Michigan Tech to Host 2024 Upper Peninsula Medical Conference

The 2024 Upper Peninsula Medical Conference (UPMedCon) will be held at Michigan Tech. The event brings together medical practitioners, researchers and students for a weekend of learning about health issues impacting rural communities.

Hosted by the Tech’s Health Research Institute, UPMedCon will take place Oct. 18-19 at the Memorial Union Building. Health practitioners from around the Upper Peninsula and northern Great Lakes are invited to attend. Special registration pricing for physicians, physician assistants and nurses is available until Sept. 13.

Read the press release at Michigan Tech News. For more information and to register, visit the Upper Peninsula Medical Conference website.

MTU Hosting Inaugural UP Accessibility Summit

Engagement and Belonging at Michigan Tech is proud to announce a partnership with the Accessible Keweenaw Initiative (AKI) in hosting the first-ever Upper Peninsula Accessibility Summit (UPAS).

This groundbreaking event will take place on Sept. 26 and 27 at the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts on the Michigan Tech campus. Registration is open until Sept. 20.

The summit aims to unite community planners, government entities, local businesses and organizations, education and recreation leaders, and community members. It will focus on the benefits of improving accessibility infrastructure in Upper Peninsula communities.

Read more on the Engagement and Belonging Newsblog.

First Friday Social

Join Graduate Student Government (GSG) for an exciting hangout! Mingle, explore and unlock Houghton’s hidden gems with Bob Wenc. All grad students, faculty and staff are welcome to drop in at the Grad Commons for a First Friday Social this Friday, Sept. 6, from 5-7 p.m.

We’ve got food, fun and plenty of surprises planned. And hey, if you’re planning to visit the beverages stand, don’t forget to have your ID (passport, driver’s license or state ID) handy. See you there!

Event Details:

  • What: First Friday Social
  • When: Friday, Sept. 6, from 5-7 p.m.
  • Where: Grad Commons Patio, located at 207 East Street (across US-41 from the Van Pelt and Obie Library)
  • RSVP: No RSVP is required

View the First Friday Social flyer. For any questions or concerns, please contact GSG Social Chair Vikram Gurrapu at gsg-social@mtu.edu.

Organized by the Graduate Student Government (GSG).

The Importance of the MTU Parade of Nations and Its Philanthropic Endeavors

The MTU Parade of Nations is an annual celebration that highlights the cultural diversity within the Michigan Technological University campus and the surrounding community. This vibrant event features a themed parade, an international food fest, and various entertainment activities. Participants dress in traditional attire, showcasing their heritage through colorful floats and performances, while the food fest offers a wide array of dishes from around the world. Music and dance performances further enrich the experience, celebrating global traditions and fostering a sense of unity. This year's parade will be held Sept. 21 with the theme "Holidays Around the World."

The primary goal of the Parade of Nations is to raise community awareness about cultural diversity and to promote a sense of inclusion and belonging between the MTU student population and the local Keweenaw community. By leveraging press coverage, managing social media campaigns, and engaging local schools, the event aims to highlight the positive impact of a diverse population. Additionally, the Parade of Nations gives back to the community through scholarships, logo contests and donations to local organizations such as the Hancock football team.

Since 1989, the Parade of Nations has been a longstanding tradition in the Keweenaw. Continuing this tradition is crucial because it helps the international community feel included and valued, promoting understanding and respect for different cultures within the academic environment.

The event's co-chair, Machel Borsum, has been volunteering for the Parade of Nations for six years. Seeing how everything comes together and the happiness it brings to MTU students motivates her to continue volunteering. Machel mentions that the sense of community and joy that the event fosters is incredibly rewarding, and inspires her to undertake planning each year.

The Parade of Nations operates as a non-profit event, with significant costs associated with organizing it, including expenses for tables, seating, electricity for food booths, prizes, scholarships, logo contests, donations, and grants for parade floats and food booths. Despite these costs, vendors are not charged a participation fee.

The event supports incoming students with a $1,000 scholarship to raise awareness of the international diversity that MTU fosters. These scholarships are funded through donations and are awarded to incoming MTU freshmen who write essays about diversity, demonstrating their commitment to fostering an inclusive community at MTU.

Overall, the MTU Parade of Nations is a cornerstone event that celebrates cultural diversity and supports the community through various philanthropic endeavors. It brings together people from different backgrounds, fostering unity and understanding. By continuing this tradition, MTU and the surrounding community ensure that every individual feels valued and included, making the community stronger and more cohesive.

