September 19, 2024

From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, paying tribute to the impact of Hispanic and Latine communities in higher education and across the United States.

Recent data shows Hispanic/Latine student enrollment in colleges nearly doubled from 11% to 20% between 2006 and 2021. At Michigan Tech, we're seeing our own growth, with 2.8% of our domestic students identifying as Hispanic/Latine.

We're supporting this growth through various initiatives, including participation in the Michigan Latino Summit and hosting Hispanic Heritage Month events. Join us in celebrating the potential of Hispanic students in reshaping America's academic landscape.

For more information on Hispanic Heritage Month, upcoming events and ways to celebrate, visit our Engagement and Belonging Newsblog.

University Marketing and Communications is happy to announce that the UMC Photo Studio will host fall 2024 complimentary professional portrait sessions on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. each day.

Photos will be taken in the UMC Photo Studio, located on the Garden Level of the Administration Building in Admin G37. The background is neutral grey.

Your portrait will only take 2-3 minutes to shoot. There is no online sign-up, but please note that a HuskyCard is required to get your portrait taken. Images will be emailed to your mtu.edu email address roughly 2-3 weeks after the session.

For any questions, reach out to photoservices@mtu.edu.

The Accessible Keweenaw Initiative is pleased to announce the first-ever Upper Peninsula Accessibility Summit, being held next Thursday and Friday, Sept. 26 and 27, at the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts. Engagement and Belonging and the Pavlis Honors College at Michigan Tech are supporters of this event.

The summit is an opportunity for community planning and government entities, local businesses and organizations, education and recreation leaders, and community members to come together and learn about the benefits of improving accessibility infrastructure in our communities.

Participant registration closes tomorrow, Sept. 20. Registration includes lunch, keynote sessions, workshops, vendor interactions and an award ceremony to recognize those making significant contributions to accessibility in our community.

Why Attend?

• The summit offers a big-picture overview of accessibility needs and solutions, fostering discussions on sustainable, accessible infrastructure in our communities.
• Participants will discover how improving accessibility can help businesses attract a broader customer base, including individuals with disabilities and their families.
• Gain actionable strategies from leading experts on universal design, adaptive technologies and accessibility standards.
• Hands-on workshops and demonstrations, including adaptive sports equipment, and a chance to meet organizations focused on accessibility across the Upper Peninsula.
• Network with local business owners, community leaders, and organizations committed to making our region more accessible and inclusive.

Keynote Speakers: Kaelynn Partlow and Robin Jones
Kaelynn Partlow, a passionate advocate for autism awareness and inclusive education, will share her experiences and insights on creating welcoming environments. Robin Jones, director of the Great Lakes ADA Center, brings national expertise in disability rights and accessibility, helping you understand the importance of ADA compliance and inclusive practices.

Accessibility
The summit will feature adaptive communication methods and accessible transportation to ensure an inclusive experience for all participants. If you have any questions or specific accessibility needs, contact summit organizers at UPAS24info@gmail.com.

The 2024 Upper Peninsula Accessibility Summit is largely sponsored by the Keweenaw Community Foundation’s Joe Freed Empowerment Fund, which supports initiatives that empower individuals with mental, intellectual, physical and/or developmental disabilities.

Additional local support is provided by Copper Shores Community Health Foundation, Michigan Tech Engagement and Belonging, Ki Mobility, Michigan Tech Pavlis Honors College, U.P. Health Systems – Portage, Superior National Bank and Trust, The Scooter Doctor, UPEA, Superior Alliance for Independent Living, Third Coast Diving and Adaptive Recreation, and Equipment Loans of the Keweenaw.

Maria Gencoglu's research group in the Department of Chemical Engineering (ChE) at Michigan Technological University is seeking applications for a Ph.D. position starting in spring 2025. The research will focus on biomaterial-based platforms for cancer tissue engineering. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Gencoglu began her tenure-track position as an assistant professor at Michigan Tech in August 2024. Her research interests include cancer tissue engineering, scaffold-based disease modeling, molecular mechanisms of diseases, and 3D organoids and spheroids models.

Motivated candidates with bachelor’s or master’s degrees in chemical engineering, biomedical engineering or bioengineering are encouraged to apply. Candidates with experience in the previously mentioned areas are preferred.

How to Apply: Interested candidates should email the following documents to Gencoglu at mgencogl@mtu.edu with the subject “Ph.D. Application_FirstName_LastName”.

