April 28, 2023

The Graduate School is pleased to announce the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship awardees:

• Noah Baliat
  Baliat is an undergraduate student in mechanical engineering. Baliat will be at the Holloman Air Force Base (AFB) in New Mexico after graduation next year.

• Marcello Guadagno
  Guadagno is a Ph.D. candidate in mechanical engineering-engineering mechanics under Paul van Susante (ME-EM/MARC). Guadagno will be at the Kirtland AFB in New Mexico.

• Aaron Wildenborg
  Wildenborg is a Ph.D. candidate in physics under Jae Yong Suh (Physics). Wildenborg will be at the Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic in South Carolina.

Semifinalists:

• Erican Santiago, a Ph.D. candidate in biomedical engineering under Hyeun Joong Yoon.
• Kaitlyn Morgenstern, an undergraduate in mathematics.
• Jonathan Oleson, a Ph.D. candidate in mechanical engineering-engineering mechanics under Susanta Ghosh.
• Rachel Passeno, an undergraduate in cybersecurity.
• Trent Betters, an undergraduate in computer science.

The DoD SMART Scholarship is part of the National Defense Education Program and its benefits include full tuition and education-related expenses payment, a stipend of $30,000 to $46,000 per year, summer internships ranging from eight to 12 weeks, health insurance, a miscellaneous allowance of $1,000 per year, mentorship at one of the DoD sponsoring facilities and employment placement at a DoD facility upon degree completion.

The Graduate School is proud of these students for their outstanding scholarship. These awards highlight the quality of students at Michigan Tech, the innovative work they have accomplished, the potential for leadership and impact in science and engineering that the country recognizes in these students, and the incredible role that faculty play in students’ academic success.

If you have students who are interested in receiving writing support for the DoD SMART Scholarship or other graduate funding opportunities, have them contact Sarah Isaacson at sisaacso@mtu.edu.

Due to the Chem Sci corridor renovations, Department of Chemical Engineering (ChE) staff will be working remotely from Monday (May 1) to May 8.

All offices, classrooms and labs on the second floor will be closed from Monday to May 8. The third floor offices, classrooms and labs will be closed from May 8-15.

Please contact us by email if needed.

In celebration of the ADVANCE Adaptation grant progress, today we feature the Academy for Responsive Leadership (ARL) program and in particular, the Faculty Equity Query Tool (AFEQT).

AFEQT was created in collaboration with the Information Technology Enterprise Application Services (IT-EAS) and Institutional Research (IR) units on campus. The tool pulls from multiple University databases and allows administrators to track University-verified data across 11 National Science Foundation (NSF) “indicator variables” that assess equity. The outstanding development work was completed by Gail North (IT-EAS), who has since retired, and Hailey LaFleur (IR), who carefully discussed edge cases and solutions for the development of the tool. We also thank supervisors Rich Elenich (IR) and Emmett Golde (IT-EAS) for supporting this effort.

In addition, two pilot groups of faculty administrators tested (and retested) the tool, providing valuable feedback on data parameters, communication, usability and utility of reports over a period of eight months. The most engaged testers were Leonard Bohmann (AA/ECE), David Hemmer (CSA) and Dave Reed (VPR) — thank you! Pilot Group 1 was comprised of Bohmann, Hemmer, Andrew Storer (AA) and Audra Morse (CEGE). Pilot Group 2 was comprised of Andy Burton (CFRES), Reed, Walter Milligan (MSE), Mary Raber (EF), Michael Blanco (OVPDI), Scott Marratto (HU), Jared Anderson (VPA) and Linda Ott (CS). In addition to involvement in development and testing, Adrienne Minerick (ChE) and Sonia Goltz (COB) oversaw the creation of written and recorded AFEQT tutorials as well as interactive training sessions.

