November 15, 2023

The Husky Emergency Assistance Fund was established to help members of our campus community who are experiencing financial hardship. All current students, faculty and staff who have incurred emergency-related expenses and can demonstrate need are welcome to apply. The fund is supported by the generous donations of Michigan Tech alumni and friends.

To complete an application for financial assistance or donate to the fund, visit the Husky Emergency Assistance Fund website, email heaf@mtu.edu or call 906-487-1567.

The Registrar's Office is again participating in the annual Toys for Tots Campaign.

While you are out shopping for the holidays, consider purchasing a toy that will benefit a local child. Donations will be accepted until 5 p.m. Dec. 15.

The program will accept new, unwrapped items for children up to age 16. The donation box is located on the first floor of the Administration Building, across from the elevators. If you have any questions about the program, contact Rodney Loonsfoot at 906-201-0064 or visit the Toys for Tots website.

Save the Date: Career Services is hosting an on-campus jobs expo on Jan. 16, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Alumni Lounge in the MUB. Students are encouraged to come check out the job opportunities available right here on campus. Many departments will be represented.

On-campus jobs provide opportunities for Michigan Tech students. A part-time job offers income to students who need it and is an important co-curricular opportunity. As a co-curricular opportunity, on-campus work can lead to internships and co-ops, opening the door to full-time offers immediately after graduation. It can also help a student establish a strong foundation for research that leads to enhanced graduate school opportunities.

If your department has not signed up and would like to attend, please contact Career Services at careerfair@mtu.edu. It may not be too late.

Below are the adjusted deadlines for the pay period of Dec. 10 through Dec. 23 (Bi-Weekly 26).

All web time approvers must have a designated proxy set up.

• Status Forms and EPAF Submissions — due Friday, Dec. 8, at noon
• Deduction Forms — due Friday, Dec. 8, at noon
• Electronic Time Submission — due Monday, Dec. 18, at noon
• Web Time Entry Approval — due Monday, Dec. 18, at 2 p.m.

Seasonal Day Time Reporting Instructions:
Both hourly and exempt employees should use Earn Code 320 “Seasonal Day” for Dec. 27, 28 and 29 when completing their timesheets for the pay period of Dec. 24 to Jan. 6 (Bi-Weekly 01, 2024). This earn code will become available for use within the time reporting systems for Bi-Weekly 01. Employees who are using equal time off at a later date should also report those hours under the Earn Code 320.

Important Notes:

• There will not be an off-cycle or reallocation batch the week of Dec. 18 due to the holiday processing schedule for Bi-Weekly 26. Payday for Bi-Weekly 26 will remain Dec. 29. Also, there will not be an off-cycle or reallocation batch the week of Jan. 1, 2024, due to the New Year’s holidays.
• Status Forms and EPAF Submissions for Bi-Weekly 01 will be due Dec. 26.
• Regular payroll processing schedules will resume when we return to campus on Jan. 3, 2024.

The MLK Planning Committee is excited to announce the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration at Michigan Technological University! As part of this celebration, we will be hosting the banquet on Jan. 15, 2024, to celebrate the life and legacy of King.

Donation Deadline Extended to Jan. 5
Due to overwhelming positive responses from the campus community, we are anticipating more of our Husky family attending this year's celebration. As such, we want to ensure that students, staff and faculty have an opportunity to share in this celebratory event. Therefore, we're extending our donation deadline to Jan. 5, 2024. Your assistance allows us to provide this program free of charge and continue our collaborative efforts to provide programming that focuses on embracing diversity on the Michigan Tech campus.

We'd love your support in ensuring a successful event. Keep in mind, all sponsors will be recognized in our celebration. To initiate your donation, please email cdi@mtu.edu with your donation amount. Donations should be transferred to D96356. If you have any questions, please email cdi@mtu.edu.

MTU students, SDC Access Pass holders (minimum one-month) and WIBIT Wednesday Pass holders, come make a splash with our inflatable pool obstacle course called the WIBIT!

Events will be held this fall for current MTU students and SDC Access Pass holders (minimum one-month). Test your individual skills on the course or challenge a friend to a race across the obstacles. The course is set up in the deep water and requires users to be able to pass our swim test. See the WIBIT rules and swim test content on our website for more information.

