Each year, Michigan Tech’s College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science (CFRES) says a fond farewell to faculty and staff departing for the next season of their lives, welcomes those whose time with the College has just begun, and congratulates those advancing their careers within our ever-growing forest.
Join us in saying goodbye to familiar faces and hello to new ones in CFRES’ 2025 Re:Generations Magazine.
Teresa Plumley Karjala ’87 (B.S. Chemical Engineering) has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering (NAE), one of the highest professional distinctions accorded to an engineer. Karjala is recognized for her leadership in the field of polyolefin production development, production, and commercialization. She will be formally inducted at the NAE annual meeting this fall.
After graduating from Michigan Tech, Karjala went on to earn her PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Delaware. Following her PhD, she began working at Dow Inc., where she is now a Senior R&D Fellow and holds leadership roles in polyethylene materials science, new business development, and product design.
Read more about Karjala’s career and honors in the College of Engineering blog.
College of Engineering Dean Michelle Scherer has selected Andrea Andres, Roland Mariucci Endowed Chair and Distinguished Practitioner in Residence in Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering, as this week’s instructor in the 2026 Deans’ Teaching Showcase. Andres will be recognized at an end-of-term event with other spring showcase members and is a candidate for the CTL Instructional Award Series.
“The goal of the senior design experience in an engineering program is to prepare graduates for the independent work and problem solving expected by employers in the workplace” said Scherer. “Andrea has been revising the senior design experience in the Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering Department to do just that and to continue the “billable on day one” expectations alumni and companies have of Michigan Tech graduates.”
Andres has incorporated three key changes to promote student understanding of the project, client and stakeholder feedback, a cycle essential for projects serving the public. The first change was to restructure assignments to promote feedback and seek stakeholder engagement. Senior design assignments were deliberately restructured to normalize, require, and document ongoing external feedback throughout the design process. Rather than limiting feedback to a single final review, students now engage with multiple stakeholder groups at regular intervals over the semester and are expected to respond to that feedback through iterative design decisions. The three strategies were embedding industry feedback through progress meetings, incentivising feedback-seeking through structured weekly updates, and creating Town-Hall style Final Presentations.
Each senior design project includes 3–6 industry professionals who participate in scheduled progress meetings throughout the semester. These professionals provide direct feedback on design progress and technical approach, alignment of the design options with owner needs and project requirements, and feasibility, constructability, and professional expectations. Students are required to present their work-in-progress and respond to questions and critiques in real time. This process gives students the ability to receive feedback several times during the semester, where it can meaningfully shape the project outcomes. These progress meetings reinforce the iterative nature of the design process.
In addition to formal progress meetings, students provide weekly project updates using a structured system that encourages them to proactively seek additional feedback between meetings. Through this framework, students are incentivized to contact mentors, professionals, or stakeholders outside scheduled meetings, ask targeted questions related to design uncertainties or tradeoffs, and reflect on how external input influenced (or did not influence) design decisions. The main goal of this change was to address prior student reluctance to seek feedback independently. This has shifted feedback from a passive, instructor-driven activity to a student-driven norm.
Final project presentations have been redesigned to function as town hall-style meetings rather than traditional academic presentations. Audiences now include a mix of: industry professionals, external project sponsors, public stakeholders, and community members. In some cases, student teams present directly to external customers’ executive boards.
Andrew Swartz, Chair of the Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering Department believes “There's no substitute for reality. Question and answer sessions are unpredictable, authentic, and inescapably educational. You never know what the public is going to ask about so you have to know your project through and through.” He believes her methods are essential for preparing graduates for the reality and changes facing them after graduation.
Michigan Technological University’s Tech Tutors program will host a free academic support workshop for K-12 students! The workshop will take place tomorrow, March 14, from 3-5 p.m. in Room 244 on the second floor of the Van Pelt and Opie Library.
The workshop will consist of free drop-in tutoring for students in grades K-12 and is availble for any subject. Snacks will also be provided!
Walk-ins are welcome or you can register ahead of time.