The tool was launched in fall 2022 and is now maintained on an annual basis by IR and IT-EAS. The ease of accessing information in the tool appears to have already narrowed (and in some disciplinary areas eliminated) the salary gap between genders. ADVANCE anticipates that this tool will continue to be frequently used by department chairs and deans in assessing the progress of their units in terms of various measures of equity.

The correct dates for the APS Labs short professional development course on diesel engine fundamentals are May 31 to June 2. 

The dates posted in Tech Today yesterday (April 27) were incorrect. Apologies for the inconvenience.

• MEEM5202 Fundamentals of Diesel Engines will run from May 31 to June 2. Its content is designed for those needing foundational knowledge in diesel engines. This 20-hour (2.5-day) course will be offered in two modalities: in person and live online.

Check out the APS Labs Short Courses page or email Vinicius Bonfochi Vinhaes at vbvinhae@mtu.edu for more information.

For the fifth straight week, Michigan Tech women's tennis is nationally ranked in Division II, coming in at No. 46 yesterday (April 26) ahead of the NCAA Midwest Region quarterfinals on Monday (May 1) in Detroit.

The Huskies (9-7) have been ranked as high as No. 44 this spring and earned their first trip to the NCAA Tournament since 2008 with an at-large bid announced last Monday (April 24).

Read more at the Michigan Tech Athletics website.

Job Posting for Friday, April 28, 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 humanresources@mtu.edu. For more information regarding faculty positions, contact the academic department in which the position is posted.

Visiting Assistant Teaching Professor of Theatre, Visual and Performing Arts. 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.

Hayden Henderson (GLRC) is the principal investigator (PI) on a project that has received a $81,862 research and development contract from the Great Lakes Observing System.

The project is titled "MTU Observing Systems Operations & Maintenance 2023."

Jamey Anderson and Christopher Pinnow (GLRC) are co-PIs on this potential one-year project.

Alicia Sendrowski (MTRI) was quoted by Canada’s CBC in a story about a colossal logjam in Nunavut, Canada, which stores more than 3 million tons of carbon. The logjam was the subject of a research study led by Sendrowski while at Colorado State University.

*****

Alyssa Fredin (SFS) was interviewed by the Keweenaw Report in a segment about upcoming deadlines for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The deadline for FAFSA early consideration is Monday (May 1).

*****

The Mining Journal picked up a Daily Mining Gazette story about three Michigan Tech lifeguards honored with a national lifesaving award from the American Red Cross. The trio saved the life of a swimmer experiencing a medical emergency at the SDC Pool last summer. Their experience was chronicled by Stories from Husky Nation.

*****

The Keweenaw Report covered Michigan Tech’s inclusion as the fourth participant in Global Detroit’s Global Entrepreneur in Residence (GEIR) program, which helps international entrepreneurs launch high-growth startups in Michigan. The University’s induction into the program was the topic of a Michigan Tech News press release.

*****

MLive mentioned Michigan Tech in a story listing the best engineering schools in Michigan. MTU ranks third in the state according to rankings from U.S. News and World Report.

*****

Crain’s Detroit Business mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about Michigan lawmakers’ willingness to increase spending on higher education.

*****

The Daily Mining Gazette covered Michigan Tech track and field’s Jesse Jacobusse being named GLIAC Track Athlete of the Week.

*****

SB Nation’s Pride of Detroit news community mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about former Husky basketball player Jake Witt’s movie-worthy journey toward the NFL draft.

Wireless Network Downtime Saturday

Tomorrow (April 29), beginning at 8 p.m., Michigan Tech IT will be performing software upgrades that will cause wireless downtime for all of campus. The wireless network should be available by 8 a.m. on Sunday (April 30), when the work is complete.

If you have any questions or concerns, we can help. Contact us at it-help@mtu.edu or call 7-1111.

*****

Construction Notice: Dow Building

Exciting changes are coming to the Dow Environmental Sciences and Engineering Building with the addition of a new elevator on the north side of the building. Construction will begin Monday (May 1) and continue into spring 2024.