There are many different pieces of the WIBIT and each event will have a featured combination. Potential featured pieces include:

• The Step — This piece allows users to climb up onto the course.
• The Base — Users must make their way across a horizontal surface. Be careful how fast you move, as it can get slippery!
• The Cliff — Users must navigate either side of a slope using the handles and their balancing skills.
• V-Connect — Users must use limited footing space to navigate across the horizontal structure.
• The Bridge — Users must navigate up and over an arched structure without falling through.
• The Slope — Users must climb up a six-foot wall that leads to a slide into the pool water below!

Upcoming WIBIT Dates, Times and Combinations:

• Wednesday, Nov. 29, from 5-8 p.m. — Step/Bridge/Cliff/Slope

Come visit us at the pool to try out your skills! For more information, visit our WIBIT page.

Register for Safe Place Ally Training, being held this fall on Nov. 29 and Dec. 1, from 1-3 p.m. each day (attendance on both days is required for the training).

Safe Place Ally Training educates Michigan Tech faculty and staff about LGBTQIA+ identities, the needs of LGBTQIA+ students, the coming out process, ways to create an inclusive campus environment and resources available on and off campus.

The Nov. 29 and Dec. 1 training session is open to all faculty and staff. Seats are limited to 30 participants. Register now.

Additionally, there are two training sessions planned for the spring 2024 semester (including one open to graduate students).

For questions, please email cdi@mtu.edu.

The Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI) and the Cooperative Campus Ministry are organizing an Interfaith Prayer Vigil and Reflection on Martin Luther King Jr. Day (MLK Day),  Jan. 15, at noon in the Van Pelt and Opie Library’s East Reading Room. We invite faculty, staff and students from all faiths to share a prayer, personal reflection or excerpt from one of King’s prayers, sermons or speeches.

Following the Prayer Vigil, we invite the campus community to gather at the Husky statue at 1 p.m. for a peace march across campus to honor King and solidify our campus commitment to his life and work ensuring justice and equity for all.

If you would like to participate, please fill out our sign-up form. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Rachael Hathcoat at rehathco@mtu.edu or Jennifer Ormsbee at Jennifer@gladtidingsag.org.

Nominations for outstanding leaders and chapters in Sorority and Fraternity Life are open now. Please submit individuals and/or chapters for awards (wellness, leadership, service and more!).

In addition to students and sorority and fraternity chapters, awards are given to a faculty member, an advisor and a staff member who supports the Greek Life community. Please consider helping us recognize campus members who go above and beyond for our students.

Brief descriptions are easy to submit using the Greek Awards webpage.

Nominations for awards close Dec. 3.

Interested in attending the 18th annual celebration? It will be held Jan. 21 at 7 p.m. in the Memorial Union Building Ballroom.

A recent article published in Rocks & Minerals credited John Jaszczak (Physics/Museum) for inspiring a mural painted in February 2023 by mineral collector, dealer and artist Erin Delvelthal in Mineral City — a multibuilding market and gathering place for mineral enthusiasts during the annual gem and mineral show in Tucson, Arizona.

The geometric pattern used by Delvelthal in her work is based on the famous Penrose tiling, whose patterns and symmetries are a foundational model for the exotic solids known as quasicrystals.

The article gave the mural's backstory, explaining that the idea came from a lecture given by Jaszczak at the 2022 New Mexico Mineral Symposium in Socorro, New Mexico. Jaszczak's lecture was titled "Criminal Minerals- Investigating Minerals that Break the Laws of Classical Crystallography."

Lloyd Wescoat (CSEO) is the well-deserved recipient of the 2023 Dragonfly Award presented by the Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative.

The Dragonfly Award honors a person who has made a significant contribution to the field of place-based stewardship education. Past awardees include K-12 teachers, nonformal educators, scholars, scientists, authors and philanthropists.

Wescoat was honored and celebrated by her community at the 2023 Place-Based Education Conference, held in Grand Rapids, Michigan, from Nov. 9-11.

Just after the award ceremony, Wescoat was also gifted a felted heart by Monique Gray Smith, author of "Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults," during her keynote address. Gray Smith shared this gift as a way of recognizing the many hearts Wescoat has touched in her decades of service to K-12 students, educators and countless community partners through her work with the Lake Superior Stewardship Initiative (LSSI).

