January 17, 2023

A Michigan Tech project to help mines in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Minnesota achieve net-zero emissions while extracting critical minerals from mine tailings has received $2.5 million from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

Michigan Tech’s project is titled “Energy Reduction and Improved Critical Mineral Recovery from Low-Grade Disseminated Sulfide Deposits and Mine Tailings.” According to Lei Pan (ChE), principal investigator (PI), it seeks to permanently and cleanly mineralize and store carbon dioxide, potentially enabling the mining industry in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Minnesota to achieve net-zero emissions while extracting critical minerals from mine tailings.

Pan will lead the three-year project with co-PIs Tim Eisele and David Shonnard (ChE), student investigator Kobina Ofari (Ph.D. student, chemical engineering) and undergraduate student researcher Katie Liberman (chemical engineering). The team also includes researchers from the University of Utah and University of Nevada, Reno.

Learn more about the project at Michigan Tech News.

To help manage Michigan Tech’s continued growth as a research institution, the Vice President for Research Office is in the process of implementing electronic research administration (ERA) software from Cayuse.

With the current trajectory of research activities, Michigan Tech needs a software solution that will help to better manage our growing research portfolio, reduce administrative burden, provide transparency and assist with managing risk and compliance to changing regulations. After investigating several options, Michigan Tech has entered into a contract with Cayuse, which provides ERA software solutions for over 650 research institutions worldwide.

During fiscal years 2023 and 2024, the University will be transitioning to the new Cayuse cloud-based software for managing its portfolio of proposal/award activity, agreements, technologies and inventions, conflict of interest, human and animal ethics and hazardous safety. Implementation of the software will have impacts on a variety of constituents across campus, including principal investigators, departmental administrators, financial managers and related sponsored project roles. Overview and training sessions will be provided to the campus community in advance of the implementation of any changes to processes that will arise due to the new system.

Work began on this implementation in August 2022, with plans to implement all modules by October 2023. More information will be shared as we begin rollouts on our Cayuse Implementations webpage and in Tech Today.

The Banner process Payroll Services uses to enter reallocations has not been functioning since a Banner update on Dec. 28, 2022. EAS is in contact with Ellucian regarding the issue, and we hope they will find a solution soon.

Reallocation forms may still be sent to payroll@mtu.edu during this time. Please be aware that there may be a delay in reallocation entry.

An update will be posted when the issue is resolved.

President Koubek will continue to hold regularly scheduled open office hours this semester for all faculty, staff and students on Wednesdays from 2-4 p.m.

Please contact Heather Herman at hlherman@mtu.edu if you would like to schedule an appointment.

The University Senate will convene Meeting 681 at 5:30 p.m. tomorrow (Jan. 18) in Dow 642.

Those within the University community unable to attend in person have the option to attend via Zoom. Please note: You will need to log in to your MTU Zoom account to join the virtual meeting.

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

View the agenda to Meeting 681.

Applications for Summer 2023 Portage Health Foundation (PHF) Graduate Assistantships are being accepted and are due no later than 4 p.m. Feb. 28 to the Graduate School. Instructions on the application and evaluation process are found online. Students are eligible if all of the following criteria are met:

1. Must be a Ph.D. student conducting a research or outreach project that will promote and/or improve the overall health of Houghton, Keweenaw, Baraga and Ontonagon communities.
2. Must be a Ph.D. candidate at the time of application.
3. Must be two years after starting the graduate program at the time of application.
4. Must not be a prior recipient of a PHF Graduate Assistantship.
5. Preference will be given to applicants with longstanding local connections to Houghton, Keweenaw, Baraga or Ontonagon county.

Priority will be given to students originally from Houghton, Keweenaw, Baraga or Ontonagon counties. Nonresident students and international students are encouraged to apply if their health research is applicable to health needs and job shortages of our local community (obesity research, rural health, medical informatics, drug delivery and lab testing, physical therapy, etc.).

