November 21, 2024

Michigan Tech's new Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering is now accepting applications for the 2025-26 academic year. This new program, housed in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and the College of Engineering, combines many opportunities at Michigan Tech into a curriculum designed to meet industry needs.

College of Engineering Dean Michelle Scherer said the new bachelor’s in aerospace engineering will be a launching pad for many engineers to come. “Our students have been asking for this degree and we listened. We're thrilled to launch the new Aerospace Engineering degree here at Tech,” she said.

Learn more about this degree program at Michigan Tech News.

The University invited two additional candidates to interview for the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Senior Vice President for Administration position. Candidate interviews will be conducted over two days and will include a presentation of their vision for research at Michigan Tech at an open forum.

Candidate Open Forum Presentation:
Friday, Nov. 22, at 1 p.m. in MUB Ballroom B
CFO candidate Paul Edwards will provide a public presentation titled “Academic Finance and Administration: A Vision for Michigan Tech” at an open forum tomorrow, Nov. 22, at 1 p.m. in Ballroom B of the Memorial Union.

Candidate resumes, cover letters, interview dates and open forum information can be viewed at the Chief Financial Officer Search page. A Michigan Tech login is required to view candidate information.

The search committee encourages the campus community to attend and to provide feedback by completing the anonymous comment form provided on the candidate webpage. Feedback forms will be posted immediately following each candidate's visit and remain available for 72 hours following the last candidate’s visit.

Recordings of the candidate presentations will be available to those who are unable to attend because of a valid scheduling conflict, those working 100% remotely and those who have accommodations. Please contact the Office of the President at hlherman@mtu.edu to request access.

Provost Andrew Storer will be holding open office hours from 11 a.m. to noon on Dec. 3 in the Library near Velodrome Coffee Co. Feel free to stop by; appointments are not required for open office hours.

Additional open office hours during the spring 2025 semester are scheduled for:

• Tuesday, Jan. 28, from 11 a.m. to noon
• Wednesday, March 26, from 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Office hours continue to be held from 1:30-3:30 p.m. each Thursday during the 2024-25 academic year. Faculty, staff and students are welcome to schedule an appointment by emailing Amie Ledgerwood at asledger@mtu.edu.

The information provided here is also available on the Academic Affairs website. To view it, click the Office Hours icon in the bottom right corner of the banner image at the top of the page.

Michigan Tech’s Safety Team — Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) and the Office of Risk, Insurance, Safety, Security, and Compliance (RISSC) — will be hosting our next monthly Safety Round Table: a place for all Huskies to share a cup of coffee and learn about the importance of campus health and safety.

We invite you to join us on Dec. 4 from 9-10 a.m. in MUB Ballroom B.

Topic: Five Steps to Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment

Enjoy a hot beverage and snacks while we will walk you through a five-step process for hazard identification and risk assessment. Using a laboratory accident as a case study, we will work through the hazard/risk assessment process to learn what could have been done to prevent the accident. For those who are concerned about safety in your workspace, lab or shop, come with examples of the situations that you think need improvement, and we will use your examples as the starting point for the hazard and risk assessment process.

In addition, there will be an informal opportunity to talk with our campus safety professionals for other safety-related questions and issues.

So mark your calendars and come ask the questions you have always wanted to ask and get the answers you need about Michigan Tech Safety programs, legal compliance issues, and additional resources… and have a cup of Joe with the Safety Crew!

Perceptive Content will be unavailable on Dec. 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. due to maintenance.

If you use the Perceptive Content Client to upload documents, please back up your existing profiles before Dec. 6. On Dec. 9, if you have any issues with Perceptive Content, copy the profiles back into place. Instructions for backing up and restoring are at the Knowledge Base article “Backup and restore Perceptive Content capture profiles.”

Affected Departments:

• Advancement
• Admissions
• Business Support Center
• Campus Store / University Images
• Facilities
• Financial Services and Operations
• Graduate School
• Human Resources
• International Programs and Services
• Information Technology
• MTRI
• Rozsa Center
• Registrar's Office
• Residential Living
• Sponsored Programs
• Summer Youth Programs
• University Marketing and Communications

If you still have issues after restoring the files, we can help. Email IT at it-help@mtu.edu or call 906-487-1111.

