 4, during Michigan Tech’s All-Nighter from 4:30-10 p.m., or until supplies run out. The sale will be set up behind the TKE statue site, next to the University’s Administration Building.

Won’t be around for the All-Nighter? Stop by on your way off campus.

Some allergen-free options will be available. Suggested donation of $3 per bag or two bags for $5. Cash and Venmo accepted.

The next Environmental Engineering Graduate Seminar will take place at 3 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 2, in GLRC 202.

Kris Mattila, associate professor of civil, environmental, and geospatial engineering, Michigan Tech, will present “Engineering Ethics: What Every Engineer Needs to Know.”

Read Mattila's abstract on the University Events Calendar.

PR Newswire and more than 175 national outlets mentioned Michigan Tech in a press release about education grants awarded by the DENSO North America Foundation to support STEM education and workforce development initiatives.

MLive mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about a new angler survey being conducted by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and MTU to better understand recreational burbot fishing in the Lake Superior basin.

WLUC TV6 mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about the Hancock Polar Plunge being rescheduled from Heikinpäivä to Winter Carnival weekend, with support from Michigan Tech’s Aquanauts Dive Team.

Michigan Business Network and WNMU-FM quoted MTU President Rick Koubek in stories about a new economic impact study showing Michigan’s public universities generate nearly $45 billion in annual economic activity.

Saginaw’s WNEM TV5 quoted Michigan Tech alum Max Dehtiar ’06 in coverage of Zehnder’s Snowfest in Frankenmuth, where he credited Michigan Tech’s Winter Carnival for inspiring his team’s snow sculpting tradition.

COB Dean Semifinalist Presenting Open Forum

The first College of Business (COB) dean semifinalist candidate's visit to campus, originally scheduled for Jan. 22 and 23, was postponed and is now scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 2 and 3.

New Time, Date and Location
Candidate 1 Open Forum Presentation: 
Monday, Feb. 2, at 3 p.m. in the MUB Alumni Lounge (MUB 107A and 107B)

The first candidate's interview will be held Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 2 and 3. The candidate will present their administrative philosophy and vision for COB at an open forum at 3 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 2, in the Memorial Union Alumni Lounge, MUB 107A and 107B.

Information on all candidates, interview dates, and open forum information can be viewed at the Academic Affairs Dean Search page. A Michigan Tech login is required to view resumes and provide comment. The open forums will be video recorded and posted to the website for viewing.

The COB Dean Search Committee encourages the campus community to interact with each candidate during the interviews and to provide feedback by completing the anonymous comment form provided at the website. Feedback forms will close at 5 p.m. next Friday, Feb. 6.

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First Annual Lab Safety Week

Michigan Tech will participate in the Campus Safety, Health, and Environmental Management Association (CSHEMA) National Lab Safety Week from Feb. 9-13, joining institutions nationwide in a shared effort to strengthen research safety culture across higher education.

Lab Safety Week brings practical, approachable, and interactive activities to campus—designed to help students, faculty, and staff build confidence in everyday safety skills.

Lab Safety Week Highlights:

• Campus-wide Safety Scavenger Hunt: Explore your workspace, locate key safety equipment, and test your readiness.

• Weeklong Safety Bingo: Complete simple safety tasks for a chance to win prizes at Friday’s drawing.

• Mini Safety Videos On-Demand: Short, accessible clips covering eyewash checks, spill basics, chemical storage tips, and more.

• Live Demonstrations

• PPE selection and glove comparison: Come see what PPE is available from Chem Stores.

• Fire extinguisher practice on the university’s new digital simulator.

• Pop-Up Safety Tables Across Campus: Stop by for quick conversations, free useful safety items, and MTU Safety-branded swag.

• Safety Awards & Prize Drawings: Recognizing individuals and labs who model outstanding safety practices.

By joining the national CHSEMA initiative, Michigan Tech contributes to a broader movement to promote safer, more resilient research environments. Everyone is encouraged to participate, learn something new, and help strengthen our shared commitment to safety. 

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Applied Computing Faculty Candidate Presentation with Jason S. Lucas

Please join the Department of Applied Computing (AC) on Monday, Feb. 2, at 3 p.m. in Rekhi G009 for a research presentation by tenure-track faculty candidate Jason S. Lucas.

The title of Lucas' presentation is “Trustworthy AI Through Multilingual Natural Language Processing and Security.”