These assistantships are available through the generosity of the Portage Health Foundation. They are intended to recognize outstanding Ph.D. talent in health-oriented research areas. Applicants should be a catalyst for promoting and improving the overall health of Houghton, Keweenaw, Baraga and Ontonagon communities through one of the following:

• health research and technology development
• health education or preventive and wellness initiatives
• rural health care access, informatics and assessment of care

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

Eligible undergraduate and graduate students at Michigan Tech can apply for an eight-week paid research internship in Korea during the summer of 2023. The grant is through the National Science Foundation International Research Experiences for Students (NSF IRES): Interdisciplinary Research in Korea on Applied smart systems (IRiKA) program.

The goal of the NSF IRES program is to provide high-quality educational experiences for small groups of U.S. students through active research participation in collaboration with foreign researchers at an international site and provide students with international collaborative research training and a personal network on which to build future collaborations.

IRiKA is a competitive program. The students selected for the Summer 2023 cohort will each receive:

• U.S.-Korea roundtrip airfare and transportation in Korea,
• an eight-week paid research internship in Korea ($500 per week),
• accommodations in Korea, and
• additional research support.

The dates of the internship are June 16 to Aug. 16. Eligible students can find more information and apply through IRiKA's website. The deadline for Michigan Tech students to apply is Feb. 10. A Zoom information session is scheduled at noon today (Jan. 17) — see IRiKA's website.

View the detailed flyer.

Menu for Thursday (Jan. 19):

• Japanese BBQ Pork Chop
• Stir Fry Vegetables (Gluten-Friendly, Vegan)
• Vegetable Fried Rice (Vegetarian)
• Kimchi Style Cabbage
• Veggie Egg Roll (Vegetarian)

Dining Services presents this week's C3 Luncheon, 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 our Google form. To join the C3 Google group and receive weekly menus, email business-support@mtu.edu.

Get ready for a glowing good time — Bigfoot Glowshoe is back this year! Have you ever wanted to go snowshoeing at night on a glowing trail? Here’s your chance!

The event is scheduled for Feb. 9 from 6-9 p.m. up at the Michigan Tech Trails. For registration, please visit Michigan Tech's Official Ticket Website.

General public, students and youth are all welcome to attend this event. Questions? Email Whitney Boroski at wmborosk@mtu.edu.

Learn how to lose weight and improve your health while eating the foods you love with Wondr Health.

Employee Wellness is offering active, benefits-eligible employees an opportunity to lose weight with the Wondr Health program, previously Naturally Slim. Registration is currently open through Jan. 29 and space is limited.

The Wondr Health program has the secret to lasting weight loss and it doesn’t include starving, counting calories or eating diet food. It’s a 10-week online program with yearlong support that helps you learn how to eat to reduce your chance of getting a serious disease, like diabetes or heart disease, and increase your chances at living a longer, healthier life — for free. Lose weight, plus improve your overall health — all while eating the foods you love!

Wondr Health offers an evidence-based curriculum with the latest behavioral science and is grounded in the principles of the most effective behavioral weight loss programs. To register, please visit Michigan Tech's Wondr Health site.

Wondr Health counts toward Option 3 on your Husky Health Checklist.

Looking to maximize the returns on the grants you write? Don’t even know where to start? Join Andrew Fiss (HU), associate professor of technical and professional communication, for the workshop "5 Tips for Grant Writing."

The workshop is happening in the Library East Reading Room from 12-12:30 p.m. today (Jan. 17)! Snacks provided. Can't join us in person? Join us via Zoom!

From finding solicitations to submission, learn the skills and resources you need to succeed.

Students, staff and faculty at Michigan Tech are invited to attend a dynamic discussion on Jan. 26. Join the ADVANCE Partnership Team for a discussion on the equity issues faced by campus communities due to inadequate child care and caregiver support. Wendy Wagner Robeson and Autumn Green will discuss the factors that make up family-friendly campuses and the problems faced by student caregivers/parents. This session will focus on equity with respect to child care and the problems families and children face when they have inadequate or no child care. The trilemma of care — affordability, availability and high quality — will be examined with respect to the needs of a campus community. This discussion will be inclusive of all members of the community: undergraduate and graduate students, staff and faculty.

• What: On-Campus Child Care and Family Support Discussion
• When: Thursday, Jan. 26, 1 p.m. EST
• Where: This will be a virtual discussion. Register today.

