November 8, 2023

This semester has seen several areas of construction activity on campus. Facilities Management would like to provide an update, as several of these projects are nearing completion.

H-STEM Complex
This project is on track to have construction completed in December. That means the next couple of months will be a busy time with lots of the final details taking place, including:

• Exterior sidewalks and final grading will be finished around the middle of November.
• The final section of curtain wall glass on the building exterior will be completed over the next few weeks.
• Interior painting is occurring on all floors of the building, along with installation of flooring and ceilings.
• Final plumbing and electrical work is being completed.
• Doors are being installed.

Installation of furniture, testing of the HVAC and electrical systems, and installation of audio visual systems will all take place in January. Building occupancy will begin in February.

Alumni Way West Gateway
The majority of the work is completed, with the exception of the actual columns, arch and brick pavers. The metal arch is nearing completion and will be installed sometime around this weekend (estimation Nov. 10-13). We are waiting for the cast stone/limestone to arrive within the next two weeks; thus, the remainder of the stonework should be completed by the end of November.

To assist with pedestrian traffic flow, part of the new sidewalk is open. Please remember to be alert and use caution when walking around and near construction sites. We hope to have the entire walkway open in early December.

The Commencement Team is still seeking volunteers for the 2023 Midyear Commencement ceremony.

Midyear Commencement will be held Dec. 16 at 10:30 a.m. in the SDC Varsity Gym. We need volunteers to help with pre-ceremony setup, serve as greeters and ushers, coordinate graduate check-in, and assist guests with special seating accommodations. More information regarding the ceremony can be found on the Commencement website.

Please sign up by Dec. 6 if you would like to volunteer. Contact Anna McClatchy at ajmcclat@mtu.edu if you have any questions.

This special event cannot happen without the help of our amazing Michigan Tech community!

Michigan Tech’s Department of Public Safety and Police Services, in collaboration with the Louisiana State University National Center for Biomedical Research and Training/Academy of Counter-Terrorist Education (LSU NCBRT/ACE), will be hosting two “Surviving an Active Threat: Run. Hide. Fight.” training courses for campus participants next week on Tuesday (Nov. 14) and Wednesday (Nov. 15).

A five-minute summary of the training is available on YouTube. (Content warning: The video starts with a simulated gunshot and shouting.)

This course aims to train nontraditional first responders, including civilian employees, students, faculty, staff and any other individuals, who live, work or visit any location where an active threat incident may occur.

The course focuses on the various components of the Run. Hide. Fight. response paradigm, which is widely accepted and taught as one of the primary response paradigms regarding active threat incidents. Participants will learn about ways the Run. Hide. Fight. response paradigm can be applied in any active threat incident, regardless of the location or other factors involved.

Some Seats Still Available
The first session on Tuesday is full. There are a limited number of seats remaining for the second session on Wednesday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Faculty and staff are encouraged to register for the Wednesday session as soon as possible, as we are close to our capacity limit. You do not need any prior experience to register for this training.

To register for the training, please visit the LSU/NCBRT website. The access code is PER375. If you have any questions about the registration process or about the course itself, please email Reid DeVoge at rdevoge@mtu.edu.

Michigan Tech is collaborating with the Western Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Region (WUPPDR) on a project bringing fresh, locally grown foods to area students over the next two years.

According to a WUPPDR press release, the Western U.P. Farm to School Project has partnered with the Copper Country Intermediate School District and the Gogebic-Ontonagon Intermediate School District. It includes professional development for teachers, the creation of a whole school readiness assessment, school garden mini-grants, community art events, planning/funding for sustainable long-term farm-to-school infrastructure and the creation of two new positions to support the institutionalization of Farm to School at the local level.

“Our program gives food service directors and farmers free resources and supports the integration of local food in our schools. It also allows us the opportunity to invest in our values, which keeps money in the local economy. The benefits of farm to school aren't concentrated in just one area, they are widespread throughout the community,” said Madelina DiLisi, Farm to School educational consultant.

An earlier phase of the project helped local farms begin sales to Houghton and Hancock schools through the 10 Cents a Meal program, a state-funded program giving a match incentive for schools to serve Michigan-grown produce to students.

“My favorite part of Farm to School is that kids are able to access and eat fresh, healthy foods from local growers," said Ashley TenHarmsel of North Harvest CSA farm, located just a mile from Calumet-Laurium-Keweenaw Schools. “This program will allow many of the children to try foods they’ve never had before. Connecting the kids with this program at a young age will hopefully grow their interest in gardening, healthy eating and the local food systems community. I’m also excited to see partnerships between local schools and farms grow. From hosting teaching gardens to bringing classes out to learn on the farm, there are so many ways that this program can grow.”

