March 18, 2026

Omowunmi Rebecca Aworinde has been selected as a 2025 Graduate Student Awardee by the American Chemical Society (ACS) Division of Environmental Chemistry, recognizing excellence in graduate student research in environmental chemistry.

Aworinde is a Ph.D. candidate in chemistry at Michigan Technological University, advised by Judith Perlinger (CEGE). Her research focuses on the analysis of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in aquatic systems, including their potential ecosystem effects and public health effects implications.

The ACS Division of Environmental Chemistry Graduate Student Award highlights outstanding research contributions from graduate students working to better understand and address environmental challenges. Aworinde’s work contributes to the growing body of research examining PFAS contamination and its impacts on water systems and communities.

Please join us in congratulating Omowunmi on this well-deserved recognition.

Lanrong Bi (Chem) invites Michigan Technological University researchers and students to submit to a new international special issue of the peer-reviewed journal Antioxidants on redox biology and mitochondrial medicine. 

The special issue, Redox Control of Autophagy and Mitophagy in Health and Disease, focuses on how redox signaling regulates autophagy and mitophagy across physiological and disease contexts. It brings together researchers from around the world studying how redox signals regulate cellular recycling pathways that maintain mitochondrial health — mechanisms increasingly linked to cardiovascular disease, neurodegeneration and aging.

Bi, a professor of chemistry at Michigan Tech, serves as guest editor for the special issue and encourages Michigan Tech faculty, postdoctoral researchers and students to contribute and gain international visibility in this rapidly growing field.

Since 2022, Bi has guest edited several special issues for Antioxidants (five-year Impact Factor 7.3), including “Harnessing Antioxidants: Pioneering Approaches in Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Therapy” and “Antioxidant Therapy for Cardiovascular Diseases”. She has also written editorial commentaries highlighting emerging precision approaches that target redox signaling within specific cellular organelles.

Bi’s current National Institutes of Health-supported research at Michigan Tech, conducted in collaboration with co-PI Zhiying Shan (KIP/BioSci/BioMed), focuses on developing organelle-targeted therapeutic strategies that deliver bioactive molecules directly to cellular compartments such as mitochondria to treat neuroinflammation. By studying redox-regulated mitochondrial quality control and autophagy pathways, the research team aims to advance new therapeutic strategies for diseases driven by oxidative stress.

College of Business Professors Emeriti Mari Buche, Gary Campbell and Sonia Goltz will be celebrated at a retirement party from 4-6 p.m. on April 7 at the Rozsa Center.

Campus and community members who wish to honor the distinguished trio’s contributions to the College and Michigan Tech are welcome to attend. Hors d'oeuvres and drinks will be served, with a short program taking place at 5:30 p.m.

RSVPs are appreciated by March 24. Please email Laura Shawhan, director of COB administration, at lshawhan@mtu.edu or call 906-487-2664. We hope to see you there!

Registration is here for 2026 summer sports camps!

Summer fun is just around the corner! Michigan Tech’s summer camps include volleyball, strength and conditioning, football, basketball, hockey, and figure skating. There’s something for everyone to enjoy and excel at this summer. 

Questions? Email sportscamps@mtu.edu.

Youth Sports Camps

Basketball

• Boys' Basketball Middle School Development (boys ages 11-14, grades 6-8): June 8-10
• Boys’ Basketball High School Elite (boys ages 14-18, grades 9-12): July 29
• Boys’ Basketball Team Shootout (Varsity/JV boys ages 14-18, grades 9-12): June 11
• Girls' Basketball Middle School Development (girls ages 11-14, grades 6-8): June 22-24
• Girls’ Basketball High School Elite (girls ages 14-18, grades 9-12): July 30
• Girls’ Basketball Team Shootout (Varsity/JV girls ages 14-18, grades 9-12): June 26

Figure Skating

• Figure Skating School (boys and girls, all ages): Aug. 3-7
  • USFS Test Session will be held on Aug. 7

Football

• Big Man Camp (boys and girls ages 14-18, grades 9-12): June 22
• Football Skills Camp (boys and girls, ages 14-18, grades 9-12): June 23

Hockey

• One-Week Hockey Camps (boys and girls, commuter only)
  • Four weeks available: July 5-10, July 12-17, July 19-24, July 26-31
  • Three groups offered each week:
    • Group 1 (Birth Year 2017-2019) 
    • Group 2 (Birth Year 2014-2016)
    • Group 3 (Birth Year 2011-2013) 

Volleyball

• Volleyball Little Huskies (boys and girls, ages 5-11, grades K-5): July 13-14
• Middle School All-Skills Camp (girls ages 11-14, grades 6-8): July 13-14
• High School All-Skills Camp (girls ages 14-18, grades 9-12): July 16-17
• Summer Showdown Volleyball Tournament (Varsity/JV girls ages 14-18, grades 9-12): July 18
• Volleyball Elite Prospects (Varsity/JV girls ages 14-18, grades 9-12): July 25

Soccer

• Girls’ College ID Clinic (girls ages 14-18, grades 9-12): July 15
• Youth Soccer Skills Camp (boys and girls ages 4-14, grades preschool-8): Aug. 3-6

Strength & Conditioning

• Strength & Conditioning Programs: June 8 to Aug. 6
  • Middle School Athletes (boys and girls ages 11-14, grades 6-8)
  • High School Athletes (boys and girls ages 14-18, grades 9-12)

The next Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) Graduate Seminar speaker will present at 2 p.m. tomorrow, March 19, in EERC 103.