Wescoat is part of the leadership team for the LSSI, which is housed at both the Great Lakes Research Center at Michigan Tech and the Copper Country Intermediate School District. To learn more, visit the LSSI website.

Department of Chemistry (Chem) Ph.D. student Ann Varghese will present their defense Nov. 28 at 10:30 a.m. in person in MEEM 0111.

Varghese's defense is titled "Multilevel Computational Investigation into the Catalytic Mechanisms of Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 and Fat Mass and Obesity-Associated Enzyme."

Varghese's advisor is Tatyana Karabencheva-Christova.

Department of Chemistry (Chem) Ph.D student Monica Nyansa will present their defense tomorrow (Nov. 16) at 10 a.m. via Zoom webinar.

Nyansa's defense is titled "Exploring Turn-On Probes for GLUTs Targeting and Advancing Safety Education in the Chemical Sciences: A Two-Part Dissertation."

Nyansa's advisors are Marina Tanasova and Kedmon Hungwe.

Join the Zoom webinar.

From the abstract:
Part 1 of the dissertation talk focuses on investigating the feasibility of delivering turn-on rhodamine-based fluorophores through Glucose transporters (GLUTs) for biomedical applications, both in vitro and in vivo. Fluorescent GLUT targeting probes are essential for analyzing transport activity, monitoring glucose uptake, and screening anti-cancer and anti-diabetic agents in cells and living organisms. Currently, existing GLUT probes are inherently fluorescent, which limits their practical use, especially in in vivo and high-throughput studies due to background fluorescence. To overcome this limitation, the study explores the potential of using rhodamine as a turn-on fluorophore for GLUT targeting and imaging, aiming to mitigate the issues associated with inherent fluorescence.

Part 2 of the dissertation talk focuses on advancing safety education for both undergraduate and graduate students in the field of chemical sciences, particularly within chemistry laboratory courses. Given the inherent risks associated with chemistry, continuous safety education is paramount. Recent laboratory incidents in academic settings have emphasized the need for improved safety measures. Part 2 comprises three interconnected studies: identifying gaps in safety education for undergraduates, particularly those enrolled in organic chemistry courses; assessing the impact of RAMP-based safety instruction on students' risk assessment skills; and exploring the development of a student-led Community of Practice to enhance graduate student safety education, driven by the values motivating community members to contribute to its growth.

M.S. in Geophysics candidate Isabella Metts will present her M.S. defense virtually at 11 a.m. on Thursday (Nov. 16) via Zoom. All are welcome to attend.

Metts is advised by Greg Waite, with Luke Bowman and Simon Carn serving as committee members.

The defense is titled "An Investigation of Microseismicity During the 2018 Kīlauea Caldera Collapse."

From the abstract:
The 2018 Kīlauea volcano eruption and incremental caldera collapse was accompanied by more than 60,000 seismic events cataloged by the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory as well as 62 caldera collapse events. The majority of seismicity occurred on the eastern side of the caldera between daily collapses. However, the majority of caldera subsidence occurred to the west. To understand the collapse mechanics behind this variance in subsidence and seismicity across the caldera region, repetitive waveforms and source properties can be studied.

Repeating seismic events suggests a common source that is not moving or destroyed. At Kīlauea, clusters of repeating events can indicate source processes throughout collapse cycles. REDPy, a repeating earthquake detector tool for Python, cross-correlates seismic events to determine repetition. Events are separated into families or listed as orphans if no matches are found. We used data from HVO network stations surrounding Kīlauea’s summit. Possible events were identified using an STA/LTA trigger algorithm with a long-time average trigger of 8 seconds, a short-time average trigger of 1 second, and a trigger on/off range of 1-2.5. A minimum correlation coefficient of 0.7 was used to group over 167,000 recognized events from April 29th to August 2nd into nearly 6,000 families. Of these families, 697 were chosen as ‘clusters of interest’ for including >100 events or persisting for 7 days or more. P wave first motions were manually picked for waveforms associated with clusters of interest. These clusters were then located using P wave arrival times, and focal mechanisms were modeled for viable events to learn more about their source processes and relationship to collapse mechanics.

