January 27, 2026

Together, Michigan’s public universities generate nearly $45 billion in net new economic activity each year, according to a new independent economic impact study released by the Michigan Association of State Universities (MASU).

The study shows that Michigan’s 15 public universities generate economic activity far exceeding the state’s annual investment in higher education. In fiscal year 2024, they drove nearly $45 billion in net new economic activity — almost 28 times the state’s $1.6 billion appropriation for those institutions. Michigan universities as a whole support more than 127,000 jobs statewide and contribute more than $7 billion in state tax revenue, according to the study.

Michigan Tech generated over $972 million in total economic impact during fiscal year 2024, a significant contribution to a robust public university ecosystem in Michigan that delivers exceptionally high returns on state investments.

“These findings make clear that Michigan’s public universities are not just educating students — they are fueling the state’s economy, strengthening communities and positioning Michigan to compete nationally and globally,” said Rick Koubek, MTU president and chair of MASU's board of directors. “Whatever the need, Michigan has a public university to meet the challenge.”

Read the full story at Michigan Tech News.

In recognition of Michigan Tech’s first annual Husky Lab Safety Awareness Week on Feb. 9-13, Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) invites departments, staff and students to nominate a Husky student, faculty/staff member and research group for awards recognizing individual safety stewardship and group safety culture.

This is an exciting moment for our campus — a moment where our identity as Huskies and our commitment to safety come together with purpose.

Lab Safety Awareness Week provides an opportunity to highlight individuals who actively promote a culture of safety through leadership, innovation, training or day-to-day safe laboratory conduct. It will be held in partnership with the Campus Safety, Health, and Environmental Management Association (CSHEMA) as part of their national Lab Safety Awareness Week drive.

Husky Lab Safety Awards:

• Husky Student Safety Stewardship Award
  This award honors an undergraduate or graduate Michigan Tech student who demonstrates exceptional dedication to fostering a safe, responsible and community‑minded laboratory environment. Recipients of the Husky Student Safety Stewardship Award consistently model best practices, support their peers, identify improvements, and embody the shared responsibility that defines Michigan Tech’s safety culture. Their leadership reflects the integrity, stewardship and commitment to excellence that strengthen our research and learning spaces.

• Husky Safety Stewardship Award
  The Husky Safety Stewardship Award recognizes a Michigan Tech faculty or staff member who exemplifies exceptional leadership in fostering a safe, ethical, and supportive research and learning environment. Honorees consistently model best practices, mentor others with patience and clarity, and champion continuous improvement in their labs, shops or workspaces. Their commitment strengthens Michigan Tech’s culture of shared responsibility and reflects the integrity, stewardship and community values that define us as Huskies.

• Exemplary Husky Research Safety Culture Award
  The Exemplary Husky Research Safety Culture Award recognizes a Michigan Tech research group that demonstrates outstanding collective commitment to safe, ethical and responsible research practices. This team models what it means to build a culture of shared stewardship — integrating safety into daily routines, supporting one another, proactively identifying improvements and fostering an environment where every member feels empowered to speak up and contribute. Their leadership strengthens Michigan Tech’s identity as an R1 research institution where world‑class research and world‑class safety go hand in hand.

Please submit your nominations by Feb. 12 at 2 p.m.

The Husky Lab Safety Awards will be presented on Feb. 13 at 1 p.m. in MUB Ballroom B. Nominators will be entered into a prize drawing for taking the time to recognize a person or group. Everyone is encouraged to attend the event and participate in week-long activities.

Find out more about activities and how to participate on the Husky Lab Safety Awareness Week website.

We appreciate your support in recognizing the efforts of those who help keep our campus safe. If you have any questions, please contact ehs-help@mtu.edu.

Come to Husky Minor Fair and find out what minors work best to fit your academic and personal goals. Speak with academic advisors representing 80 minors at Michigan Tech, all in one place. The Library East Reading Room is your convenient one-stop shop tomorrow, Jan. 28, from 3:30-5 p.m. as you explore which minor is right for you.

Michigan Tech’s Husky Minor Fair is your opportunity to talk to over 20 different academic advisors representing many MTU departments and colleges. The minor fair will highlight all different kinds of minors, including those that are more disciplinary specific and others that might be of interest to a broader range of students. 

