August 23, 2023

Effective Aug. 13, Stephen Techtmann (BioSci) has been appointed the second associate director of Michigan Tech's Great Lakes Research Center (GLRC). He joins Pengfei Xue (CEGE), who was appointed the GLRC’s first associate director in October 2022.

Established in 2013, the GLRC has grown to include more than 100 affiliated faculty and research staff, achieving $9.2 million in new research awards and $7.1 million in research expenditures in fiscal year 2022. The GLRC’s portfolio includes core research in the areas of Great Lakes science and system processes, sustainability and marine technology adaptation.

Techtmann, an associate professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, will lead the GLRC’s Environmental Biology, Biotechnology, and Water Quality Research Team, and contribute to the center’s long-term strategy development.

“Dr. Techtmann is visionary in the area of environmental microbiology and his significant successes in building teams to solve difficult problems that have high-impact outcomes will be very valuable as we strive to grow and evolve the Great Lakes Research Center,” stated Tim Havens, director of the GLRC.

“Dr. Techtmann has an accomplished record of teaching excellence and research innovation in the field of environmental microbiology,” said Casey Huckins, interim chair of the biological sciences department. “Steve is a positive force as a faculty member of Biological Sciences and his appointment to lead in this new capacity as GLRC associate director recognizes his leadership and team-building skills.”

Techtmann’s accomplishments include being awarded a Young Faculty Award from DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, U.S. Department of Defense) and being selected as a co-winner of the 2021 Merck Future Insight Prize.

As associate director, Techtmann will help develop a strategy for growth as the GLRC continues to grow in core areas and capitalize on opportunities for expansion. “I’m extremely excited to be able to support the work ongoing at the GLRC and I’m looking forward to contributing to expanding research in the areas of environmental biology and biotechnology,” said Techtmann.

The Rapid Seedling Awards are an internal Institute of Computing and Cybersystems (ICC) and Great Lakes Research Center (GLRC) initiative to sponsor scalable research efforts within the institute. With the fall 2023 selection deadline passed, the joint institute has selected three projects to sponsor for up to $10,000 during the fall semester.

Projects proposed by Vinh Nguyen (ME-EM), Flavio Costa (ECE) and Ryan Williams (GLRC) were selected to receive Rapid Seedling funding. The three projects will be conducted during the upcoming semester.

Read about the funded research projects on the Institute of Computing and Cybersystems Blog.

With the fall semester fast approaching, we wanted to remind campus that construction of the Dow Environmental Sciences and Engineering Building's elevator addition continues through the academic year. At least one side of the north entryway off Parking Lot 31 will remain open at all times; however, 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 is narrowed to a single lane around the construction zone.

While this work is being completed, we will do our best to minimize loud noises, but you may experience more noise than normal in the Dow. We apologize in advance for this inconvenience and thank you for your patience, understanding and cooperation during this important construction project.

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

If you have questions or concerns, please email facilities@mtu.edu.

The Van Pelt and Opie Library and Campus Store invite the campus community to celebrate textbook affordability initiatives taking place on campus by utilizing Course Reserve, a service available through the library.

Course Reserve allows students to borrow books and other materials for three hours, ensuring everyone will have free access to assigned course materials. Instructors are asked to provide copies of books they are using in their classes if the library does not already have a copy. All materials currently placed on Course Reserve can be found in a special collection on the library’s webpage. An online spreadsheet identifies which courses are using each textbook. 

Instructors may search the library’s catalog and submit a Course Reserve Request for any assigned texts they find. Student research consultants (SRCs) and librarians are eager to help anyone who’d like assistance with this task. Stop by the Ask Us! station on the first floor of the library or email library@mtu.edu for more information.

Please note: The library is unable to purchase copies of every book assigned in Michigan Tech classes. The “accidental textbooks” identified by instructors in the library’s collections, or lent to the library, will help to make the Course Reserve system a valuable resource for our students. Let’s take one step closer to making a Michigan Tech education more affordable by utilizing Course Reserve!

Tomorrow we’ll continue the celebration of textbook affordability efforts with a post about a pilot project that identified accidental textbooks.

Benefits Services will be available in Room 107C in the Memorial Union Building tomorrow and Friday (Aug. 24 and 25) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to answer any questions regarding enrollment in the UnitedHealthcare student insurance plan.

Per U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) rules and regulations, F-1 nonimmigrant students must be enrolled full-time to maintain their immigration status. Graduate students must enroll in 9 credits, and 6 of these credits must be in traditional, on-campus courses. F-1 students can count 3 online credits toward their full-time enrollment requirements during fall and spring semesters.

Undergraduate students must enroll in 12 credits, and 9 of these credits must be in traditional on-campus courses. F-1 students can count 3 online credits toward their full-time enrollment requirements during fall and spring semesters.

