January 12, 2023

The Center for Applied Mathematics and Statistics (CAMS) is pleased to announce that the free statistical consulting service provided to the MTU research community will continue for spring 2023. The purpose of this service is to foster collaborations between the members of CAMS and the researchers from other centers/departments/colleges at MTU.

What we do:

• Help with experimental design (including power analysis and sample size determination).
• Help with data analysis with appropriate and clean data sets.
• Provide guidance and suggest statistical methods for data analysis and visualization.
• Provide guidance on appropriate statistical language for manuscripts.

Consulting will be offered from 4-5 p.m. on the following Tuesdays and Wednesdays of the semester:

• January: 17, 18, 24, 25, 31.
• February: 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28.
• March: 1, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29.
• April: 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19.

Meetings on dates with links will be conducted via Zoom. All others will be face-to-face meetings held in Fisher 317.

Prepare your students for Career Fair! Career Services provides presentations to groups on campus, including classes, student organizations, residence halls, Graduate Student Government, etc. We can present on a variety of career-related topics to your group. We have created presentations to fit within class time frames, and we are happy to tailor our presentation to your group.

We will try to accommodate presentation requests between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, but availability is limited outside these hours. Requests should be made at least one week ahead. We can only accommodate a limited number of requests, and they will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please use our Google form to request a presentation today!

The 13th Annual Sustainability Film and Facilitated Discussion Series kicks off at 7 p.m. next Thursday (Jan. 19) with a free showing of "Hometown Habitat — Stories of Bringing Nature Home" at G002 Hesterberg Hall in the Forestry Building. The film will be followed by a Zoom discussion with the filmmaker, Catherine Zimmerman.

For the last several decades, global bird and insect populations have plummeted. Unlike many looming environmental catastrophes, these can be addressed in part by individuals willing to make a difference in their yards and communities. The solution: change the way we approach landscaping. In "Hometown Habitat," renowned entomologist and best-selling author Douglas Tallamy explores how and why native plants are critical to the survival and vitality of local ecosystems.

This 90-minute educational documentary includes inspiring stories of habitat heroes across the country who are working to bring back nature in their hometowns. Filmmaker Catherine Zimmerman shares these stories to reawaken and redefine our relationship with nature — and perhaps inspire us to create our own hometown habitats. The post-film discussion will explore what we can do in our yard and communities.

More details are available on the University Events Calendar.

The Sustainability Film and Facilitated Discussion Series is co-sponsored by Michigan Tech's Office of Sustainability and Resilience, College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science, Department of Social Sciences Sustainability Science Program, Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering, Center for Science and Environmental Outreach, Sustainability Demonstration House, Great Lakes Research Center and Students for Sustainability, as well as the Keweenaw Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Lake Superior Stewardship Initiative, Friends of the Land of Keweenaw, Refill UP and Keweenaw Land Trust.

The Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI) and Michigan Tech chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) are proud to announce the events for the 34th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day (MLK Day) Celebration on Monday (Jan. 16).

The following events will take place throughout the day Monday:

• Student Poster Workshop and Art Exhibit
  The CDI hosted a poster-making session for students yesterday (Jan. 11) and will showcase their work in the Van Pelt and Opie Library Reading Room. This year, all students are invited to create a digital or physical art poster to be displayed in the exhibit in honor of King’s life and legacy. The exhibit will run until Jan. 23, and will also feature an interactive “I have a dream” poster, as well as a dedicated letter-writing service space for students. Anytime during the exhibit, students can stop by and write letters to a local community organization or Letters of Love, a nonprofit organization that provides support for families who have been displaced by the turmoil in Ukraine.
  
  
• Student Service Project
  Monday morning will begin in the spirit of service, as Michigan Tech students read books about King's life and legacy in our local schools.
  
  
• Interfaith Prayer Vigil — Noon, Library East Reading Room
  At noon, the Van Pelt and Opie Library will host an Interfaith Vigil and Reflection where our religious communities on campus will read excerpts from King’s works. Following the event, we are inviting the campus community to gather at the Husky Statue at 1 p.m. for a peace march across campus.
  
  
• MLK Banquet — 5:30 p.m., Rozsa Center Lobby
  We will end the day with the MLK Banquet* in the Rozsa Center Lobby beginning at 5:30 p.m. Our keynote speaker is notable alum Tayloria Adams, assistant professor of chemical engineering at the University of California at Irvine. In 2014, she became the first African American woman to obtain a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering at Michigan Tech.
  • Space is limited for the MLK Banquet. Register for a seat if you have not already requested one within your department. Once all seats have been filled, an email will go out to confirm attendance and provide instructions for the banquet.

For more information, please email the CDI at cdi@mtu.edu.

This program is partially sponsored by the Visiting Professor Program, which is funded by a grant to the Office of the Provost from the state of Michigan's King-Chávez-Parks Initiative.

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.