With Michigan Tech’s new Essential Education curriculum, students also have the opportunity to select from a short list of Essential Ed Minors: interdisciplinary minors focused around different themes. Essential Ed credits are built into these minors so students don’t necessarily have to take any additional courses to complete their Essential Ed Pathway requirement. For other minors, students may be able to double count Essential Ed credits for some of the courses within the minor.

Come and get all of your questions answered on how different minors could fit your needs. It’s worth noting that any student can pursue any minor, provided you are able to meet the prerequisite requirements for required courses.

Learn more about the Husky Minor Fair on the Essential Education Newsblog.

The Graduate Student Government (GSG) is pleased to invite all graduate students to participate in this year's Graduate Research Colloquium (GRC), a campuswide event to showcase your research and strengthen presentation skills.

GRC 2026 research presentations will be given in person on March 18 and the GRC Awards Banquet will be held the following day, March 19. Graduate students can choose to give oral presentations, present posters, or do both. All presentations will be given in person.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three oral presenters and top three poster presenters. Prize amounts are $300 for first place, $200 for second place and $100 for third place.

Register to Present at GRC 2026. The deadline to register is March 10.

Event Details:

• What: GSG Graduate Research Colloquium 2026
• When/Where:
  • Oral Presentations — Wednesday, March 18, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the MUB Alumni Lounge
  • Poster Presentations — Wednesday, March 18, from 5-8 p.m. in the Rozsa Lobby
  • GRC Awards Banquet — Thursday, March 19, at 5 p.m. in the Rozsa Lobby

Applications for Summer 2026 Finishing Fellowships are being accepted and are due no later than 4 p.m. on Feb. 24 to the Graduate School.

Application instructions and information on the evaluation process can be found online. Students are eligible if all of the following criteria are met:

1. Must be a Ph.D. student.
2. Must expect to finish during the semester supported as a Finishing Fellow.
3. Must have submitted no more than one previous application for a Finishing Fellowship.
4. Must be eligible for candidacy (tuition charged at Research Mode rate) at the time of application.
5. Must not hold a final oral examination ("defense") prior to the start of the award semester.

Finishing Fellowships provide support to Ph.D. candidates who are close to completing their degrees. These fellowships are available through the generosity of alumni and friends of the University. They are intended to recognize outstanding Ph.D. candidates who are in need of financial support to finish their degrees and are also contributing to the attainment of goals outlined in the Michigan Tech Strategic Plan.

Students who receive full support through a Finishing Fellowship may not accept any other employment. For example, students cannot be fully supported by a Finishing Fellowship and accept support as a GTA or GRA.

Join the William G. Jackson Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) for an Accessible Tech Challenge Working Session on Feb. 10 from 2-3 p.m. in Library 243.

The challenge is a practical, hands-on opportunity to strengthen the accessibility of your digital course materials. Each session focuses on one key skill area, explains why it matters for students, and gives you dedicated time to work on your own content and get real-time guidance from campus digital accessibility experts.

Topic for Feb. 10: Image Descriptions
Alternative text provides essential access for students who need help interpreting the meaning of course images due to a disability or technical limitation. This session guides you through writing effective descriptions for photos, charts, diagrams and other course visuals, with examples and tips for different image types.

Register for the Feb. 10 Accessible Tech Challenge Working Session.

Register today to reserve your spot! Bring your laptop to work on content you'd like to improve.

Accommodation requests can be made on the registration screen, by emailing ctl@mtu.edu or by calling 906-487-3000.

Event Details:

• What: CTL Accessible Tech Challenge Working Session: Image Descriptions
• When: Tuesday, Feb. 10, from 2-3 p.m.
• Where: Library 243

Human Resources will be providing a virtual Position Management training session today, Jan. 27, at 9 a.m. Please join us in learning about Michigan Tech’s new position management system, Kuali.

This one-hour session provides an overview of position management, the electronic Position Management Request Form, and the new transaction workflow.

Join the Position Management Training Session on Zoom.

The University Senate will meet on Thursday, Jan. 29, at 12:30 p.m. in Chem Sci 102. Virtual attendance is also invited via Zoom. Please note that you will need to log in to your MTU Zoom account to join the virtual meeting.

Join the University Senate Meeting on Zoom.

View the Meeting Agenda.

