September 17, 2024

Over the summer, the finishing touches were completed on the H-STEM Engineering and Health Technologies Complex (H-STEM), with landscaping being the most visible. Behind the scenes, electric rebates from solar panels and other sustainable infrastructure designed into the building have been paid back to the University and deposited into the Evergreen Energy Fund to invest in additional energy-efficiency projects on campus.

Next door to H-STEM, initial steps have been taken to upgrade the existing HVAC system in the Chemical Sciences and Engineering Building (Chem Sci). Consultants are working on a phasing plan to replace and upgrade the laboratory exhaust and building ventilation, as well as install new mechanical systems.

Both projects are a continuation of the priorities identified in the Campus Master Plan. Additional information on Michigan Tech's Campus Master Plan 2022 “Build the Future” is available on the Facilities Management webpage.

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) is excited to invite the campus community to Aluminum Day on Thursday, Sept. 19, on the graduate side of the Minerals and Materials Engineering Building (M&M).

We are proud to partner with Norsk Hydro, a global leader in aluminum production and recycling, in sponsoring Aluminum Day. Headquartered in Oslo, Norway, Hydro operates in over 50 countries, including multiple facilities in the Midwest.

We are honored to welcome guests from Zeeland, Michigan, and from Norway:

• Eskild Hoff, Director, Hydro Aluminum Technology Center – Zeeland, Michigan
• Helen Weyland, Principal Research Scientist, Hydro Aluminum Technology Center – Zeeland, Michigan
• Esma Senel, Head of Laboratories – Norway 
• Eystein Vada, Laboratory Engineer – Norway

Together, they bring over 60 years of experience in the aluminum industry and will share their insights on aluminum's role in modern manufacturing and renewable energy.

This is a great opportunity to engage with experts in the field, learn about cutting-edge research and explore potential career paths in the aluminum industry. We look forward to seeing you there!

Aluminum Day Schedule – Thursday, Sept. 19

• 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Informational Table, M&M East Lobby
  Learn about Hydro’s impact on the aluminum industry and renewable energy.

• Noon — Luncheon Seminar, M&M 610
  Join us for a lunch seminar and hear Eskild Hoff and Esma Senel's presentation: “Hydro Aluminum and Sustainability.”

• 1 p.m. — Graduate Seminar, M&M 610
  Hear Helen Weyland and Eystein Vada present "Aluminum in Automotive and R&D Initiatives."

A production system maintenance window is scheduled for Sept. 29 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The following production services will be unavailable during that time:

• apps.mtu.edu
• Banner
• Banweb
• MyMichiganTech
• Banner Communication Management
• Aspire
• Course Tools
• OAP Rental System
• Oracle Reports
• Perceptive Content (Imagenow)
• Pinnacle
• uAchieve
• UC4/Appworx
• Virtual Cashiering
• WebFocus

If you have any questions or concerns, we can help. Contact us at it-help@mtu.edu or call 906-487-1111.

Professor Claudio Mazzoleni (Physics) and Dean/Professor Will Cantrell (GS/Physics) are recipients of the 2024 Juan Fernandez de la Mora Prize from the American Association for Aerosol Research.

The prize recognizes Mazzoleni and Cantrell's contributions to experimental research in aerosol science. Their group will receive a differential mobility analyzer (DMA) as a gift from Professor Juan Fernandez de la Mora, a faculty member at Yale University, to measure size distributions of nanometer particles at high resolution.

Rajath Nagaraj, senior data scientist at Liberty Mutual Insurance, will be visiting campus on Monday, Sept. 23, to give a seminar on industry-level project management and the role of artificial intelligence in various domains, with an emphasis on the insurance industry.

The seminar will be held at noon in MEEM 403. Light refreshments will be served.

Nagaraj earned a master's degree in data science from Michigan Tech in 2021.

The next guest speaker in the Department of Biomedical Engineering (BioMed) Seminar Series will present Friday, Sept. 20, at 3 p.m. in person in Chem Sci 102 and virtually via Zoom.

Julia Jeannine Mack from UCLA will present "Flow-Mediated Mechanisms of Endothelial Cell Resilience."

Attend the BioMed Seminar via Zoom.

Read Mack's abstract and bio at the University Events Calendar.