Dilatational first motions dominate our catalog and indicate crack-closing sources with possible relationships to conduit collapse after magma withdrawal and crack closure due to fault motion. Focal mechanism models produced mismatched station polarities indicative of non-double-couple sources, further aiding the hypothesis that dominant events involve a negative volumetric component. Focal spheres show evidence of ring faulting that is likely responsible for these non-double-couple events through the motion of concave fault structures presenting as repetitive crack closure along caldera margins.

M.S. in Forest Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology candidate Melanie Ottino will present her master's thesis defense today (Nov. 15) at 2:30 p.m. in person in Noblet G002 and virtually via Zoom.

The title of Ottino's defense is "White-Tailed Deer in a Winter Wonderland: Long-term Deer Yard Use and Methodological Considerations for Ungulate Fecal DNA Metabarcoding."

Ottino is advised by Kristin Brzeski, Carsten Külheim and Christopher Webster.

Yinan Yuan, assistant professor, College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science, Michigan Technological University, will present as part of the Department of Biological Sciences (BioSci) Seminar Series on Thursday (Nov. 16) from 3-4 p.m. in GLRC 202.

Yuan's presentation is titled "Nanopore direct RNA sequencing analysis of total cellular RNA."

From the abstract:
Nanopore direct RNA sequencing of total cellular RNA enables a better understanding of broad spectrum of RNA species involved in various cellular processes and organismal function. Current sequencing method, however, lacks the capability to capture the structural and chemical diversity of total RNA on nanopore. To address these limitations, we have developed a method to add a polynucleotide tail of modified ATP analog to the 3’ end of RNA by yeast poly(A) polymerase with high efficiency. Due to the distinct electrical signature of the added tail on nanopore, this method allows simultaneous detection of both non-polyadenylated and polyadenylated RNAs. We demonstrated the effectiveness of this method in accessing the content of plant total cellular RNA and in capturing the dynamics of transcription and polyadenylation of chloroplast RNAs on nanopore. With its high efficiency in retaining total RNA on nanopore, this method can be readily and broadly applied to RNA metabolism and functional genomics studies across species.

Speaker bio:
Yuan is an assistant professor in the College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science (CFRES), Michigan Tech. She investigates the function of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), including antisense lncRNAs and fusion RNAs, in controlling tree growth and wood development and in response to environmental stress. Her research employs innovative methods combined with nanopore direct RNA sequencing technology to study the functional consequence of polyadenylation and base modification in gene expression regulation.

The next Department of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics (ME-EM) Graduate Seminar speaker will present at 4 p.m. tomorrow (Nov. 16) in MEEM 112.

Hope Digiusto will present “Commercial Satellite Communications Overview and Space Field Career Insights.“

DiGiusto learned of the possibility to become an engineer through Odyssey of the Mind. In the Illinois public school system, she excelled and went on to gain an aeronautical engineering degree from the United States Naval Academy.

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) is hosting a seminar presented by M.S. student Andrew Bunge tomorrow (Nov. 16) from 1:25-1:45 p.m. in M&M 610.

Bunge's presentation is titled "Local Application of WAAM in Cast Steel Parts as a Means to Combat Corrosion and Fatigue."

From the abstract:
Every year, thousands of cast-steel railcar couplers suffer from corrosion-initiated fatigue cracking in similar areas of the coupler’s knuckle; between 2015 and 2018 about 90,000 knuckles were replaced, otherwise these couplers would have been at risk for unexpected failures. These types of couplers have been common in industrial use as early as 1916, hence it is desirable for a counter measure to the fatigue cracking that does not involve significantly altering the geometry or casting process. Wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) is a developing technology which boasts the ability to produce complex near-net-shape components; however, less attention has been paid to WAAM’s potential for local enhancements to typical failure zones. By replacing the cast steel in the region of the knuckle that contain these high-stress failure points with fatigue and corrosion resistant WAAM deposits, the whole knuckle receives a longer service life while maintaining its mechanical properties and overall geometry. The efficacy of this procedure comes down to the ability to print WAAM deposits with less defects than the base steel while introducing alloying elements (nickel, chromium, molybdenum) to prevent corrosion; this is accomplished by utilizing gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) in the WAAM process with commercially available low-alloy filler wire prior to optimization using the knuckle’s heat treat schedule then validated by fatigue testing the resulting components. Selective use of WAAM technology to aid in the high-volume production of parts through local enhancements could be a step to efficiently utilize its capabilities in industry.