Many Michigan Tech groups are proudly backing this year’s fourth annual Superior MakerFest—a community‑wide celebration of STEM, art, and hands‑on making held on Pi Day, March 14, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Houghton High School.
MTU groups on the maker floor:
How you can help:
This event is family friendly with something for all ages - we hope to see you there!
Less than two months from graduation, electrical engineering senior Emily Daley is reflecting on the defining chapter of her college career: serving as a student member liaison for the Global Electronics Association Board of Directors. The year-long ride took her aboard an airplane for the first time and offered a front-row seat to the future of the electronics industry.
Engaging with global experts gave Daley both professional insight and a new network of mentors and friends. Her term ends this week during the 2026 Apex Expo, when she passes the torch to the next student member liaison.
Read more about Daley’s experience at the Michigan Tech Electronics Hub blog.
The Michigan Tech Transportation Institute (MTTI) invites faculty, staff, and students to participate in a special Research Presentation and Meeting Day on Thursday, April 16, during a campus visit by representatives from the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s Office of Research and Innovation (R&I) and the Office of Materials and Road Research (OMRR)/MnROAD.
The visit will include meetings with researchers, a poster session, and a luncheon in the Rozsa Lobby. MnDOT visitors include Katie Walker, Curt Turgeon, Ben Worel, Jackie Jiran, Chelsea Bennett, Greg Johnson, and Marcus Bekele.
This is an excellent opportunity to showcase your research, connect with MnDOT research personnel, and learn more about future collaboration opportunities through MnDOT and the Local Road Research Board (LRRB).
All are welcome to participate in the poster session from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and/or attend the luncheon beginning at 12:30 p.m.
If you would like to present a poster and/or attend the luncheon, please complete the poster session Google form and/or the luncheon RSVP form. RSVPs are required by Friday, April 3.
Are you looking for powerful ways to incorporate meaningful reflection and “folio thinking” into your courses? Join us for a series of three, one-hour workshops designed to help you master Husky Folio powered by PebblePad.
While all are welcome, these sessions are highly recommended for anyone teaching Essential Education courses.
Which sessions should I attend? That depends on how you plan to use PebblePad:
Workshop Series Schedule
Choose the series that best fits your schedule. All sessions run from 12-12:50 p.m. in Library 243.
To attend one or more of these workshops, complete the Husky Folio Workshop Registration Form. Can’t make these dates? Please contact AJ Hamlin at ahamlin@mtu.edu so we can notify you of future sessions.
Prefer self-paced learning?
This year, PebblePad is offering free self-serve training! This is a great option if you prefer to learn to use PebblePad on your own schedule. To learn more and sign up, please visit PebblePad self-serve training web page.
The next Environmental Engineering Graduate Seminar will take place at 3 p.m. on Monday, March 16, in GLRC 202.
Anna Stuhlmacher, assistant professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Michigan Tech, will present "Coordinating Drinking Water and Electric Power Systems to Support System Reliability".
Read Stuhlmacher's abstract on the University Events Calendar.
Job Posting for Friday, March 13, 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.
Residence Education Coordinator, Residential Living
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.
ClickOnDetroit quoted Zhanping You (CEGE/MTTI) in a story about rubber-modified asphalt made from recycled tires being tested on Michigan roads to improve durability and reduce cracking and potholes.
The Keweenaw Report featured Michigan Tech graduate student Tucker Nielsen (industrial heritage and archaeology) in a story about his nomination for a Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools Distinguished Thesis Award for research using LEGO bricks to help students break down complex writing concepts. The announcement appeared in Tech Today on March 4.
The Daily Mining Gazette quoted Michigan Tech students Josh Arango (computer science) and Lily Ketelsen (medical laboratory sciences), along with Drew Kilpela (VPA), in a story about the Huskies Pep Band’s “25 Years of Stripes on the Wall” performance at the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts.
Great Lakes Echo quoted Professor Emeritus Barry Solomon (SS) in a story about the federal Elective Pay program, which helps nonprofits, schools and local governments offset the costs of clean-energy projects such as solar installations.
WLUC TV6 mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about the opening of the “Walking Together: Finding Common Ground” traveling exhibit on Native American boarding schools, which is on display in the Van Pelt and Opie Library until March 22.