Folio thinking encourages deeper thinking, self-assessment and growth through the practice of maintaining a personal collection of work, ideas and reflections. This approach helps students track their progress, identify areas for improvement and develop a habit of continual self-improvement.

Join the Jackson Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) and the Essential Education program for a Lunch and Learn about the Husky Folio, a structured yet flexible way of collecting learning experiences and reflective activities and integrating them into portfolios. Participants will be able to see examples and practice folio thinking via the new platform PebblePad.

Event Details:

• What: Husky Folio Lunch and Learn presented by the CTL and Essential Education
• When: Tuesday, Oct. 22, from noon until 1 p.m. 
• Where: MUB Alumni Lounge
• Registration: Register to attend (registration is required)

Dennis Livesay, professor and dean of the College of Computing at Michigan Technological University, will be presenting at this week's Chemistry Seminar.

The seminar will be held in person from 3-4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, in Chem Sci 101.

Livesay’s presentation is titled "Does Nature Love Chemistry and Physics as Much as I Do? Integrating First-Principles and Empirical Descriptions of Protein Family Evolution.”

From the abstract:
The main goal of my research is to elucidate the molecular origins of protein family evolution. How does nature conserve function across a protein family despite significant sequence and structure variability? Conversely, what are the consequences of divergence within a family of proteins that, at a high level, do the same thing? In this presentation, I will explore these questions through the lens of protein dynamics using a combination of computational biophysics and bioinformatics methods. I will start by discussing the large and long-range impacts of single point mutations on protein dynamics, and will then introduce the idea of compensation where additional mutations can reestablish evolutionarily important features. Finally, I will conclude by applying our techniques to understand the evolutionary pressures impacting β-lactamase evolution, which underlies many antibiotic resistance mechanisms.

Livesay currently serves as the Dave House Dean of Computing at Michigan Technological University. He came to Michigan Tech with broad administrative experience and has previously had tenured/tenure-track appointments in departments of applied computing, bioinformatics, biomedical engineering, chemistry, and computer science. He received his Ph.D. in physical chemistry from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Livesay’s research interests are in computational biophysics and bioinformatics with a specific focus on protein family sequence/structure/function relationships, especially as related to how physicochemical properties vary with evolutionary divergence. During his research career, Livesay’s lab was continuously funded by external grants, primarily from the National Institutes of Health and MedImmune, a large biotech company. He has been a grant reviewer for the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, Research Corporation and the W.M. Keck Foundation, and has served on the editorial board of seven journals, including BMC Bioinformatics and PLOS Computational Biology, two of the top journals in the discipline.

The Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) at Michigan Tech will present the virtual lunchtime information session "How to Get Human Subjects Research Approval" on Sept. 26 to help people with Institutional Review Board submissions.

IRB submissions are significantly different from grant proposals or academic papers. They have to focus mainly on the practical details of how participants will be found, recruited and consented, and exactly what people will have to do as part of the project.

During the lunchtime Zoom presentation, Mike Reay will talk for 30 minutes about what the IRB is looking for in a submission and how to minimize the number of changes required before a project is approved. He will then field any questions people have about the process.

Join the HRPP info session on Zoom.

The presentation will be recorded. Any departments or groups of researchers who would like to schedule an in-person session on this topic at a later date are welcome to contact Reay to make arrangements.

Have you noticed that different people have vastly different experiences in classes, meetings, informal and formal events and other interactions on campus? Ever notice that this is dependent upon visually identifiable identities (gender, skin color, etc.)? If you haven’t experienced this yourself, have you heard from others that have? Would you like to learn more about being an ally in the moment and to help intentionally craft the culture at Michigan Tech to position every single individual for success (not just those who fit the "historically typical" mold)?

You are invited to attend one of two sessions (held concurrently) of a workshop that explores the impact of gender and race on faculty members’ experiences of the University campus climate. Through small group discussions, a review of the existing research, and large group discussions, these sessions will seek to shift the dialogue from individual problems and solutions experienced by underrepresented faculty to identifying and acknowledging institutional challenges and solutions related to gender and racial inequity in higher education.

If you'd simply like to learn more about these issues in a collegial environment, please attend. If you would like to practice allyship, attend and bring a friend!