Speaker bio:
Bunge is currently a master's student in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and holds a bachelor's in mechanical engineering from Michigan Tech. As with most mechanical engineers, he has a car that he works on and a phobia of sensitive electronics. Luckily for him, his research has been mostly centered on the rail industry and making tough and durable parts even more reliable.

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) is hosting a seminar presented by Ph.D. student Ivan Gallegos tomorrow (Nov. 16) from 1-2 p.m. in M&M 610.

Gallegos' presentation is titled "Simulated Pyrolysis of Phenolic Resin via Molecular Dynamics."

From the abstract:
The pyrolysis of phenolic resins results in a carbonized material known as vitreous carbon which is commonly used as a carbon-carbon composite matrix. Although phenolic resin has been used as a carbon-carbon matrix precursor since the 1950s, the charring mechanisms and key details of the resulting microstructure are difficult to quantify in situ due to the elevated temperatures required for pyrolysis (>800°C). Based on classical Newtonian mechanics, molecular dynamics is a computational method which can be used to elucidate microstructural changes at the nanoscale. This presentation will cover a brief background on the theory of molecular dynamics and how it has been applied to develop an algorithm for creating experimentally-validated models of the polymerization and pyrolysis processes of phenolic resins. First, the uncured resin is polymerized in silico and the resulting properties are confirmed to match experimental values. A parameterization study is subsequently carried out to find the appropriate simulation settings to pyrolyze the polymerized phenolic resin. Finally, the polymerized structure is pyrolyzed and key structural features and mechanical properties are confirmed to match experimental values. This study highlights the efficiency at which the developed algorithm can create experimentally-validated models and shows promise for extending itself to investigate other polymer systems of interest for carbon-carbon matrix precursors.

Speaker bio:
Gallegos is a Ph.D. candidate in MSE working under the guidance of Greg Odegard. His research interests include computational materials development and have focused on molecular dynamics modeling of high temperature composite matrix precursors. Prior to attending MTU, he served two years in the Peace Corps as a chemistry teacher in rural Mozambique. He obtained his undergraduate degree in MSE from the University of Texas at El Paso.

The Michigan Tech soccer team has earned the No. 8 seed in the Midwest Region bracket of the 2023 NCAA Division II Women’s Soccer Championship.

The Huskies are set to face No. 1 seeded Ashland, and will travel to Ashland to play. The game is set for tomorrow (Nov. 16) at 6 p.m. and will be livestreamed via the Great Midwest Digital Network.

Michigan Tech ended the regular season with an overall record of 8-4-7 and a conference record of 7-2-5. Tomorrow's match will be Tech's first appearance in the NCAA tournament since the 2014-15 season.

Read the preview at Michigan Tech Athletics.

Michigan Tech volleyball will host Northern Michigan today (Nov. 15) in a GLIAC Tournament quarterfinal matchup.

The first serve between the Huskies and Wildcats is at 6 p.m. at the SDC Gym, with Tech seeded No. 4 and NMU at No. 5. Tech is 14-15 overall and finished 10-8 in the GLIAC.

Tickets for the quarterfinal match are now on sale at the SDC Central Ticket Office. Adult tickets are $14 and youth tickets are $8. Michigan Tech students can gain entrance for free with their student ID.

Fans can listen to the game at Mix 93.5 WKMJ-FM or online at TheMix93.com or Pasty.net. The game will be also be livestreamed on FloSports (a subscription is required — discounts are available for students).

Read the preview at Michigan Tech Athletics.

Friday (Nov. 17)
• Counter-Strike 2 vs. Kansas State University, 7 p.m. RO8 NACE National Championship

Times are subject to change. Check Twitter @MTUEsports for updates.

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Esports News
Read more in the MTU Esports weekly update.

Watch MTU Esports on Twitch.

Job Posting for Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023

Staff and faculty job descriptions are available on the Human Resources website. For more information regarding staff positions, call 487-2280 or email humanresources@mtu.edu. For more information regarding faculty positions, contact the academic department in which the position is posted.

Administrative Aide (12 months/ 40 hours/ first shift) #23220RP, Human Resources (UAW posting dates Nov. 15 to Nov. 21, 2023 — external applicants are encouraged to apply; however, internal UAW applicants are given first consideration if they apply during the internal UAW 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 humanresources@mtu.edu.