Efforts of Xinfeng Xie's Wood Protection Group Recognized by Government

The efforts of the Wood Protection Group led by Xinfeng Xie (CFRES) have been lauded by high-level government officials.

A recent letter written by a bipartisan group of U.S. senators encouraged the U.S. Department of Defense and General Services Administration to expedite the replacement of apitong wood — sourced from critically endangered tropical tree species — with sustainably managed North American hardwoods in trailers the U.S. government uses to transport heavy equipment.

Beginning in 2017, Xie and his team have researched the properties of North American hardwood lumber to identify the best alternative for the U.S. Army. Their ongoing work includes field-testing trailers with decks made from durability-enhanced red oak in tropical locations, such as Suriname in South America, where extreme biological hazards such as wood decay fungi and termites pose significant risks to wood in service.

Xie and the Wood Protection Group collaborate with the U.S. Army DEVCOM Ground Vehicle Systems Center, the U.S. Forest Service Forest Products Laboratory, and the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground Tropic Regions Test Center. This work not only aims to preserve tropical rainforests, but also contributes to sustainable economic growth for the North American forest products industry.

C-Cubed Luncheons are Back!

Carved and Crafted Catering at Michigan Technological University brings back the C3 Luncheon for the 2024-25 school year. The luncheon is held each week 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.

Menu for Thursday (Sept. 5):

- Chicken Tikka Masala (AG, PR)
- Potato, Garbanzo and Pea Coconut Curry (VG, AG)
- Basmati Rice (VG, AG)
- Garam Cauliflower and Chickpea (VG, AG, CF)
- Garlic Naan (V, PR)
- Kachumber Salad (VG, AG)

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 $15.49 per person. Cash, credit cards, and gift cards are accepted. Gift cards can be purchased in the Memorial Union office (MUB 101). Meals are for dine-in only; no personal containers or to-go meals are permitted.

Allergen Icons:

V= Vegetarian, VG= Vegan, AG= Avoiding Gluten, PR = Good Source of Protein, CL= Climate Friendly

More information on allergen icons can be found on the Dine on Campus website or app.

IAGLR Outstanding Poster Award Winner

Recent M.S. in Biological Sciences graduate Mitch Kehne ’24 has been awarded the Outstanding Student Poster Award for his original research titled “Assessing the nutritional quality and fate of Saginaw Bay dreissenid mussel veligers.” Keane received the award following his presentation at the 67th Annual Conference of the International Association for Great Lakes Research. Mitch’s research presentation was selected the overall winner from over 75 in-person and virtual poster presentations.

His graduate research was supported by Michigan Sea Grant funding awarded to Gord Paterson (BioSci/GLRC), Jill Olin (BioSci/GLRC) and Trista Vick-Majors (BioSci/GLRC).

The announcement is available online in the Summer 2024 issue of IAGLR’s Lakes Letter.

CTL Technical Workshop: Getting Started with Panopto Basics

Are you looking for a way to incorporate video recordings to increase student engagement or provide course materials to be viewed in preparation for class? Perhaps you’re seeking a recording tool for lectures or meetings which can capture multiple video sources at the same time, and then easily edit and share them. Compatible with multiple operating systems and file formats, Panopto is a robust and straightforward tool to fit those needs and many more.

Join the William G. Jackson Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) for an Introduction to Panopto technical workshop on Tuesday, Sept. 10, at 3 p.m. in Library 243.

For questions or accommodation requests, please contact Jess Hendrickson at jelhendr@mtu.edu or 906-487-2275.

Register for the CTL technical workshop.

This Week in Michigan Tech Athletics

Thursday (Sept. 5)
• Football vs. South Dakota Mines, 6 p.m. at Kearly Stadium on Mix 93 WKMJ and FloSports
• Soccer at St. Cloud State, 8 p.m.

Friday (Sept. 6)
• Volleyball at Regis (Golden, CO), 1 p.m.
• Cross Country at Phoenix Open (Green Bay, WI), 5 p.m.
• Volleyball at Gannon (Golden, CO), 6 p.m.

Saturday (Sept. 7)
• Soccer at Minnesota Duluth, 2 p.m.
• Volleyball at Colorado Mesa (Golden, CO), 2 p.m.
• Volleyball at Colorado School of Mines (Golden, CO), 7 p.m.

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Athletics News
Read more in the MTU Athletics weekly update.