This workshop will be led by Michigan Tech's own Advocate Team members (cisgender-men-only session) and by the Advocates and Allies Advisory Board members (women and other genders session). Details on Advocates and Allies are available on the ADVANCE webpage.

Lunch will be served at the workshop. Please RSVP for the Advocates and Allies fall workshop no later than Oct. 6 so we can place our food order.

Event Details:

• What: Advocates and Allies Workshop
• When: Friday, Oct. 11, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Where: Memorial Union Alumni Lounge
• Who: All faculty and staff are encouraged to attend.
• RSVP: Please RSVP no later than Sunday, Oct. 6.

The Advocates and Allies program was developed by ADVANCE at Michigan Tech, an NSF-funded initiative dedicated to increasing faculty retention, improving campus climate and enhancing the career success of our faculty, and is now supported by Engagement and Belonging.

This event is part of the Bridging Communities Series. The Bridging Communities Series at Michigan Tech offers students, faculty and staff opportunities to engage in meaningful conversations that explore different perspectives and foster understanding. Through workshops, panels, films and more, we will develop skills for respectful dialogue and learn to navigate challenging conversations with empathy and openness. Join us as we build a stronger, more connected community at Michigan Tech.

The Minot Daily News and The Bismarck Tribune mentioned Michigan Tech in stories about U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Mitchell Johnson, who will assume command as adjutant general of the North Dakota National Guard. Johnson was commissioned through the ROTC program at Michigan Tech in 1997.

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Michigan Tech’s Mobile Lab was mentioned by WLUC TV6 and Ratchet+Wrench in stories about electric vehicle (EV) training provided to the city of Marquette’s facilities and maintenance team. The training is part of the MiNextCities Project, aimed at helping the city transition to a potential all-electric fleet.

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WLUC TV6 mentioned Michigan Tech hockey in a story about the results of the 2024 CCHA Preseason Polls. The Huskies were picked third in the coaches' poll and fourth in the media poll. The polls were the subject of a Michigan Tech Athletics press release.

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MITechNews covered Michigan Tech's announcement as the new engineering services provider for the American Center for Mobility (ACM) in Ypsilanti, Michigan. The story highlighted the collaboration between Michigan Tech’s APS LABS and ACM, along with their joint efforts in securing federal funding for mobility research projects. The partnership was the subject of a story at Michigan Tech News.

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The Wisconsin State Journal, The Alpena News, WOOD TV8, The Iron Mountain Daily News, and 80 additional U.S. outlets picked up an Associated Press story quoting Travis White (GLRC) about the high-tech search for a plane that crashed in Lake Superior in 1968. From Sept. 9-13, a Michigan Tech team based at the Great Lakes Research Center used an autonomous surface vessel equipped with high-resolution sonar to scan the lake bottom for wreckage.

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Lindsay Hiltunen (VPOL) was mentioned by The Keweenaw Report in a story about the upcoming March on Into Fall fundraising event, supporting the Big Annie Statue Fund Project. Hiltunen will give a presentation on Anna Klobucher Clemenc at the event on Sept. 29 at the Bonfire Restaurant in Houghton.

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Dawn Corwin (CSS) was quoted by The Keweenaw Report in a story about Michigan Tech students making bracelets for sexual assault survivors in collaboration with the Copper Shores Child Advocacy Center. The initiative aims to raise awareness and offer support during the high-risk "red zone" period from August to November.

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University President Rick Koubek was a guest on the Sunday, Sept. 15, episode of the "Copper Country Today" radio program. The episode was titled “MTU President Rick Koubek.”

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The Conversation published an article written by Mark Rhodes (SS) about his summer study abroad program at Michigan Tech, where students travel by Amtrak across the country to explore sustainability and tourism. The story was picked up by MSN and 28 other outlets.

Career Closet Accepting Donations

The Career Closet is a giveaway of gently worn business clothing to assist students in preparing for Career Fair and other career opportunities. In order to provide as many options for students as possible, we need to secure donations of professional clothing and shoes. We will be accepting donations of gently worn, clean business clothing through Friday, Sept. 20, at noon. Donated items will be available to all Michigan Tech students at no cost.

The Career Closet will take place Friday, Sept. 20, from 3-6 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 21, from 1-4 p.m. in Wads G04W.