Home for the Holidays Annual Gift Market — Small Business Saturday, Nov. 30
Rozsa Lobby | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Rozsa Lobby will be transformed into a holiday gift market for you to find the perfect gifts and decor this season. The market supports 30 local businesses offering high-quality, handcrafted goods. View the Gift Market's 2024 Vendor List.

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Hallelujah! — Saturday, Dec. 7
Rozsa Center | 7:30 p.m.
Michigan Tech Music Series

Jared Anderson (VPA) leads the Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra, combined Choirs of Michigan Tech, and five vocal soloists in a concert of two beloved baroque masterpieces to celebrate the holiday season: Bach's Magnificat and Part 1 of Handel's “Messiah.” Get Tickets to Hallelujah!

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Holiday Nostalgia Night: Party and Film Screening — Saturday, Dec. 14
Rozsa Center | 6 p.m.
Rozsa Presenting Series

Join us for a film screening at 7:30 p.m. of the nostalgic holiday movie, “The Muppet Christmas Carol,” with a Pre-Film Family Fun Party from 6-7:30 p.m. and a Post-Film Holiday Nostalgia Night. Pre-film, the Rozsa Lobby will be filled with holiday-themed activities, including a snowflake craft station, cookie decorating and more for the whole family to enjoy. Stay post-film for Nostalgia Night — complete with trivia, live music and holiday-themed beverages. Music and trivia will kick off when the film ends, around 8:45 p.m. Get Tickets to Holiday Nostalgia Night.

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View All Upcoming Events at the Rozsa.

Ph.D. student Ayush Chutani (mechanical engineering-engineering mechanics) will defend his Ph.D. research proposal tomorrow, Nov. 22.

The title of his project is "Snow mitigation for single-axis tracking photovoltaic systems."

The public portion of the presentation will be held from 1-2 p.m. in R. L. Smith 1021. Attendance is also invited via Zoom.

Join Chutani's Proposal Defense on Zoom.

The next guest speaker in the Department of Biomedical Engineering (BioMed) Seminar Series will present tomorrow, Nov. 22, at 3 p.m. in person in Chem Sci 102 and virtually via Zoom.

Join the BioMed Seminar on Zoom.

Joshua Schultz from the University of Tulsa will present "Walking is really hard, so let's just do this instead: Navigating a course between the Scylla of abstraction and the Charybdis of embodiment."

Read Schultz’s abstract and bio at the University Events Calendar.

Job Posting for Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024

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.

Assistant Teaching Professor, Biomedical Engineering & Mathematical Sciences. Apply online.

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 Chicago Tribune mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about Lake Michigan’s declining water levels and their potential impacts. The story highlighted insights from Ph.D. candidate Miraj Kayastha (civil engineering), who co-authored a 2022 paper projecting a 1.5-foot average increase in water levels in Lake Michigan and Lake Huron by 2040 due to increased precipitation and runoff.

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Crain’s Detroit Business mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about Marquette-based MycoNaut LLC’s efforts to use fungi to break down per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as forever chemicals.

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Dan Mettlach (ATH) was quoted by the Daily Mining Gazette in a story reflecting on Michigan Tech football’s 2024 season. 

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The Daily Mining Gazette covered the Michigan Tech hockey team being ranked No. 20 in this week’s USA Hockey/The Rink Live Men’s College Hockey Poll.

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The Daily Mining Gazette mentioned Michigan Tech volleyball’s Tess Hayes and Amelia Albers in a story about their GLIAC Player of the Week honors. Hayes was named Setter of the Week for the second time this season, while Albers was named Defensive Player of the Week.

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Michigan Tech alum Garrick Rochow ’96 (B.S. Environmental Engineering) was mentioned by GlobeNewswire, Energy Central, EIN Presswire and more than 130 additional outlets in stories about his election to the Hubbell Incorporated Board of Directors.