The debut book of Kathryn Hannum (SS), "Nationalism," was recently published by Routledge in the pivotal "Key Ideas in Geography" series.

Hannum is an assistant professor of geography in the Department of Social Sciences whose research focuses on national identity, transnationalism and diaspora, and community development.

Co-authored with AAG past president David Kaplan, "Nationalism" provides a comprehensive exploration of nationalist identity, ideology and practice which centers the geographic underpinnings of the phenomenon. It unpacks the fundamental principles and the many variations of this global phenomenon, as it examines nationalism through a spatial lens.

Trish Helsel (VPA) was interviewed by WJMN Local 3 in a story previewing Michigan Tech Theatre’s presentation of “Anatomy of Gray,” which opens tomorrow (Nov. 16) at the McArdle Theatre.

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The Keweenaw Report picked up a Michigan Tech News story announcing Brigitte Morin (BioSci) as the University’s 2023 Diversity Award winner.

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WLUC TV6 and College Hockey News covered Michigan Tech’s conclusion of a review of claims  of mental health abuse made by a former Michigan Tech hockey player.

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The Michigan Tech Curling Club was mentioned by Awesome Mitten in relation to the Copper Country Curling Club, which was profiled as one of 12 awesome curling clubs in Michigan.

The Lake Superior Stewardship Initiative (LSSI) was well represented at the 2023 Place-Based Education Conference, held in Grand Rapids, Michigan, from Nov. 9-11.

The LSSI is housed at the Great Lakes Research Center at Michigan Tech and the Copper County Intermediate School District; the following presentations were shared by LSSI leadership team members with regional and national partners:

• “Big Lake, Big Experiences: Place-Based Learning for Increased Climate, Earth Science, and Local Literacy on Lake Superior”
  Presented by: Erika Vye (GLRC/LSSI), Lloyd Wescoat (LSSI) and Jennifer Lynn (CCISD/LSSI)

• “Shared Ways of Knowing to Support Enriched Local Literacy and Deepened Relationships with Place”
  Presented by: Nigora Erkaeva (Southeast Michigan Stewardship Coalition), Sarah Anderson (Simon Fraser University) and Erika Vye (GLRC/LSSI)

• “Shared Operating Space: Cultivating Relationships in Local Food and Environmental Education”
  Presented by: Abbey Palmer (MSU Extension), Rachael Pressley (Western Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Region) and Lloyd Wescoat (LSSI)

• “PBSE Meets MICIP: Explorations on Embedding Practices into District Plans”
  Presented by: Jennifer Lynn (CCISD/LSSI) and Rachel Kent (Muskegon Area Intermediate School District)

• “Students Are Wowed by the Lake Superior Youth Symposium”
  Presented by: Joan Chadde (CSEO/LSSI; retired)

The 8th Place-Based Education Conference was a national, three-day event designed to inspire and support a community of educators around the power of place-based learning. Place-based education transforms how educators teach and how students learn by expanding classrooms to include a community’s organizations, history and natural features. Investing in place helps youth engage in meaningful learning and civic life, provides vital support for teachers and strengthens communities.

The conference was hosted by the Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative; the LSSI is one of six hubs within this network.

Mexico Spring Break Application Deadline Is Friday!

If you are interested in the Mexico Spring Break program, Local Communities and Development, please apply for more information! The deadline for application is Friday (Nov. 17).

Apply on our Mexico Spring Break page.

Contact Kat Hannum at khannum@mtu.edu for more information.

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Invitation to Join New DEIS & Research Course

We're excited to share an important opportunity with you — an invitation to learn alongside a growing community of researchers and the staff who assist them with proposal development to meaningfully integrate diversity, equity, inclusion and sense of belonging (DEIS) principles into their research.

Federal sponsors increasingly require strong DEIS components in proposals. This course is designed to increase your ability to write strong DEIS plans that will increase the competitiveness of your grant proposals. This course aims to increase your skills and knowledge regarding the recruitment, mentorship, development and retention of research team members who are diverse with regard to race, ethnicity, gender orientation, sexual identity and other forms of diverse identity. We invite you to join us in creating a more diverse research community.

This class will create a safe space for scholars to share experiences, insights and resources regarding DEIS and research. We will work through a one-hour-per-week, 14-week course together with signposts to check for understanding and implementation. Individuals who complete the course will receive a certificate of completion. The course includes a range of resources that can support your DEIS and research journey.