From the abstract:
Large language models have transformed information processing, yet create critical vulnerabilities: adversaries weaponize AI to generate harmful content at scale, and security systems fail to protect diverse linguistic communities. My research addresses these challenges at the intersection of AI, NLP, and cybersecurity. This talk presents key contributions: a framework demonstrating large language models' capacity to detect information threats, methods for evaluating how AI defenses transfer to low-resource multilingual contexts, and ongoing work establishing best practices for multilingual AI deployment. I outline future directions including a multilingual evaluation dataset spanning 70+ languages, a universal multilingual defense system I will extend at Michigan Tech, and plans to establish the Secure and Ethical AI Lab (SEAL). This work has significant implications for AI security, global equity, and technological justice, enabling organizations to mitigate adversarial attacks and address harmful content across linguistic boundaries while ensuring AI benefits all populations.

Lucas is a Ph.D. candidate in informatics at Penn State University, working in the PIKE Research Lab under Dongwon Lee. His research focuses on multilingual artificial intelligence systems, adversarial machine learning and AI safety, with publications at ACL, EMNLP, NAACL and IEEE conferences. Lucas holds an M.Sc. in Health Informatics and an MPH in Epidemiology, bringing interdisciplinary expertise in computer science, public health and information security. He completed research internships at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and Coalfire, and served as an NSF NRT LinDiv Fellow. Prior to doctoral studies, he spent a decade as faculty at St. George's University in Grenada. He is passionate about mentoring diverse students and advancing equitable AI development.

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ChE Seminar Series with George Aslanidi

George Aslanidi will present as part of the Department of Chemical Engineering (ChE) Seminar Series today, Jan. 30, at 10 a.m. The seminar will be held in person in GLRC 202 and virtually via Zoom.

Join the ChE Seminar on Zoom.

Aslanidi will present "Safety and efficacy for AAV based therapies as outcome of vectors and production processes optimization." 

Read Aslanidi's abstract and bio on the University Events Calendar.

Aslanidi is a professor at the University of Minnesota. He is hosted by Caryn Heldt.

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CFRES Seminar with Brian Aukema

Join the College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science today, Jan. 30, at 3 p.m. in Noblet G002 to listen to a seminar by Brian Aukema, a professor of forest entomology at the University of Minnesota.

The seminar is titled “Climate change, insects, and the demise of mature tamarack in Minnesota.”

Virtual attendance is also invited: Join the CFRES Seminar on Zoom.

Aukema works at the interface of forest insect ecology and global change, examining how insect-tree relationships are affected by climate change and invasive species. He holds master’s and Ph.D. degrees in forest entomology and a master’s in biometry (statistics) from the University of Wisconsin, and began his career as a federal scientist with the Canadian Forest Service in western Canada prior to moving to Minnesota. He has mentored more than 30 graduate students and postdocs on various insect challenges of consequence to the Great Lakes region, such as the emerald ash borer, spongy moth, spruce budworm, satin moth, mountain pine beetle and more.

Seminar Synopsis:
Eastern larch or tamarack (Larix laricina) is a deciduous conifer whose southern range dips through northern Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. The species forms a vital component of lowland conifer ecosystems. Traditionally, the species has been relatively free of insect challenges. Over the past 25 years, however, an ongoing and historically unprecedented outbreak of eastern larch beetle (Dendroctonus simplex) has been unexpectedly decimating our tamarack resource. This presentation will describe how a changing climate appears to have shifted interactions between a non-native defoliator, a native bark beetle and the host tree. Changes in tree phenology and insect demographics have the potential to shift the distribution of tamarack farther north as we witness climate change in action.

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Catering Pop-Up: Over-the-Top Hot Chocolate

MTU Carved and Crafted Catering invites you to stop by our upcoming Over-the-Top Hot Chocolate catering pop-up featuring a make-your-own hot chocolate bar. This elevated, over-the-top hot chocolate experience allows guests to customize their drink with a variety of toppings, including whipped cream, marshmallows, candy, cookies and flavorful sauces.

The event is open to faculty, staff and the entire Michigan Tech community, and will take place on Monday, Feb. 2, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the MUB Keweenaw Commons. Guests are encouraged to stop by, create their perfect cup of hot chocolate, and learn more about MTU Carved and Crafted Catering.