Nominations Open for 2025 Fraternity and Sorority Life Awards!

Recognize the outstanding members and chapters in Michigan Tech's Greek community by submitting nominations for the 2025 Fraternity and Sorority Life Awards! These awards celebrate students who exemplify leadership, service, scholarship and brotherhood/sisterhood across campus.

The awards ceremony will be held on Jan. 26 at 7 p.m. At the ceremony, we'll honor individuals and chapters for their contributions and impact. Whether it's exceptional service, academic achievement or fostering unity within the Greek community, each nominee plays a vital role in building a better campus.

Submit your nominations to ensure deserving students and organizations get the recognition they've earned! Visit the Student Leadership and Involvement website to nominate members and chapters. Links to nomination forms are located in the dropdown information for individual and chapter awards.

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Physics Colloquium with Claudio Mazzoleni

Claudio Mazzoleni, physics professor at Michigan Technological University, will present at this week's Physics Colloquium. Mazzoleni's presentation is titled "Light-absorbing Particles in the Atmosphere."

The seminar will be presented at 4 p.m. today, Nov. 21, in Fisher 139. The coffee hour will be held at 3:30 p.m. in the Fisher Hall Lobby.

Read Mazzoleni's abstract and bio at the University Events Calendar.

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Today's C-Cubed Luncheon Menu

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

Menu for Thursday, Nov. 21:

• Za’tar Roasted Chicken Breast (AG) (PR)
• Blackened Salmon (AG) (PR)
• Chickpea and Tomato Salad (V) (AG)
• Broccoli, Lemon, and Garlic Penne Pasta (V) (PR)
• Broccoli Rabe (VG) (AG)

The C-Cubed lunch buffet menus are created and prepared by Chef Luis Delgado and his 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 and tea are available free to all attendees. All vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free items on the buffet are labeled for easy identification. Meals are for dine-in only, and personal containers and to-go meals are not permitted.

The buffet lunch is $15.50 per person. Cash, credit cards and gift cards are accepted. Gift cards can be purchased in the Memorial Union Office (MUB 101).

You can submit C-Cubed feedback using C-Cubed Survey/Comments form. To join the C-Cubed Luncheon Email List and receive weekly menus, please complete the sign-up form.

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BioSci Seminar Series Speaker: Paul Goetsch

Paul Goestch, assistant professor of biological sciences at MTU, will present as part of the BioSci Seminar Series at 3 p.m. today, Nov. 21, in GLRC 202 or virtually via Zoom.

Join the BioSci Seminar on Zoom.

Goestch’s presentation is titled “Engineering Caenorhabditis elegans-based CUREs to understand how the DREAM complex protects cellular identity.”

From the abstract:
Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) engage students in hands-on, authentic research, aiming to build student confidence and deepen their understanding of key scientific concepts. As part of my National Science Foundation CAREER award, I am re- envisioning my research on how the DREAM complex protects cellular identity in Caenorhabditis elegans as a platform for introducing undergraduate students to life science research. The highly conserved DREAM complex protects cellular identity in two known genetic pathways: (1) DREAM loss-of-function alone causes ectopic expression of germline genes in somatic cells, a conserved phenomenon that is called a soma-to-germline transformation, and (2) DREAM loss-of-function in combination with SynMuv A mutations causes a multivulva phenotype where ectopic activation of LIN-3/EGF leads to abnormal specification of multiple vulval precursor cells. Here, I will discuss the progress and challenges encountered while adapting experimental screens in a distributive classroom model. Each CURE iteration revealed insights into optimizing C. elegans as a platform for discovery and opened exciting new avenues of inquiry in my research lab.

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MAE Graduate Seminar Speaker: Shannon Fitzpatrick

The next Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) Graduate Seminar Speaker will present at 4 p.m. today, Nov. 21, in R. L. Smith 112.

Shannon Fitzpatrick will present "NASA’s Planetary Science – Where Science Fiction Meets Reality."

