November 8, 2024

After taking an introductory geology course at a local community college, Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences (GMES) alumnus Caleb Kaminski ’21 ’22 was hooked instantly. His path led him to pursue a bachelor’s degree in geological engineering at Michigan Tech. “It combined my newfound love for geology with the challenging engineering component I was eager to be challenged by,” said Kaminski. “And just like that, I found my perfect academic match!”

That perfect match led to a series of research projects and close faculty collaborations. After Kaminski graduated with his bachelor’s degree in 2021, he decided to pursue a master’s degree in geophysics, which he received in 2022. While in graduate school, Kaminski joined a team led by Kenneth Hinkel (GMES) to study permafrost in Utqiagvik, Alaska. “Living there for a week, I got to immerse myself in the local culture and learn from world-renowned scientists, which was truly enriching,” said Kaminski.

Alaska would become more than just a research trip destination; now, it’s home. Kaminski currently lives in Anchorage, where he works for PND Engineers Inc. as a staff engineer spearheading geophysical surveys across the state.

Read about Kaminski’s journey to Alaska on the College of Engineering Blog.

It is that time of year: Michigan Tech’s annual Benefits Open Enrollment period begins on Monday, Nov. 11, and runs through Nov. 25.

The 2025 Open Enrollment is an active enrollment, which means all benefits eligible employees are required to complete Open Enrollment.

• Open Enrollment Period: Begins Monday, Nov. 11, and ends Monday, Nov. 25
• Benefits Plan Year: Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2025

A new Open Enrollment platform, Employee Navigator, will be used this year instead of Banweb.

We encourage employees to visit Michigan Tech’s 2025 Benefits Open Enrollment website and the 2025 Benefits Guide PDF for more information.

What You Need to Know to Prepare for Open Enrollment:

• The morning of Monday, Nov. 11, you will receive an email from noreply@employeenavigator.com. This email will contain a link to register your account with Employee Navigator in order to begin your Open Enrollment.

• Your first and last name, the last four digits of your social security number (SSN), and your date of birth are required to complete your registration.
  Notes: 
  – Your first and last name must match what is in MTU’s system.
  – The registration process will include a two-factor authentication step, which will send a special code to your email before you can finish logging in to Employee Navigator.
  – Tobacco usage is a required field due to the Critical Illness benefit option for employees.

• Employees will receive reminder emails from Employee Navigator until they complete Open Enrollment.

• During Open Enrollment, questions about benefits options or Employee Navigator should be directed to hr-help@mtu.edu or 906-487-2517.

• Human Resources staff will be available for questions and assistance on Nov. 16-17 and Nov. 23-24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. via email at hr-help@mtu.edu or phone at 906-487-2517.

The Commencement Team is still seeking volunteers for the 2024 Midyear Commencement ceremony, which will take place on Dec. 14 at 10:30 a.m. in the SDC Varsity Gym. We need volunteers to help with pre-ceremony setup, serve as greeters and ushers, coordinate graduate check-in, and assist guests with special seating accommodations. More information regarding the ceremony is available on the Commencement website.

Please sign up by Dec. 6 if you would like to volunteer. Contact Tiffany Jaeger at tiffanyj@mtu.edu if you have any questions.

This special event cannot happen without the help of our amazing Michigan Tech community!

Come discuss the future of transportation and mobility research and education at Tech. The Michigan Tech Transportation Institute (MTTI) witnessed a robust fiscal year 2024 and is looking to grow its footprint throughout the University and beyond. MTTI's next luncheon meeting will be held on Monday, Nov. 11, from noon to 1 p.m. in MUB Ballrooms B1 and B2.

At the meeting, we will discuss FY24 numbers and FY25 projections, highlight our new members and projects, and discuss potential changes to MTTI and institutes at Tech. We'll also discuss benefits of MTTI membership, including the recently reintroduced travel grants for members/students.

Please RSVP for the luncheon if you plan to attend. The meeting will also be available via Zoom.

Join the MTTI General Meeting on Zoom.

The Office of Continuous Improvement is offering a virtual workshop, "Countermeasures: Solving Common Problems using Lean Methods and Tools Workshop," on Wednesday, Nov. 13, from 9 a.m. to noon.

Countermeasures are the actions we take during experiments to close the gap between what is currently happening and what we want to happen. We'll explore several Lean tools that are used as countermeasures for common workplace issues. These tools can assist you in your efforts to create the best possible experience for students, faculty, staff and other customers.

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

This workshop will be taught virtually using Zoom and Miro. Miro is a virtual collaboration tool, similar to a virtual whiteboard. Learn more about how to use Miro at the Miro Academy Essentials course. The course is considered complete after attending the workshop and submitting a couple of brief activities to demonstrate application of concepts. A certification of completion will be awarded after meeting all requirements. 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 all five workshops in the series, we’ll award you a Lean Yellow Belt certificate!