Resources:

• Flyer with a registration link
• Poster for printing and posting in your unit

A second session is scheduled for March 30 at 1 p.m. EST/noon CST and will focus on developing strategies and solutions to address these issues. It is our hope that by raising awareness of these concerns we all can recognize that our campuses need to uphold care infrastructures that are flexible and value community members’ values, cultures, gender, ethnicity and diversity so that all members can advance and reach their potential and thereby enhance the campus to which they belong.

The ADVANCE Midwest Partnership is an NSF-funded ADVANCE Partnership Initiative between Iowa State University, Michigan Technological University, North Dakota State University and Western Michigan University.

ADVANCE at Michigan Tech is an NSF-funded initiative dedicated to improving faculty career success, retention, diversity, equity and inclusion.

Michigan Tech goaltender Blake Pietila has been named to the watch list for the Mike Richter Award, given annually to the top goalie in men's NCAA Division I hockey since 2014.

The Hockey Commissioners Association (HCA) announced the 41 goalies on the list last week, and Pietila is on it for the third straight season.

Read more at the Michigan Tech Athletics website.

Michigan Tech football has announced the hiring of Michael Donnelly for the position of defensive backs and pass game coordinator.

Donnelly joins the staff from Muskingum University, where he has served as defensive coordinator since spring 2021. 

"We are very excited to get Mike back on staff," said head coach Dan Mettlach. "He has a great understanding of our defensive system and he also understands and embraces the culture we have at Michigan Tech. We are very fortunate to have him leading our defensive backfield."

Donnelly is familiar with Michigan Tech football, having served three seasons as a graduate assistant working with the defense from 2015 to 2018. While at Tech, his duties included running the scout team offense, special teams scout and coaching cornerbacks.

Read more at the Michigan Tech Athletics website.

No. 13 Michigan Tech hockey went 1-1 in their weekend series against CCHA opponent St. Thomas at the MacInnes Student Ice Arena.

The Huskies remained undefeated in 2023 on Friday (Jan. 13) with a 2-0 shutout of the Tommies. Blake Pietila earned his nation-leading fifth shutout of the season and extended his school record to 15 career shutouts, making 27 saves.

"St. Thomas played hard, blocked shots and created scoring chances," Tech coach Joe Shawhan said. "If we didn't have a great goaltender it would've been a very different game."

Michigan Tech lost to St. Thomas 3-2 on Saturday (Jan. 14), twice holding a one-goal lead — but the Tommies battled back each time and scored the game-winner with 3:33 left.

"St. Thomas was a better team tonight," Shawhan said. "We can't rely on Blake to always bail us out, and we gave up a lot of easy scoring chances."

Read more at the Michigan Tech Athletics website.

Michigan Tech women's basketball marched to their 12th straight victory over Northern Michigan, winning 69-56 Saturday (Jan. 14) at Berry Events Center.

Ellie Mackay posted 19 points and Sara Dax marked her first double-double of the season for the Huskies, and Isabella Lenz played important minutes and finished with 14 points, five assists. Michigan Tech improved to 14-3 overall, 6-1 in GLIAC play.

"We competed hard from start to finish and defended well," said head coach Sam Clayton. "I thought we overcame a lot and everyone stepped up and created for us. It was important for us to get different people posting up, because that gave us more looks at the basket and chances to pick up fouls as well."

Read more at the Michigan Tech Athletics website.

Michigan Tech men's basketball suffered defeat 90-65 by Northern Michigan on Saturday (Jan. 14) at Berry Events Center.

Dan Gherezgher led the Huskies with 14 points and five rebounds. Tyler Robarge was effective in the post with 13 points on 6-of-8 shooting. MTU made a positive start with a 5-0 run, but the momentum quickly swung to the Wildcats. Tech went to the locker room trailing 40-29 and wasn't able to recover.

"We didn't execute today on either end," said head coach Josh Buettner. "There were too many guys trying to do it all themselves on offense. We have competitors on our team that want to make things happen when it's not going well out there, but you still have to trust the team in those situations. Five assists are just not enough for the way we have to play on the road to win."

Read more at the Michigan Tech Athletics website.

The Michigan Tech Nordic ski teams placed second in the CCSA combined team standings at the Seeley Hills SuperTour/CCSA Invite in Cable, Wisconsin, on Saturday and Sunday (Jan. 14-15).

