November 16, 2023

Michigan Tech’s day of giving, Give Back to the Pack, will return in spring 2024 for a 24-hour giving challenge. The day of giving will begin at noon on April 10 and run until noon on April 11.

Give Back to the Pack is a celebration of Husky spirit and philanthropic support for Michigan Tech among alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends. During the established 24 hours, gifts can be made in any amount and to any area of campus. All giving will be routed through the dedicated Give Back to the Pack website, which will be updated over the coming months.

Calling all colleges, departments and programs! Mark your calendars and gear up to join us as partners in making this another successful campaign. Stay tuned to hear from the Office of Alumni Engagement with opportunities to get involved, what we’ll need from areas to target your prospective donors, and how we will be supporting the efforts.

Together, we can make a real difference for Tech students and ensure they have all the resources they need to succeed.

If you’d like to work ahead or have any questions around the upcoming day of giving, please reach out to Jordan Shawhan at jjshawha@mtu.edu.

On Dec. 12, the Michigan Tech Mind Trekkers, with UP Michigan Works! and the MiSTEM Network, will host the OneUP Copper Trail Festival, a STEM and career expo for middle school students. The event will take place in the Michigan Tech SDC Gymnasium, with up to 800 students in attendance.

STEM — science, technology, engineering and mathematics — should be accessible to everyone, and this event is offered at no cost to schools or exhibitors. But we need your help to make it possible. Your presence and participation as an exhibitor or volunteer will inspire hundreds of students and provide your department or organization with a unique opportunity to make a visible impact on Michigan’s next generation of workforce talent.

Campus departments, student organizations and Enterprise teams are welcome as exhibitors providing hands-on activities showcasing your programs, resources and research, or as individual volunteers in a variety of roles.

For more information and exhibitor/volunteer registration, check out our OneUP Copper Trail Festival website.

We hope you can join us!

Michigan Tech will provide paid Seasonal Days on Dec. 27, 28 and 29 in addition to the University’s regularly scheduled holidays (Dec. 25-26 and Jan. 1-2).

Those employees whose services are deemed necessary on campus during these days, as determined in coordination with their supervisor, will receive equal time off at a later date in coordination with their supervisor. These days must be used no later than the end of the current fiscal year on June 30, 2024.

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 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.

Please contact Payroll Services at 906-487-2130 or email hr-help@mtu.edu with questions.

Give thanks through service. Find your next volunteer opportunity at the Volunteer Expo on Nov. 30 from 4-6 p.m. in the Memorial Union Building Ballroom. Twenty organizations from around the region will showcase volunteer and philanthropic opportunities. Stop by to see where your next volunteer opportunity will take you!

Read more about the event on Involvement Link.

Interested in hosting a volunteer table? Reach out to Amy in the Student Leadership and Involvement office — stop by MUB 112 or email ahjerste@mtu.edu.

Menu for Thursday, Nov. 16:

• Butter Chicken / Butter Chickpeas
• Basmati Rice
• Flat Bread
• Cucumber Salad
• Masala Roasted Cauliflower
• Boondi Raita

Carved and Crafted Catering at Michigan Technological University presents the C3 Luncheon hosted on Thursdays 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 C3, or C-Cubed, 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).

To join the C-Cubed Google group and receive weekly menus, please complete the sign-up form.

The Michigan Tech women's basketball team continues its homestand for the second week of the season, welcoming NSIC foe Southwest Minnesota State today (Nov. 16) and No. 1 nationally ranked Ashland on Sunday (Nov. 19).

Today's tilt is slated for a 5:30 p.m. tipoff, while Sunday's showdown is set for 1 p.m.

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

Read the preview at Michigan Tech Athletics.

Michigan Tech hockey hosts Ferris State this weekend in the Huskies' first home CCHA series of the season.

The puck drops at 7:07 p.m. tomorrow (Nov. 17) and 6:07 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 18) at the John MacInnes Student Ice Arena.

Tech is 3-5-3 overall and 1-1-0 in the CCHA. Ferris State is 3-6-1 overall and 1-3 in the CCHA.

Listen live on the radio at Mix 93.5 WKMJ-FM or online at TheMix93.com or Pasty.net. Both games will be livestreamed on FloHockey (a subscription is required — discounts are available for students).

Read the preview at Michigan Tech Athletics.

Job Postings for Thursday, Nov. 16, 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.

