February 14, 2024

The KEEN project at Michigan Tech is accepting applications for Faculty Fellows for the fall 2024 and spring 2025 semesters. The KEEN organization (Kern Entrepreneurial Engineering Network) supports the efforts of faculty to infuse active, experiential-based learning into the student educational experience in a way that fosters a mindset of curiosity, an ability to make connections and a desire to create value for others. Michigan Tech is one of 63 member institutions in the KEEN network.

The fellowships are initially one semester, with the possibility of renewal for a second semester. The goal of this pilot fellowship program is to work with KEEN project leadership to develop programs and resources that will support other faculty to incorporate innovative change into their teaching or research by utilizing an entrepreneurial mindset (curiosity, creativity, connections). Fellows will also help provide mentoring to other faculty engaged in project activities. 

What is an entrepreneurial mindset?
An entrepreneurial-minded approach to learning emphasizes the development of skills, attitudes and behaviors of curiosity, connections and creating value in students, regardless of their intended career paths. This approach encourages individuals to think and act like entrepreneurs, fostering a mindset characterized by innovation, creativity, risk-taking, adaptability and a proactive attitude toward problem-solving.

What are the fellowship requirements?
Ideally, applicants will have participated in previous training that includes one or more KEEN workshops or similar content focused on teaching and learning innovation, and have some experience incorporating innovative change into their teaching or research. Funding may be available to complete this required training.

What are the benefits?
The Faculty Fellow will be provided financial support for one course release (approximately 20% time) each semester. Fellows will benefit from learning more about innovative change, improving their own teaching and research, and developing their leadership skills.

How do I apply? 
Faculty (including instructional-track, tenured/tenure-track and research faculty) wishing to be considered for the fellowship should submit a one- to two-page letter of interest to Shari Stockero at stockero@mtu.edu by Feb. 29. The letter should describe the applicant’s prior training and address the following: 

1. How have you incorporated innovative change and entrepreneurial mindset into your teaching or research?
   1. How has this enhanced your work?
   2. Where do you see your strengths related to this work?
2. What ideas do you have for programs or other supports you might develop to engage faculty in using innovative change and entrepreneurial mindset in their work?
3. One of your roles will be to mentor a team of faculty who are adopting innovative change in their teaching or research. What does mentoring mean to you? How would you mentor a group of faculty?
4. What additional skills around innovative change, entrepreneurial mindset or mentoring  do you want to develop in your role as a Faculty Fellow? How might you do so?

Applicants will be invited to discuss their ideas with the project leadership team. If a fellowship is offered, the applicant will be required to submit a letter of support from their department chair or dean.

Banner-related production system maintenance is scheduled for Feb. 25 from 7 a.m. to 2 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
• Perceptive Content
• Apps.mtu.edu

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

It's the time you have been waiting for — Michigan Tech's annual Family Fun Day sponsored by Staff Council and Athletics and Recreation! This year, Family Fun Day will take place on March 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

On Family Fun Day, all Michigan Tech employees and their families are invited to enjoy free access to the SDC facilities and other campus amenities. Along with free lunch and a chance to win amazing prizes, you and your family can check out attendee favorites such as Esports, the climbing wall, the WIBIT and the dive tank, in addition to our new events — sticks and pucks, the shooting range, a fitness class sampler, disc golf and more! Who knows? Maybe you will even see some special guests!

A schedule of events is located on the Staff Council website.

If you plan to join us, please register online by March 3.

You don't have to win, you just have to TRI! Michigan Tech Recreation is hosting an indoor triathlon for MTU students and SDC Access Pass Holders (minimum one-month). Unlike a traditional triathlon, which covers fixed distances of swimming, biking, and running, indoor triathlons challenge competitors to race the greatest distance within a fixed time frame. Beginners and seasoned athletes are welcome to participate in the 10-minute swim, 15-minute bike and 10-minute run! Transition time is provided between events. Event capacity is limited.

The indoor triathlon will take place April 3 at 7 p.m. at the SDC. Open to MTU students and SDC Access Pass Holders (minimum one-month) with a valid MTU student ID or SDC Access Pass. Must be 16 years of age or older to participate.