The Van Pelt and Opie Library is excited to announce the publication of another open-access book on Digital Commons @ Michigan Tech, the University's institutional repository. “The Turkey Tail Mushroom and its Many Look-alikes” is a field guide to identifying small polypores of the north woods, especially focused on those that resemble the popular turkey tail mushroom, Trametes versicolor. The work is authored by undergraduate student August Camp (applied ecology and environmental science) and Assistant Professor Tara Bal (CFRES), and is illustrated by Postdoctoral Researcher Ande Myers (CFRES).

As part of Bal’s Forest Health course, taught at Michigan Tech’s Ford Center and Research Forest in Alberta, Michigan, students have an assignment to put together a fungi collection, just as if they were submitting specimens for a herbarium collection. A goal of this exercise is for students to become familiar with how to identify various mushrooms, especially forest pathogens, and learn more about their natural histories. While there are many different field guides available in class to key out specimens, small polypores are not the most charismatic, and students often struggle with identifying these. Bal had in mind putting together more detailed teaching materials and photos to help students differentiate a few of these when Camp (who had been in her Forest Health class) asked how he could work with her to get more experience with mycology. It was an opportune moment to take turkey tails to the next level!

The book began as a short informational pamphlet. It is aimed toward any beginning mushroom enthusiast and even timber companies to use for identifying small but common wood decay fungi that are easily disregarded. From there, it was quickly scaled up to become a detailed field identification guide to the complicated genus, Trametes. The species in this genus are some of the most commonly encountered fungi in the north woods by mycologists and foragers alike, but differentiating between the many similar species can be difficult, especially with limited resources related to the topic.

When Scholarly Communications Librarian Annelise Doll, Digital Commons repository administrator, learned that Camp and Bal were looking for a way to publish the work, she was thrilled to offer Digital Commons as a solution. With the options to add unique identifiers like an ISBN and DOI, and the assurance of long-term stewardship by the Library, the repository turned out to be an ideal choice for the author’s goals: produce a professional, polished piece of scholarship that could be shared widely and freely for the benefit of end users as well as the authors’ portfolios.

This work is now part of a growing collection of Michigan Tech-authored open-access books on the repository, all available at no cost to users worldwide. The Digital Commons platform offers authors a personalized dashboard where they have the ability to track global usage on the platform and anywhere else online, among other benefits.

To find out if Digital Commons @ Michigan Tech is the best publishing option for you, email library@mtu.edu to schedule a consultation.

The Department of Chemistry is having a seminar tomorrow (Jan. 13) at 3 p.m. via Zoom  with Sherine Obare, a dean from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

Obare will be presenting "Tailored Nanoparticles for Advanced Environmental Applications."

Women in the Academy (WIA) will be hosting a breakfast with Interim Provost Andrew Storer on Feb. 6 from 8:30-9:45 a.m. This will be an opportunity to gather as a group and have an open discussion with Storer.

We'll have some prepared questions, and also will open the floor for your questions. If you have questions that you want to ask, but wish to do so anonymously, please include them in the event registration form or email them to Amy Marcarelli at ammarcar@mtu.edu or Caryn Heldt at heldt@mtu.edu.

There will be a full hot breakfast with coffee, tea and orange juice, including vegetarian options. If you have any additional dietary restrictions, please share them so we can arrange for special meals if necessary.

Please complete the registration form if you plan to attend so we can have an accurate headcount for breakfast.

Job Postings for Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

Staff and faculty job descriptions are available on the Human Resources website. For more information regarding staff positions, call 906-487-2280 or email mtujobs@mtu.edu.

For more information regarding faculty positions, contact the academic department in which the position is posted.

Cook’s Helper (nine months/ 40 hours/ first shift) #23008, Dining Services (AFSCME posting dates Jan. 12 to Jan. 18, 2023 — external applicants are encouraged to apply; however, internal AFSCME applicants are given first consideration if they apply during the internal AFSCME posting dates). Apply online.

Chief Information Security Officer, Information Technology. 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 mtujobs@mtu.edu.

Yahoo! News, MLive, Crain’s Detroit Business, the Traverse City Record-Eagle and the Ticker mentioned Michigan Tech in coverage of $1.6 million in federal funding allocated toward construction of the planned Freshwater Research and Innovation Center in Traverse City.

The center is a collaboration between MTU, 20Fathoms, the Discovery Center & Pier, Northwestern Michigan College and Traverse Connect.

*****

Hannah Rundman Lowney (Rozsa) was quoted by WLUC TV6 in a story about welcome back coffee, cocoa and tea offered by the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts to returning students to kick off the spring semester. The story also ran through upcoming events coming to the Rozsa.

*****

Joe Shawhan (ATH) and Michigan Tech hockey team members Blake Pietila and Jed Pietila were quoted in FloHockey’s weekly CCHA RinkRap story, and Logan Pietila was mentioned.

*****

Brad King (ME-EM) and Michigan Tech were mentioned by the Daily Mining Gazette in its “2022 Year in Review Top 10.” No. 8 on the list was the opening of a rocket manufacturing facility in Houghton by Orbion Space Technology, of which King is the CEO.

