September 13, 2023

As an undergraduate, Sophie Mehl '22 (B.S. Materials Science and Engineering) seized the opportunity to study abroad in Valencia, Spain, where she expanded her language skills and her taste for adventure.

Fresh off a four-month internship at SpaceX (her second summer there!) and as she begins her master's program in MSE, Mehl shares the preparation and experiences that made studying abroad successful and enjoyable.

Read the Q&A at Stories From Husky Nation.

The steam system will be shut off in the Chemical Sciences and Engineering Building on Friday (Sept. 15) between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. for work related to the new H-STEM Complex.

During the steam outage period, there will be no hot water or radiant heat in the building, and the steam autoclaves will not be operational.

Contact Facilities Management with any questions or concerns. We appreciate your patience and understanding as the construction work continues for the new H-STEM Complex.

There are three updates related to the 2023-24 tenure, promotion and reappointment (TPR) review process.

1. Signed Checklists Required
Beginning this year, a checklist signed by the faculty member undergoing review will be required as a section in the respective binder, with the exception of the binder titled "Review and/or Reappointment Recommendation File for Adjunct, Affiliated, & Research Faculty & Instructors." The checklists and binders can be found on HR's website under Promotion, Tenure and Review.

The checklist was created to ensure that faculty undergoing review see the teacher evaluation materials. Though only the numerical summary data is required as part of the section titled "Teaching Evaluation Summary," faculty have the option to include student comments. Instructions for running reports with or without student comments are available on each of the checklists.

Due to Adobe limitations, a digital signature may fall off when uploading the signed checklist to the binder. If this happens, faculty should have their unit assistant save the signed checklist in the respective Google folder with the faculty binder. It will be important for reviewers to see that the checklist has been signed.

For questions or concerns related to this process, please reach out to the Provost’s Office at provost@mtu.edu or 906-487-2440.

2. Deadlines for Those Undergoing a First-Year Review
Those undergoing a first-year review (TTF or ITF) should check with their unit assistant for a revised deadline that will be later in the semester. 2023-24 is the first-year TPR deadlines were moved to earlier in the fall semester, and an unintended consequence is that faculty in their first year of review will likely not have any information in their Faculty Activity Report (FAR), which is pulled from Digital Measures (DM). The later deadline will allow first-year faculty DM accounts to be populated, whether through manual entries or automatic uploads.

3. Sponsored Programs Activity in Digital Measures
As Michigan Tech is transitioning from TechTracS to Cayuse, some DM users may notice that recent Sponsored Research records, starting on July 1, 2023, are not appearing in their DM accounts. There has been a temporary suspension of the staging of these records to DM as Information Technology (IT) completes the processes required to resume staging to DM from Cayuse. It is expected that this will be complete no later than the end of October, at which time all missing records will be staged. Meanwhile, DM users should be aware of this as they are reviewing their records, submitting reports or using reporting data from DM.

• If you were scheduled for an interim, major, tenure/promotion or instructional-track review or promotion, and you have missing records, the University’s DM administrator will be in touch with you. The DM admin has been provided with a list of faculty who have submitted proposals or received awards between July 1 and today, and will receive another list Sept. 20.
• If you are a DM user who has missing Sponsored Research records and you do not have any reporting due in the near future, you can simply wait until the transition is complete, then review your records for accuracy and completion after October.
• If you are a DM user who is required to submit reporting that is not part of an interim, major, tenure/promotion or instructional-track review or promotion in the near future and you are missing Sponsored Research records, please contact the DM admin.
• If you are a DM user who reviews DM data via reporting, be aware that very recent Sponsored Research records will be incomplete for some users until the staging resumes. For FAR reviewers, be on the lookout for manually entered records that will appear in the “As Reported by Researcher” section of the FAR.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the DM admin at 7-2135 or dm-admin@mtu.edu.

Upon IT’s completion of staging, another announcement will be made.

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.

As CareerFEST continues, we are welcoming several companies from area around Grand Haven, Michigan, as well as the following employers:

• Caterpillar
• DLZ Corporation
• Kimberly-Clark
• U.S. Marine Corps — Officer Programs
• Orb Aerospace Inc.
• Precision Planting
• Road Commission for Oakland County
• Schneider
• SME

ADVANCE is seeking interested faculty and staff to join Advocates and Allies, a program that consists of two groups:

• Advocates Team — A group of faculty and staff men who work to improve the campus culture and work environment at MTU for women and underrepresented groups. The group meets about once a month and members take on projects and/or tasks they are interested in based on their available time.