The Huskies scored 236 points, finishing behind the College of St. Scholastica's 261 points.

Saturday's 32-kilometer classic mass start was the longest event so far this season.

"It was certainly a tough day though for the team. We had some tired athletes, I think, coming off for U.S. nationals," head coach Tom Monahan Smith said. "It's a telltale sign when we're missing our two best gals that are competing in the University Games and we just didn't have the depth that we needed to, in the women's field, to really have a strong day as a team there."

The coaching staff was pleased with the Huskies' efforts in Sunday's classic sprint. 

"The team definitely came out firing on all cylinders and we had a much stronger day for the team today," Monahan Smith added.

Read more and see where individuals finished at the Michigan Tech Athletics website.

Tuesday (Jan. 17)
• Huskies Drive Time, 7:30-8 a.m. on Mix 93 WKMJ-FM

Thursday (Jan. 19)
• Women's Basketball vs. Davenport, 5:30 p.m. at SDC Gym on Mix 93 WKMJ-FM
• Men's Basketball vs. Davenport, 7:30 p.m. at SDC Gym on Mix 93 WKMJ-FM

Friday (Jan. 20)
• Hockey at Ferris State, 7:07 p.m. on Mix 93 WKMJ-FM

Saturday (Jan. 21)
• Women's Basketball vs. Grand Valley State, 1 p.m. at SDC Gym on Mix 93 WKMJ-FM
• Men's Basketball vs. Grand Valley State, 3 p.m. at SDC Gym on Mix 93 WKMJ-FM
• Hockey at Ferris State, 6:07 p.m. on Mix 93 WKMJ-FM

Job Posting for Tuesday, Jan. 17, 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.

Groundsperson (12 months/ 40 hours/ first shift) #23011, Facilities (AFSCME posting dates Jan. 17 to Jan. 23, 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.

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.

The Daily Mining Gazette published a piece written by Tara Bal (CFRES/ESC) and master’s student Shelby Lane-Clark (forest ecology and management) about the adverse effects of jumping worms on forest soil and ways to prevent them from spreading to the Upper Peninsula. Jumping worms were first seen in the U.S. in Wisconsin.

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The Traverse City Record-Eagle mentioned Michigan Tech in an editorial about the potential for the planned Freshwater Research and Innovation Center to shape the area’s future.

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

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Radio Results Network mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about Superior Health Foundation’s new board members, including David Jahn ’80 (business administration/accounting).

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The Munising Beacon picked up a CCHA news release about Michigan Tech hockey’s Blake Pietila being named the conference’s Goaltender of the Week for Jan. 6-7.

Request a Special Presentation with Career Services

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!

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Café Français Resumes Activities

We are very happy to announce that Café Français is resuming its activities this week.

Please join us today (Jan. 17) for an hour of laid-back Francophone setting with French natives and other Francophiles. All levels welcome. Walker 120A, from 5-6 p.m. Please be advised: We changed rooms.

Note that we meet every second Tuesday (Jan. 31, Feb. 14, Feb. 28, March 14, March 28 and April 11).

Friends and family are welcome!

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La Peña Spanish Conversation Hour Resuming Activities

Join us today (Jan. 17) for the first Peña of the spring semester.

Come unwind and meet new people at the Spanish Conversation Hour, all while you refresh your Spanish! Everybody is welcome. We will meet from 5-6 p.m. in the HDMZ (Humanities Digital Media Zone), Walker 120A.

Other Peña dates of the semester: Jan. 31, Feb. 14, Feb. 28, March 14 and March 28.

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The Rozsa and Aspirus Health Present: 'Hairspray'

You can’t stop the beat! Presented by the Rozsa and Aspirus Health, "HAIRSPRAY," the national tour of Broadway’s Tony Award-winning musical comedy phenomenon, is coming to the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts at 7 p.m. tonight (Jan. 17)! Join 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad in 1960s Baltimore as she sets out to dance her way onto TV’s most popular show. Can a girl with big dreams (and even bigger hair) change the world?