9&10 News mentioned Michigan Tech alum Reid Goble ‘21 (B.S. Biological Sciences) in a story about winning gold as the guide for visually impaired cross-country skier Jake Adicoff in the 10-kilometer race at the Paralympics in Italy.
The Daily Mining Gazette and WLUC TV6 reported on several CCHA honors for Michigan Tech men’s hockey, including Jack Anderson and Stiven Sardarian being named to the All-CCHA First Team, Max Koskipirtti earning All-CCHA Second Team honors, Anderson being named CCHA Defensive Defenseman of the Year, and Tyler Miller being selected CCHA Defenseman of the Week.
Xiangcheng Sun will present as part of the Department of Chemical Engineering (ChE) Seminar Series today, March 13, at 10 a.m. in person in the Library East Reading Room or virtually via Zoom.
Sun will present “Fluorescent probes for single molecule catalysis and chemical sensing”.
Read Sun’s abstract and bio on the University Events Calendar.
Sun is an assistant professor at the Rochester Institute of Technology.
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Nadine Kabengi, Professor of Geosciences and Chemistry and Associate Vice President for Strategic Research Initiatives at Georgia State University will be presenting at this week's Chemistry Seminar. The seminar will be held over Zoom today, March 13 from 3-4 p.m.
Kabengi's presentation is titled "The role of experimental thermodynamics in deciphering complex solvated interfaces: Insights into the enthalpy of an ion exchange reaction".
From the abstract:
Ion exchange is one of the most common chemical reactions occurring at the interface of solids and aqueous solutions and arguably one of the most consequential given its impact on charge development, adsorption/desorption of contaminants, mineral dissolution, and energy storage. Few studies have delt with experimental approaches that directly measure thermodynamic parameters for ion-specific interfacial reactions. Understandably, these data do not resolve molecular configurations and interactions that underpin them. These details can be provided by other in-depth spectroscopic and molecular simulations. Yet the significance of connecting fundamental thermodynamic parameters of exchange with molecular-level structure of the interface lies in the ability to develop a quantitative mechanistic understanding of the relationship between a surface structure and its chemical reactivity, and hence predict macroscopic behavior based on surface reactivity. Then, equilibrium and kinetic information at the molecular scale can be used to model macroscopic environmental reactive transport. This contribution will present illustrative examples on how insights from thermodynamic data obtained through in situ operando flow microcalorimetry have helped advance our understanding of ion interactions and intercalation with surfaces, such as quartz, and into layered2D materials, such as Mxenes. These measured energetics data have provided a framework to rationalize the drivers of ion exchange reactions, connect them to molecular-level modeling and computational frameworks, and eventually predict their enthalpy.
Dr. Nadine Kabengi is Professor of Geosciences and Associate Vice President for Strategic Research Initiatives at Georgia State University, where she has been since 2012, with joint appointments in Geosciences and Chemistry. Prof. Kabengi earned a B.Eng. in Agricultural Engineering and an M.S. in Soil Science from the American University of Beirut in Lebanon. She later completed a Ph.D. in Soil Physical Chemistry at the University of Florida. A specialist in interfacial chemistry and experimental thermodynamics, her lab investigates the complex biogeochemistry that underpins the fate and transport of contaminants in soils and water systems across scales and applications. As PI/co-PI, Prof. Kabengi has secured over $15M in extramural funding, including the prestigious 2014 U.S. Department of Energy CAREER award. Prof. Kabengi has held elected leadership roles with the American Chemical Society, Soil Science Society of America, and the Georgia Council of Graduate School - bridging research, education, and external partnerships. She advancesuniversity-wide research capacity by building interdisciplinary collaborations, supporting PI success, and strengthening graduate and postdoctoral training. Prof. Kabengi teaches undergraduates and graduates classes in environmental geology, environmental instrumentations, geochemistry, and soil science, as well as honors seminar classes on the Nature of Science and underrepresentation in the sciences. She teaches in the “WomenLead", an award-winning program at Georgia State, and is the faculty mentor of STEMulate, a student club with a mission to empower URMs and women in STEM. Dr. Kabengi is the 2022 recipient of the College of Arts and Sciences Outstanding Faculty Diversity Award for her commitment to diversity throughout her research, teaching, and service activities. Prof. Kabengi lives in East Atlanta and enjoys traveling to new and familiar destinations around the globe, and attending live music, comedy shows, and sports events. In the past, Prof. Kabengi has lived in Gainesville, Fl, Aiken, SC and Lexington, KY, but unequivocally favors Atlanta, especially that she is a staunch Falcons fan.