The Western U.P. Farm to School project is funded by the Michigan Health Endowment Fund. Along with WUPPDR and Michigan Tech, community partners include the Michigan State University Extension, Lake Superior Stewardship Initiative, Upper Peninsula Food Exchange, Ryan St. Community Garden, Pewabic St. Community Garden and Calumet Community Garden, as well as local farmers, food producers and community members.

If you have any questions about this project, please contact WUPPDR Regional Planner Rachael Pressley at rpressley@wuppdr.org.

A production system maintenance window will take place Nov. 19 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The following production services will be unavailable during that time:

• Banner
• Banweb
• MyMichiganTech
• ASPIRE
• Course Tools
• OAP Rental System
• Oracle Reports
• UC4/Appworx
• Virtual Cashiering
• WebFocus

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

Menu for Thursday (Nov. 9):

• Jerk Chicken Breast with Pineapple Salsa (Avoiding Gluten and Dairy)
• Coconut Ceviche (Avoiding Gluten and Dairy, Vegetarian)
• Spanish Rice (Avoiding Gluten and Dairy)
• Garden Salad
• Cuban Black Beans (Avoiding Gluten and Dairy)
• Tortillas (Contain Gluten)

Join Carved and Crafted Catering at Michigan Tech for this week's C-Cubed Luncheon tomorrow 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 C-Cubed, or C3, lunch buffet menus are created and prepared by chef Luis Delgado 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 and cookies are available free to all attendees.

The buffet lunch is $15 per person. Cash, credit cards and gift cards are accepted. Gift cards can be purchased in the Memorial Union Office (MUB 101).

The Graduate School announces the recipients of the Dean’s Award for Outstanding Scholarship and the Outstanding Graduate Student Teaching Award for the fall 2023 semester. Congratulations to all recipients.

Dean’s Award for Outstanding Scholarship
The following recipients of the Dean’s Award for Outstanding Scholarship have demonstrated academic or professional qualities that set them apart within their academic program.

• Susan Mathai — Physics
• Melanie Ottino — College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science
• Ponkrshnan Thiagarajan — Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics
• Andrew Kleehammer — College of Business
• Chen Zhao — Applied Computing
• Cheng Fan — Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Elise Rosky — Physics
• Nikhil Mittal — Biomedical Engineering
• Shruti Amre — Cognitive and Learning Sciences
• Swapnil Bamane — Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics
• Ian Gannon — Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences

Outstanding Graduate Student Teaching Award
The following recipients of the Outstanding Graduate Student Teaching Award are recognized for their excellence in teaching. 

• Allyson Fenton — Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering
• Ashvin Vinodh — Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics
• Ben Jewell — Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics
• Brilynn Janckila — Humanities
• Dakota Locklear — Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences
• Devrim Yagmur Durur — Chemistry
• Emma Shedd — College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science
• Jenna Disser — Biological Sciences
• Kan Wang — Biomedical Engineering
• Lily Hart — Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology
• Meiling Zhou — Mathematical Sciences
• Muhammad Danyal — Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Rishi Babu — Physics
• Samikhshak Gupta — Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics
• Tyler Fabian — Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics
• Tyler White — Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics
• Varsha Vijay Kumar — Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Victoria Walters — Applied Computing

For details about each award, view our Awards and Honors page.

Ph.D. student Soheil Sepahyar (computer science) will present his final oral examination, aka defense, next Wednesday (Nov. 15) at 1 p.m. in Rekhi 101 and via Zoom webinar.

The title of Sepahyar’s defense is “The Impact of Pre-Experiment Walking on Distance Perception in VR.”

Sepahyar’s doctoral advisor is Associate Professor Scott Kuhl (CS).

Join the Zoom webinar.

Read the defense abstract on the Computing News Blog.

Please join us for the next Department of Mathematical Sciences (Math) Seminar, taking place on Friday (Nov. 10) in Fisher 327B.

Our special guest speaker will be Andrew Sills, professor of mathematics at Georgia Southern University.

The presentation is titled "Q-Analogs and Polynomial Generalizations of Series-To-Infinite Product Identities."

The next Department of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics (ME-EM) Graduate Seminar speaker will present at 4 p.m. tomorrow (Nov. 9) in MEEM 112.

Je-Heon Han will present “Non-destructive Evaluation in Thin Structures and Mechanical System Design & Development with CAE.”

Han's primary research interests focus on acoustic vibration analysis and nondestructive evaluation of mechanical systems.

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) is hosting a seminar presented by Ph.D. candidate Yuhuan Fei tomorrow (Nov. 9) from 1-1:25 p.m. in M&M 610.

Fei's presentation is titled "In situ observation of electron-beam-induced NaH decomposition in graphene nanoreactors by transmission electron microscopy."