Public Safety Officer, Public Safety and Police Services (POA posting dates Nov. 16 to Nov. 22, 2023 — external applicants are encouraged to apply; however, internal POA applicants are given first consideration if they apply during the internal POA posting dates). Apply online.

Senior Accountant, Financial Services and Operations. 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.

Zhanping You (CEGE/MTTI) is the principal investigator (PI) on a project that has received a $220,000 research and development contract cost from the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

The project is titled "Benefit/Cost of Applying a Higher Asphalt Film Thickness (AFT) vs. Doing a Chip Seal at 1 year."

Lingyun You (CEGE/MTTI) is the co-PI on this potential two-year project.

Kuilin Zhang (CEGE) and Jim Baker (VPR) were quoted by UPWord in a story about a research project awarded $1.2 million by the U.S. Department of Energy to model a low-carbon, intermodal freight transportation system of the future. The project was the subject of a Michigan Tech News story.

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Newswise mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about the first histotripsy device approved by the FDA to treat liver cancer. The device, named Edison, was developed by Eli Vlaisavljevich ’10 (B.S. Biomedical Engineering) in collaboration with the University of Michigan and private medical device company HistoSonics.

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Crain’s Detroit Business mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about the success of the Vault hotel in downtown Houghton, owned by the Juliens: Jennifer ’12 ’15 (B.S. Civil Engineering, M.S. Environmental Engineering) and Jonathan ’09 (B.S. Construction Management).

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The Daily Mining Gazette mentioned Michigan Tech in a story remembering former City Manager Ray Kestner, who passed away last week. In addition to earning a civil engineering degree at Tech in 1955, Kestner met his wife Janet at MTU — and all of their seven children were Huskies as well.

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Radio Results Network mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about four new members on the Marquette County Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees. One is Alex Flannery ’15 (B.A. Sound Design).

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UPWord mentioned Michigan Tech in a story profiling three professionals who work remotely while living in the Upper Peninsula. Among them was Christine Manninen ’90 (B.S. Biological and Environmental Sciences).

2024 Open Enrollment and Remaining Benefits Forum

2024 Open Enrollment began Monday (Nov. 13) and will run until 5 p.m. on Nov. 30. Open enrollment is your opportunity to assess your individual and family needs and elect the benefit package that is right for you.

Benefit Services will be hosting one more Benefits Open Enrollment Forum for employees to learn about their 2024 benefit options. Release time will be provided to attend. The session will also be recorded and made available on the Benefits website.

Benefits Open Enrollment Forum:

• Friday, Nov. 17, at 9:30 a.m. in MUB Ballroom B

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Physics Colloquium with Jordan Eagle

Jordan Eagle from the NASA Postdoctoral Program / Goddard Space Flight Center will present at this week's Physics Colloquium.

The seminar will be presented in person at 4 p.m. today (Nov. 16) in Fisher 139.

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

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BioSci Seminar Series Speaker: Yinan Yuan

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 today (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.

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MS Defense: Isabella Metts, GMES

M.S. in Geophysics candidate Isabella Metts will present her M.S. defense virtually at 11 a.m. today (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.

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ME-EM Graduate Seminar Speaker: Hope Digiusto

The next Department of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics (ME-EM) Graduate Seminar speaker will present at 4 p.m. today (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.

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PhD Defense: Monica Nyansa, Chem

Department of Chemistry (Chem) Ph.D student Monica Nyansa will present their defense today (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.

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MSE Seminar with Andrew Bunge

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) is hosting a seminar presented by M.S. student Andrew Bunge today (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.

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MSE Seminar with Ivan Gallegos

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) is hosting a seminar presented by Ph.D. student Ivan Gallegos today (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.

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Get it Straight! Free Speech Ball

Thursday, November 16, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | Husky Statue

YAF and TPUSA have decided to begin a new initiative: Get it Straight! Here, the topic is “sexual orientation” and preferring one view (e.g., pro-LGBTQ) over another (e.g.,...

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PhD Defense: Cheng Fan

Thursday, November 16, 10–11 a.m. | Electrical Energy Resources Center (EERC), 501

Electrical Engineering Advisor: Kaichen Yang ADAPTIVE MODULATION FOR UNDERWATER ACOUSTIC COMMUNICATION BASED ON REINFORCEMENT LEARNING

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PhD Defense: Monica Mame Soma Nyansa

Thursday, November 16, 10–11 a.m.