The “HAIRSPRAY” company is led by:

• Andrew Levitt aka Nina West (from “RuPaul’s Drag Race”) as Edna Turnblad
• Niki Metcalf as Tracy Turnblad
• Sandie Lee as Motormouth Maybelle

The production features the beloved score of hit songs, including “Welcome to the ’60s,” “Good Morning, Baltimore” and “You Can’t Stop the Beat.” “HAIRSPRAY” is “fresh, winning, and deliriously tuneful!” (The New York Times).

This all-new touring production reunites Broadway’s award-winning creative team led by director Jack O’Brien and choreographer Jerry Mitchell to bring “HAIRSPRAY” to a new generation of theater audiences.

Don’t miss this “exhilaratingly funny and warm-hearted musical comedy” (The New Yorker).

Student Tickets:

• You can get free tickets for yourself and one guest through the Experience Tech Fee.
• You must be present at “HAIRSPRAY” and have your valid HuskyCard to use your student ticket.
• Seating is reserved, so we recommend that groups book together.
  Tickets are subject to availability on a first-come, first-served basis.

Get your tickets in advance today (Jan. 17) by stopping by the Rozsa during regular box office hours from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. All students requesting tickets must be present with their own valid HuskyCard.

Get your tickets at the door by lining up and tapping yourself and a guest in with your valid HuskyCard. You may begin lining up at 6 p.m. (one hour before the performance). Any unclaimed student tickets will be released to the general public at show start, 7 p.m.

General Public Tickets:

• Available tickets can be purchased online or at the Rozsa Box Office during regular hours (11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday-Friday) or for one hour before the show.
• Any unclaimed student tickets will be released to the general public tonight at show start, 7 p.m. The Rozsa cannot guarantee that there will be any unclaimed student tickets.

Event Details:

• What: “HAIRSPRAY”
• When: Tuesday, Jan. 17, at 7 p.m.
• Where: Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts
• Tickets: $35 Adult | $10 Youth Under 18 | Free Student Rush through the Experience Tech Fee

Get tickets online or at the Rozsa Box Office, open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and one hour before shows for walk-up sales.

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

Grant Writing Workshop

Tuesday, January 17, 12:00 p.m.–12:30 p.m. | J. Robert Van Pelt and John and Ruanne Opie Library, East Reading Room

Looking to maximize the returns on the grants you write? Don’t even know where to start? Join Andrew Fiss (HU), associate professor of technical and professional...

Innovation Week Keynote: Leading Innovation with Charles Nwatu

Tuesday, January 17, 4 p.m.–5 p.m.

Join Husky Innovate for our Innovation Week Keynote Speaker: Leading Innovation with Charles Nwatu Jan 17, 2023, from 4:00-5:00 pm, Virtual Register here Charles Nwatu...

Adult Huskies Swim Lessons Spring 2023 Session 1

Tuesday, January 17, 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...

Café Français

Tuesday, January 17, 5 p.m.–6 p.m. | Walker Arts and Humanities Center, 120A

Please join us for an hour of laid-back Francophone setting with French natives and other Francophiles. All levels are welcome. Walker 120A, from 5PM to 6PM. Note that the...

Tuesday Adult Learn to Ski and Snowboard Program

Tuesday, January 17, 5:30 p.m.–7:00 p.m. | Mont Ripley Ski Area

Tuesday - Adults Mont Ripley has a reputation for being steep and difficult. We are here to change that. Snowmaking and perfect grooming, combined with a guided tour to fit...

Tuesday After School Learn to Ski and Snowboard Program

Tuesday, January 17, 5:30 p.m.–7:00 p.m. | Mont Ripley Ski Area

Tuesdays Ages 12+ 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,...

SAE Aero Design Bi-Weekly Meetings

Tuesday, January 17, 6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m. | MEEM 703

SAE Aero Design aims to offer valuable experience to Michigan Tech students of all majors interested in an extracurricular engineering & design opportunity. Come join our...

The Rozsa and Aspirus Health Present: Hairspray

Tuesday, January 17, 7 p.m. | Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts

THE ROZSA AND ASPIRUS HEALTH PRESENT HAIRSPRAY “If life were everything it should be, it would be more like HAIRSPRAY. It’s irresistible!” – The New York Times Run time 2h...

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

January 17, 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...