January 22, 2024

Undergraduate students in any college across campus are encouraged to register and take part in Michigan Tech’s Design Expo on April 16.

The annual event showcases the breadth and depth of undergraduate student innovation at Tech, with more than 100 Enterprise, Senior Design, and Capstone projects on display. Many projects are sponsored by industry. A panel of distinguished judges will critique the projects and determine award winners. Teams compete for cash awards totaling nearly $3,500.

Save the Date: Tuesday, April 16
This year's Design Expo will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in two campus locations: the Van Pelt and Opie Library first floor and the Memorial Union Building Ballroom. A reception and awards ceremony will follow from 2:30-4:30 p.m. in the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts. All events are free and open to the public. We hope to see you there!

Student Teams: Register Your Project Now for Design Expo
Registration is open now through March 8. Full information is located on the Design Expo student registration webpage. We encourage teams to register as soon as possible.

Volunteers: Please Sign Up to Judge at Design Expo
Interested in supporting our students as they engage in hands-on, discovery-based learning? Consider serving as a distinguished judge at this year’s Design Expo! Learn more and sign up.

Give Your Presentation an Extra Boost with Design Expo Workshops
Prepare for Design Expo and other term-end presentations the right way — with peer support, pizza and help from dedicated Van Pelt and Opie Library and University staff! Learn how to create compelling videos, visuals and pitches for your projects. All sessions take place in the Library East Reading Room from 2-3 p.m. Note: All are welcome to attend these workshops (regardless of participation in Design Expo).

• Wednesday, Feb. 21: Explain Your Project to Anybody
  Practice talking about your design in a concise, easy-to-understand way. This will help you solidify content for your video and develop a short elevator pitch that you can share at your booth on the day of Design Expo. Come prepared to talk about your design and answer a few questions about it!

• Thursday, March 7: Posters, Images & Visualizations
  We’ll cover principles you can use to ensure your posters and the images and data you display in them are readable and appealing, and run through tools you can use to design supporting images. The second half of the session will be devoted to questions and open work time. Pick our brains as you think through how to best share your research.

• Wednesday, March 20: Video Creating & Editing
  We’ll provide basic info on recording, available tools and tricks to make your production more professional and accessible. The last half of the hour will be devoted to questions and open work time. Handouts and a compilation of resources will be available to take with you!

• Thursday, April 4: The Finishing Touches
  Refresh on details about how to present your work for Design Expo and other end-of-year presentations. Get last-minute feedback for a winning project and work on the final details of your project and video to the company! Snacks and refreshments will be provided.

The College of Sciences and Arts is pleased to announce that Steven J. Elmer is serving as the interim chair for the Department of Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology (KIP).

Elmer has assumed this position following Bill Cooke's decision to step down as the department chair. Notably, Elmer served as the interim chair of the department during the 2015-16 academic year.

Pavlis Honors College (PHC) is accepting applications to the Undergraduate Research Internship Program (URIP) for the 2024-25 academic year. The internship program will run from September 2024 through mid-March 2025 and is open to any undergraduate student on campus with an identified faculty research mentor. Faculty and students who are already working together are welcome to apply.

PHC will provide $960 in funding for the student intern, with the expectation that faculty will provide equivalent matching funds to be dispensed concurrently, resulting in a total of $1,920 paid hourly throughout the internship. Faculty may make use of research funds, IRAD, and startup packages, or consult their chairs, deans or center/institute management to identify the source of their match.

Details regarding the application process can be found on the Pavlis Honors College website. Please share with fellow faculty and students who may be interested.

The deadline to submit applications is 5 p.m. March 22. Faculty must supply a letter of support as part of the application package. If you have questions about the submission process, please email Rob Handler at rhandler@mtu.edu.

The Undergraduate Research Internship Program is made possible with support from PHC and generous donations from the Copper Shores Community Health Foundation and The DeVlieg Foundation.

Backstage Jazz: Small Groups — Friday and Saturday, Jan. 26 and 27, at 7:30 p.m.
Backstage at the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts
Presented by Michigan Tech Music

Step behind the curtain for a superb concert that recreates the feeling of a jazz club, seating you on stage with the musicians. This dynamic evening will bring you through short sets of tunes by jazz greats alongside original music. The lineup includes: JazzTec, Hole Note Combo, Quintech, United Combo, and Vocal Combo.

Tickets
Faculty, Staff, and General Public: Get your tickets through the Rozsa Box Office online 24/7, or on weekdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in person or by calling 906-487-1906.