International students are only permitted to work on-campus for 20 hours per week. Working off-campus (CPT) requires authorization from the IPS office. International students must enroll in the proper CO-OP course during their CPT semester to meet the full-time enrollment requirement from USCIS. International students must complete two academic semesters to be eligible for CPT.

All guidelines for maintaining immigration status while studying at Michigan Tech can be found on the IPS website. Please encourage students to visit this page for more information.

The IPS staff are dedicated to helping international students and scholars understand and comply with government requirements during their time at Michigan Tech and beyond. If you have questions or concerns about working with international students, contact IPS staff at ips@mtu.edu or by calling 906-487-2160.

On Sept. 6, Career Services will kick off the fall recruiting season with 906 Day, our first of five CareerFEST days. 906 Day is sponsored by Invest UP and will feature companies located in the Upper Peninsula.

• Wednesday, Sept. 6 — 906 Day (featuring Upper Peninsula companies, sponsored by Invest UP)
• Thursday, Sept. 7 — Fox Cities Community Day (sponsored by Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce)
• Tuesday, Sept. 12 — CareerFEST (all companies)
• Wednesday, Sept. 13 — CareerFEST (all companies, sponsored by Grand Valley Chamber of Commerce)
• Friday, Sept. 15 — Career Services Partner Days (sponsored by Career Services partner companies)

These in-person recruiting and networking opportunities allow employers to meet with students in an informal setting across campus — and employers often bring swag, gadgets, their company's latest technology or product, etc., to encourage students to come to their tents/table to chat. No resumes, no business suits — just casual conversation.

Save the Date: The fall Career Fair will be held Sept. 19 from 12-5 p.m. in the SDC Multipurpose Room and the Varsity Gym.

The Center for Educational Outreach (CEO) would like to thank all campus stakeholders and corporate partners for their contributions to another successful year of hands-on, experiential learning at Summer Youth Programs (SYP)!

This year, we sparked curiosity in over 1,000 students in grades 6-11 from 31 states and five countries across six short weeks. This success is thanks to collaboration with over 20 campus departments and more than 50 undergraduate and graduate student staff. The SYP experience continues to be impactful for students, with 92% saying their experience at SYP was different from their home classroom and 95% leaving the program motivated to learn more about their exploration.

Thanks to your dedication, care and commitment to quality education, together we’re shaping the next generation of doers and makers — many of whom may be future Huskies. One such SYP alum shared this about their time at SYP: “This year was my fifth and final year in the program. I have learned so much over the course of my explorations, most greatly the ability to be away from home for extended periods of time. I cannot wait until I can return to this campus as a student next year.”

Thank you again for your continued support of SYP, and we look forward to working with you next summer! If you or your department are interested in running an SYP exploration in summer 2024, please contact syplogic@mtu.edu by Oct. 1 to set up a discussion.

Faculty, staff and graduate students can have a complimentary professional portrait taken by University Marketing and Communications (UMC) during one of our fall semester portrait sessions. 

• Wednesday, Sept. 20 — 10 a.m. to noon
• Thursday, Sept. 21 — 10 a.m. to noon
• Friday, Sept. 22 — 10 a.m. to noon

Portraits will be taken in the UMC Studio, located on the ground floor of the Administration Building (Admin G37). An appointment is required.

Schedule an appointment through our online calendar. You must use your mtu.edu account to schedule an appointment.

• Sign in to the calendar with your mtu.edu account
• Find the portrait session date you want — Sept. 20, 21 or 22
• Click the appointment time you want between 10 a.m. and noon
• Click Save
• Smile!

Portraits will be emailed directly to you three to four weeks after your session.

The Department of Social Sciences (SS) office will be closed today (Aug. 23) for a departmental retreat. The office will reopen tomorrow (Aug. 24).

We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics (ME-EM) will be closed tomorrow (Aug. 24) for our annual departmental retreat. We will return to work Friday (Aug. 25) for business as usual.

The Department of Engineering Fundamentals (EF) will be closed Friday (Aug. 25) for a departmental retreat. The office will reopen Monday (Aug. 28).

If you need assistance, please reach out via email at dfsaari@mtu.edu or call 906-487-1487 to leave a voice message.

The Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts and the Department of Visual and Performing Arts are thrilled to share the complete 23/24 season with you, adding the Michigan Tech Art, Michigan Tech Music and Michigan Tech Theatre Series to the Rozsa Presenting Series announced earlier this month. The wide-ranging season’s events will bring the Michigan Tech and Keweenaw community together nearly every week of the school year. Check out all upcoming events. 