If you would like to volunteer at the event, please sign up through GivePulse or email huskycloset@mtu.edu.

While we will accept any new or gently used professional items, we do have some high priority items:

• Men’s shoes
• Men’s suit coats
• Men’s dress shirts
• Men’s dress pants (size 32 & smaller)
• Ties
• Women’s size small tops
• Women’s size 0-6 dress pants

Clothing may be dropped off at any of the following locations:

• College of Business
• Dean of Students Office
• Career Services
• University Images
• Campus Bookstore
• Van Pelt and Opie Library
• Residential Living

Or, boxed clothing can be mailed to:
Residential Living
1701 Townsend Drive
153W Wadsworth Hall
Houghton, MI 49931

Thank you to all who have supported this effort of the Husky Closet Collective. This event is donation- and volunteer-based, and we could not do it without the help and support of our Husky community.

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Updated Hazard Mitigation Plan Available for Public Comment

A draft of the 2025 updated Michigan Tech Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan is available for review. The original plan was developed in 2008 to protect the health and safety on Tech’s campus, and it was updated in 2020 after the Father’s Day flood. A plan update is required by FEMA every five years. Our current plan expires on Jan. 15, 2025.

View the 2025-2030 Draft Plan.

Michigan Tech values the input and feedback from the community, and any feedback provided will be reviewed and addressed in this plan prior to the final submission to FEMA before adoption.

Comments on the MTU Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Draft can be provided anonymously through the Michigan Tech Hazard Mitigation Plan Feedback form. They can also be emailed directly to Lori Weir at llweir@mtu.edu.

The deadline to provide feedback is next Wednesday, Sept. 25.

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Join the Fun: Kick Off the Year with Michigan Tech's Staff Council!

Get ready to kick off the year with Michigan Tech’s Staff Council! We're rolling out the welcome mat for new members and would love to have you join us at noon today, Sept. 17, in Admin 404.

This isn't just any meeting — it's a chance to meet fellow staff from across the University, make your voice heard and be part of something bigger. Our special guest, Kyle Rubin, associate vice president for enrollment management, will share exciting updates about the future of Michigan Tech. And, we’ll have delicious chocolate fondue to fuel the fun!

The Staff Council, founded in 1991, is a powerhouse of staff members dedicated to making our work environment the best it can be. We celebrate each other's achievements, support professional development and organize amazing events like Family Fun Day, Professional Development Day and the Making a Difference Awards.

By joining, you’ll have opportunities to serve on committees, help shape important campus initiatives and contribute to some of the University's coolest traditions — like the MTU Employee Wall Calendar!

So, mark your employee wall calendar and get ready to dive into something truly rewarding. We can't wait to see you there!

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This Week at the Rozsa

Sharon McMahon: With Malice Toward None
Thursday, Sept. 19, at 7:30 p.m.
2024/25 Rozsa Season: Rozsa Presenting Series
Van Evera Distinguished Lecture Series
Bridging Communities Series

In a world of incredible polarization, how do we hold space for free speech and make sure that everyone feels safe and welcome? Join Sharon McMahon, the former high school government teacher known for her ability to break down complex political issues with empathy, respect and clarity, for this compelling and timely discussion inspired by the words in Abraham Lincoln’s second inaugural address.

Sharon’s talk will be followed by a Q&A session moderated by Univeristy Ombuds and Social Sciences Associate Professor Susanna D. Peters, J.D.

Tickets: Free for all through the Van Evera Memorial Endowment. Reserve online or at the Rozsa Box Office.
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that thing between my teeth is my foot art exhibit
Open through Nov. 2
2024/25 Rozsa Season: Michigan Tech Art Series

Since the fall of 2019, Connecticut-based artist Douglas Degges has been creating a series of intriguing abstract paintings based on cell phone photos from his family in Louisiana in a group text. This project explores shared visual experiences and affirms the concept of home as immaterial and held within oneself. Alongside these paintings are a series of abstract sculptures that Degges collaborated on with his wonderful canine companion, Cricket. 

This free exhibit is open through Nov. 2 in the Rozsa Art Galleries A-Space. Curated by Gallery Director Terri Jo Frew, the Rozsa Art Galleries are located on the lower level of the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts.

A-Space Gallery Hours:
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. | Saturday: 1-8 p.m.