• A cover letter detailing your research interests and relevant experience
• A detailed CV or resume

All potential graduate students must apply and be accepted to the graduate program in chemical engineering. For further information, please contact the Graduate School at Michigan Tech.

The Rozsa Center is thrilled to host Sharon McMahon, known to millions as the host of the top-rated podcast “Here’s Where It Gets Interesting” and @sharonsaysso on social media, for a free speaker event titled “Sharon McMahon: With Malice Toward None.” McMahon takes the stage tonight, Sept. 19, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are free for all through the Van Evera Memorial Endowment.

In a world of incredible polarization, how do we hold space for free speech and make sure that everyone feels safe and welcome? With a focus on promoting civic engagement and fostering respectful political discourse in this compelling and timely talk, McMahon looks to times of polarization in our history that feel relevant today. Her talk will include an audience Q&A moderated by Susanna Peters, J.D., University Ombuds and Michigan Tech Department of Social Sciences senior lecturer. View the digital program.

Renowned for her ability to break down complex political issues with empathy, respect and clarity, McMahon has gained a massive following for her straightforward explanations of government, history and current events. Her humorous and nonpartisan approach to educating the public on civics has earned her the nickname “America’s Government Teacher.” 

“Sharon McMahon: With Malice Toward None” is part of the 2024/25 Rozsa Presenting Series, the Van Evera Distinguished Lecture Series and the Bridging Communities Series. This event is made possible by the Van Evera Memorial Endowment, the James A. and Margaret C. Black Endowment Fund, the Katherine M. Bosch Foundation and the Rozsa Circle of Supporters.

Tickets: Tickets for this free event are available online or at Rozsa Box Office in person or by calling 906-487-1906 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and for one hour before the show.

Event Details:

• What: Sharon McMahon: With Malice Toward None
• When: Thursday, Sept. 19, at 7:30 p.m.
• Where: Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts
• Tickets: Free for all through the Van Evera Memorial Endowment

The Turning Point USA (TP USA) chapter at Michigan Tech will host Stephen Davis for a free event in Dillman 214 today, Sept. 19, at 6:30 p.m.

Davis is a conservative political activist and co-host of Turning Point USA’s hit series, "Campus Crashers." He challenges leftist narratives present in today’s culture at grassroots events, conventions, high schools and college campuses nationwide.

Davis was once left-leaning, and uses his past experiences to connect with audiences who have opposing views. His mission is to encourage his peers, support critical thinking regarding mainstream media, and defeat narratives that he believes have been destroying America’s minority communities.

This event is free and open to the public.

The Department of Mathematical Sciences (Math) will host a Math Colloquium tomorrow, Sept. 19, from 1-1:50 p.m. in Fisher 327B.

Yanzhao Cao from Auburn University will present "Machine Learning with Stochastic Differential Equations."

Cao will demonstrate the pivotal role that stochastic, particularly Itô calculus, can play in advancing modern artificial intelligence methods.

The next Environmental Engineering Graduate Seminar will take place at 3 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 23, in Chem Sci 101.

Chris Trefry, professional engineer, professional hydrologist, board certified water resources engineer and chief of the Water Control Section for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mississippi Valley Division, Rock Island District, will present "The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Role in Ecosystem Restoration."

Read Trefry's abstract and bio on the University Events Calendar.

Susanne C. Brenner will deliver the seventh Kliakhandler Public Lecture at 6 p.m. on Oct. 3 in Fisher 139. The title of her lecture is “Computational Mathematics.”

The campus community and general public are invited. Admission is free.

Brenner, a Boyd Professor and associate director for academic affairs at Louisiana State University, has served as president of the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) and is a leading researcher in numerical analysis.

“This is a general talk about computational mathematics,” said Brenner. “We will trace its fascinating history from ancient times to modern day in terms of people, machines and algorithms. We will discuss the goals and practice of computational mathematics, and the challenges and opportunities that it provides.”

Brenner will also present a research colloquium for the mathematics department at 1 p.m. on Oct. 4 in Fisher 230.

Get more details on the College of Sciences and Arts Newsblog.

The Michigan Tech soccer team wrapped its nonconference slate on the road, falling to Northwood 4-1 at the Dean Soccer Field on Tuesday, Sept. 17.

"We failed to put a complete game together today against a strong Northwood team," Tech coach Melissa Kuhar said. "We came out flat in the second half and Northwood was able to capitalize on our mistakes. Giving up two goals in less than a minute's time span killed any momentum we had and made us battle from behind early on in the second half."

Read more at Michigan Tech Athletics.