Senators are responsible for making their constituents aware of the agenda for this meeting. Senators who are unable to attend should arrange for their alternates to attend in their place.

A Banner production system maintenance window is scheduled for Feb. 8 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The following production services will be unavailable:

•   apps.mtu.edu
•   Banner
•   Banner Self Service
•   Degreeworks
•   Experience
•   MyMichiganTech
•   ASPIRE
•   Course Tools
•   OAP Rental System
•   Oracle Reports
•   UC4/Appworx
•   Virtual Cashiering
•   WebFocus

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

The A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum has launched a new platform for self-guided experiences that visitors can access in the museum with their personal mobile devices. Beginning in May 2025, the museum has been working in partnership with the free mobile app Amuse* to enhance visitor engagement with accessible and dynamic storytelling.

Guests can use the Amuse app or they can simply scan QR codes on selected exhibit cases to see extra content, including audio, video, text, fun facts and even trivia about objects on display. Visitors can learn, for example, about some of the curator's favorite specimens on display by following stories in the Curator's Choice guide or enjoy a series of stories developed by MTU students in the Experience Museums class of fall 2025. The mobile app also has a fun interactive map that guests can use to navigate while in the museum. 

The Amuse team recently posted a blog post about their partnership with the museum. “Together, the A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum and Amuse strive to make materials — in this case, minerals — meaningful without disrupting the moments of pure inspiration,” it reads.

* The words "museum" and "amuse" derive from the Muses, the nine goddesses from Greek mythology who were said to be the sources of inspiration of the arts and sciences.

Join Carved and Crafted Catering at Michigan Technological University for the C-Cubed Luncheon, being held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursdays in the Memorial Union Alumni Lounge (MUB 107). All faculty and staff, along with their guests, are invited.

Menu for Thursday, Jan. 29:

• Caesar Salad (V, AG)
• Herb Crusted Chicken Breast (AG, PR)
• Tortellini Primavera (V, PR)
• Parmesan Polenta (V, AG)
• Chef Vegetables (V)
• Breadsticks (V)
• Cookie (V)

The C-Cubed lunch buffet menus are created and prepared by the catering culinary team. As the name suggests, the meals are meant to foster conversation, community and collegiality. Attendees may bring their lunch instead of purchasing the buffet. Fruit-infused water, coffee, tea and desserts are available free to all attendees.

The buffet lunch is $16 per person. Cash, credit cards and gift cards are accepted. Gift cards can be purchased in the Memorial Union office (MUB 101). Meals are dine-in only and personal containers/tupperware or to-go meals are not permitted.

Submit C-Cubed Feedback.

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.

Jingfeng Jiang, professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, will present as part of the Departments of Kinesiology and Integrated Physiology (KIP) and Biological Sciences Seminar Series. The presentation will be held on Thursday, Jan. 29, from 2-3 p.m. in GLRC 202.

Jiang’s presentation is titled “Artificial Intelligence-augmented Characterization of Vascular Aneurysms.”

From the abstract:
Dr. Jiang and his colleagues have developed an innovative noninvasive image-based patient-specific diagnostic, monitoring, and predictive computational framework for patients with vascular aneurysms. The computational framework can be used to select patients with a high risk of rupture for treatment while conservatively managing patients with a low risk of aneurysm rupture. In this talk, Dr. Jiang will focus on his lab’s approach to improving the clinical translation of the technology by leveraging readily available artificial intelligence (AI) tools. More specifically, his recent foci have been on (1) the removal of labor-intensive and time-consuming components and (2) the improvement of the outcome of the characterization of vascular aneurysms. This line of research has shown great potential for its clinical translation.

Jiang holds an affiliated professor appointment in the Department of Computer Science at Michigan Tech. He is also a visiting professor in the Medical Physics Department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a collaborative faculty member in the Radiology Department at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Before joining Michigan Tech, he worked at the University of Wisconsin first as a postdoctoral researcher in medical physics and then as a research scientist (equivalent to the research faculty track). His interdisciplinary research is at the interfaces of computational sciences, biomechanics and medical imaging. His recent work has primarily focused on developing and validating advanced computational algorithms for patient-specific modeling of vascular aneurysms and soft tissues. Jiang has more than 110 journal papers and seven issued U.S. patents.

George Aslanidi will present as part of the Department of Chemical Engineering (ChE) Seminar Series on Friday, 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.