For more information, email improvement@mtu.edu.

The Michigan Tech men's basketball season opens this weekend at the D2 Midwest Region Tip-Off hosted at the Justagame Fieldhouse in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin.

The Huskies start with a contest against Missouri-St. Louis today, Nov. 8, and will tilt against Maryville tomorrow, Nov. 9. Both games are slated for a 3 p.m. tipoff.

Live stats and a livestream for the games can be found at MTU Athletics’ Live Events page. In-person tickets are available for purchase provided by the Justagame Fieldhouse.

Read the men's basketball preview at Michigan Tech Athletics.

Michigan Tech hockey will play its first road series this weekend at Ferris State. The puck drops at 7:07 p.m. today and tomorrow, Nov. 8 and 9, at Ewigleben Ice Arena.

Fans can listen to Michigan Tech hockey live on the radio at Mix 93.5 WKMJ-FM or online at TheMix93.com or Pasty.net.

Watch MTU hockey on Midco Sports Plus 2 (subscription required).

Read the hockey preview at Michigan Tech Athletics.

Michigan Tech volleyball has four matches remaining in the regular season.

This weekend, the Huskies play at Davenport today, Nov. 8, at 7 p.m. and at No. 1 Ferris State tomorrow, Nov. 9, at 5 p.m. They'll wrap up the regular season next weekend at Saginaw Valley State and Lake Superior State.

Watch MTU volleyball on FloSports (subscription required — a discount is available for students).

Read the volleyball preview at Michigan Tech Athletics.

The Michigan Tech women's basketball season gets underway today, Nov. 8, with a 1 p.m. contest against Lewis at the NCAA D2 Midwest Region Tip-off hosted at the Justagame Fieldhouse in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin.

The Huskies will also match up against Thomas More tomorrow, Nov. 9, at 1 p.m. in the Dells.

Live stats and a livestream for the games can be found at MTU Athletics’ Live Events page, and in-person tickets are available for purchase provided by the Justagame Fieldhouse.

Read the women’s basketball preview at Michigan Tech Athletics.

The Michigan Tech Nordic ski team has added three student-athletes for the 2024-25 season: Julia Junkkala of Sastamala, Finland (a transfer from the University of Jyväskylä), Erica Kazin of Maple Plain, Minnesota, and Caden Albrecht of Stillwater, Minnesota.

"Being a successful student-athlete in NCAA skiing requires you to be well-rounded and resilient, and these are core qualities all three of our recruits have proven they possess," head coach Tom Monahan Smith said. "Our new recruits all chose Michigan Tech because they want to be a part of a program that puts a premium on team experience, and that has us truly excited about the team we have for this season!"

Read more about the new recruits at Michigan Tech Athletics.

The Michigan Tech men's and women's cross country teams will compete at the NCAA Midwest Regional meet tomorrow, Nov. 9, returning to the Lewis Cross Country Course in Romeoville, Illinois.

The men bump up in distance, trekking the 10K course at 11 a.m., with the women following in the 6K at 12:15 p.m. Live results and a livestream of the event can be found at MTU Athletics' Live Events page.

Read the cross country preview at Michigan Tech Athletics.

Job Posting for Friday, Nov. 8, 2024

Staff and faculty job descriptions are available on the Human Resources website. For more information regarding staff positions, call 906-487-2280 or email humanresources@mtu.edu. For more information regarding faculty positions, contact the academic department in which the position is posted.

Director of Annual Giving, Alumni Engagement. Apply online.

Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer that provides equal opportunity for all, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Accommodations are available. If you require any auxiliary aids, services, or other accommodations to apply for employment, or for an interview, at Michigan Technological University, please notify the Human Resources office at 906-487-2280 or humanresources@mtu.edu.

Erin Smith (HU) was quoted by UPword in a story about Michigan Tech’s 41 North Film Fest, now in its 10th year. The festival will showcase 20 films from Nov. 7-10 at the Rozsa Center, with support from the College of Computing and the Institute for Computing and Cybersystems for interdisciplinary projects like the artificial intelligence-driven documentary “Eno.”

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The Great Lakes Seaway Review mentioned Jeremy Worm (MAE/APSRC) and Ph.D. candidate Sid Gopujkar (mechanical engineering-engineering mechanics) in a story covering studies on electrifying Great Lakes vessels, with a focus on ferries as early models. Their research reviewed 103 Great Lakes cargo vessels and identified eight as suitable for electrification, mostly because of distances traveled.