MTU Football Hosts Hardrockers for Home Opener Thursday Night

Michigan Tech football continues their non-conference slate with the season's home opener against South Dakota Mines. The game will be held at Kearly Stadium on Thursday (Sept. 5) at 6 p.m.

This marks the first Thursday home game for MTU since the season opener against Wisconsin-Platteville in 2022.

For more information, visit Michigan Tech Athletics

 

In the News

The Daily Mining Gazette, the Rink Live, the Detroit News, WLUC TV6 and 8 other outlets ran stories about Jack Works being named captain of the Michigan Tech hockey team for the 2024-25 season. The announcement was made by Michigan Tech Athletics on August 30.

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WLUC TV6 mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) winning a national award for its US-41 reconstruction project adjacent to MTU. The project received the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials’ Quality of Life/Community Development Award in the Small Project category.

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WGVU News quoted Sarah Hoy (CFRES) in a story about the National Park Service's response to bold wolves on Isle Royale. Hoy provided insights into the behavior of the wolves and their impact on the ecosystem.

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Roman Sidortsov (SS) was quoted by Bridge Michigan in a story about Michigan’s clean energy transition and the challenges it faces. Sidortsov discussed the complexities of energy generation and distribution in the state. The story was picked up from Interlochen Public Radio.

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Fast Company mentioned Michigan Tech in a guide to using Handshake to land a job or internship. The article noted that Handshake, a career management and recruitment app, was founded by former Huskies (Garrett Lord, Ben Christensen, and Scott Ringwelski).

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The Soo Leader mentioned Tara Bal and Katie Bershing (CFRES) in a story about the MiSP's NotMISpecies webinar series. Bal and Bershing will present on Oct. 29, discussing their research on oak wilt spread and vector behavior in northern Michigan, as well as how to identify and prevent the disease.

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MLive mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about a research team led by the University using a robotic vessel, the Armada 8, to search for a 1968 airplane wreck in Lake Superior. Travis White (GLRC) was quoted discussing the potential of this high-tech search, which is part of a larger lakebed mapping effort involving Michigan Tech and the Great Lakes Smart Ships Coalition.

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The Daily Mining Gazette mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about the University’s Mushing Club hosting a dryland dog demonstration. The event showcased the club's activities and provided insights into mushing techniques without snow. Mushing Club members Ben Amat and Sarah Pratt were quoted in the story. 

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MITechNews mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about top tech universities in Michigan. The article highlighted Michigan Tech’s strong STEM research programs, industry-driven curriculum, and a 93 percent job placement rate within six months of graduation.

 

Reminders

Center for Artificial Intelligence Launched at Michigan Tech

As Michigan Tech faculty and staff return to campus for the 2024-25 academic year, the Institute of Computing and Cybersystems (ICC) is proud to share some exciting news from over the summer. In May, the University launched a new Center for Artificial Intelligence.

Hosted within the ICC and led by Vinh Nguyen (MAE/MMET), the Center for Artificial Intelligence is the evolution of the ICC Data Science Center, with a renewed focus on pioneering AI research across various domains.

By leveraging Michigan Tech’s existing strength in engineering and computing, the center aims to achieve the following objectives:

  1. Innovative Research — Conducting cutting-edge research to challenge the boundaries of possibility by developing new AI algorithms, models and technologies to benefit not only Michigan Tech, but communities across the country.
  2. Interdisciplinary Collaboration — Fostering a multidisciplinary center in which AI experts from diverse disciplines across MTU’s campus can build highly collaborative research proposals and deliver groundbreaking research outcomes in AI.
  3. External Partnerships — Building strong and successful partnerships with local, regional and national entities to transform AI innovations into real-world applications.
  4. AI Education — Educating and training the next generation of AI experts, and supporting opportunities for a strong AI education in Michigan and beyond.

Visit the Michigan Tech Center for Artificial Intelligence website to learn more about what the future holds, and to explore collaboration opportunities and membership.

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CTL Fall Book Club: 'Small Teaching Online' by Flower Darby

Do you teach online courses? Are you looking for tips on refreshing your online teaching? Please join the William G. Jackson Center for Teaching and Learning's (CTL's) Fall 2024 Faculty Book Club focused on "Small Teaching Online" by Flower Darby.

During five biweekly sessions, we will learn about and discuss tips and techniques related to online course design, improving student engagement, online teaching techniques, and improving student motivation. Please join us on Wednesdays in Library 243 at 2 p.m.

Please register to attend. For accommodations, please contact Catharine Gruver at cgruver@mtu.edu or 906-487-3026.