Tuesday, Jan. 27
• Michigan Tech Hockey Radio Show, 10 a.m. on Mix 93 WKMJ
 
Thursday, Jan. 29
• Women's Basketball at Davenport, 5:30 p.m. on Mix 93 WKMJ & FloCollege
• Men's Basketball at Davenport, 7:30 p.m. on Mix 93 WKMJ & FloCollege
 
Friday, Jan. 30
• Hockey at St. Thomas, 8:07 p.m. on Mix 93 WKMJ & Midco Sports Plus
 
Saturday, Jan. 31
• Tennis at Hillsdale
• Nordic Skiing hosts MTU CCSA Invitational (5K Classic), 9:30 a.m. at Tech Trails
• Women's Basketball at Grand Valley State, 1 p.m. on Mix 93 WKMJ & FloCollege
• Men's Basketball at Grand Valley State, 3 p.m. on Mix 93 WKMJ & FloCollege
• Hockey at St. Thomas, 7:07 p.m. on Mix 93 WKMJ & Midco Sports Plus
 
Sunday, Feb. 1
• Tennis at Northwood
• Nordic Skiing hosts MTU CCSA Invitational (20K Skate), 9 a.m. at Tech Trails

*****

Athletics News
Read more in the MTU Athletics weekly update.

Job Posting for Tuesday, Jan. 27, 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.

Academic Coordinator, Center for Educational Outreach.

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.

The Associated Press, CBS News and U.S. News & World Report, as well as 20 other national outlets, picked up a Bridge Michigan story quoting Dennis Livesay (CC) examining how higher education is adapting to the growing role of artificial intelligence. Livesay discussed how AI is reshaping teaching, learning and problem-solving across disciplines.

WLUC TV6 quoted Molly Cavaleri (CFRES) in a story explaining the science behind social media claims about “exploding trees,” noting that winter damage in the U.P. is far more likely caused by heavy ice and snow than rare frost cracking. My UP Now consulted Carsten Külheim (CFRES) about the phenomenon, posting snippets from a phone call and virtual interview as Facebook Reels.

The Duluth News Tribune quoted Michigan Tech student Lucy Howe (civil engineering) in coverage of the 41st annual John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, noting her participation in the 120-mile race alongside other members of Michigan Tech’s mushing club, including Caleb Briggs (robotics engineering).

Board of Trustees member John U. Bacon highlighted Michigan Tech men’s hockey and the program’s return to the national rankings on the Jan. 23 episode of Michigan Public’s “Morning Edition.”

Detroit’s WWJ Newsradio 950, the Detroit News, the Daily Mining Gazette and My UP Now reported on extreme cold weather across Michigan that led to school closures and event disruptions, including the cancellation of classes at Michigan Tech on Jan. 23.

Radio Results Network mentioned Michigan Tech alum Teresa Perry ’98 (B.S. Business Administration) in a story about her appointment as chief financial officer of UP Health System-Marquette.

Green Bay’s 101.1 WIXX-FM mentioned Michigan Tech alum Deedra Irwin ’15 (B.S. Exercise Science) in a story about her path to competing in her second Winter Olympics as a Team USA biathlete, following her seventh-place finish in Beijing in 2022.

Submission and Formatting 101: Master the Dissertation, Thesis, and Report Process

Students who are completing a dissertation, thesis or report are invited to join the Graduate School to learn about the resources available to them to assist in scheduling their defense, formatting their documents and submitting their documents. In one afternoon, you can learn everything you need to be successful and complete your degree in a timely fashion! Faculty and staff who assist students with submissions are also welcome to attend. Attend the entire event, or stop in for the seminar that interests you.

• When: Tuesday, Jan. 28, from 2-4 p.m. (see detailed schedule on our blog)

• Who: Students completing a dissertation, thesis or report; faculty and staff who assist students with submission.

• Where: Virtually on Zoom and in person in Admin 404 (room capacity is 30). Register to attend online and receive participation instructions.

• Registration: Please register to receive handouts via email or attend online. The seminar will be available online as well as on campus.

If you are unable to join us, the event recording will be made available online after the event. The previous semester’s seminars are always available online.

Information on submitting, formatting and more can be found online for dissertations and theses or reports.