The Michigan Tech football team is wrapping up its nonconference ledger on Saturday, Sept. 21, traveling to University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh for a 1 p.m. kickoff.

This marks the first meeting between the two teams. Audio, live stats and a livestream of the game will be available on the Michigan Tech Athletics' Live Events page.

Read the preview at Michigan Tech Athletics.

Raymond Brice has been named an assistant coach with the Michigan Tech hockey team, and began his duties on Sept. 16. Brice was the captain of the Huskies during their 2019-20 season and appeared in 95 games over his four seasons as a player at Tech.

"It is with pride and excitement that we welcome Ray to the staff," said head coach Joe Shawhan. "As a player, he represented a model of expectations that we have for Michigan Tech student-athletes. As a person, he represents the heart of the Copper Country. Ray's integration will be seamless."

"I'm super excited to be able to come back to Michigan Tech and work with elite athletes and help continue their development," said Brice. "Michigan Tech has a rich hockey tradition, and I look forward to helping the program grow and develop in the future. Being able to return in a coaching capacity to a school that I was fortunate to grow up watching and playing for was a no-brainer for me. I'm excited to get going and learn as much as I can from Joe, Tyler and Jordy, and the players."

Read more at Michigan Tech Athletics.

Tiffany Lewis (Physics/EPSSI) is the principal investigator (PI) on a project that has received a $49,776 research and development grant from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

The project is titled "Models & Simulations for Blazar Polarization in Gamma-Rays with COSI."

Lakshmi Vedula (Physics/EPSSI) is a co-PI on this potential three-year project.

*****

Julia Burton (CFRES/ESC) is the PI on a project that has received a $112,129 research and development co-op joint agreement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service – Ottawa National Forest.

The project is titled "Ecosystem Departure and Fire History Analysis."

Steven Voelker (CFRES/ESC) is a co-PI on this potential five-year project.

Michelle Jarvie-Eggart (EF) and Shari Stockero (PsyHF), with Ph.D. graduate Alfred Owusu-Ansah ’22 (Ph.D. Rhetoric, Theory and Culture), now faculty at University of Denver, are co-authors of a paper published in the journal Computers and Education Open.

The paper is titled "Factors influencing faculty’s adoption of engineering technology: A qualitative study."

The study highlights the authors’ theory of faculty adoption of engineering technologies as well as unique personal traits missing from existing models on technology adoption.

John Jaszczak (Museum/Physics) attended the Denver Gem and Mineral Show and Hardrock Summit from Sept. 12-15. He installed an educational exhibit on "Criminal Minerals: Minerals that Break the Laws of Classical Crystallography" and gave a lecture on the same topic.

To help illustrate the crystallographic concepts with some memorable levity, he used a variety of images of parked cars. Imagine identical cars neatly aligned in an automotive manufacturer's parking lot. In such a way, a normal mineral has a perfect, periodic (repeating) internal structure of its atoms. On the other hand, "criminal minerals," including the mineral merelaniite that Jaszczak helped to describe as a new mineral in 2016, have aperiodic structures that are nevertheless not random. Fun illustrations of cars in parking lots also show surprising and entertaining degrees of disorder, modulations and aperiodicity that help to illustrate just what is going on.

According to Jaszczak, it so happens that the criminal minerals can be described mathematically as having a structural periodicity in "higher dimensional space" and are now formally considered crystals, not criminals.

M. Bartley Seigel (HU) was quoted by The Daily Mining Gazette in a story about a poetry reading at the Portage Lake District Library on Sept. 6. The event featured Seigel, a former Upper Peninsula poet laureate, reading his work alongside Michigan Poet Laureate Nandi Comer.

*****

The Green Bay Press Gazette mentioned Michigan Tech alumnus Guy Jeske ’76 (B.S. Geological Engineering) in a story about his induction into the Oconto Falls High School Wall of Fame. Jeske had a 43-year professional career in the mining and explosives industries, holding positions such as mine manager and vice president of operations. The story was picked up by Yahoo! News.

*****

Crain’s Detroit Business mentioned Michigan Tech alumnus Charles Marshall (B.S. Electrical Engineering) in a Q&A discussing Michigan’s sustainable energy future.

*****

The Daily Mining Gazette mentioned Michigan Tech football standout Emmett Bjorn ’13 (B.S. Civil Engineering) in a story about six athletes being inducted into the Calumet High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Bjorn earned seven varsity letters during his time at Calumet and went on to earn three varsity letters at MTU.