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For a third year in a row, Huskies Curl at Michigan Tech has qualified for the College Curling National Championship. This year's event is taking place March 12-15 in Schenectady, New York. Competing for the Huskies are Gracie Kohn, Joseph Sharland, Owen Stephenson, Tyler Magnuson, and Hailey Christenson. The Huskies are coached by Michigan Tech alumnus Gordon Maclean.
In their first draw of the tournament, the Huskies will face University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point at noon on today, March 13. View the full competition schedule or watch a livestream of the event.
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Retired MTU Math faculty Lois Suomi Young passed away this winter. A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. tomorrow, March 14, at Portage Lake United Church in Houghton. All are welcome to come and celebrate Lois’ life.
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The Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) is hosting a seminar presented by Bruce Pletka, Professor Emeritus, Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Michigan Tech.
The seminar will be held today, March 13, at 4 p.m. in M&M 610.
Pletka will present "The Conundrum in Creep Energies of Corundum".
From the abstract:
The energy to initiate creep deformation in metals is equivalent to the energy required for self-diffusion; this implies diffusion via dislocation climb is involved in the deformation mechanism. In corundum (aluminum oxide)the energy required for oxygen diffusion (slower of the 2 ion species) has been measured in the range of ~ 530 to 600 kJ/mol whereas the creep activation energy has been found to vary from ~400 to 800 kJ/mol. The variation in creep energy is approximately constant (~420 kJ/mol) for creep stress levels greater than ~15-20 MPa and increases to a maximum value of ~800 kJ/mol below ~15-20 MPa. One interpretation of these data is that the increase in creep activation energy with decreasing stress results from an increase in the number of climb dissociated basal dislocations that form as the applied creep stress is decreased. This view is supported by transmission electron microscopy observations of the dislocation structures formed during creep at 10 and 15 MPa along with mechanical property experiments. The energy required to recombine climb-dissociated dislocations was calculated and lay within the measured range for Al self diffusion in aluminum oxide, consistent with the fact that climb dissociation creates a stacking fault only within the cation sublattice.
Bruce Pletka graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering from Cleveland State University in 1970 and a master’s degree and PhD in Ceramic Engineering from Case Western Reserve University in 1973 and 1975, respectively. He then spent time as a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at the National Institute of Standard sand Technology until the fall of 1977 when he joined the Department of Metallurgical Engineering (Materials Science & Engineering) at Michigan Technological University. At Michigan Tech, his research interests included studying the deformation of ceramic sat high temperature, slow-crack growth in a variety of ceramic materials, the deformation of nickel-base superalloys, and the processing of powdered materials. Although retiring in 2016, he continues to be active in examining issues/questions that remain unresolved from his prior research.
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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…
*****Chemical Engineering Seminar Dr. Xiangcheng Sun Assistant Professor Rochester Institute of Technology Abstract Fluorescent materials have been widely used in sensing, imaging and catalysis areas. In the first project, I will present how we utilized fluorogenic probes for single-molecule fluorescence imaging of synthetic polymers and cross-coupling reactions. A coupled reaction approach toward super-resolution-imaging (CREATS) with a fluorogenic uncaging reaction will be briefly introduced to visualize the polymerization with single monomer resolution, and to sequence copolymers in real time. In addition, via designing a fluorogenic coupling reaction, the single- molecule fluorescence imaging is used to characterize the cross coupling reaction with Pd nanocatalysts, to visualize the reactions occurred at the nanoparticle surfaces, supporting the heterogeneous reaction pathways for the coupling reactions with Pd nanocatalysts. The facet effect on the catalytic activities of Tsuji-Trost reactions was identified via a single-molecule approach. In the second project, fluorogenic probes and multi-emissive carbon nanoparticles were developed in our lab for the detection, identification…
*****Spring is almost here, treat yourself! Join Cookies & Coloring for a cozy break: enjoy cookies, relax with coloring, and reset your mind before the end-of-semester crunch.