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

Position Management Training January 27th, 2026

Tuesday, January 27, 9–10 a.m. | https://michigantech.zoom.us/j/89690944778

We will go over the new Kuali process and answer any questions you may have. ────────── Kalinda is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: https://michigantech.zoom.us/j/89690944778 Or Telephone: Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1 689 278 1000 or +1 719 359 4580 or +1 253 205 0468 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 305 224 1968 or +1 309 205 3325 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 360 209 5623 or +1 386 347 5053 or +1 507 473 4847 or +1 564 217 2000 or +1 646 876 9923 or +1 646 931 3860 or +1 669 444 9171 or +1 669 900 6833 Meeting ID: 896 9094 4778 International numbers available: https://michigantech.zoom.us/u/keycAXN1FK ──────────

MTU Robotics Initiative Rollout

Tuesday, January 27, 12–1 p.m. | Memorial Union Building (MUB), Alumni Lounge

Join us for lunch in the MUB Alumni Lounge for the rollout event for the growing Robotics Initiative at Michigan Tech! Faculty, students, and staff are welcome to attend to learn about and discuss the initiative's mission of fostering interdisciplinary collaboration in robotics research and education at Michigan Tech by uniting faculty, students, and laboratories across diverse application domains. Learn more on the website! -https://www.mtu.edu/icc/robotics/

Recruitment Training

Tuesday, January 27, 1:30–3:30 p.m. | MUB Ballroom A

Huskies Swim Training - Session 1

Tuesday, January 27, 4–5 p.m. | Student Development Complex (SDC), Pool

Huskies Swim Training is a program that provides additional attention and competitive guidance to advanced swimmers looking to focus on stroke technique and efficiency. Sessions will be designed to improve swimming through stroke drills and swimming sets focused on endurance, speed, and race strategy. Coaches will provide feedback and stroke correction in a group environment with an emphasis on promoting a love for competitive swimming and lifelong skills such as discipline, dedication, and teamwork. Come be part of the pack! Competitve swimming opportunities are now availabe to current Huskies Swim Training participants!

Sledding

Tuesday, January 27, 4–6 p.m. | Nara park sledding hill

In the famous words of Clark Griswold, "Remember, don't try this at home, kids. I'm a professional! Later, dudes! Let her rip! Hang ten!" So come join the brothers of Phi Delta Theta as they take on the challenge of sledding down the legendary MTU sledhills. And just to clairify non-caloric silicone-based kitchen lubricant will not be provided.

Adult Huskies Swim Lessons - Session 1

Tuesday, January 27, 5–6 p.m. | Student Development Complex (SDC), Pool

Adult Huskies Swim Lessons provides aquatic education for the beginner to intermediate swimmer who is looking to become more comfortable in the water and learn the fundamental four strokes.

Adult Huskies Swim Training - Session 1

Tuesday, January 27, 5–6 p.m. | Student Development Complex (SDC), Pool

Adult Huskies Swim Training provides additional attention and competitive guidance to swimmers ages 18 and older who are looking to improve their swimming skills and fitness levels in a group setting. Each session is programmed with warm-up, and variations of a workout for the beginner, intermediate and advanced swimmer. Participants will be provided coaching and guidance to meet their individual swimming goals!

BSA Study Session

Tuesday, January 27, 5–9 p.m. | Canterbury House

Come join BSA for a study session at the Canterbury House!

WGC Simulator Event

Tuesday, January 27, 5:30–7:30 p.m. | Mine Shaft & Rock House

A 2-hour event at the Mineshaft simulators to enjoy some winter golfing! Rides will be leaving Wadsworth Hall at 5:15 PM! Please fill out THIS form if you will be needing a ride or to borrow clubs, and meet under the awning outside the main doors.

Student Community Meal

Tuesday, January 27, 6:30–7:30 p.m. | Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

Join us for our weekly free student meal, held Tuesdays during the semester at Good Shepard Lutheran Church. Come to cook, serve, eat, clean up, or all of the above! Cooking begins at 5pm and anyone is welcome to help cook. The meal is served from 6:30pm-7:30pm and any students are welcome to eat at the church and visit with friends or take a to-go box! If you would like to help with the meal but can't be there at 5, we also welcome people to help clean up from around 6:30pm to about 8pm. To stay up to date on weekly menus, follow the LCM instagram @lcm.mtu