As a special bonus, the first 50 attendees will receive a Husky Eats travel mug while supplies last.

In addition to the catering pop-up, Husky Eats will have staff on-site to share details about Boost Mobile, student dining jobs, meal plans and more.

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

Friday, January 30, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. | Rozsa Art Galleries, Rozsa Art Galleries A-Space

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 Saturdays 1-8 p.m. EXHIBIT DATES | January 30-March 28, 2026 RECEPTION | Friday, January 30, 2026 | 5-7 p.m. ADMISSION| Free and open to the public CONTENT GUIDANCE | Strong language and discussion of domestic violence. Plan your visit with information about parking, accessibility, and more. Rozsa Art Galleries are open 8 a.m.-8 p.m. M-F and 1-8 p.m. on Saturdays. Closed during academic recesses. Contact the Rozsa Box Office for more information. Thanks to Our Sponsors Support for this Michigan Tech Art Event provided by: and the Visual and Performing Arts Circle of Supporters. About the Presenter Professional exhibitions in the Rozsa Art Galleries. Student showcases. Artist Talks with Studio Here Now. Cross-campus collaborations. The Michigan Tech Art Series offers dynamic programming that supports Michigan Tech students and our wider community. Part of the the annual Rozsa Season, the Michigan Tech Art, Music, and Theatre Series are presented by the Visual and Performing Arts Department. Through these series, students from across campus, community members, and faculty create art that connects us to the world. With majors in audio production and technology, sound design, theatre and entertainment technology, and nine minors, the department fosters creativity, self-motivation, and the development of practical and artistic skills. Everyone is welcome, and there's something for everyone. View all Michigan Tech Art Series Events. Related Events Nanowonder: Images of the Microscopic World Gallery Exhibit - Rozsa Art Galleries September 12-November 7, 2025 Reception | Friday, September 26, 2025 | 5-7 p.m. Artful Intersections: Fall Student Art Showcase - Rozsa Art Galleries November 21-December 2, 2025 Reception | Tuesday, December 2, 2025 | 5-7 p.m. Through the Quiet Hours: Night Sky Photography Gallery Exhibit - Rozsa Art Galleries January 16-23, 2026 Reception | Friday, January 16, 2026 | 5-7 p.m. Women's Rights are Human Rights Gallery Exhibit - Rozsa Art Galleries January 30-March 28, 2026 Reception | Friday, January 30, 2026 | 5-7 p.m. Beyond the Frame: Spring Student Art Showcase - Rozsa Art Galleries April 10-14, 2026 Reception | Friday, April 10, 2026 | 5-7 p.m. Explore upcoming Michigan Tech Art Events. 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 sensitive or distressing material. Guests are encouraged to familiarize themselves with each event in order to make informed decisions prior to attending an event. Views Expressed Statement The views, information, thoughts, or opinions expressed in this program or event are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent the policies of the Rozsa Center or Michigan Technological University. Effective Date: 2025/26.

Safety and efficacy for AAV based therapies as outcome of vectors and production processes optimization

Friday, January 30, 10 a.m. | Great Lakes Research Center (GLRC), 202

Chemical Engineering Seminar Dr. George Aslanidi Professor University of Minnesota Abstract Treatments based on Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) vectors recently became medical reality for previously untreatable diseases. However, production bottleneck keeps AAV based treatment cost high and holds back wide use of this promising technology. Bioengineering of novel AAV vectors, development of synthetic cell lines for AAV production and optimization of downstream purification processes can help to increase AAV potency, decrease effective vector doses, and reduce the cost of treatment. Safety and preliminary efficacy of AAV-based cancer vaccine and AAV-based gene therapy for Cockayne Syndrome will be presented as representative examples. Bio Dr. George Aslanidi is a professor at The Hormel Institute and leader of Molecular Bioengineering and Vaccine Development research sections. Dr. Aslanidi received his B.S. and M.S. from Tbilisi State University in Republic of Georgia and Ph.D. from the Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics of Russian Academy of Science at Puschino. Dr. Aslanidi completed his post-doctoral work at University of Florida, Department of Genetic & Miclobiology in the School of Medicine. Prior to joining The Hormel Institute, Dr. Aslanidi was an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at University of Florida, where he conducted research on gene therapy of single gene diseases and cancer, and also taught laboratory research to premed students and clinical fellows.