Fitzpatrick manages the $5 billion annual budget; spacecraft and/or instrument projects in formulation, development, or operations; and a team responsible for managing the Discovery, New Frontiers, and Solar System Exploration Programs and other assigned projects. She oversees planning, budgeting and coordination for planetary missions through every phase of the mission life cycle and collaborates with interagency and international partners for the successful execution of these missions.

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DataSENSE Workshop: 'Remote Sensing Data Processing and Deep Learning with PyTorch'

The DataSENSE NSF Research Traineeship (NRT) project at Michigan Tech is sponsoring the workshop "Remote Sensing Data Processing and Deep Learning with PyTorch" today, Nov. 21, from 2-4 p.m. in Noblet 139.

• In-Person Attendance: There are 10 seats available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Online Attendance: A Zoom link will be available after registration.

Register for the DataSENSE Workshop.

The two-hour workshop is designed for individuals with basic Python coding experience who are new to deep learning but eager to learn and apply these models. Participants will learn how to apply deep learning techniques for processing optical remote sensing (RS) data. The workshop will introduce:

• The fundamentals of deep learning.
• The creation of deep learning models from scratch.
• The use of pre-trained models for image classification and image segmentation.

Participants are expected to attend the entire workshop, which will be presented by Tao Liu, assistant professor of the AI4ClimateChange Lab in the College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science.

The workshop will be conducted using the Google Colab platform. Participants may use their own personal computers or the computers provided in the workshop room to take part in the session.

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MSE Graduate Seminar with Shebeer A. Rahim

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) is hosting a graduate seminar presented by Shebeer A. Rahim, postdoctoral scholar at Michigan Tech, today, Nov. 21, from 1-1:20 p.m. in M&M 610.

Rahim's presentation is titled “Microstructural Control of Biodegradable Metals for Biomedical Applications.”

From the abstract:
Conventional metallic implant materials, such as stainless steel, titanium alloys, and cobalt-chromium alloys, present numerous limitations for temporary implant applications, including cardiovascular stents and temporary orthopedic fixations such as screws and plates. Though metallic corrosion presents significant limitations and challenges in society, biodegradable and biocompatible metals can open new possibilities for temporary implants. However, biodegradable metals such as iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), and zinc (Zn) should be tuned with acceptable mechanical properties and degradation rates. Metallurgical and surface modification methods can tailor the mechanical and degradation behavior of biodegradable metals. The presentation will provide an overview of the microstructural control of Zn alloy through a rapid solidification process(melt spinning) to enhance the mechanical and degradation behavior for cardiovascular stent applications.

Rahim is a postdoctoral scholar at Michigan Technological University doing research on biodegradable metallic materials for cardiovascular stent applications. He earned his Ph.D. and master’s in mechanical engineering from the National Institute of Technology Calicut, India. He has four years of experience in teaching undergraduate courses. His current research interests include biodegradable metals, thermomechanical processing,and materials characterization. He also has a good publication record in biodegradable metals.

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MSE Graduate Seminar with Joey Tomei

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) is hosting a graduate seminar presented by M.S. candidate Joey Tomei today, Nov. 21, from 1:25-1:45 p.m. in M&M 610.

Tomei will present “Characterizing the Microstructural Effects of Rapid Solidification on Magnesium Alloys for Biomedical Applications.”

From the abstract:
Commonly treated with permanent metallic stents, coronary artery disease is the leading cause of mortality in the United States. These permanent metal implants can have negative long term effects including inflammation, thrombosis, and restenosis. Researchers have shifted their focus to a new generation of biodegradable alloys to reduce the risk of long-term issues caused by permanent metallic implants. The mechanical and corrosion properties of these alloys: iron, magnesium, and zinc, must be tailored to better fit cardiovascular applications. Alloy modifications, microstructural control, and surface modifications can all be used to tailor the properties of these alloys. This research investigates the effects of rapid solidification through melt spinning on the microstructure of two biodegradable magnesium alloys to enhance their mechanical and corrosion properties. Rapid solidification is being used to control the size and distribution of intermetallic particles, as well as reduce the average grain size to improve mechanical properties.