Students: Reserve your tickets (included with the Experience Tech fee) online and bring your HuskyCard to use your student tickets or tap in for Student Rush.

Kelly Kamm (KIP) has been selected to serve on the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ (MDHHS’) Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Hub Advisory Council.

Kamm, the Copper Shores Community Health Foundation Endowed Assistant Professor, focuses her research on understanding the determinants of health in young children and the elderly in rural populations, then works to develop and test interventions that improve health behaviors. She specializes in scalable, cost-effective interventions to improve health in communities with limited resources.

The advisory council's work begins later this month. Kamm is eager to get started. "I'm excited to help represent the Upper Peninsula since social determinants of health play such a critical role in protecting and promoting health in our communities," she said.

The SDOH Hub Advisory Council will guide the implementation of SDOH Hub pilot projects in communities across Michigan in 2024 and develop recommendations for future SDOH Hub initiatives.

According to the MDHHS, the pilot projects "bring community members, health care professionals, social service providers, government partners and business leaders together to address the social determinants of health and improve health equity." Each pilot project will receive resources and technical assistance provided by MDHHS and contracted partners.

MDHHS said that over time, the Hub pilots’ aim is achieving "the overarching goal of the Roadmap to Healthy Communities: Improve the health and social outcomes of all Michigan residents while working to achieve health equity by eliminating disparities and barriers to social and economic opportunity."

Visit the MDHHS’ SDOH Hubs page for more information on the program.

The next Great Lakes Research Center/Institute of Computing and Cybersystems (GLRC/ICC) Rapid Seedling Awards have been awarded and the projects will take place during the spring semester. These awards are designed to provide "seedling money" for preliminary research that aims to scale into larger projects with external sponsors.

The three recipients during this round include Jeffrey Wall (COB), Ronghua Xu (AC) and Hassan Masoud (ME-EM). Wall and Xu received funding as part of the ICC, while Masoud will work on the project through the GLRC.

Read more about their research on the Institute of Computing and Cybersystems Blog!

The Department of Cognitive and Learning Sciences will host Timothy Keirnan (HU) at the next Applied Cognitive Science and Human Factors Forum, being held today (Jan. 22) in Meese 109 from 2-3 p.m.

Join us for a presentation by Keirnan, a new professor in the Department of Humanities with 30 years of experience across the fields of automotive, audio engineering, financial services and software.

From working in recording studios wondering who designed the equipment, to designing the HMI of Ford's award-winning Pro Power Onboard feature in F-150 trucks and Transit vans with a multidisciplinary team of co-workers, Keirnan has found human factors engineers to be running a parallel course to his career all the way along. In the presentation's first 25 minutes, he will describe his dawning realization of HF as an essential professional discipline to product design and recount some tales from working with its literature and HF engineers at some workplaces. The second 25 minutes will be audience participation to discuss anything in the presentation plus the challenge HF and UX professionals still have in industry to be involved early and often enough on projects.

Job Posting for Monday, Jan. 22, 2024

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 Assistant Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering. 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.

Sarah Hoy (CFRES) was interviewed by Radio Results Network for a radio segment about a MTU-led study linking periodontitis to severe forms of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis in moose. RRN picked up an entry from Michigan Tech’s Unscripted Research Blog on the study, which quoted Hoy and mentioned Rolf Peterson and John Vucetich (both CFRES).

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Mary Jennings (Rozsa) was interviewed by WLUC TV6 in a TV segment about a Lunch and Learn session hosted by the Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce last Thursday (Jan. 18) featuring Jennings as the keynote speaker.  Jennings’ presentation discussed how support for arts and entertainment programming with the Rozsa Center impacts the local economy. The session was previewed by the Keweenaw Report.

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Debbie Paver (Rozsa) was quoted by Finlandia Foundation National in an article announcing her as the winner of its inaugural sauna poster art competition.

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Holly Hassel (HU) was quoted by North Dakota’s Forum of Fargo-Moorhead in a story about her return to “Jeopardy!” tonight (Jan. 22) as a competitor in the show’s season 39 Champions Wildcard Tournament.

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Emeritus Research Professor Charles Kerfoot (BioSci) was quoted by Great Lakes Now in a story about Buffalo Reef — a high-value fish spawning ground in Grand Traverse Bay threatened by 2.4 million tons of mine tailings, aka stamp sands. The story was first published by Undark.