RTC Research Forum: GENtrified Anthropological Illusionaries

Friday, January 30, 12–1 p.m. | Walker Arts and Humanities Center, Petersen Library

The RTC Research Forum returns Friday, January 30, at noon in the Petersen Library with GEN-AI: GENtrified Anthropological Illusionaries, presented by Briana Bettin of Computer Science and Psychology and Human Factors at MTU! Abstract: Gentrification impacts a wide array of neighborhoods and communities within our analog world. While the same physical impacts may not be present, our computationally connected digital world may not be so different. In this talk, the aesthetics, process, and impacts of physical gentrification will begin to be critically compared and metaphorically mapped to aspects of Internet history, web communities, and application developments. Through this lens, we will further explore the current state of generative artificial intelligence (“gen-ai”), and the ways these software artifacts presently contribute to re-producing and re-presenting gentrification. We hope you will join us for this highly anticipated talk, and for the exciting presentations we have scheduled for February and beyond!

Climate Change, Insects, and The Demise of Mature Tamarack in Minnesota

Friday, January 30, 3–4 p.m. | U. J. Noblet Forestry Building, G002

Eastern larch or tamarack (Larix laricina) is a deciduous conifer whose southern range dips through northern Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. The species forms a vital component of lowland conifer ecosystems. Traditionally, the species has been relatively free of insect challenges. Over the past twenty-five years, however, an ongoing and historically-unprecedented outbreak of eastern larch beetle (Dendroctonus simplex) has been unexpectedly decimating our tamarack resource. This presentation will describe how a changing climate appears to have shifted interactions between a non-native defoliator, a native bark beetle, and the host tree. Changes in tree phenology and insect demographics have the potential to shift the distribution of tamarack farther north as we witness climate change in action. Brian Aukema is a Professor of Forest Entomology at the University of Minnesota, where he works at the interface of forest insect ecology and global change, examining how insect-tree relationships are affected by climate change and invasive species. He holds Masters and PhD degrees in forest entomology and a Masters in biometry (statistics) from the University of Wisconsin, and began his career as a federal scientist with the Canadian Forest Service in western Canada prior to moving to Minnesota. He has mentored more than 30 graduate students and postdocs on various insect challenges of consequence to the Great Lakes region, such as emerald ash borer, spongy moth, spruce budworm, satin moth, mountain pine beetle, and more.

Respirable Particles in the Lung: Impact of Wildland Fire Smoke and E-cigarettes on Respiratory Structure/Function

Friday, January 30, 3–4 p.m. | Chemical Sciences and Engineering Building, 102

Biomedical Engineering Research Seminar Jessica Oakes, Ph.D. Northeastern University Abstract The respiratory system is one of the primary portals into the body and is responsible for gas exchange and protection from airborne foreign substances. The extent of deposition, retention, and clearance of inhaled particles is a complex interaction of physical forces, biological mechanisms, and subject's pathophysiology. Aerosol particles that originate from toxic sources (e.g., wildland fires, cigarettes/e-cigarettes, industrial emissions) can cause local and systemic inflammation, which when exposed to chronically, can lead to dysfunction of nearly every system in the body. This talk will first focus on development of a chronic exposure platform to model occupation exposure in the context of wildland fire fighters. We will discuss how inhaling wildland fire smoke over a long period of time can cause changes in respiratory biomechanics and the biological underpinnings of lung remodeling. Turning our attention to other particles, we will next focus on the biomechanical impact of inhaling e-cig aerosols on the lung. This study pinpoints longitudinal changes to respiratory function, supported by structural abnormalities of the lung. Bio Jessica Oakes is a tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Bioengineering at Northeastern University. Following completion of her PhD in 2013 (UC San Diego), she continued research in aerosol medicine as a postdoc fellow at INRIA Paris, France and at UC Berkeley, supported by a Whitaker Fellowship, a UC Presidential Postdoc Fellowship, and an American Lung Association Fellowship. Now, her research group focuses on combining experimental and numerical techniques to predict, quantify, and optimize aerosol dosimetry, and the corresponding structure/function response, in the lung. Dr. Oakes’s is the recipient of the Outstanding New Environmental Scientist award from NIH/NIEHS. Her research has also generously supported by the FEMA/DHS Assistance to Firefighters grant program, NIH NHLBI, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Jessica has received with the YC Fung Early Career Medal from the American Association of Mechanical Engineers in 2023 and the International Society of Aerosol Medicine Young Investigator award in 2025.