Michigan Tech Art presents a year of spectacular professional and student events in the Rozsa Galleries, curated by Terri Frew, and Studio Here Now, curated by Anne Beffel. 

Michigan Tech Music brings its magnificent array of ensembles to the stage with a full series of events by the Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra, Michigan Tech Jazz, Michigan Tech Choirs, Superior Wind Symphony, Campus Concert Band, Huskies Pep Band and the annual sellout concerts: New Music in the Mine. 

Michigan Tech Theatre rounds out the season with a variety of theatrical experiences including plays, an interactive museum experience and their popular Haunted Smelter. 

Tickets for the 2023/24 season are on sale now. Get tickets online, in person at the Rozsa Box Office, or by calling 906-487-1906. Free Student Rush tickets for all Rozsa, Michigan Tech Music and Michigan Tech Theatre events are sponsored by the Experience Tech fee.

Single game tickets for fall 2023 Michigan Tech football are now on sale at the Student Development Center Central Ticket Office or online at BuyHuskiesTickets.com.

All home contests are slated for a 1 p.m. kickoff time. The Huskies will kick off the 2023 season hosting Hillsdale on Sept. 9. Conference play will start with a Homecoming matinee against Davenport on Sept. 30.

Tech Athletics is once again offering VIP 2-Pack ticket packages for the 2023 football season.

Read more and see ticket prices at the Michigan Tech Athletics website.

Job Postings for Wednesday, Aug. 23, 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.  

Manager of Budget and Financial Planning – IT, Budget and Planning. Apply online.

Custodian (12 months/ 40 hours/ first shift) #23227, Sports and Recreation (AFSCME posting dates Aug. 23 to Aug. 29, 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.

Custodian (nine months/ 40 hours/ first shift) #23228, Facilities Management (AFSCME posting dates Aug. 23 to Aug. 29, 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.

Food Service Helper (nine months/ 40 hours/ first shift) #23229, Dining Services (AFSCME posting dates Aug. 23 to Aug. 29, 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.

Director of TRIO Programs, Center for Education Outreach. Apply online.

Art Director, University Marketing and Communications. 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.

Alexandra Morrison (HU) and Adam Wellstead (SS) are co-authors of a paper published in Teaching Public Administration.

The paper is titled "Reclaiming public service ethics through algorithms: Implications for teaching and development."

Helen Dickinson of the School of Business, University of New South Wales- Canberra, Australia, is also a co-author of the paper.

In this multidisciplinary authored paper, Morrison, Wellstead and Dickinson argue that public service leaders must be attentive to ethical questions that converge around adopting “data-driven” techniques, including algorithmic decision-making. Algorithmic and technology focused ethics question assumptions about the current deficits within public service ethics pedagogy in public service programs and university programs and the future direction of the discipline. To do so raises longstanding but neglected questions about the public services’ role in the state.

Vinh Nguyen (ME-EM) was quoted by the Detroit News in a story about $335 million in earmarks to fund Michigan-based projects that are included in proposed Congressional legislation heading into September. Among them is a $2 million to launch a research center at MTU to develop winter weather standards for vehicles with self-driving capabilities.

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The Daily Mining Gazette published an article written by Erin Mauk ’23 (B.S. Wildlife Ecology and Conservation) and Sigrid Resh (CFRES) about the use of biocontrol beetles in the Keweenaw to reduce infestations of purple loosestrife, an invasive wetland plant.

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A picture featuring Karl Bosse (MTRI) accompanied a Michigan Radio story reviewing what scientists have learned from the many, many samples collected from Lake Erie in studies of the lake’s  toxic cyanobacterial blooms.

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Paul Sanders (MSE) and Cassy Tefft de Muñoz (CEO) were quoted by DBusiness Magazine in a story about the LIFT manufacturing research institute in Detroit. The story, included in the magazine’s July/August issue and posted online Aug. 18, highlighted Michigan Tech’s academic partnership with LIFT.

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The Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Mobility and Electrification Report mentioned Michigan Tech as one of six Fresh Coast Maritime Challenge grant recipients. MTU received $50,000 for a study on electric boat ranges, optimal distance between changing stations, charging times, and energy requirements and costs.

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Crain’s Detroit Business mentioned Michigan Tech in a story reviewing the ways students will benefit from Michigan’s 2024 higher education budget. The story listed MTU as a former participant in the Michigan Public School Employees' Retirement System.

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The Huskies Pep Band was mentioned by the Daily Mining Gazette and Keweenaw Report in stories about Pasty Fest 2023, held Aug. 19 in Calumet. (Black and Gold striped overalls were visible in a couple of the DMG’s photos, too!)

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The Daily Mining Gazette shared a few photos from Move-In Weekend at Michigan Tech.