• Advocates & Allies Advisory Board (A3B) — A group of underrepresented individuals on the basis of gender, ethnicity, race, disability status, sexuality, etc., who work with the ADVANCE team to guide and advise the Advocates Team.

When advocating for policies and practices, the goal is that the A3B and Advocates will work closely together with the belief that well-intentioned ideas translate into policies and practices that most effectively achieve the goals of equity.

More details on the goals of the Advocates and Allies program are available with the A3B and Advocates Team Interest Form.

The application deadline is next Thursday (Sept. 21).

The first meeting of the Café Français, a biweekly French conversation hour organized by the Department of Humanities at Michigan Tech, will take place tomorrow (Sept. 14) in Walker 120C, the Humanities Digital Media Zone, from 5-6 p.m.

We will begin by introducing ourselves to one another briefly, then discuss current events in the Francophone world (the earthquake in Morocco) and screen part of Franco-Moroccan comedian Gad Elmaleh's 2017 stand-up special "Gad Gone Wild."

This will be a great opportunity for students and other Francophiles to come together to practice speaking in French, get to know one another, and laugh (in French).

Students enrolled in French classes at Tech may receive extra credit for attending — please check with your instructor.

Au plaisir de vous voir jeudi!

The next Department of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics (ME-EM) Graduate Seminar speaker will present at 4 p.m. tomorrow (Sept. 14) in MEEM 112.

John Ringwood will present "Control Co-Design for Wave Energy Systems."

Ringwood's research interests are in control systems, ocean and renewable energy, and biomedical engineering.

Join us tomorrow (Sept. 14) from 12-1 p.m. in Admin 404 for free food and information about upcoming events and programs hosted by Husky Innovate.

There will be a short presentation followed by a Q&A session.

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) is hosting a  seminar presented by Amberlee Haselhuhn, director for materials and ICME at LIFT, at 1 p.m. tomorrow (Sept. 14) in M&M 610.

Haselhuhn's presentation is titled "Digital Transformations: The Evolving State of Materials Manufacturing."

From the abstract:
Material innovations have been fundamental to the advancement of human civilization, enabling everything from weapons and armor to art, building structures, medical equipment, and computers. Through experiment or by chance through much of history, materials and processes were developed using trial and error approaches. This “historical” approach is still widely in use from academic and industrial research labs into manufacturing production; however, significant advances in computing technology are driving anew paradigm. Economical parallel computing power and advanced experimental capabilities have improved our phenomenological understanding down to the atomic level and supported subsequent validation of highly specific models. Materials scientists now have tools at their disposal that enable multi-scale modeling of materials and processes to virtually design and manufacture materials. These tools make up a new approach known as integrated computational materials engineering (ICME) which has demonstrated reductions in product development time and costs, improved product quality, and increased manufacturing efficiency. Despite the benefits, a field steeped in tradition is reluctant to adapt to the new era. The reasons for this reluctance will be discussed and technology case studies will be presented that highlight materials manufacturing approaches leveraging trial and error versus ICME. Modern challenges drive the need for new materials and new ways of making them. As key players in the digital age of materials, materials scientists and engineers must have the ability to demonstrate career flexibility and continual growth. The development of this growth mindset will also be discussed, using a Tech graduate’s career path as an example.

Speaker bio:
Haselhuhn leads work focused on driving national manufacturing strategy and material innovations for demanding environments, including armor, hypersonics and munitions. Her work involves the development of manufacturing-relevant automated computational workflows and ICME toolsets with experiments to enable accelerated development of new materials and processing methods.

Prior to this, Haselhuhn was a senior researcher at General Motors Global R&D Center, where she developed solutions to eliminate manufacturing constraints associated with welding and joining of new materials and material combinations for body in white structures, including direct aluminum to steel welding. Through this work, Haselhuhn has 10 granted U.S. patents, four pending U.S. patents and two recognized trade secrets.

She has bachelor’s degrees in both materials science and biomedical engineering and a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from Michigan Technological University.

Job Postings for Wednesday, Sept. 13, 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.

Project Manager: Essential Education Implementation, Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education. Apply online.
Contact: Marika Seigel

Assistant Professor, Applied Computing. 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.

Aleksandr Sergeyev (AC) is the principal investigator (PI) on a project that has received a $999,930 research and development grant from the National Science Foundation.

The project is titled "Beginnings Track: Experiential Learning for the Mechatronics Workforce in the Upper Peninsula and Northern Michigan."

Vinh Nguyen (ME-EM), Scott Kuhl (CS), David Labyak (MMET) and Paniz Hazaveh (AC) are co-PIs on this potential three-year project.