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Professor Emerita Susan Martin (SS) was quoted by Traverse Northern Michigan in a story exploring the history of copper mining in the Upper Peninsula.

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The Hindu in India mentioned Michigan Tech researchers in a story about an AI-based map of the Indian state of Kerala showing extreme landslide vulnerability in 13% of its landmass. MTU researchers collaborated on the map. India’s East Coast Daily picked up the story.

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The Times of Northwest Indiana quoted Kendra Lachcik ’23 (B.S. Environmental Engineering) in a story about the Disney on Ice show “Magic in the Stars,” which features Lachcik skating in the role of Luisa Madrigal from “Encanto.”

Over 550 New Huskies Welcomed by Employee Orientation Program

Human Resources' Huskies New Employee Orientation Program has been welcoming new faculty, postdoctoral researchers and part-time and full-time staff to the University since its inception in 2015. This one-day program is designed to provide essential information about the University's vision, mission and goals. It also includes mandatory training regarding compliance, diversity, safety and engaging conversations with University leadership.

From 2021 to 2023, the program welcomed 551 new Huskies.

Questions or comments can be directed to our HR Support Center Portal at hr-help@mtu.edu or by calling 906-487-2280.

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Mark Your Calendar for the Annual Bob Mark Business Model Pitch Competition

Husky Innovate invites Michigan Tech innovation and entrepreneurship champions, including faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members, to join us for the Bob Mark Business Model Pitch Competition.

It's Innovation Week at Tech, and Wednesday (Jan. 24) we will gather for a pre-event mixer at 5 p.m. and kick off the competition at 5:30 p.m. in MUB Ballroom A.

Hosted by Husky Innovate collaborators, Pavlis Honors College, the College of Business, and the Office of Innovation and Commercialization, the annual Bob Mark Business Model Pitch Competition is a legacy event recognizing student entrepreneurial spirit and paying tribute to the late Professor of Practice Bob Mark. Students with innovative ideas pitch their business model to a panel of judges who provide expertise and feedback to help them move forward.

This year’s judges include representatives from the MTEC SmartZone, Northern Michigan University, Michigan Tech’s College of Business and College of Computing, and Michigan Tech Alumni startup founders.

Bob Mark Business Model Pitch Competition prize categories:

• First Prize: $2,000 — sponsored by Rick and Jo Berquist
• Second Prize: $1,000
• Third Prize: $500
• Honorable Mention: $250
• Audience Favorite: $250 — sponsored by Dan Green (MTU alum and principal, BlackFin Group)
• Breakthrough Innovation Award: $1,000 — sponsored by MTEC SmartZone and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation
• Social Impact Award: $1,000 — sponsored by Gates Professor Elham Asgari (COB)

The deadline for student contestants to register to pitch their business model was Friday (Jan. 19).

Virtual attendees may join via Zoom.

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Environmental Engineering Graduate Seminar with Jacob Novitch

The next Environmental Engineering Graduate Seminar will take place at 3 p.m. today (Jan. 22) in GLRC 202.

Jacob Novitch, M.S. in Environmental Engineering, Michigan Technological University, will present "Development Of A BioWin-Based Model Of A Small Lagoon Wastewater Treatment System."

Read the abstract on the University Events Calendar.

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The Rozsa Heats Up a Chilly Week, Announcing Three Hot Upcoming Shows

The Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts is injecting a spark of excitement into this blustery week by announcing three thrilling events: a rollicking Mardi Gras feast fueled by New Orleans jazz, a play directed by Michigan Tech Theatre’s newest faculty member, and a bespoke museum experience crafted just for the Keweenaw. Tickets are on sale now! 

1. Michigan Tech Music presents "Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday" — Get ready for an epic Fat Tuesday, fueled by live jazz and a New Orleans-inspired dinner hosted by Michigan Tech Jazz’s own Workshop Brass Band, freshly back from their NOLA tour! The party starts Feb. 13 at 7:30 p.m. backstage at the Rozsa.
   
   
2. Michigan Tech Theatre presents "Imagining (Im)Possibilities: Museum Explorations" — Experience a captivating 30-minute tour through the world of immersive museum exhibits. Explore the magic behind museum design and dive into spectacular sets crafted by talented theatre students, each one transporting you to a unique space through interactive displays. Tours run Feb. 15-17 from 7-9:30 p.m. in McArdle Theatre.
   