Junsoo Kim will present "Entanglements in Polymer Networks: A New Pathway for Soft Material Design". 

From the abstract:
In this talk, I will first review the importance of entanglement in the design of the elastic and fracture properties of polymer networks. Next, I will introduce two approaches that can engineer entanglements by mechanically and kinetically intervening in radical polymerization.

Yan Zhang, research assistant professor, Department of Biological Sciences, Michigan Tech, will present as part of the Departments of Kinesiology and Integrated Physiology (KIP) and Biological Sciences (BioSci) Seminar Series. The seminar will take place in GLRC 202 from 2-3 p.m. tomorrow, March 19.

Zhang’s seminar is titled “Targeting Renal Inflammation Resolution in Polycystic Kidney Disease”.

From the abstract:
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is the most common genetic disorder (frequency 1:400 1:1,000) affecting more than 600,000 Americans and 12.5 million people worldwide. The disease is characterized by the continuous formation and growth of numerous fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys. Inflammation has been shown to be an early event in PKD, and inhibition of inflammatory pathways slows PKD progression in preclinical models. However, long-term immunosuppression compromises host defense, therefore novel approaches to modulate immune function may be required to develop effective PKD therapies. Our recent studies using PKD mouse models showed that resolving renal inflammation slowed disease progression, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for PKD treatment.

Please join the Department of Mathematical Sciences in Fisher 326 tomorrow, March 19, from 12-1 p.m. for our Graduate Student Seminar Series.

This week, Yi Xu will present “Change point analysis in high-dimensional data using random projections”.

Refreshments will be provided. Contact the math department’s graduate program assistant, Andi Schoch, via email at ajschoch@mtu.edu or in person in Fisher 318 with any questions.

From the abstract:
This talk presents change point detection methods for high-dimensional data, with a focus on changes in the mean. Existing methods for high-dimensional or functional data change point analysis mainly rely on dimension reduction to obtain a low-dimensional representation, direct use of smoothed functional data, or aggregation of coordinate-wise statistics. These approaches may suffer from loss of information, slow computation, or limited applicability to certain data types and forms of mean change. To address these limitations, we propose to use multiple random projections in change point analysis. First, we develop a novel change point identification method for high-dimensional data using random projections, targeting a single change point setting. Simulation results suggest that the proposed method tends to have better size and power, with more accurate location estimation. At the same time, random projections may introduce variability in the estimated locations. To enhance stability in practice, we recommend repeating the procedure, and using the mode of the estimated locations as a guide for the final change point estimate. An application to an Australian temperature dataset is presented. Second, we extend the use of random projections beyond the single change point setting. We develop random projection-based methods for multiple change point detection in high-dimensional data. Simulation results indicate that the proposed methods perform better in recovering the underlying mean jump pattern. While a single run may be unstable, repeated runs can improve stability and can also capture a gradual change, providing graphical evidence. An application to cell adhesion data is presented.

The next guest speaker of the semester in the Department of Biomedical Engineering (BioMed) Seminar Series will present on Friday, March 20, at 3 p.m. in Chem Sci 102 and virtually via Zoom 

Join the BioMed Seminar on Zoom.

Suman Bose, Ph.D., from Mayo Clinic Arizona will present “Implantable Living Pharmacies: Engineering Durable Treatments for Chronic Diseases”.

Read Bose’s abstract and bio on the University Events Calendar.

Minnesota’s WTIP 90.7 FM quoted Rolf Peterson (CFRES) in a story about the 2026 Isle Royale winter survey, which shows continued declining moose populations and sustained high wolf numbers on the island.

WLUC TV6 quoted Michigan Tech students John Budd (robotics engineering) and Preston Jesiek (mechanical engineering technology) in a story about Superior MakerFest in Houghton, which brought together creators and featured projects from Michigan Tech students and community members.

Kristin Brzeski (CFRES) was quoted by the Galveston Daily News in a story about a proposed Margaritaville resort development and concerns from wildlife researchers about protecting coyote habitat on Galveston Island.

Marinette, Wisconsin’s Eagle Herald quoted Tim Scarlett (SS) in an opinion piece about potential new uses for abandoned mines, including recovering rare earth minerals and energy storage.