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Chunxiu Yu (BioMed/HRI) is the PI on a project that has received a $469,500 research and development grant from the National Institutes of Health.

The project is titled "Dissecting Neural Circuit Mechanisms Underlying Pallidal Deep Brain Stimulation."

Jeremy Goldman (BioMed/HRI) is a co-PI on this potential three-year project.

Beth Fitzpatrick (ADM) was quoted by the Daily Mining Gazette in a story about Michigan Tech’s fall 2023 enrollment statistics. Highlights included more first-year students coming from outside Michigan and women representing 30% of Tech students for the first time ever. MTU’s fall 2023 enrollment was also covered by the Keweenaw Report. The numbers were announced last week by Michigan Tech News.

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Design World and MakePartsFast mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about how 3D printing is driving advances in hypersonic aerospace systems. The story noted that undergraduate teams at MTU are working on hypersonics-applicable sponsored research as part of an initiative of the LIFT manufacturing research institute in Detroit.

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Phys.org mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about a study published Aug. 31 on the pre-print server arXiv investigating the mysterious ultra-high energy gamma-ray source known as LHAASO J2108+5157.

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DBusiness mentioned Michigan Tech’s inclusion among the top 100 schools on the Wall Street Journal’s recently released Best U.S. Colleges 2024 ranking list. Among public schools, Michigan Tech ranked first in Michigan — and second in the nation — for salary impact, or how much a college boosts salaries earned by students after graduation.

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The Keweenaw Report ran a story previewing the 9/11 remembrance service held on Michigan Tech’s campus Monday (Sept. 11) by Yoopers for Ukraine.

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The Daily Mining Gazette covered Michigan Tech cross country’s Tucker Ringhand and Hannah Loughlin being named GLIAC Players of the Week.

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The Sporting Tribune profiled Michigan Tech hockey’s Kyle Kukkonen in a story about top forward prospects for the Anaheim Ducks.

MSGC Funding Opportunities

The Michigan Space Grant Consortium (MSGC) is funding a variety of requests, including undergraduate and graduate fellowships, research seed grants, public outreach, teacher training and pre-college education.

Check out the Institute of Computing and Cybersystems Blog for more information on these categories — including deadlines.

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Mobile Vaccine Clinic and Autism Awareness Training

Today (Sept. 13), the Autism Alliance of Michigan and Wayne State University will be on Michigan Tech’s campus promoting autism awareness training and a free vaccine clinic.

Vaccine Clinic
The vaccine clinic will take place on the sidewalk right outside of the Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI) between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Autism Awareness
The Autism 101 training will be offered in the Dow Environmental Sciences and Engineering Building at noon in Dow 641 and then again at 7 p.m. in Dow 642.

Questions? Please reach out to Belinda Lee at the Autism Alliance of Michigan at belinda.lee@aaomi.org.

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Register for Showcase [AI]

Showcase [AI] is already right around the corner, so this is a reminder to register for the events that you wish to attend using the registration form.

Because of an updated MTU catering policy, if you plan to attend the Women in IT and Tech panel or Tom Kelly’s keynote speech, you must register for these events by today (Sept. 13) to be guaranteed lunch.

Showcase [AI] is being presented by the College of Computing and the Institute of Computing and Cybersystems on Oct. 4-6 at Michigan Tech.

See the whole event schedule and register at the Showcase [AI] website.

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Attend MTU's Fall Study Away Fair

Stop by the Fall Study Away Fair to learn more about the various study away opportunities available to MTU students!

• When: Thursday, Sept. 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Where: Between the Library and EERC

We will have representatives and resources available from several different study away program types and international education opportunities.

Attending the Fall Study Away Fair is a great way to gain an initial understanding of:

• Spring break and summer faculty-led programs
• Semester exchange university partnerships
• European Project Semester partnerships
• Summer and semester programs (study, intern, research and service work) available through our partner study abroad organizations
• Study abroad scholarship opportunities
• Modern Language and Global Business minors
• Peace Corps Prep Certificate
• And more!

After the fair, be sure to visit our webpage to learn more and schedule an appointment to discuss how you can get started!

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Human Resources Office Closure

The Human Resources office will be closed today (Sept. 13) from 3:30-5 p.m. for a departmental meeting. Regular hours will resume tomorrow (Sept. 14).

Questions during this time can be routed to humanresources@mtu.edu.

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Vote for Orbion's Aurora Plasma Thruster as the Coolest Thing Made in Michigan

The race is on to determine the coolest Michigan-made product, and the College of Engineering needs your help. Vote for Orbion's Aurora Plasma Thruster as the Coolest Thing Made in Michigan. The voting is currently in its second round with only 10 finalists remaining — this week's votes will determine the Top 3 and overall winner. Vote daily now through Friday (Sept. 15)!