CISR Sustainability and Resilience Social

Please join the Center for Innovation in Sustainability and Resilience (CISR, pronounced “scissor”) for a welcome social from 2:30-3:30 p.m. next Thursday (Aug. 31) in MUB Ballroom A1.

At this informal kickoff event, we will provide information on internal funding programs for research and curriculum development and discuss opportunities for collaboration this academic year. There will be light snacks and plenty of time for open discussion and mingling. Anyone interested in collaborative research around the topics of sustainability and resilience is welcome!

Check out the Sustainability Blog for more information on internal funding opportunities this year.

Reach out to Chelsea Schelly at cschelly@mtu.edu if you have any questions or want to be notified of future opportunities.

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Student Health Insurance Info Session

A representative from UnitedHealthcare (UHC), our student health insurance provider, will be on campus to give a presentation on the student health insurance plan and answer students' questions regarding health insurance.

The presentation will be today (Aug. 23) at 10:30 a.m. in Admin 404. Students can also join via Zoom, and a recording will be available for those who cannot attend.

Refreshments and snacks will be provided for those who attend in person. Please register for the UHC Health Insurance Forum if you plan on attending in person to ensure enough refreshments.

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Fall ICC Travel Grants for Faculty, Students

A reminder as we begin the fall 2023 semester — faculty within the Institute of Computing and Cybersystems (ICC) and their students can apply for travel grants. The application period for travel occurring during the fall semester ends Nov. 10.

Faculty Travel Grants can fund up to $1,000, while for Student Travel Grants that number is $750.

To apply for a travel grant, fill out the Faculty Travel Grant form or Student Travel Grant form and send it to icc-admin-l@mtu.edu. Any questions can also be directed to that email address as well.

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Library Orientation Event for New Students

The Van Pelt and Opie Library is here to help you succeed! At this event, librarians will share tips and tricks for getting the most out of the library's electronic and physical resources. After that, we'll tour the library so you can find your favorite study room, check out a GoPro, take a peek at the 3D printers, and learn where to get research help once the semester has started.

This event will take place in the library's East Reading Room. Enter the library through the main doors and walk straight ahead. Walk all the way down the central area — the East Reading Room will be to your left and signs will highlight the event.

Remaining Library New Student Orientation session:

• Friday, Aug. 25, from 2-3:15 p.m.
  Register to attend Friday's session.

For more information about the library's resources and services, visit our Ask Us page. For a virtual overview of the library's services, visit the Library Resources and Services for Grad Students Portal.

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Final Lean COP Summer Speaker: Tami Bradham

Today (Aug. 23) at 3 p.m.
Please join the Lean Community of Practice (Lean COP) via Zoom for the last of our Summer Speaker Series today (Aug. 23) at 3 p.m. Tami Bradham will be introducing the Problem Prioritization Matrix (PPM) tool to us all. You do not need to be a member of the Lean COP to attend this valuable training, but please register to be added to the meeting invitation! If you have any questions, please reach out to Linnea McGowan Hobmeier at lmhobmei@mtu.edu.

Finding the Lemons Worth the Squeeze: Problem Prioritization Matrix (PPM)
How do you know if the lemon is worth the squeeze? What do you do if you have lots of lemons that need to be squeezed? No problem! In this Lean COP Speaker Series presentation, an easy-to-use tool — the Problem Prioritization Matrix (PPM) — will be shared. Sometimes you need something simple to help make change happen.

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UMC Closing for Departmental Retreat

University Marketing and Communications (UMC) will be closed all day tomorrow (Aug. 24) for a departmental retreat. We will reopen Friday (Aug. 25) at 8 a.m.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

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

Undergraduate Fall Orientation 2023

Wednesday, August 23, 8 a.m. | Michigan Tech Campus

As a first-year student, you will participate in a week-long program as a member of a team of 15-25 students who share your area of study. In 2023, the first year orientation...

Student health insurance information session

Wednesday, August 23, 10:30–11:30 a.m. | Admin 404

A representative from UHC, our student health insurance provider, will be on campus to give a presentation on the student health insurance plan and answer students' questions...

Master's Defense: Vedant Rajeshkumar Buwa

Wednesday, August 23, 12:30 p.m.–2:00 p.m. | Chemical Sciences and Engineering Building, 212

Biological Sciences Co-advisors: Smitha Rao Hatti and Marina Tanasova Establishing the impact of GLUT5 targeting specific probes on cytotoxicity in cancer cells Attend...

Part of the Pack

Wednesday, August 23, 12:30 p.m.–2:00 p.m. | Memorial Union Building (MUB), Ballroom

Learn about campus academic and support services at CDI’s Part of the Pack event! Join us for a chance to win prizes and hear a keynote address from Jailynn Johnson, Class of...