Crain’s Detroit Business mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about York Space Systems acquiring Orbion Space Systems, an MTU spinout specializing in satellite propulsion systems.

The Detroit News and Daily Mining Gazette mentioned Michigan Tech in coverage of a severe winter storm impacting the Upper Peninsula, including campus closures and webcam footage of the University during the storm.

The Daily Mining Gazette and WLUC TV6 reported on Michigan Tech hockey’s Stiven Sardarian being named CCHA Forward of the Year and earning All-CCHA First Team honors. WLUC TV6 mentioned Michigan Tech men’s basketball in a story about the team advancing to the NCAA Division II Sweet Sixteen after a 69-67 win over Grand Valley State on Sunday, March 15.

EIN Presswire and 75 additional national outlets mentioned Michigan Tech alum Eugene Manley Jr. ’99 (B.S. Mechanical Engineering) in a story about his return to campus to present on entrepreneurship and his career journey across engineering, science and nonprofit leadership.

The Petoskey News-Review 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.

Beyond the Classroom: Navigating the Dual Demands of Student Entrepreneurship

Calling all Huskies! Ready to learn what it takes to launch your own idea?

Join us for our upcoming Student Entrepreneur Panel! We’re bringing together student founders for one hour of real talk on balancing the books while building eco-conscious, sustainable side-hustles.

It's going to be an amazing afternoon of sharing company visions and learning the ropes of starting your own business. You'll get to hear directly from some fantastic student speakers, including Pierce Miller and Alec Sheffer, about their journeys.

Shane Oberloier (ECE) will help emcee the discussion. We strongly encourage all students across campus to attend, ask questions, and get inspired. Free food and drinks will be provided.

Event Details:

• Date: Thursday, March 19 
• Time: 1-2 p.m.
• Location: Makerspace (MUB)

Bring your appetite and your best ideas. See you there!

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Seeking Nominations: Student Sustainability Leadership Awards

Are you inspired by a student who is advancing sustainability through their academic work or campus involvement? Nominate them for the fourth annual Campus Sustainability Leadership Awards!

This year's awards will recognize at least two outstanding students who have made significant contributions to sustainability initiatives through their coursework and campus engagement. Winners will be celebrated at the KYCA Arts and Music Festival on April 11.

Submit your nomination through our brief online form by March 20.

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'Indian Horse' Movie Showing Moved to Today

Due to the University closure on Monday, March 16, the screening of “Indian Horse” hosted by the Biskaabiiyaang Collective registered student organization has been moved to today, March 18, from 5:30-9:30 p.m. in Memorial Union Building Ballroom A2.

Participants will view the film “Indian Horse” (104 minutes) about Saul Indian Horse, a young Canadian First Nations boy who survives Canada’s Indian residential school system to become a star ice hockey player. The film will be followed by facilitated discussion, refreshments, and visiting the exhibit. All events are free and open to the public.

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

Wednesday, March 18, 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…

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CIA - Coffee Chats & DA Simulation

Wednesday, March 18, 9:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.

Are you curious about the type of work that CIA analysts do' Would you like to try your hand at a simulated 'task force' on an emerging crisis in a fictional country' The CIA invites you to participate in an analytic simulation that mimics how Directorate of Analysis (DA) officers provide timely intelligence assessments. 17 March: 6:00-7:00 pm | Information Session and Q&A 18 March: 9:00-12:00, 1:00-4:00 pm | Coffee Chats (20 min segments) 18 March: 6:00-7:30 pm | DA Simulation (30-40 cap) 19 March: Coffee chats until noon (20 min segments) US Citizenship Required

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I-9 Verification at the MUB

Wednesday, March 18, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | Memorial Union Building; Room 101

Human Resources will be on-site at the MUB to verify I-9 documentation for new hires.

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Cultural Resources Management (CRM) Virtual Career Fair 2026

Wednesday, March 18, 12–5 p.m.

This virtual fair is specifically designed to help students studying for applied careers in cultural resources, including Anthropology and Archaeology, Geography, Sociology, Preservation, Architectural History, Planning, and allied fields. While CRM is a central part of the larger network of professionals working in heritage, preservation, compliance, management, and planning, most academic programs producing students for these careers are small and widely distributed throughout the country. On the other hand, many companies, agencies, and organizations that hire these students are often in different regions than the academic programs. This multi-school, multi-company fair tries to create a large pool of companies and students to maximize recruiting opportunities. For more information see Handshake.

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Fiber Arts Group

Wednesday, March 18, 12–1 p.m. | J. Robert Van Pelt and John and Ruanne Opie Library, 103

MTU Fiber Arts Meetup Fiber crafters from the Michigan Tech community! If you knit, crochet, spin, embroider, cross-stitch, bead, weave or do any other kind of craft involving yarn, cloth, fiber or string, this is the meetup for you. Feel free to bring your lunch as well as your Works-in-progress. We welcome students, staff, faculty, and the community - the more the merrier! We meet every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Meetings will be at the Van Pelt & Opie Library, Room 103.