Orbion Space Technology was founded in 2016 by Professor Brad King (ME-EM). Orbion is one of the brightest stars in a newly imagined space economy where small satellites are huge game changers. The company was conceived right here at Michigan Tech.

Orbion's Aurora Plasma Thruster is a xenon plasma thruster that is used by satellites to maneuver in space. Aurora uses electromagnetic forces to expel ionized xenon and create gentle yet efficient force. Orbion's Houghton factory builds Aurora systems and provides them to customers throughout the solar system.

The Coolest Thing Made in Michigan is an annual people's choice award presented by the Michigan Manufacturers Association. Hemlock Semiconductor and Stormy Kromer were previous winners, both with ties to Tech. Orbion deserves the honor, too. Please help us spread the word — and, once again, please vote once each day through Friday!

King is the Richard and Elizabeth Henes Endowed Professor (Space Systems) at Michigan Tech. He is the founder and faculty advisor of Tech’s Aerospace Enterprise, empowering teams of students to design, build and fly spacecraft.

The Coolest Thing winner will be announced live during the 2023 Manufacturing Excellence Awards on Nov. 9.

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

Export Controls and Foreign National Restrictions - Education Session

Wednesday, September 13, 12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m. | Memorial Union Building (MUB), Ballroom A1

The Office of the Vice President for Research will host an educational session, "Review of Export Controls and Foreign National Restrictions," from noon to 1:30 p.m. on...

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Mobile Vaccine Clinic

Wednesday, September 13, 1 p.m.–7 p.m. | Center for Diversity & Inclusion (Sidewalk Space Outside)

Wayne State will have a traveling vaccine clinic (a van) that offers FREE vaccines for the community. No need to register - just show up! The van will be located on the...

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Slide To The Left: Whiteness and Labor Discussion

Wednesday, September 13, 1 p.m.–2 p.m. | DHH Lawn

The third installment in the 'Whiteness and White Supremacy Culture Discussion' series. Today's discussion aims to relate Whiteness with class structures and one's relation...

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Submission and Formatting 101: Master the Dissertation, Thesis, and Report Process

Wednesday, September 13, 2 p.m. | Administration and Student Services Building, 404

Students who are completing a dissertation, thesis, or report are invited to join the Graduate School to learn about the resources available to them to assist in scheduling...

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Homecoming Court Info Meeting & Registration

Wednesday, September 13, 3 p.m.–4 p.m. | MUB Alumni Lounge C, 107C

Join Student Leadership and Involvement and Tech Traditions Committee for a Homecoming Court Info meeting and to register your spot for the Homecoming Court. Details on the...

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Resume Review with Recruiters

Wednesday, September 13, 3 p.m.–5 p.m. | Administration and Student Services Building, 220 Career Services

Get feedback from industry professionals on your resume in preparation for Career Fair.

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Stammtisch German conversation hour

Wednesday, September 13, 4:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m. | Walker 120C, Walker 120C in the HDMZ

Please join us for conversation, games, snacks and more! Everyone is welcome.

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Race Practice

Wednesday, September 13, 5 p.m.–8 p.m. | East Houghton Waterfront Park

Race practices are pretty casual. We set a few marks in the portage and have a few races on Monday and Wednesday nights. Anyone is welcome to attend, regardless of sailing...

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Students For Life General Meeting

Wednesday, September 13, 5 p.m.–6 p.m. | Fisher 133

Students For Life General Meeting

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Slide To The Left: 'The Wobblies' Movie Showing

Wednesday, September 13, 6 p.m.–8 p.m. | Fisher 135

Founded in Chicago in 1905, the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) took to organizing unskilled workers into one big union and changed the course of American history. This...

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Theme Park Engineering Group General Meeting

Wednesday, September 13, 6 p.m.–7 p.m. | Fisher 127

Come join us for our first general meeting of the year! We will be talking about themed entertainment industry news involving interesting reveals at D23, TPEG organizational...

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Slide To The Left: Systemic Alternatives Panel Discussion

Wednesday, September 13, 7:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m. | M&M U115

In many ways our political era begins with Margaret Thatcher's famous slogan "there is no alternative". She was referring to what she saw as the victory of free market...

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USG Weekly Meeting

Wednesday, September 13, 7 p.m.–9 p.m. | MUB Alumni Lounge

This meeting includes weekly updates from all representatives, liaison positions, and committees. Official business carried out by USG is conducted throughout old and new...