Registration Details:

• Cost: It's free! (But you must register to participate!)
• Registration Opens: Wednesday, Feb. 21, at 8 a.m.
• Registration Closes: Tuesday, March 26, at 11:59 p.m.

Learn more and find the registration link on Michigan Tech Recreation's Indoor Triathlon page.

Is your child looking for a new challenge? Sign up now for the Outdoor Adventure Program (OAP) Youth Indoor Rock Climbing Class and let them climb our wall! We try to meet each participant at their level and encourage them to challenge themselves. For ages 5-8, classes will be spent letting students get used to climbing and allowing them to safely explore the climbing world while having fun. For ages 9-14, we aim to help students improve their climbing skills with advice and technique to help them and build their confidence as climbers.

No experience is necessary. All required equipment will be provided by OAP, including shoes, harnesses and helmets. Class size is limited.

Class Details:

• When: Fridays — March 8, 15 and 29, and April 5
  • Ages 5-8 — 4-4:50 p.m.
  • Ages 9-14 — 5-5:50 p.m.
• Where: SDC Climbing Wall (inside the SDC Multipurpose Room)
• Cost: $50 per participant (cost covers needed equipment, including harness, ropes, helmet and belay, as well as instruction)

Parents must be present at the first class to sign and provide required forms and receive any important information and announcements.

Registration is open now, and closes March 6 at 11:59 p.m.

Find more information and a registration link at Michigan Tech Recreation's Youth Indoor Rock Climbing Class page.

A free, in-person Data Carpentries in Python Workshop will take place Feb. 26-27 in GLRC 202, from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. each day. The workshop is open to all Michigan Tech students, faculty and staff. Please note that learners are expected to commit to attending the entire workshop.

Please register for the workshop by Monday (Feb. 19). Space is limited and the workshop will likely fill quickly. Confirmation of your registration will be emailed Tuesday (Feb. 20).

The workshop focuses on Python for data analysis in ecology, but the knowledge can be transferred to any discipline. The target audience is learners who have little to no prior computational experience, and the instructors put a priority on creating a friendly environment to empower researchers and enable data-driven discovery.

This workshop curriculum includes:

• Data Organization with Spreadsheets
• Data Analysis with Python
• Data Visualization with Python

Learners should plan to bring a laptop with a Mac, Linux or Windows operating system (not a tablet, Chromebook, etc.) on which the learner has administrative privileges. Participants will be asked to install a few specific software packages. Instructions will be provided.

Questions? Please email Laura Brown at lebrown@mtu.edu.

Department of Computer Science (CS) instructional-track faculty candidate Kai Presler-Marshall will give a classroom presentation next Tuesday (Feb. 20) from 1-2 p.m. via Zoom.

The title of Presler-Marshall’s talk is “An Introduction to Exploratory Data Analysis.”

Join the presentation via Zoom.

From the abstract:
In this talk, we’ll look briefly at exploratory data analysis. We’ll see what problems it solves, how it helps us see trends and patterns in our data, and where it fits into the data science process. As part of this, we will run through several EDA steps on a sample dataset, and see how even simple analyses and visualizations can help us find interesting results that are worthy of further analysis. I will also discuss several aspects of my teaching approach, including some of the techniques I use when teaching computer science and software engineering courses.

Read more on the Computing News Blog.

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) is hosting a seminar presented by Ph.D. candidate Casey Sundberg tomorrow (Feb. 15) from 1-1:20 p.m. in M&M 610.

The seminar is titled "High Temperature Plastic Deformation Characteristics of Alkali Activated Cement."

From the abstract:
This seminar discusses the high-temperature plastic deformation characteristics of alkali activated cement (AAC). The AACs discussed in this seminar are inorganic sodium aluminosilicate polymers with an amorphous crosslinked network microstructure composed of silicon and aluminum connected by oxygen bridges and sodium ions charge-balancing aluminum atoms. AACs can be used in place of portland cement in concrete and have beneficial high-temperature properties. One benefit of AACs is that they are plastic at high temperatures. This research posits that the high-temperature load-bearing capacity in the plastic region increases with increasing silica content due to an increase in oxygen bridge crosslinking. To determine if this is true hot compression tests were carried out on samples with varying compositions, and their viscosities were measured. Changes in crosslinking with composition were measured using solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The changes in oxygen bridge crosslinking were then compared to changes in viscosity.