Hybrid Physics Colloquium with Marc Kuchner

Marc Kuchner of NASA Headquarters will present virtually at a Physics Colloquium this week. The seminar will be presented virtually while guests meet in person at 4 p.m. today, Sept. 19, in Fisher 139.

Kuchner's presentation is titled "Marketing for Scientists."

This will be a highly interactive activity!

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

*****

BioMed Seminar Series Speaker: Julia Jeannine Mack

The next guest speaker in the Department of Biomedical Engineering (BioMed) Seminar Series will present tomorrow, 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.

*****

Today: Join MSE for Aluminum Day

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) is excited to invite the campus community to Aluminum Day, happening today, 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."

*****

MAE Graduate Seminar Speaker: Andrew Oliva

The next Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) Graduate Seminar Speaker will present at 4 p.m. today, Sept. 19, in MEEM 112.

Andrew Oliva will present “Experimental and Numerical Investigation of a Transonic Axial Compressor Rotor Subjected to an Inlet Stagnation Pressure Distortion.”

Oliva has over 12 years of experience running computational fluid dynamics on a variety of problems including internal subsonic, supersonic, and hypersonic flows as well as external hypersonic flows.

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

Thursday, September 19, 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...

*****

Career Fest - Mobility & Automotive Day

Thursday, September 19, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. | Campus Mall, CareerFEST Tent

Visit companies in the mobility and automotive industry on your way to class. Practice networking, and ask questions the company and industry.

*****

University Senate Meeting

Thursday, September 19, 12:30 p.m.–1:30 a.m. | Chemical Sciences and Engineering Building, 102

Agendas available on the Senate website. Meetings every Thursday except during academic breaks.

*****

Husky Hour: Disability Advocacy

Thursday, September 19, 3–4 p.m. | Wads G17/19

The Center for Student Mental Health and Well-Being is excited to invite you to an important and thought-provoking Husky Hour on what disability advocacy looks like at...

*****

Resume Review with Employers

Thursday, September 19, 3–5 p.m. | Administration and Student Services Building, 220 Career Services

Take advantage of the opportunity to have an employer give you feedback on your resume after each Career Fest event.

*****

Boys' Basketball Little Huskies League

Thursday, September 19, 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...

*****

Experimental and Numerical Investigation of a Transonic Axial Compressor Rotor Subjected to an Inlet Stagnation Pressure Distortion

Thursday, September 19, 4 p.m. | R. L. Smith Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics Building (MEEM), 112

MAE Graduate Seminar Speaker Series proudly presents Andrew Oliva, PhD University of Notre Dame Abstract Understanding the impact of inlet flow distortions on compressor...

*****

Huskies Swim Training - Session 1

Thursday, September 19, 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...

*****

Hybrid Physics Colloquium with Marc Kuchner

Thursday, September 19, 4–5 p.m. | fisher hall, 139

Marc Kuchner from NASA Headquarters will present, virtually, at this week's Physics Colloquium. [Speaker will be remote] Kuchner's presentation is titled "Marketing for...

*****

Career Fair Prep: Landing an Internship

Thursday, September 19, 5–6 p.m. | Fisher Hall, 101

Learn what it takes to land an internship in a competitive market.

*****

Technical Problem-Solving Workshop

Thursday, September 19, 5:00–6:30 p.m. | R.L. Smith Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics Building (MEEM), 406

Work with GM experts to refine your technical skills.

*****

Learn to Swim Levels 1-5 - Session 1

Thursday, September 19, 5:10–5:50 p.m. | Student Development Complex (SDC), Pool

Come make a splash in Huskies Group Swim Lessons! American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Levels 1-5 are being offered at the SDC Pool. Ages 6-17 years Space will be provided for...

*****

The CRT Con with Stephen Davis

Thursday, September 19, 6:30–7:30 p.m. | Dillman 214

Turning Point USA at Michigan Tech presents The CRT Con with Stephen Davis. Stephen Davis is an electrifying speaker who engages the audience in his talks about how critical...

*****

Worship of Nations

Thursday, September 19, 7:00–8:30 p.m. | Wadsworth Hall

Join us for Worship of Nations, an evening of worship through songs and praises in diverse languages, celebrating the unity of God’s presence across all cultures. Experience...

*****

Sharon McMahon: With Malice Toward None - Rozsa Presenting Series

Thursday, September 19, 7:30 p.m. | VAN EVERA...

Sharon McMahon: With Malice Toward None An Evening of Empathy, Civility, and Thoughtful Conversation ROZSA PRESENTING SERIES