*****Chemical Engineering Advisor: Rebecca Ong Mechanical fractionation of wheat middlings for application in pyrolysis and animal feed
*****Biomedical Engineering Research Seminar Zongjie (Daniel) Wang, Ph.D. Biohub Chicago Abstract Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have enabled a new generation of in vivo mRNA therapeutics, yet delivery and functional expression remain suboptimal in many tissues even after extensive lipid optimization. Here, we show that this gap is strongly shaped by cellular metabolism: the physiologic metabolome imposes constraints that suppress LNP uptake and downstream expression. Guided by multi-omics profiling, we identify downregulated amino acid–related pathways as a major limiting axis and develop an amino acid supplement (AAS) that restores these metabolic programs. In this talk, Dr. Wang will present evidence that metabolic state is a dominant, and tunable, determinant of LNP performance. Co-administration of AAS markedly increases mRNA expression across multiple cell types and lipid formulations, achieving ~5–20-fold gains in vitro. In vivo, AAS enhances reporter expression across administration routes and improves therapeutic outcomes in an acetaminophen-induced liver injury model. Finally, I will describe how AAS potentiates lung-targeted LNP gene editing, increasing editing from ~20–30% to…
*****The Van Pelt and Opie Library will be celebrating current students, staff, and faculty at the university who have released a book or other major creative endeavor in 2025 as part of the inaugural Michigan Tech Authors and Creators Reception. Join us in the Opie Reading Room on March 13, 2026 from 4:00pm to 5:00pm. The event will start with brief remarks from Provost Andrew Storer. Mingle and celebrate with authors over refreshments and music after.
*****Monthly meeting of the College Democrats at MTU. Discussing matters of current affairs, policy, involvement opportunities, and news from the County Party.
*****Are you a LEGO Master? Or ever dreamed of becoming one? Show off your skills at this LEGO build-off competition where the top 6 places get to win BIG LEGO prizes. Join us at the MUB Commons and bring some friends or make some new ones!
*****Get ready for McRave — the ultimate dance party taking over McArdle Theatre! SoundGirls, MUB Board, and Late Night Programming are transforming McArdle into a full-on rave experience for one night only. With high-energy music, vibrant lights, and an electric atmosphere, McRave is your chance to let loose, hit the dance floor, and vibe with friends in a whole new way. Why McRave? Because we’re bringing the rave to McArdle — and you do not want to miss it. We’ll have light refreshments available to keep you fueled while you dance the night away. Whether you’re coming to show off your best moves or just soak in the energy, this is the place to be. Starts at 7pm in McArdle Theatre. Bring your friends. Bring the energy. Let’s rave.
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.
Master's Defense: Muhammad Danyal
Title: Experimental characterization of photonic crystal based invisibility cloak under TM polarized microwaves
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE)
Advisor: Elena Semouchkina
Date: Thursday 3/19/2026 at 1:30 PM
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Master's Defense: Garrett Kucharski
Title: Spatiotemporal Patterns of Migratory Songbird Habitat Use: An Analysis of Drivers at the Net Level
Department: College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science (CFRES)
Co-advisors: Jared Wolfe, Michael Hyslop
Date: Thursday 3/19/2026 at 3:30 PM
Location: U. J. Noblet Forestry Building G119
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PhD Defense: Joshua Orlando
Title: MACHINE LEARNING AND MUTLI-SCALE OPTIMIZATION FOR CONTROL AND ENERGY MANAGEMENT IN CONNECTED AND AUTOMATED VEHICLE PROPULSION SYSTEMS
Department: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Advisor: Darrell Robinette
Date: Friday 3/20/2026 at 2:00 PM
Location: R. L. Smith Building (MEEM) 1021