Tomei is a master’s candidate at Michigan Technological University, where he is researching magnesium alloys for biodegradable cardiovascular implants. He earned a B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering from Michigan Tech, where he was a member of the Supermileage Systems team in the Advanced Motorsports Enterprise. While on the Supermileage team, he focused on composite material design and manufacturing, specifically carbon fiber laminates for structural components.

During his undergrad studies, Tomei worked on the ICON Olympus Off-World Construction Project, where he characterized minerals and ceramics for applications on the lunar surface.His research interests include X-ray diffraction, lightweight structural materials and electron microscopy. When he’s not doing research, he enjoys spending time outdoors mountain biking, skiing and hunting.

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

Physics Colloquium with Claudio Mazzoleni

Thursday, November 21, 12:00 a.m.–4:50 p.m. | Fisher Hall, 139

Professor Claudio Mazzoleni of Michigan Tech. University, will present at this week's Physics Colloquium. Mazzoleni's presentation is titled "Light-absorbing Particles in the...

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Master's Defense: Cecilia Schmitz

Thursday, November 21, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. | R. L. Smith Building (MEEM), 303

Computer Science Co-advisors: Keith Vertanen and Scott Kuhl The Impact of Eye-Tracking on Mixed Reality Typing

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Design Your Academic Life Faculty Workshop

Thursday, November 21, 12–4 p.m. | Advanced Technology Development Complex (ATDC), Conference Room

The Design Your Academic Life workshop will help faculty assess and align their personal and professional lives, explore ways to prototype their desired future, set purposeful...

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Well-Being Advocates Bake Sale

Thursday, November 21, 12–3 p.m. | Van Pelt and Opie Library- Exhibit Table

Come get some sweet treats before Thanksgiving break at the WBA bake sale! All treats will be sold on a donation basis!

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Assisted Migration of Red Oaks

Thursday, November 21, 12:30 p.m. | U. J. Noblet Forestry Building, G002

College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science Present: Fall Seminar Series Carsten Kulheim, PhD Associate Professor, College of Forest Resources and Environmental...

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University Senate Meeting

Thursday, November 21, 12:30–1:30 p.m. | Chemical Sciences and Engineering Building, 102

Agendas available on the Senate website. Meetings every Thursday except during academic breaks.

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Electron Microscopy Consultation Sessions

Thursday, November 21, 1–3 p.m. | Minerals and Materials Engineering Building (M&M), 607

As part of ACMAL actions to strengthen the electron microscopy user base at Tech, Dr. Erico Freitas is offering a few hours of free-of-charge consultations in November for the...

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Master's Defense: Joshua Alele-beals

Thursday, November 21, 2–3 p.m. | Rekhi Hall, 101

Computer Science Advisor: Charles Wallace Exploring consequences of statutory law through lightweight modeling

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Biological Sciences Seminar Series - Engineering Caenorhabditis elegans-based CUREs to understand how the DREAM complex protects cellular identity

Thursday, November 21, 3–4 p.m. | Great Lakes Research Center (GLRC), 202

Dr. Paul Goetsch Biological Sciences, Michigan Technological University Abstract: Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) engage students in hands-on,...

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Huskies Swim Training - Session 2

Thursday, November 21, 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...

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NASA’s Planetary Science—Where Science Fiction Meets Reality”

Thursday, November 21, 4 p.m. | R. L. Smith Building (MEEM), 112

MAE Graduate Seminar Speaker Series proudly presents Shannon Fitzpatrick, FAC-P/PM NASA Abstract NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, Planetary Science Division, studies...

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Learn to Swim Levels 1-5 - Session 2

Thursday, November 21, 5:10–5:50 p.m. | Student Development Complex (SDC), Pool

Come make a splash in Huskies Group Swim Lessons! American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Levels 1-5 are being offered at the SDC Pool. Ages 6-17 years Space will be provided for...

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Post-Election Stress Roundtable

Thursday, November 21, 7–9 p.m. | Memorial Union Building Ballroom

Join us at the Post-Election Stress Roundtable on November 21st at 7:00PM in the MUB Ballroom! This will be a great opportunity for students to: - Ask questions to educated...