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Keep the UP Wild

The climate action student organization at Michigan Tech, Keweenaw Youth for Climate Action, has been an active member of “Keep the U.P. Wild." This is a coalition of over 70 businesses and organizations in the Upper Peninsula, plus another 330 across Michigan, who are working to establish four new federal wilderness areas in the Western U.P.

These four local areas are likely places you have explored and enjoyed for outdoor recreation, containing pristine wilderness and old-growth forests: the Trap Hills, a Sturgeon River Gorge addition, Ehlco, and the Norwich Plains! The federal wilderness designation would give these treasured ecosystems the recognition they deserve, worthy of permanent protection from logging and development.

Are you interested in hearing more about which local businesses are involved in this project and what is needed to secure the Wilderness designation? Come hear from a key voice behind this effort: Kelly Thayer of the Environmental Law & Policy Center (ELPC). Kelly will present what this Wilderness designation is all about, where the campaign stands, and how you can help. This will be a short informal presentation with opportunity for conversation.

Maps of the proposed wilderness areas and more information can be found on the Keep the U.P. Wild website.

Attend the informational presentation tonight, Sept. 17, from 6:30-7 p.m. in Fisher 125!

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

that thing between my teeth is my foot Exhibit - Michigan Tech Art

Tuesday, September 17, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. | Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts, Rozsa Art Galleries A-Space

MICHIGAN TECH ART SERIES EVENT Douglas Degges is presenting two parallel artistic explorations in the Rozsa A-Space Gallery. Since the fall of 2019, Degges has been creating...

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National Voter Registration Day

Tuesday, September 17, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. | Across Campus!

Join us on National Voter Registration Day to ensure your voice is heard! Stop by our tables to check your voter registration status or register to vote. Whether you're a...

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Foundry Fest - Feat. Foundry & Foundry Industry Companies

Tuesday, September 17, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.

Stop by for a casual conversation with employers. This is a great way to practice your networking skills while learning about various companies and their career opportunities.

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CTL and C.A.A.L.M. Lunch and Learn: Empowering Educational Equity: Affordable, Open and Inclusive Course Materials

Tuesday, September 17, 12–1 p.m. | J. Robert Van Pelt and John and Ruanne Opie Library, Reservation Required

Join the Center for Teaching and Learning for the following opportunity: !https://mtu.libcal.com/event/12915915

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CTL and C.A.A.L.M. Luncheon

Tuesday, September 17, 12–1 p.m. | J. Robert Van Pelt and John and Ruanne Opie Library, Reservation Required

Join the Center for Teaching and Learning for the following opportunity: !https://mtu.libcal.com/event/12915915

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Staff Council Meeting

Tuesday, September 17, 12–1 p.m. | Administration and Student Services Building, 404

Join us for the monthly Staff Council meeting! Staff Council exists to support Michigan Tech staff: full-time, part-time, nine-month, or ten-month; non-student, non-faculty....

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Women's Soccer at Northwood

Tuesday, September 17, 12–3 p.m. | Midland, Mich.

Women's Soccer at Northwood Midland, Mich.

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Boys' Basketball Little Huskies League

Tuesday, September 17, 4–6 p.m. | Student Development Complex (SDC), Multipurpose Gym

This league is open to boys entering grades 2 - 5 as of Fall 2024. Learning skills, working as a team, and having fun: that’s Michigan Tech’s Boys’ Basketball Little Huskies...

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Huskies Swim Training - Session 1

Tuesday, September 17, 4–5 p.m. | Student Development Complex (SDC), Pool

Huskies Swim Training is a program that provides additional attention and competitive guidance to advanced swimmers looking to focus on stroke technique and...

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Adult Huskies Swim Lessons - Session 1

Tuesday, September 17, 5–6 p.m. | Student Development Complex (SDC), Pool

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

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Adult Huskies Swim Training - Session 1

Tuesday, September 17, 5–6 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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Keweenaw Accessibility and Advocacy General Meeting

Tuesday, September 17, 6–7 p.m. | wadsworth hall G17/19

Weekly General Meeting

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Main Meeting!

Tuesday, September 17, 7–8 p.m. | WADS G42W

Main meeting for our organization where we listen to preaching, take communion and have fellowship