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Wired mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about the United Arab Emirates’ Rain Enhancement Program (UAEREP), which supports global research collaborations focused on water security. The program’s current grant cycle connects researchers from institutions like Michigan Tech, NASA and Columbia University to advance AI-driven and data-supported innovations in rain enhancement science.

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GPS World mentioned Michigan Tech in a story on National Geodetic Survey (NGS) geospatial modeling grants, highlighting a geodesy program collaboration between Michigan Tech, Michigan State and the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

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MSU Today mentioned Kristin Arola ’06 (Ph.D. Rhetoric and Technical Communication) in a story about her appointment as director of the American Indian and Indigenous Studies program at Michigan State University.

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Sarah (Stream) Stanek ’08 ’12 (B.S. Kinesiology and Exercise Science, M.S. Biological Sciences) was mentioned by the Mining Journal as one of 10 recent inductees to the Michigan Tech Sports Hall of Fame. Stanek, a former Westwood High School and Michigan Tech basketball player, remains Tech’s record holder with 459 career assists and ranks sixth in all-time scoring.

HU Brown Bag Presentation: UX Collaborations in the ACMAL

Please join the Department of Humanities (HU) and the Rhetoric, Theory and Culture (RTC) graduate program for a Brown Bag collaboration with Tim Keirnan, assistant teaching professor of humanities, and Liz Miller, director of the Applied Chemical and Morphological Analysis Laboratory (ACMAL) in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE).

The Brown Bag will take place today, Nov. 8, at noon in the Petersen Library, Walker 318.

Keirnan and Miller will present a case study of collaboration between HU and MSE. The ACMAL is piloting a new software application, Facility Online Manager (FOM), that will help facilities across MTU manage their equipment and lab spaces to better serve students, faculty and staff. In cooperation with Professor Jenni Nance and her HU3121 students, Keirnan wrote FOM user guides for both students and lab supervisors. Nance and her students will appear during the presentation to lend their perspective on the combination of service work and student projects for MTU’s Scientific and Technical Communication program. Keirnan and Miller are currently collaborating on the navigation and user experience (UX) writing of the new FOM website, to be rolled out to the University in the near future, and will discuss future collaborations to measure and enhance the customer experience of AMCAL for its users.

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CISR Research Discussion: 'Electrical Energy Transitions, Sustainability and Resilience: Campus, Community, and Interdisciplinary Partnerships'

Please join the Center for Innovation in Sustainability and Resilience (CISR) for the CISR research talk on Monday, Nov. 11, at noon in Library 103 or on Zoom.

The research presentation and discussion will be led by Chee-Wooi Ten, professor of electrical and computer engineering, Power Systems Engineering Research Center (PSERC) site director, director of the Institute of Computing and Cybersystems’ Center for Cyber-Physical Systems (ICC CPS), and Fall 2024 CISR Faculty Fellow.

Ten is leading research projects and development opportunities to build a more sustainable and resilient electrical energy system for Michigan Tech and the Western Upper Peninsula. This work involves complex systems engineering, integration of domains such as efficiency and vehicle electrification, and partnerships with campus and community stakeholders. In this talk and discussion, Ten will share more about some of his current work and reflect on the opportunities for integrated partnerships that can advance a more sustainable and resilient electrical energy system for the campus and the region.

Add the event to your Google Calendar.

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Fischer Maintenance on Sunday

On Sunday, Nov. 10, from 8 a.m. to noon, Michigan Tech IT will be performing quarterly maintenance on the Fischer/mylogin system, which requires a full shutdown and restart.

During this maintenance, password resets and mylogin.mtu.edu will be unavailable.

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

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Banner Production System Maintenance on Sunday

A production system maintenance window is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 10, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The following production services will be unavailable during that time:

• Adirondack
• apps.mtu.edu
• Aspire
• Banner
• Banweb
• Course Tools
• MyMichiganTech
• OAP Rental System
• Oracle Reports
• UC4/Appworx
• Virtual Cashiering
• WebFocus

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

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CS Colloquium with Ali Ebnenasir

Ali Ebnenasir, associate professor in the Department of Computer Science (CS), will present a Computer Science Colloquium today, Nov. 8, at 3 p.m. in Rekhi 214.

The title of the talk is “Making Headway on the Simplest Unsolved Math Problem Through the Specification and Generation of Convergence Stairs.”

Read Ebnenasir’s talk abstract on the Computing News Blog.

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ChE Seminar Speaker: Eduardo Barbieri

Eduardo Barbieri will present as part of the Department of Chemical Engineering (ChE) Seminar Series today, Nov. 8, at 10 a.m. in person in Chem Sci 101 or virtually via Zoom.

Join the ChE Seminar on Zoom.

Barbieri will present "Bacteria- and virus-targeting peptides for biotechnology and biomanufacturing applications."

Read Barbieri’s abstract on the University Events Calendar.