From the abstract:
Sodium hydride (NaH) is a potential hydrogen storage material. However, it can be easily oxidized by oxygen and water and requires particular conservation conditions. In this seminar, we will demonstrate the synthesis of NaH-embedded graphene via our discovered reaction between NaH and CO. This novel material contains rich graphene nanobubbles with the size of ∼50 nm, which perform as nanocontainers to accommodate NaH nanocrystals and prevent them from oxidation in air. Furthermore, NaH in graphene nanobubbles allowed us to observe the electron-beam-induced decomposition of graphene-covered NaH nanoparticles for the first time. These findings provide a new approach for the development of hydrogen storage materials.

Speaker bio:
Fei started her doctorate program in materials science and engineering at Michigan Tech under the supervision of Professor Yun Hang Hu, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Michigan Technological University, in 2018. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in environmental science and engineering at Shanghai Jiao Tong University in 2015 and 2018. Her research focuses on synthesis, characterization and applications of graphene materials.

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) is hosting a seminar presented by Ph.D. candidate Siyuan Fang tomorrow (Nov. 9) from 1:25-1:45 p.m. in M&M 610.

Fang's presentation is titled "Turning dead leaves into an active multifunctional material as evaporator, photocatalyst, and bioplastic."

From the abstract:
Large numbers of leaves fall on the earth each autumn. The current treatments of dead leaves mainly involve completely destroying the biocomponents, which causes considerable energy consumption and environmental issues. It remains a challenge to convert waste leaves into useful materials without breaking down their biocomponents. Here, we turn red maple dead leaves into an active three-component multifunctional material by exploiting the role of whewellite biomineral for binding lignin and cellulose. Owing to its intense optical absorption spanning the full solar spectrum and the heterogeneous architecture for effective charge separation, films of this material show high performance in solar water evaporation, photocatalytic hydrogen production, and photocatalytic degradation of antibiotics. Furthermore, it also acts as a bioplastic with high mechanical strength, high-temperature tolerance, and biodegradable features. These findings pave the way for the efficient utilization of waste biomass and innovations of advanced materials.

Speaker bio:
Siyuan Fang is a Ph.D. student under the supervision of Professor Yun Hang Hu, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Michigan Technological University. She received her bachelor's degree in environmental science and engineering from Shanghai Jiao Tong University in 2019. Her research interests include waste biomass valorization, thermo-photo catalysis and carbon materials.

The next guest speaker in the Department of Biomedical Engineering (BioMed) Seminar Series will present Friday (Nov. 10) at 4 p.m. in person in M&M 610 and virtually via Zoom.

Daniel Gallego-Perez from the Ohio State University will present "Cell- and tissue nanotransfection-driven therapies."

Read the abstract and speaker bio at the University Events Calendar.

Michigan Tech hockey's Isaac Gordon and Chase Pietila have been named CCHA Players of the Week.

Gordon is the CCHA Rookie of the Week. He scored four goals in the Huskies' nonconference sweep of Augustana over the weekend. He netted a hat trick in the 6-4 victory Friday (Nov. 3) while adding an assist, and then opened the scoring in a 4-3 overtime win on Saturday (Nov. 4).

Pietila is the CCHA Defenseman of the Week. He tallied three assists in Saturday's game — all three were primary assists on Ryland Mosley's goals. The duo connected on a pair of third-period game-tying goals, and then the overtime game-winner.

Read more at Michigan Tech Athletics.

Michigan Tech football running back William Marano has been selected GLIAC Offensive Player of the Week. The honor is Marano's first of the season.

Marano had a season-high 23 carries for 133 yards rushing and one touchdown in the Huskies’ 37-3 win against NSIC foe Minot State on Saturday (Nov. 4). He averaged 5.8 yards per carry with a long of 25. He also had 20 yards off of three receptions.

Read more at Michigan Tech Athletics.

Michigan Tech volleyball outside hitter Meg Raabe has been named the GLIAC Offensive Player of the Week.

Raabe led the Huskies' offense in a busy week where Tech went 2-1. She totaled 65 kills, averaging five per set, while hitting .321. In the Huskies' two wins, she averaged 6.3 kills per set and hit .342 while adding 16 digs (2 d/s) and six blocks. She scored 55 points on the weekend, averaging 6.9 per set.

Raabe racked up a career-high 32 kills in MTU's five-set win over Wayne State on Saturday (Nov. 4) while adding 11 digs for a double-double. She answered the next day with 18 kills while hitting .375 in a sweep of Saginaw Valley State.

Read more at Michigan Tech Athletics.

The Michigan Tech soccer team fell 2-1 to Wisconsin-Parkside in the GLIAC quarterfinals at Kearly Stadium on Monday (Nov. 6).

The Huskies scored in the 20th minute off a free kick by Seulgi Lee to take a 1-0 lead before Parkside netted two goals in the final five minutes of regulation.

"It was a tough loss," head coach Turk Ozturk said. "I am incredibly proud of my team. I thought we played well in the first half, but we needed a second goal and we couldn't get it."