Snow Volleyball

Friday, January 30, 4–9 p.m. | Recreational Sports Fields (Softball, Baseball)

Winter Carnival Special Event for participating organizations. Teams of no more than twelve (12) will compete in this volleyball competition played on snow. Rally scoring will be used and games will be played to 25 points.

7 Days of MUB: Root Beer Float Social!

Friday, January 30, 5–7 p.m. | MUB Commons

We will be in the MUB Commons with board games and root beer floats! Join us for free ice cream and fun, along with some games and fun with MUB Board members! We would love to chat and we will have plenty of root beer for seconds

Reception for Women's Rights Are Human Rights - Rozsa Art Galleries

Friday, January 30, 5–7 p.m. | Rozsa Art Galleries, Rozsa Art Galleries A-Space

MICHIGAN TECH ART SERIES EVENT Join artists and Rozsa Art Galleries Director Terri Frew from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, January 30, 2026 for the opening reception for Women's Rights are Human Rights: International Posters on Gender-based Inequality, Violence, and Discrimination in the Rozsa Art Galleries A-Space. Enjoy refreshments, and hear from the artists to learn about the vision and inspiration for this exhibition. Learn more about the exhibit. Feminist rock band A Certain Rage will play a set in the Rozsa Lobby from 6-6:30 p.m. Things to know ROZSA ART GALLERIES HOURS | M-F 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Saturdays 1-8 p.m. EXHIBIT DATES | January 30-March 28, 2026 RECEPTION | Friday, January 30 | 5-7 p.m. with live music in the lobby from 6-6:30 p.m. ADMISSION| Free and open to the public CONTENT GUIDANCE | none Plan your visit with information about parking, accessibility, and more. Rozsa Art Galleries are open 8 a.m.-8 p.m. M-F and 1-8 p.m. on Saturdays. Closed during academic recesses. Contact the Rozsa Box Office for more information. Thanks to Our Sponsors Support for this Michigan Tech Art Event provided by: and the Visual and Performing Arts Circle of Supporters. About the Presenter Professional exhibitions in the Rozsa Art Galleries. Student showcases. Artist Talks with Studio Here Now. Cross-campus collaborations. The Michigan Tech Art Series offers dynamic programming that supports Michigan Tech students and our wider community. Part of the the annual Rozsa Season, the Michigan Tech Art, Music, and Theatre Series are presented by the Visual and Performing Arts Department. Through these series, students from across campus, community members, and faculty create art that connects us to the world. With majors in audio production and technology, sound design, theatre and entertainment technology, and nine minors, the department fosters creativity, self-motivation, and the development of practical and artistic skills. Everyone is welcome, and there's something for everyone. View all Michigan Tech Art Series Events. Related Events Nanowonder: Images of the Microscopic World Gallery Exhibit - Rozsa Art Galleries September 12-November 7, 2025 Reception | Friday, September 26, 2025 | 5-7 p.m. Artful Intersections: Fall Student Art Showcase - Rozsa Art Galleries November 21-December 2, 2025 Reception | Tuesday, December 2, 2025 | 5-7 p.m. Through the Quiet Hours: Night Sky Photography Gallery Exhibit - Rozsa Art Galleries January 16-23, 2026 Reception | Friday, January 16, 2026 | 5-7 p.m. Women's Rights are Human Rights Gallery Exhibit - Rozsa Art Galleries January 30-March 28, 2026 Reception | Friday, January 30, 2026 | 5-7 p.m. Beyond the Frame: Spring Student Art Showcase - Rozsa Art Galleries April 10-14, 2026 Reception | Friday, April 10, 2026 | 5-7 p.m. Explore upcoming Michigan Tech Art Events. 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 sensitive or distressing material. Guests are encouraged to familiarize themselves with each event in order to make informed decisions prior to attending an event. Views Expressed Statement The views, information, thoughts, or opinions expressed in this program or event are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent the policies of the Rozsa Center or Michigan Technological University. Effective Date: 2025/26.

Men's Ice Hockey at St. Thomas

Friday, January 30, 8:07–11:07 p.m. | St. Paul, MN

Men's Ice Hockey at St. Thomas St. Paul, MN