Barbieri is a scientist II at LigaTrap Technologies.

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Environmental Engineering Graduate Seminar with Xiang Li

The next Environmental Engineering Graduate Seminar will take place at 3 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 11, in GLRC 202.

Xiang Li, assistant professor of geological engineering at Michigan Tech, will present "Integrating Satellite Remote Sensing and Geotechnical Modelling: A New Frontier to Predict Geosystem Failure."

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

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

Master's Defense: Adam Milenkowic

Friday, November 8, 9–10 a.m. | U. J. Noblet Forestry Building, 108

Forest Ecology and Management Advisor: Julia Burton THE ROLE OF NEIGHBORHOOD EFFECTS IN MAINTAINING THE HARDWOOD-HEMLOCK MOSAIC Attend Virtually:...

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PhD Defense: James Juip

Friday, November 8, 9–10 a.m. | Great Lakes Research Center (GLRC), 202

Industrial Heritage and Archaeology Advisor: Donald Lafreniere Stories, People, and Industrial Heritage Landscapes: Integrating Spatial Narratives and Deep Mapping for use...

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Bacteria- and Virus-targeting Peptides for Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Applications

Friday, November 8, 10 a.m. | Chemical Sciences and Engineering Building, 101

Chemical Engineering Seminar Dr. Eduardo Barbieri Scientist II LigaTrap Technologies Abstract Peptides, both natural and engineered, represent a group of molecules with...

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Graduating and Still Looking?

Friday, November 8, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. | Administration and Student Services Building, 220 Career Services

Are you graduating soon and need help finding a job? Come in for a coffee and chat with one of our career advisors. We can help tailor your search, review your resume, bounce...

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MTU Mathematics Apparel Fundraiser—Support Research!

Friday, November 8, 10 a.m.

Help support research! Funds from this sale will support undergraduate research. Order by November 24 to have your items under the Christmas tree! Send the link to anyone...

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The Fallen Wall: Berlin Wall Memorial

Friday, November 8, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. | DHH Lawn

Celebrate freedom and the fall of the Berlin Wall with spray painting throughout the day. We will be out on DHH Lawn starting at 10 am and painting our mock wall until around...

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National First-Generation College Student Day

Friday, November 8, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. | J. Robert Van Pelt and John and Ruanne Opie Library, First Floor

Join us in celebrating National First-Generation College Student Day on Friday, November 8, 2024! This event is dedicated to honoring the achievements, resilience, and...

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Electron Microscopy Consultation Sessions

Friday, November 8, 1–3 p.m. | Minerals and Materials Engineering Building (M&M), 607

As part of ACMAL actions to strengthen the electron microscopy user base at Tech, Dr. Erico Freitas is offering a few hours of free-of-charge consultations in November for the...

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Computer Science Colloquium: Ali Ebnenasir

Friday, November 8, 3 p.m. | Rekhi Hall, 214

Ali Ebnenasir, associate professor in the Department of Computer Science, will present a Computer Science Colloquium on Friday, November 8, 2024, at 3 pm in Rekhi 214. The...

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Pulling instead of tipping the scale in the balance of hemostasis in pathological flow, a story of mechanosensitive proteins

Friday, November 8, 3–4 p.m. | Chemical Sciences and Engineering Building, 102

Biomedical Engineering Research Seminar David Bark Washington University School of Medicine Abstract Aortic stenosis, where the aortic valve doesn’t fully open, leads to...

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Python Workshop

Friday, November 8, 5–6 p.m. | Rekhi 113

A free, in person, python workshop for beginners!

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Taste of Fall

Friday, November 8, 6–8 p.m. | MUB Ballroom

Join MUB Board in celebrating Fall in the Keweenaw with yummy food and deliciously paired beverages. Vegan plates will be available. Menu Soup - Butternut Squash Apple...

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Women's Volleyball at Davenport

Friday, November 8, 7–10 p.m. | Grand Rapids, Mich.

Women's Volleyball at Davenport Grand Rapids, Mich.

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YAF Presents: Am I Racist? By Matt Walsh

Friday, November 8, 7–9 p.m. | Forestry G002

YAF will be showing the documentary style film "Am I Racist?" Produced by Matt Walsh! We will have pop and snacks!

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Men's Ice Hockey at Ferris State

Friday, November 8, 7:07–10:07 p.m. | Big Rapids, Mich.

Men's Ice Hockey at Ferris State Big Rapids, Mich.

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41 North Film Festival

November 8, all day | Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts, Dr. James A. and Margaret C. Black Performance Hall

PRESENTED BY 41 NORTH FILM FESTIVAL Now in its 10th year, the 41 North Film Festival showcases award-winning independent films and filmmakers from around the region, country,...