Chemistry Co-advisors: Marina Tanasova and Kedmon Hungwe EXPLORING TURN-ON PROBES FOR GLUTs TARGETING AND ADVANCING SAFETY EDUCATION IN THE CHEMICAL SCIENCES: A TWO-PART...

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Master's Defense: Isabella Metts

Thursday, November 16, 11 a.m.–12 p.m.

Geophysics Advisor: Gregory Waite An Investigation of Microseismicity During the 2018 Kilauea Caldera Collapse Attend Virtually: https://michigantech.zoom.us/j/3478744565

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PhD Defense: Brittany Nelson

Thursday, November 16, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. | Harold Meese Center, 109

Applied Cognitive Science & Human Factors Advisor: Erich Petushek MAKING SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION USABLE: DEVELOPMENT AND A ASSESSMENT OF A NOVEL INTERVENTION TO BOOST HEALTHY...

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Local Application of WAAM in Cast Steel Parts as a Means to Combat Corrosion and Fatigue

Thursday, November 16, 1 p.m.–2 p.m. | Minerals and Materials Engineering Building (M&M), 610

Materials Science and Engineering Seminar Andrew Bunge MS Student, Materials Science and Engineering Michigan Technological University 1:25–1:45 p.m. Abstract Every year,...

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Simulated Pyrolysis of Phenolic Resin via Molecular Dynamics

Thursday, November 16, 1 p.m.–2 p.m. | Minerals and Materials Engineering Building (M&M), 610

Materials Science and Engineering Seminar Ivan Gallegos PhD Candidate, Materials Science and Engineering Michigan Technological University 1–1:20 p.m. Abstract The...

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MATLAB Workshop

Thursday, November 16, 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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Commercial Satellite Communications Overview and Space Field Career Insights

Thursday, November 16, 4 p.m. | R. L. Smith Building (MEEM), 112

ME-EM Graduate Seminar Speaker Series proudly presents Hope Digiusto Sr. Technical Program Manager Project Kuiper at Amazon Abstract Hundreds of millions of people on...

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Husky Hour: Fear(less)

Thursday, November 16, 4 p.m.–5 p.m. | DHH Ballroom

When left unchecked, fear can shape our actions and responses. Learn to better understand the different types of fear in order to recognize when your fear is controlling you.

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Physics Colloquium with Dr. Jordan Eagle

Thursday, November 16, 4 p.m.–5 p.m. | Fisher Hall, 139

Jordan Eagle from the NPP / NASA Goddard Space Flight Center will be presenting at this week's Physics Colloquium. The seminar will be presented in person at 4 PM, Thursday,...

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Adult Huskies Swim Lessons Fall 2023 Session 3

Thursday, November 16, 5 p.m.–6 p.m. | Student Development Complex (SDC), Pool

Adult Huskies Swim Lessons provides aquatic education for the beginner to the intermediate swimmer who is looking to become more comfortable in the water and learn the...

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Adult Huskies Swim Training Fall 2023 Session 3

Thursday, November 16, 5 p.m.–6 p.m. | Student Development Complex (SDC), Pool

Adult Huskies Swim Training provides additional attention and competitive guidance to swimmers ages 18 and older who are looking to improve their swimming skills and fitness...

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(Women's Basketball) Southwest Minn. St. vs. Michigan Tech

Thursday, November 16, 5:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m. | Student Development Complex (SDC), Wood Gym

Women's Basketball: Southwest Minn. St. vs. Michigan Tech, SDC Gymnasium - Houghton, Mich.

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Weekly RedTeam Meeting

Thursday, November 16, 6 p.m.–7 p.m. | Rekhi G05

Join Michigan Tech's RedTeam for their weekly club meeting! Each meeting we discuss cyber news articles and give talks pertaining to the field of cybersecurity.

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College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science Information Session

Thursday, November 16, 7 p.m.–8 p.m.

Michigan Tech's College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science is excited to meet you! Join us to hear current students share more about the college, the majors...

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KSO Community Recital Presented by Michigan Tech Music

Thursday, November 16, 7 p.m. | Portage Lake United Church

The KSO presents its popular Community Music Recital at Portage Lake United Church. Musicians from the community of all stripes--vocalists and instrumentalists, solos and...

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Anatomy of Gray Presented by Michigan Tech Theatre

Thursday, November 16, 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...