Being part of this course opens doors to interdisciplinary collaborations and connections with colleagues who share a passion for DEIS. As a course participant, you have the potential to integrate DEIS principles more effectively into your research program and proposals to create real-world change and address societal inequities.

In joining the DEIS & Research course, we ask for your commitment to openness, respect and a willingness to learn. DEIS principles require us to actively engage with different perspectives and contribute to an inclusive scholarly environment. We are not looking for a large number of participants, but rather a select group of committed staff and researchers who are enthusiastic about infusing their research with DEIS principles.

You can register for this DEIS & Research course by Dec. 1. The course will be scheduled around participant availability. Contact Kathy Halvorsen at kehalvor@mtu.edu with any questions.

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PhD Defense: Cheng Fan, ECE

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering candidate Cheng Fan will defend his doctoral dissertation tomorrow (Nov. 16) at 10 a.m. in person in EERC 501.

The title of the dissertation is "Adaptive Modulation For Underwater Acoustic Communication Based On Reinforcement Learning."

Fan is advised by Kaichen Yang.

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2024 Open Enrollment and MTU Benefits News

The 2024 Open Enrollment period for Michigan Tech benefits takes place Nov. 13-30. Open Enrollment this year can be completed through Banweb Employee Self Service 9.

During Open Enrollment, you will have the opportunity to:

• Enroll in or change medical, dental, or vision coverage for next year.
• Contribute to or change contributions to a Health Savings Account (HSA), a health care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or dependent care account. 
• Enroll or change your optional employee life insurance, spouse and/or dependent life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, long-term disability buy-up coverage, critical illness, accident coverage or add hospital indemnity (new this year).
• Contribute to or change contributions to retirement accounts.
• Earn MTU Wellness 360 (formerly Husky Health) points for completing open enrollment via Banweb Employee Self Service 9.

While Open Enrollment is optional, it is recommended that all employees complete Open Enrollment. Whether you are electing Michigan Tech benefits for the first time, making changes to your elections, or not making any changes at all, Open Enrollment is the perfect time to ensure your information is up to date and correct.

New This Year
Changes are happening during this Open Enrollment period, and we strongly encourage you to participate. 

Over the past five years, the University has incurred significant increases in health care costs. In 2024 alone, Michigan Tech health care premiums will rise by 9.5%. Michigan Tech will not pass this increase on to our employees, and health care premiums will remain unchanged.

Also, to better serve our employees, the Benefits Advisory Committee has recommended the following changes, effective January 2024:

• Vision benefits are moving to VSP Vision Care (from MetLife, formerly Davis Vision)
• Life and Disability insurances are moving to The Standard (from Unum)
• Accident and Critical Illness voluntary benefits are moving to Voya (from Securian)
• Hospital Indemnity Insurance is being added as a NEW voluntary benefit

Michigan Tech health and dental plans remain the same, and employee monthly premiums go unchanged. Monthly premium information can be found on the comparison charts on Human Resources’ Benefits website.

Passive Enrollment Option
Open Enrollment for 2024 is not mandatory. Passive enrollment allows employees to roll over most of their benefits from the previous year without making updates in the system.

Important Note: Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs) will not automatically roll over. If you would like to elect these, it is important to do so during Open Enrollment.

More Information
For more information, please visit the Open Enrollment website to get the most updated details on benefits for 2024.

The University would like to thank the Benefits Advisory Committee members for their recommendations and their continued work on our long-term benefits strategies.

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Spring 2024 Sports Camps & Clinics

Registration for Spring 2024 Sports Camps and Clinics will open at 8 a.m. tomorrow (Nov. 15). 

• Little Huskies Football Camp (grades 4-6)
• High School Volleyball Skill Academies (grades 9-12)
• Little Huskies Girls' Basketball Camp (grades 2-5) 
• Little Huskies Boys' Basketball Camp (grades 2-5)

Registration is available online, in person at the SDC Ticket Office, or by calling the SDC Ticket Office at 906-487-2073. For more information, visit the Spring Sports Camps and Clinics webpage.

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Introducing the Employee Giving Campaign

The Campus Campaign has a new name — the Employee Giving Campaign.