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GLAS Appointment Schedule Now Available

The GLAS fall 2024 appointment schedule is now available! Students may visit Admin 405 to view the schedule and sign up for a weekly recurring appointment.

Graduate Language Assessment and Support (GLAS) is a free program designed for international graduate students who wish to improve their English speaking and listening skills.

Through one-on-one and small-group conversations that matter, students gain experience participating in class discussions, responding to questions and listening effectively. GLAS coaches work with students to help them better understand U.S. university expectations and gain insight into what students and instructors expect from each other in the classroom. GLAS students who are already teaching can practice lectures or lab presentations with their coach.

All international students and community members are welcome to participate in the program.

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Sign Up: Lean White Belt Virtual Workshop

The Office of Continuous Improvement (OCI) is offering a virtual workshop where you can earn a Lean White Belt.

The workshop, "Processes, Flow, and Waste: Lean Fundamentals (Virtual)," will be offered twice:

  • Wednesday, Sept. 11, from 9 a.m. to noon
  • Wednesday, Dec. 18, from 9 a.m. to noon

In this fun and interactive workshop, you’ll practice visualizing the fundamental Lean concepts of flow and waste and see how you can apply them to your job right away. These tools can assist you in your efforts to create the best possible experience for students, faculty, staff and other customers. Lean White Belt certification is awarded to those who satisfactorily complete all requirements for this workshop.

To see the workshop description and register, complete our brief Upcoming Michigan Tech Lean Courses form or visit our website. Once registered, we'll add you to a calendar event for the course.

This workshop will be taught virtually using Zoom and Miro. There will be a couple of brief activities before and after the workshop to demonstrate application of concepts, then you'll receive a certificate. There’s no cost to Michigan Tech employees.

This stand-alone workshop is part of the Lean Basics workshop series. It can be taken independently, or, if you complete the requirements for all five workshops in the series, we’ll award you a Lean Yellow Belt certificate!

For more information, email improvement@mtu.edu.

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Lunch and Learn: 'Empowering Educational Equity: Affordable, Open and Inclusive Course Materials'

Are you looking to make your course materials more accessible and affordable for students? Join us on Sept. 17 at noon for a Lunch and Learn session, co-sponsored by the William G. Jackson Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) and the Committee for Accessible and Affordable Learning Materials (CAALM).

During this session, we'll explore three key focus areas:

  • Inclusive Access Program Updates: Learn about the latest updates to our Inclusive Access program from Campus Store staff. This initiative offers textbooks and publisher courseware to students at reduced costs, helping to ease the financial burden on your students.

  • Open Educational Resources (OERs): Discover how to find and use OERs in your courses. Bree Carlson, assistant teaching professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology (KIP), will share how she applies open educational practices and leverages generative artificial intelligence tools in her classes to create engaging materials.

  • Accessibility of Course Materials: Learn how to check the accessibility of your course materials and explore tools that can help remove digital barriers, ensuring all students can fully participate in your classes.

Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your teaching practices while enjoying lunch with colleagues. We look forward to seeing you there!

Accommodation requests (including dietary) can be made on the Lunch and Learn registration form or by contacting Jess Hendrickson at jelhendr@mtu.edu or 906-487-2275.

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Voter Engagement Module Now Live on Canvas

Looking to incorporate voter engagement information into your class this semester? The Voter Engagement Coalition at Michigan Tech has once again added a Voter Engagement module to Canvas Commons for the Michigan Tech community to utilize as they see fit. Content covered includes a brief introduction to voting in the U.S., as well as information about MTU students' historic voting rates, voter registration, options for casting your ballot, and resources to assist in becoming an informed voter.

We are proud to continue offering this resource to our campus community. Learn more about voter engagement at Michigan Tech.

If you have feedback on the module, interest in other voter engagement efforts on campus, or questions, please contact Danielle Meirow at dlmeirow@mtu.edu.

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A Cup of Joe with the Safety Crew

Michigan Tech’s Safety Team — Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) and the Office of Risk, Insurance, Safety, Security, and Compliance (RISSC) — will be hosting our next monthly Safety Round Table: a place for all Huskies to share a cup of coffee and learn about the importance of campus health and safety.

We invite you to join us today, Sept. 4, from 9-10 a.m. in the MUB Alumni Lounge.

What should you do in the event of an injury on campus? When injuries are of a serious nature, calling 911 is the standard response of most people. But, what if the injury is not serious — for example, a mildly sprained ankle, etc.?