Speaker bio:
Sundberg is a Ph.D. candidate under the advisement of Lawrence Sutter and Paul Sanders. He is from Duluth, Minnesota, and received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering in 2015 and his M.S. in Civil Engineering in 2018, both from the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD). He is a member of various professional organizations, including the American Concrete Institute, where he has presented his previous research on AACs at four national conferences and is a member of several committees. He has also presented his previous work at a national conference of the American Nuclear Society, of which he is an Executive Committee member, along with an accompanying conference proceedings paper. He has also taught statics and mechanics of materials at UMD and has been a researcher performing research on other cement and concrete materials. He enjoys interdisciplinary collaboration, but his primary focus is on materials science and engineering.

The next Environmental Engineering Graduate Seminar will take place at 3 p.m. on Monday (Feb. 19) in GLRC 202.

Xin Xi, assistant professor, Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences, Michigan Tech, will present "Recent extreme dust storms in Central Asia associated with cold air outbreak and drought."

Read the abstract on the University Events Calendar.

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) is hosting a seminar presented by Ph.D. candidate Matt Sisson tomorrow (Feb. 15) from 1:25-1:45 p.m. in M&M 610.

The seminar is titled "Micromagnetism of Self-Assembled FeSi2 Nanoisland Ensembles."

From the abstract:
Nanoscale materials exhibit novel properties due to broken symmetries that alter an atom’s local environment. This changes the atom’s electronic structure, potentially altering its spin moment and attendant measurable physical properties like magnetic hysteresis. Iron disilicide (FeSi2) is nonmagnetic in bulk, but density functional theory calculations predict magnetic properties at nanoscale, which has been experimentally verified. How morphology and interfacial orientation affects nanoisland magnetization and how their spatial arrangement affects magnetic coupling can be studied using atomistic spin dynamics and micromagnetic domain theory. A more thorough understanding of these phenomena could improve spin filters needed to spin-polarize electric current, enabling the next generation of spintronics. Spintronics devices like magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM) could dramatically increase the computational efficiency of complex simulations, potentially accelerating many fields of research.

Speaker bio:
Sisson earned his B.S. in Astronomy and Astrophysics from the University of Michigan in 2010. A computer hardware hobbyist, he enrolled at Michigan Tech in 2021 to pursue a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering under advisor Yongmei Jin, believing his physics background lends itself to researching the unique physics of nanomaterials. His current research uses computational methods to study novel nanoscale magnetic properties with technological applications.

Michael Betenbaugh will present as part of the Department of Chemical Engineering (ChE) Research Series on Friday (Feb. 16) at 10 a.m. in person in MEEM 402 or virtually via Zoom.

Betenbaugh will present "Biomanufacturing: A Mix of Chemical Engineering, Metabolic Engineering & Systems Biology."

Read the abstract on the University Events Calendar.

Betenbaugh is the director of the Advanced Mammalian Biomanufacturing Innovation Center (AMBIC).

Daniel Wakeman ’90 (B.S. in Computer Science) will present a Department of Computer Science (CS) Colloquium lecture on Friday (Feb. 16) from 3-4 p.m. in Rekhi 214 and via Zoom. The title of Wakeman’s talk is “How Software has Become the Business.”

Join the colloquium via Zoom.

From the abstract:
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, software has transcended its traditional role as a tool and has emerged as the cornerstone of modern enterprises. This talk explores the profound shift I’ve seen over my career, where software is not just a support function but the essence of business operations, innovation, competitive advantage, and disrupter.

Speaker bio:
Wakeman serves as an SVP in the FIS Technology Development organization, where he leads the engineering enablement function. As a passionate technology executive, Wakeman is a thought leader in digital transformation with extensive experience leveraging next-generation technology solutions to resolve business challenges, improve operational performance, gain market recognition and enable business growth.