Offering faculty and staff the opportunity to invest in any scholarship, department, program or project at the University, the Employee Giving Campaign is all about fostering unity and active involvement among MTU employees.

Embodying our collective commitment to Tech’s mission, participating in the Employee Giving Campaign sends a powerful message that we believe in Michigan Tech and the Huskies we serve daily. Every contribution, no matter its size, holds the power to make a significant impact in the areas that matter most to you.

This year, consider making your gift through payroll deduction, or make an outright gift using a debit/credit card, PayPal or Venmo.

Thank you to those who have already made a gift this year, and to the many faculty and staff who make a gift to Michigan Tech every year. If you aren’t sure about the status or amount of your current deduction, check your latest pay stub or contact Gisele at gccolaro@mtu.edu or 906-487-3614 for further assistance. Updates to payroll deductions can be made via the Payroll Deduction Form.

Visit the Employee Giving Campaign website to learn more.

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

Master's Defense: Lucas Schloemp

Wednesday, November 15, 10–11 a.m. | R. L. Smith Building (MEEM), 208

Mechanical Engineering Advisor: Gordon Parker AN ACTIVE VOICE COIL NEGATIVE STIFFNESS VIBRATION ISOLATOR WITH APPLICATION TO MOBILE 3D PRINTING Attend Virtually:...

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PhD Defense: Ponkrshnan Thiagarajan

Wednesday, November 15, 10–11 a.m. | R. L. Smith Building (MEEM), 1021

Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics Advisor: Susanta Ghosh Novel Bayesian Neural Networks and Uncertainty Quantification of Computational Mechanics Models Attend...

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PhD Defense: Soheil Sepahyar

Wednesday, November 15, 1 p.m.–2 p.m. | Rekhi Hall, 101

Computer Science Advisor: Scott Kuhl The Impact of Pre-Experiment Walking on Distance Perception in VR Attend Virtually: https://michigantech.zoom.us/j/86158039929

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PhD Defense: Soheil Sepahyar, Computer Science

Wednesday, November 15, 1 p.m. | Rekhi Hall, 101

PhD student Soheil Sepahyar, Computer Science, will present his final oral examination (“defense”) on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at 1 pm in Rekhi Hall 101 and via Zoom...

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UO Lab Wednesday Tours

Wednesday, November 15, 1 p.m.–2 p.m. | Chemical Sciences and Engineering Building, UO Lab

Have you heard or seen about the BEST Unit Operations (UO) Lab in the United States? It's here, right at Michigan Tech. If you've stopped by the window on the first floor of...

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MATLAB Workshop

Wednesday, November 15, 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...

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Master's Defense: Melanie Ottino

Wednesday, November 15, 2:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m. | U. J. Noblet Forestry Building, G002

Forest Molecular Genetics & Biotechnology Co-advisors: Kristin Brzeski and Carsten Kuelheim White-Tailed Deer in a Winter Wonderland: Long-Term Deer Yard Use and...

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PhD Defense: Pradeep Krishna Bhat

Wednesday, November 15, 3 p.m.–4 p.m. | R. L. Smith Building (MEEM), 208

Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics Advisor: Bo Chen Study of Eco-Driving and Charging Planning in Connected and Automated Vehicles Environment Attend Virtually:...

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Patience Griswold: Answering the 'What Ifs?' of Abortion

Wednesday, November 15, 5 p.m.–6 p.m. | EERC 100

Students for Life at Michigan Tech invites you to a talk by Patience Griswold, the program and marketing coordinator at Human Life Alliance. The talk will be on Wednesday,...

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Students For Life General Meeting

Wednesday, November 15, 5 p.m.–6 p.m. | Fisher 133

Students For Life General Meeting

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College of Computing Information Session

Wednesday, November 15, 7 p.m.–8 p.m.

Michigan Tech's College of Computing is excited to meet you! Join us to hear current students share more about the college, the majors offered, and answer any questions you...

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USG Weekly Meeting

Wednesday, November 15, 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...

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Anatomy of Gray Presented by Michigan Tech Theatre

Wednesday, November 15, 7:30 p.m. | McArdle Theatre

“Powerful and poignant... as thought-provoking and touching as it was humorous and charming.” – Rick Wyman, Lyric Arts When her father dies, a girl from the small Indiana...