Note that access into the building, to fire exists and to at least one elevator will be maintained throughout the summer. Please be aware that the following areas will be impacted by the renovations in the building:

• Parking — Beginning in early May, the area directly north of the Dow in Lot 31 will be blocked off. The Dow north loading dock and a number of parking spots in this area will be unavailable. Traffic flow east toward the M&M Building may be impacted at times.

• Building Access — Building access to the Dow north doors, off of Lot 31, will continue to be open, with a potential for short intermittent closures as safety dictates. The north hallway will remain open for the project, with limited short closures in late summer. As the Facilities department becomes aware of closure dates, they will be disseminated to campus.

• Noise — While we do our best to keep disruptions to a minimum, intermittent construction noise may occur.

Please remember to keep alert while in and around construction zones and to follow all appropriate directions and posted notices.

If you have questions or concerns, please email facilities@mtu.edu. Thank you for your patience as we continue to strive to improve and enhance our campus infrastructure.

*****

Library Services Closing Monday for Department Retreat

The Van Pelt and Opie Library will be closed Monday (May 1) so employees may attend a department retreat. Tap access to the library’s 24-hour areas is still available via the west side entrance and Rehki bridge.

The Technical Assistance Center (TAC), the Library Cafe and the Office of Sustainability and Resilience will also be closed.

The Library Testing Center will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for any last-minute testing questions or scantrons. Contact 487-1001 or techtesting-l@mtu.edu.

The Jackson Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) will be open. Anyone needing to visit the CTL offices can use the tap access from the 24-hour library entrance and then use the stairs or elevator. The second floor bridge connector from Rekhi Hall can also be used to gain access to the CTL. Call or email with questions: 487-3000 or elearning@mtu.edu.

The library building and all services will reopen Tuesday (May 2) at 8 a.m.

*****

PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act and Pregnant Workers Fairness Act

In December 2022, President Biden signed into law two pieces of legislation, expanding federal protections for both pregnant and nursing workers.

• The PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act expands protections for nursing employees and requires employers to provide reasonable break time to pump breast milk during the workday. It also reaffirms employers' obligation to provide a private place, other than a restroom, that nursing workers may use to express breastmilk. Michigan Tech currently has several lactation spaces available across campus. The PUMP Act, which went into effect today (April 28), provides this right for up to one year after the birth of an employee’s child.

• The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) expands Americans with Disabilities Act level protection by requiring employers to provide reasonable accommodations that address a worker’s known limitations due to pregnancy, childbirth and related conditions. The PWFA goes into effect June 27.

Michigan Tech supports pregnant and parenting employees and students. Please visit Benefit Services for more information.

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

Michigan Tech Art Presents: Snowsports Faculty and Staff Art Show

Friday, April 28, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. |

MICHIGAN TECH ART PRESENTS SNOWSPORTS FACULTY AND STAFF ART SHOW WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 2023 THROUGH SATURDAY APRIL 29, 2023 A-SPACE HOURS: M-F 8 A.M.-8 P.M.

Spring 2023 CEGE Senior Design Colloquium

Friday, April 28, 8:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Linking to: Michigan Tech Campus

The Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering (CEGE) is pleased to invite the University community to attend our spring 2023 Senior Design team...

Board of Trustees Meeting

Friday, April 28, 9–11 a.m. | Memorial Union Building (MUB), Ballroom B

Regular meeting of Michigan Technological University Board of Trustees

Master's Defense: Emma Burke

Friday, April 28, 9–10 a.m. | U. J. Noblet Forestry Building, 108

Forest Molecular Genetics & Biotechnology Advisor: Yinan Yuan Sequencing Antisense Transcriptome of Populus through Antisense/Sense Transcript Pair Enrichment Attend...

Summer WonderHack Competition for K-12 Students

April 28, all day

Michigan Tech is pleased to announce the launch of Summer WonderHack 2023, a new capture-the-flag (CTF) cybersecurity competition designed for K-12 participants. The event is...