   
3. Michigan Tech Theatre presents "Purple Hearts" by C.S. Wallace, directed by Nich Radcliffe — Witness the heartbreaking, inspiring and sometimes funny story of three men who, in the wake of the attack on Pearl Harbor, find themselves trapped aboard the now-sunken USS West Virginia. Inspired by true events, this award-winning play directed by new Michigan Tech faculty member Nich Radcliffe (VPA) is sure to move you. Attend the show April 10-13 in McArdle Theatre.

Get Tickets
Don't miss your chance to experience these exciting events! Tickets for all three are available online 24/7, or at the Rozsa Box Office in person or by calling 906-487-1906 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. Tickets are part of this season’s new Pay As You’re Able ticketing. 

To learn more, visit the Rozsa website, email rozsa@mtu.edu or call 906-487-1906.

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Essential Education Implementation: Working Groups Update

The Essential Education Implementation Leadership Team continues to move forward toward the program's launch in fall 2025. The following working groups have been charged with working on major components of the program:

• Essential Education Experience
  • Co-Leaders: Kari Henquinet (SS), Laura Rouleau (SS)
• Essential Education Assessment
  • Leader: Jean DeClerk (CTL)
• Essential Education Minors
  • Co-Leaders: Chelsea Schelly (SS), Leyre Alegre Figuero (HU)
• Essential Education Course Lists
  • Co-Leaders: Holly Hassell (HU), Kay Oliver (CC)
• Essential Education Activities for Well-Being & Success
  • Co-Leaders: Tayler Haapapuro (KIP), Melissa Michaelson (Career Services)
• Essential Education Michigan Tech Seminar
  • Co-Leaders: AJ Hamlin (EF), Linda Wanless (CTL)
• Essential Education e-Portfolio
  • Co-Leaders: Laura Fiss (PHC), Christopher Plummer (VPA)
• Essential Education Marketing and Communication Advisory Board
  • Leader: Sarah Erickson (UMC)

Monthly communication highlighting the progress of each group will be posted in Tech Today and sent out to unit liaisons on the last Wednesday of each month, beginning this month. Our next communication will detail the mission of each working group.

Our mission is to keep all members of the campus community updated on the direction and progress of the teams toward Essential Education's rollout date.

Thanks to all who continue to provide feedback as we collectively craft this unique learning experience opportunity for our Huskies.

— Essential Education Implementation Leadership Team, essential-ed-l@mtu.edu

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

Brown Bag: 'Policy Conflict in U.S. Energy Infrastructure Siting' with Jongeun You

Monday, January 22, 12–1 p.m. | Academic Office Building (AOB), 201

Join us in the Department of Social Sciences on Monday, January 22, at noon in AOB 201 as Dr. Jongeun You presents: Policy Conflict in U.S. EnergyInfrastructure Siting ...

Innovation Week: Orbion’s Entrepreneurship Journey with Dr. Brad King

Monday, January 22, 12:30–1:30 p.m. | Memorial Union Building (MUB), Alumni Lounge

Our keynote speaker, Dr. Brad King, Michigan Tech professor, CEO, and Co-Founder of Orbion Space Technology (2016) will share his journey as an entrepreneur and how he and his...

Resume Workshop

Monday, January 22, 2:15–2:45 p.m. | Administration and Student Services Building, 220 Career Services

Interactive workshop, to get your resume ready for Career Fair. Bring your laptop!

Development Of A BioWin-Based Model Of A Small Lagoon Wastewater Treatment System

Monday, January 22, 3 p.m. | Great Lakes Research Center (GLRC), 202

Environmental Engineering Graduate Seminar Jacob Novitch, MS Environmental Engineering, Michigan Tech University Abstract: An aerated lagoon wastewater treatment facility...

Huskies Group Swim Lessons - Parent & Child Aquatics - Spring 2024 Session 1

Monday, January 22, 5:10–5:50 p.m. | Student Development Complex (SDC), Pool

Ages 6 months to 3 years. Come make a splash in Huskies Group Swim Lessons! American Red Cross Parent and Child Aquatics levels are being offered at the SDC Pool for ages 6...

Huskies Group Swim Lessons - Preschool Aquatics - Spring 2024 Session 1

Monday, January 22, 5:10–5:50 p.m. | Student Development Complex (SDC), Pool

Ages 4-5 years. Come make a splash in Huskies Group Swim Lessons! American Red Cross Preschool Aquatics levels are being offered at the SDC Pool for ages 4 to 5 years old....