John Velat, the director of Michigan Tech’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS), will lead a discussion on our Husky EMS team, which provides free, timely and quality emergency medical response 24 hours a day, seven days a week to the Michigan Tech community and campus visitors.

In addition, there will be announcements for newly opened EHS staff postings, along with an informal opportunity to talk with our campus safety professionals.

So come ask the questions you have always wanted to ask and get the answers you need about Michigan Tech safety programs, legal compliance issues and additional resources… and have a cup of Joe with the Safety Crew!

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Sponsored Research Data in Digital Measures

Michigan Tech IT and the Office of the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs are pleased to announce that Sponsored Research data is now updated and populated in Digital Measures at Michigan Tech (DM).

Users should review their Sponsored Research data and report any issues to dm-admin@mtu.edu.

If you have any questions, please contact the DM administrator at dm-admin@mtu.edu or 906-487-2135.

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Join the Rozsa Soirée Season Launch Party

Kick off the new season in style with the Rozsa Soirée season launch party and fundraiser this Friday, Sept. 6. It’s a celebration, a concert and a chance to make your mark on the upcoming season!

Exclusive Backstage Concert
Join us for an electrifying backstage concert by pop star Gina Chávez of Austin, Texas. Her unique blend of Latin pop, infused with her multi-ethnic background and powerful voice, will set the stage for a spectacular year of performances. Watch Chávez’s NPR Tiny Desk Concert and TED Talk, and listen to her on Brené Brown’s podcast, "Unlocking Us."

Cast Your Vote
Want to have a say in the concessions you enjoy during Rozsa events? Now’s your chance. Enjoy curated pairings by Margaret Hanson of Teach to Taste, and cast your vote for the featured concessions item of the season. Hors d’oeuvres and dessert for the evening are catered by The Bonfire at The Continental.

Support the Rozsa’s Mission
The Rozsa Soirée supports the Rozsa’s mission of cultivating a vibrant and connected campus and community through shared experiences. Your generosity throughout the evening helps fund our strategic accessibility initiatives with programs like Pay As You’re Able, Class Acts, sensory-friendly performances, and our ongoing sustainability practices, making the Rozsa more accessible for years to come.

Whether you come for the music, fun or to support the cause, this night will delight. Don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate, support and shape the season ahead. We can’t wait to see you there!

Tickets are available online, or in person or via phone at 906-487-1906 during Rozsa Box Office hours.

Event Details:

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Last Chance to Register: High-Impact Strategies for Difficult Dialogue

Don't miss out on this exceptional opportunity! Due to high demand, the registration deadline has been extended to tomorrow, Sept. 5, for our highly anticipated workshop, High-Impact Strategies for Difficult Dialogue with renowned expert Ronald L. Jackson II.

Workshop Details:

Spaces are filling up fast for this transformative event in our Bridging Communities Series. Here's why you can't afford to miss it:

  • Learn game-changing strategies to navigate contentious topics on campus
  • Enhance your ability to facilitate respectful and productive conversations
  • Gain invaluable skills particularly beneficial for classroom settings
  • Network with colleagues over a complimentary breakfast

Register now to secure your spot and join your peers in developing crucial communication skills that will benefit you both personally and professionally.

Remember, registration closes tomorrow, Sept. 5, and we expect the remaining spots to fill quickly. Act now to ensure you're part of this enriching experience!

This program is partially sponsored by the Visiting Professor Program, funded through a grant to the Office of the Provost from the state of Michigan's King-Chávez-Parks Initiative.

Today's Campus Events

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Fall 2024 Blood Drive

The Fall 2024 Blood Drive will be on September 4th and 5th from 10 AM until 4 PM in the Memorial Union Building Ballroom. The American Red Cross recommends everyone make an...

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Policies and Procedures of the MAE Graduate Program

MAE Graduate Seminar Speaker Series proudly presents Wayne Weaver, PhD Professor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) at Michigan Tech Director of Graduate Studies,...

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International Students: What to Expect at Career Fair

Prepare for career fair, how to find companies and talk to them about CPT and OPT.

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Board Game Night

Join Jim Grider and our student staff in the Wads Annex to connect with others over playing board games! Spend time practicing intentional self-care while destressing from the...

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Bigger & Better

Join the brothers of Tau Kappa Epsilon for this event. We will be walking around to different greek orgs and trading for different items. Stop by to learn more about how we...

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General PHAT Meeting

Our first fall meeting will be Wednesday, September 4th, at 7pm in EERC 214. This meeting will be our introductory meeting. Committee chairs are required to attend this...