Read more on the Computing News Blog.

The next Department of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics (ME-EM) Graduate Seminar speaker will present at 4 p.m. tomorrow (Feb. 15) in MEEM 112.

Wei Wei will present “3D Carbon Nanomaterials for New Generation Solar Cells.”

Wei's research interests include advanced materials synthesizing, renewable energy conversion devices, photocatalytic processes for H2 generation, additive manufacturing, and mechanical properties of composite materials.

Ph.D. candidate Catherine Rono (advised by Mark Tang), Department of Biological Sciences (BioSci), Michigan Technological University, will present as part of the BioSci Seminar Series tomorrow (Feb. 15) from 3-4 p.m. in GLRC 202.

Rono's presentation is titled "Targeting phosphodiesterase: A potential strategy to treat LKB1-mutant cancers."

From the abstract:
Cancer heterogeneity poses numerous challenges to treatment, underscoring the need for personalized/targeted therapies that align with each patient's specific genetic and molecular disease profile. Metabolic deregulation, often correlating with oncogenic alterations, is commonly observed in cancers. Such deregulation frequently presents metabolic vulnerabilities within the cancer, which could potentially be exploited for targeted therapy. Liver Kinase B1 (LKB1), a protein known for its diverse roles in cellular metabolism and its critical function as a tumor suppressor, ranks as the third most frequently mutated gene in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). LKB1 mutations are linked to accelerated tumor progression and invasion, resulting in adverse clinical outcomes. Our research uncovers a novel role for LKB1 in cyclic nucleotide metabolism, wherein it suppresses a set of phosphodiesterase (PDE) expressions. Specifically, LKB1 represses PDE3 via the activation of the downstream salt-inducible kinase. Our data demonstrate that PDE3 modulators can selectively eliminate LKB1-deficient tumor cells while leaving LKB1-wildtype cells unharmed. However, some LKB1-deficient cells develop resistance due to the loss of SLFN12, whose expression is required for PDE3 modulator-induced cell death. Interestingly, this resistance can be overcome by inducing SLFN12 expression, through either epigenetic inhibitors or cAMP inducers. These findings not only broaden our understanding of the role of LKB1 in metabolic regulation but also suggest a promising strategy for targeted therapy against LKB1-mutant cancers.

M.S. candidate Ryan Heines (advised by Jill Olin), Department of Biological Sciences (BioSci), Michigan Technological University, will present as part of the BioSci Seminar Series tomorrow (Feb. 15) from 3-4 p.m. in GLRC 202.

Heines' presentation is titled "Mechanisms of co-occurrence among sympatric saltmarsh fishes of coastal Louisiana."

From the abstract:
Saltmarsh nekton play key ecological roles in supporting terrestrial and aquatic food webs by linking production resources to higher trophic levels. Inter- and intra-specific competition for shared resources plays an important role in structuring communities through resource partitioning. On-marsh Cyprinodontoid fishes are widely distributed in coastal Louisiana saltmarshes and have evolved to tolerate the highly variable environmental conditions that are characteristic of these habitats. These species can occupy and disperse among different marsh subhabitats (ponds, creeks, marsh surface) and we hypothesize in subhabitats with low connectivity, such as isolated ponds, diversity and abundance are high and competition for resources is therefore anticipated to be greatest. In order to understand how these fishes co-occur, our first objective was to use bulk stable isotope ratios of carbon (δ13C), sulfur (δ34S), and nitrogen (δ15N) to investigate the intra- and inter-specific resource use of six sympatric Cyprinodontiform species residing in saltmarsh ponds near Port Sulphur, Louisiana. Results indicate some inter- and intra-specific resource partitioning based on basal resource diet contributions. However, there is a high isotopic niche overlap among these species suggesting competition for resources in these habitats and other mechanisms beyond may also be contributing to the high densities observed in these ponds. The second objective of this study will explore one proposed mechanism from the first objective and involve the use of behavioral feeding trials to test the effect of intraguild predation on the foraging habits and strength of coexistence amongst three highly abundant Fundulid species. Results indicate that competitive interactions may cause shifts in the feeding behavior and preferred resource use of Fundulus xenicus. This research provides insights to mechanisms of community assembly and niche dynamics of sympatric Cyprinodontoid fishes in coastal Louisiana, particularly in spatially limited pond habitats.