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MTU Spring 2026 Virtual Fair

Wednesday, March 18, 12–5 p.m.

Are you ready to explore exciting opportunities, connect with industry leaders, and shape the future of your career journey? This fair is the perfect opportunity to do so! Join us virtually on Wednesday, March 18, to network with top employers who are eager to recruit talent like you. What to Expect 1:1 Sessions: Connect directly with employers and ask questions to learn about specific roles.Group Sessions: Participate in enlightening sessions and expert panels to explore available opportunities and understand company culture.Tips for Success (Article) Register for Sessions on Handshake: After completing your registration for the overall fair, be sure to sign up for 1:1 sessions and/or group sessions with recruiters to maximize your opportunities to connect.Dress Professionally (Even Virtually): First impressions matter, so opt for a business-casual look during your video interactions.Prepare Your Resume: Upload a polished version of your resume to Handshake to share with employers. Need help? Your Career Center offers resources to perfect your resume—don’t hesitate to visit the office or check out their resources on Handshake.Craft Your Elevator Pitch: Have a 30-second introduction…

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Huskies Swim Training - Session 3

Wednesday, March 18, 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!

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HuskyLEAD - Effective Leadership Transitions

Wednesday, March 18, 4–5 p.m. | Fisher 129

In Student Leadership and Involvement, we often hear from groups that had a "bad transition" between student organizations leaders. They lack historical knowledge, miss deadlines they weren't familiar with, and have to spend valuable time recreating what should already exist. Are you looking to ensure your organization's leadership doesn't end up in this challenging position? Join us to learn effective strategies for: -Retaining digital documents -Carrying on consistent relationships with campus partners -Sharing necessary information with incoming officers -Hosting effective transition meetings A variety of resources and sample documents will be shared. Time will be provided throughout the workshop for attendees to take action steps on transition planning. It is recommended that multiple organizational leaders attend together and bring laptops with access to any relevant organizational documents.

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Battle of the Medicines: BMES × SMLS Jeopardy Show‑Off

Wednesday, March 18, 6–7 p.m. | Fisher 231

Join the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) and the Society of Medical Laboratory Scientists (SMLS) for a high‑energy Jeopardy competition that brings together science lovers from across campus. Whether you’re here to show off your knowledge, learn something new, or just enjoy the friendly chaos, this event is open to everyone — undergraduates, graduate students, and anyone curious about medicine, biology, or engineering. No membership required. Teams will compete across five themed categories: Medical Laboratory Science – clinical diagnostics, lab science, and analytical reasoningBio Basics – foundational biology and life science triviaLore & Legends – scientific breakthroughs, historical figures, and iconic discoveriesHuman Body 101 – anatomy, physiology, and human systemsBiomedical Engineering – devices, biomaterials, biomechanics, and innovationCome with a team or join one when you arrive — all experience levels are welcome. 📅 March 18 🕕 6–7 PM 📍 Fisher 231 Prizes will be awarded to the winning team. RSVP on Involvement Link if you can, but walk‑ins are completely welcome!

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Invasive Species ID Workshop

Wednesday, March 18, 6–8 p.m. | Grant Township Hall

Hosted by Copper Harbor Trails Club, the Keweenaw Invasive Species Management Area (KISMA) will be presenting on priority invasive species identification and impacts in the Keweenaw Peninsula.

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Skunked at Career Fair? Here’s What You Can Do.

Wednesday, March 18, 6–7 p.m. | Online

Didn’t land a job offer after the career fair? This workshop helps you regroup, refocus, and move forward with confidence. Learn how to strengthen your search strategy, build meaningful employer connections, and identify new opportunities that match your goals. https://michigantech.zoom.us/j/81719537405 See Handshake for additional details.

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Skunked at Career Fair? Here's What You Can Do.

Wednesday, March 18, 6–7 p.m. | Administration and Student Services Building (Admin, Building 1), 220 Career Services

Join us for this virtual event! Didn't land a job offer after the career fair' This workshop helps you regroup, refocus, and move forward with confidence. Learn how to strengthen your search strategy, build meaningful employer connections, and identify new opportunities that match your goals. https://michigantech.zoom.us/j/81719537405

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Pickleball Club Weekly Practice/Meeting

Wednesday, March 18, 9–11 p.m. | Gates Tennis Center

Come join us at Gates Tennis Center for some Pickleball! We have equipment that is free to use and its a great way to have some friendly competition against fellow huskies. If you have never played pickleball and want to learn, then you came to the right place! We can teach you how play, so feel free to come at any time and join in on the fun.