*****

Michigan Tech was mentioned by the Mining Journal in a story about the Dickinson County Road Commission’s 2023 plans and 2022 expenditures picked up from the Iron Mountain Daily News. The story identifies Tech as a partner in several of the commission’s recent innovative projects.

Mind Trekkers Alternative Spring Break: Detroit 2023

The Center for Educational Outreach is looking for passionate Michigan Tech students who want to make an impact on middle and high school youth through educational outreach and service by joining us for our 2023 Mind Trekkers Alternative Spring Break trip to Detroit.

Tentative dates are March 4-11, and all transportation, lodging, some meals and activities and a daily stipend are provided. Options include joining us for the entire week or a portion.

Students can request additional information by filling out our Learn More form.

*****

Physics Colloquium: Grad Student Presentations

Physics graduate students will be presenting their research progress at this week's Physics Colloquium:

• Seth Nelson (advised by Miguel Levy)
• Jeff Kabel (advised by Yoke Khin Yap)

This will be an in-person event — the students will give their talks at 4 p.m. today (Jan. 12) in Fisher 139.

Event details, including the students' presentation titles and abstracts, are available on the University Events Calendar.

*****

On-Campus Jobs Expo

Career Services is coordinating an On-Campus Jobs Expo that will be held today (Jan. 12) from 12-3 p.m. in MUB Ballroom A. If you wish to participate in the On-Campus Jobs Expo, please contact Jill Patterson, career and corporate events manager, at jspatter@mtu.edu.

On-campus jobs provide opportunities for Michigan Tech students. A part-time job offers income to students who need it and is an important co-curricular opportunity. As a co-curricular opportunity, on-campus work can lead to internships and co-ops, opening the door to full-time offers immediately after graduation. It can also help a student establish a strong foundation for research that leads to enhanced graduate school opportunities.

*****

This Week's C3 Luncheon

Menu for Thursday (Jan. 12):

• Chicken Cacciatore (Gluten-Friendly)
• Grilled Eggplant Parmesan (Gluten-Friendly, Vegetarian)
• Greek Orzo Salad (Vegan)
• Roasted Garlic Potatoes (Gluten-Friendly, Vegan)
• Seasoned Green Beans and Peppers (Gluten-Friendly, Vegan)

Dining Services presents the first C3 Luncheon for the spring semester being held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Memorial Union Alumni Lounge (MUB 107). All faculty and staff, along with their guests, are invited.

The C3 lunch buffet menus are created and prepared by executive chef Michael Landini 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, tea, cookies and fruit are available free to all attendees.

The buffet lunch is $12 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 C3 feedback using this Google form. To join the C3 Google group and receive weekly menus, email business-support@mtu.edu.

*****

ME-EM Graduate Seminar Speaker: Vinh Nguyen

The next Department of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics (ME-EM) Graduate Seminar Speaker will present at 4 p.m. today (Jan. 12) in EERC 103.

Vinh Nguyen will present “Resume and Internship Application Workshop for Graduate Students in Engineering.”

Nguyen started his appointment as an assistant professor at Michigan Tech in 2022. His research focuses on advanced manufacturing through Industry 4.0, human-robot-machine interaction and physics-based/data-driven modeling.

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

Physics Colloquium - Graduate Student Presentations

Thursday, January 12, 4 p.m.–5 p.m. | Fisher Hall, 139

Thursday, January 12th at 4 PM - Fisher Hall 139 Please join these in-person presentations. Seth Nelson [Advisor: Miguel Levy] Discretized Wavevectors in Bulk...

Resume and Internship Application Workshop for Graduate Students in Engineering

Thursday, January 12, 4 p.m. | Electrical Energy Resources Center (EERC), 103

ME-EM Graduate Seminar Speaker Series proudly presents Vinh Nguyen Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics Michigan Technological...

Adult Huskies Swim Lessons Spring 2023 Session 1

Thursday, January 12, 5:00 p.m.–5:50 p.m. | Student Development Complex (SDC), Pool

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

Thursday After School Learn to Ski and Snowboard Program

Thursday, January 12, 5:00–6:30 a.m. | Mont Ripley Ski Area

Thursdays Ages 8+ Children of all ability levels have an opportunity to learn to ski or snowboard, make new friends, and explore Mont Ripley together. The focus is on safety,...

Outdoor Venture Crew Weekly Meeting

Thursday, January 12, 5:15 p.m.–7:00 p.m. | Fisher 129

We'll be voting on our weekly trip and discussing other relevant information. While our meetings run until 7:00 PM, they don't usually last longer than 20 or 30 minutes. Feel...

Trivia Night with Phi Delta Chi!

Thursday, January 12, 7 p.m.–8 p.m. | WADS Annex

Come join PDC for our first rush of the semester, trivia night! Just bring your brain, all women and nonbinary people welcome!!

Adult and Youth Huskies Tennis and Pickleball Lessons (Session 1)

January 12, all day | Michigan Tech Gates Tennis Center

Youth Huskies Tennis Lessons: After school and weekend Youth Huskies Group Tennis Lessons are available this spring! Join in by age group and level for some fun on the tennis...