Wednesday (Feb. 14)
• Call of Duty vs. Baldwin Wallace University, 7 p.m. Varsity Plus. Watch the Twitch stream.

Thursday (Feb. 15)
• Super Smash Bros: Ultimate vs. Baldwin Wallace University, 7 p.m. Varsity Plus. Watch the Twitch stream.

Friday (Feb. 16)
• Counter-Strike 2 vs. Rochester Institute of Technology, 7 p.m. NACE Varsity Premier. Watch the Twitch stream.

Saturday (Feb. 17)
• Apex Legends vs. Various, Noon Octane Collegiate
• GLIAC Tournament Championship for Esports 

Sunday (Feb. 18)
• GLIAC Tournament Championship for Esports 

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.

Crain’s Grand Rapids Business mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about the ever-so-slight increase in total enrollment (less than 1%) seen by Michigan colleges and universities in fall 2023. MTU was highlighted as one of the seven public universities in the state that accounted for the enrollment increase.

Facilitating Difficult Conversations Workshop for Faculty, Staff

Facilitating Difficult Conversations is a two-part workshop being offered on March 6 and March 20 from 2-4 p.m. Participants will attend both sessions, as the information builds a knowledge base moving through the workshops.

This in-person workshop is open to all Michigan Tech faculty and staff. If you are a remote worker, we now have participation spots open for you as well in these workshops.

The number of participants is somewhat limited, so please complete the RSVP form to save your seat. Once you are signed up, you will receive a calendar invitation, which will include the workshop location.

For more information, feel free to contact Equal Opportunity Compliance and Title IX at 906-487-3310 or eocompliance@mtu.edu.

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Tomorrow's C-Cubed Menu

Menu for Thursday (Feb. 15):

Teriyaki Pork Loin (Soy, Sesame, AD)
Vegetable Stir Fry (VG, Soy, Sesame, AD)
Basmati Rice (VG, AD, AG)
Chef Vegetables (VG, AD, AG)
Garden Salad (VG)
Vegetable Spring Rolls (V, Sesame, Dairy, Gluten, Egg)
Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce

Join Carved and Crafted Catering at Michigan Tech for this week's C3 Luncheon. The luncheon is held 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 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 or redeemed in the Memorial Union Office (MUB 101).

AG = Avoiding Gluten
AD = Avoiding Dairy
VG = Vegan
V = Vegetarian

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

Simple Machines: Poetry, Letterpress, and the Art of the Little Magazine Presented by Michigan Tech Art

Wednesday, February 14, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. | Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts, Rozsa Galleries

Simple Machines is a two-edition, international, letterpress poetry magazine founded and edited by Michigan Tech’s M. Bartley Seigel, funded through a Research Excellence...

Digital Marketers

Wednesday, February 14, 9–10 a.m. | Administration and Student Services Building, G27

Digital Marketers is a group for digital platform managers (digital ads, photo/video production, social media accounts, websites, etc) across campus. We meet every other...

Spring Blood Drive

Wednesday, February 14, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | MUB Ballroom

The Spring 2024 Blood Drive will be on February 13th and 14th from 10 AM until 4 PM in the Memorial Union Building Ballroom. The American Red Cross recommends everyone make...

Tissue Engineering for Clinical Applications

Wednesday, February 14, 11 a.m. | Minerals and Materials Engineering Building (M&M), 610

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Candidate Seminar Dake Hao, PhD University of California, Davis Abstract Tissue engineering is increasingly being recognized as a beneficial...

Students For Life General Meeting

Wednesday, February 14, 5–6 p.m. | Fisher 230

Students For Life general meeting

TPEG Speaker Event - Scott O'Donnell

Wednesday, February 14, 6–7 p.m. | Fisher 133

Are you interested in lighting and rigging systems involving theatre or theme parks? The Theme Park Engineering Group at Michigan Tech is excited to announce our first speaker...