Michigan Tech (8-4-7, 7-2-5 GLIAC) was ranked seventh in the most recent NCAA Division II Midwest Regional Rankings and will await the announcement of NCAA qualifiers to see if their season continues.

Read more at Michigan Tech Athletics.

Job Posting for Wednesday, Nov. 8, 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.

Research Integrity and Development Coordinator, Associate Vice President for Research Development. Apply online.
Contact: Kathy Halvorsen

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.

Robert Schneider (Math) was interviewed by the Daily Mining Gazette in a story exploring his connection to the documentary “The Elephant 6 Recording Co.,” which screened Friday (Nov. 3) at the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts during the 41 North Film Festival. Schneider was one of the co-founders of the indie rock music collective. The story was picked up by the Mining Journal.

*****

Erin Smith (HU) was quoted by WLUC TV6 in another story about 41 North. The annual film festival was held at Michigan Tech last week from Thursday to Sunday (Nov. 2-5).

*****

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation described Michigan Tech as “a leading institution in semiconductor research” and noted the University’s work with Calumet Electronics in a story highlighting Calumet as a prime example of the state’s Make It in Michigan economic strategy.

*****

The Mining Journal picked up the Michigan Tech Indian Students Association’s announcement of the upcoming Diwali Night this Saturday (Nov. 11) at the Memorial Union Building and the Rozsa Center.

*****

The Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts was mentioned by WLUC TV6 as a recipient of a Michigan Arts and Culture Council (MACC) grant to U.P. arts and cultural organizations and individuals for the 2023 fiscal year.

*****

WNMU-FM covered the Higher Learning Commission’s approval of Michigan Tech’s new bachelor’s degree in nursing.

*****

The Edvocate published a list of “10 Reasons to Attend Michigan Technological University.”

*****

The Daily Mining Gazette, WJMN Local 3 and BVM Sports covered Michigan Tech football running back William Marano being named GLIAC Offensive Player of the Week.

*****

The Daily Mining Gazette covered Michigan Tech hockey’s Isaac Gordon and Chase Pietila being named CCHA Players of the Week.

*****

Building Design+Construction included Robyn Niss ’06 (B.S. Civil Engineering) among their 40 Under 40 Class of 2023. Niss is the vice president of engineering firm Kimley-Horn of Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Nominations Open for 2023 Staff Making a Difference Awards

Staff Council invites the campus community to submit nominations for the 2023 Making a Difference Awards.

The Making a Difference Awards Ceremony will be held on Jan. 9 from 2-3:30 p.m. in the Memorial Union Building Ballroom. Nominations are now open and regular full-time and part-time staff are eligible. All faculty and staff are invited to submit a nomination of a deserving colleague or write a letter in support of a nomination.

The categories are:

• Innovation Award
• Behind the Scenes
• Legacy Award
• Outstanding Leader
• Rookie Award
• Serving Others
• Unsung Hero

Award recipients will receive $500, after taxes. Past recipients are not eligible again until five years after their award year.

Please follow these steps:

1. Review the award criteria.
2. Create your nomination letter.
3. Collect your letters of support (no more than three one-page letters).
4. Complete the nomination form.

Please note that you will need to be prepared to upload your nomination letter and letters of support as one PDF file in the nomination form before exiting it. Otherwise it will be lost, as the system will not automatically save it.

For more information and to find the nomination form, please go to Staff Council's Making a Difference Staff Awards webpage. Nominations will be accepted until 5 p.m. next Wednesday (Nov. 15).

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

MATLAB Workshop

Wednesday, November 8, 2 p.m.–4 p.m. | Online

Free MATLAB Workshop! Women in Physics is hosting a MATLAB workshop that is available to anyone who is interested. It is a 7 week course that will begin with the basic...

Study Away and Abroad Application Workshop

Wednesday, November 8, 4 p.m.–5 p.m. | Wadsworth Hall, Cherry Room

Still working on finalizing your study away and abroad application? Be sure to attend our application workshop! This workshop is for anyone actively applying to Spring or...

Stammtisch German conversation hour

Wednesday, November 8, 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.

March For Life

Wednesday, November 8, 5 p.m.–7 p.m. | Rozsa

This will be a very peaceful march leaving the Rozsa at 5pm and marching to the Life Outreach Center in Hancock. Contact sflife@mtu.edu with questions

Students For Life General Meeting

Wednesday, November 8, 5 p.m.–6 p.m. | Fisher 133

Students For Life General Meeting

Celebrating Our Veterans

Wednesday, November 8, 6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m. | Fisher 138

Come and celebrate our veterans during Freedom Week in Fisher 138 at 6:30 p.m. on November 8th. Hear some of our veterans share their experiences. Last year's event was...

USG Weekly Meeting

Wednesday, November 8, 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...