January 21, 2025

As part of their mission to inspire the next generation of robotics enthusiasts, Michigan Tech’s Copper Country Robotics team built a robot from scratch in just 72 hours and broadcast the entire process.

The CCR team is made up of alumni of FIRST Robotics, a nonprofit organization that engages students from preschoolers to high school seniors in team-based robotics programs. FIRST's annual robotics competition began Jan. 4, challenging high school robotics teams to design, build and test a robot that meets this year's parameters over six weeks. With joint sponsorship from Michigan Tech’s College of Engineering and College of Computing, the CCR team did the same, but in just three days — creating public process videos, design specs and code repositories to assist high school teams with the design and prototyping process.

Meet some of the CCR team members, who worked round-the-clock in The Alley Makerspace to construct Blizzard T. Robot, at Stories from Husky Nation.

The Michigan Tech Research Forum (MTRF) New Faculty Showcase scheduled for this afternoon has been postponed to Feb. 5.

The event will be held in the Memorial Union Ballroom B. Networking and light refreshments will begin at 3:30 p.m., with presentations starting at 4 p.m. Additional details can be found on the MTRF webpage.

The Office of the Provost presents the MTRF with support from the Vice President for Research Office.

The Pavlis Honors College invites you to participate in the review and selection process for Michigan Tech's Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program. Your expertise and dedication to undergraduate research would be invaluable in evaluating applications for this impactful program and helping us support students in their academic and professional growth.

About SURF
The SURF program is designed to provide undergraduate students with an immersive, hands-on research experience over the summer. Participants will work closely with faculty mentors on meaningful research projects, contributing to their professional development and advancing knowledge in their field. For more information about the program, please visit the SURF website.

Judging Process
We would like to ask for your support in reviewing applications between Feb. 11 and Feb. 21. The judging process involves evaluating each applicant's materials based on five specific criteria, as well as providing feedback in a comments section.

Each application will consist of:

• A two-page project proposal written by the student
• A faculty mentor recommendation

The evaluation form will consist of five scored criteria and space for you to provide written feedback on each application. Your insights will be crucial in selecting students for this highly competitive program.

Please complete our brief registration form to confirm your participation. If you have any questions or need further information, don't hesitate to contact Chris Hohnholt at cahohnho@mtu.edu.

We truly appreciate your willingness to support undergraduate research at Michigan Tech, and look forward to your participation in the review process!

Mentoring and advising graduate students is one of the most rewarding and challenging roles for graduate faculty. The Graduate School successfully launched an addition to the Advisor Recommendation form last fall to help make that job a little easier.

This form provides a structured framework for meaningful conversations between advisors and students. It encourages discussions about work styles, clarifies career goals and helps establish shared expectations. While not mandatory for existing advisor-student relationships, we strongly encourage faculty to review the form with all their advisees.

By regularly revisiting the topics covered in this form, both students and advisors can ensure their plans remain aligned as students progress through their degree programs.

The Graduate School is committed to fostering a supportive and successful graduate student experience. We believe this will be a valuable resource for both faculty and students and have compiled additional resources for faculty online. Your feedback is always welcome.

The University Senate will convene Meeting 710 at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 23, in Chem Sci 102.

Those within the University community unable to attend in person have the option to attend the University Senate meeting via Zoom. Please note: You will need to log in to your MTU Zoom account to join the virtual meeting.

Senators are responsible for making their constituents aware of the agenda for this meeting. Senators who are unable to attend should arrange for their alternates to attend in their place.

View the agenda to Meeting 710.

On Sunday, Jan. 26, 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 at it-help@mtu.edu or call 906-487-1111.

Please join the Van Pelt and Opie Library and Thomas Werner, professor of genetics and developmental biology of the Department of Biological Sciences, in celebrating the release of Daniel Shaykevich's documentary film, “All The Little Things.”

The documentary follows Werner as he moves out of the lab in a quest to make an encyclopedia documenting all the fruit fly species in North America.

The library will screen the film tomorrow, Jan. 22, in the Library East Reading Room. Opening remarks will begin at 2 p.m. with a Q&A to follow the film. Popcorn will be served.

Reminder: If you have been attending the Winter Welcome Back Events this month, today, Jan. 21, is the day to turn in your passport to be entered in the Waino Wahtera Center for Student Success’ drawing for a chance to "Skip the Line for the NMU Game."

We will be accepting passports in the Van Pelt and Opie Library from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and at the Spring Involvement Fair from 6:30-9:30 p.m.

We will draw two winners at the end of Spring Involvement Fair for the Skip the Line prize (winners will receive an email in the morning tomorrow, Jan. 22).

For those who do not get drawn for Skip the Line, if you come to the Fans in the Stands events at the men's and women's basketball games on Feb. 1 at noon and 2 p.m., you will be entered in drawings for a chance to win swag bags.

The A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum had several features and photographs included in the January-February 2025 issue of Mineralogical Record Magazine.

An article on the Balmat Zinc Mines of St. Lawrence County, New York, included a photograph of a stunning 1,017-carat faceted calcite gem taken by former curator George Robinson. This gem is currently on display in the museum's Mineral Treasures gallery.

Also included in the article is a photograph by the museum’s current director and curator, John Jaszczak, of the type specimen (used by the scientists who wrote the original description defining the new species) of donpeacorite from the University of Michigan's collection, co-owned by the A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum through the Michigan Mineral Alliance.

Another article reviewing the displays at the October 2024 Denver Gem & Mineral Show, whose theme was "Mineral Oddities," included a half-page photograph of the display "Wanted! Criminal Minerals," which was designed by Jaszczak, with graphic production provided by museum staff member Janice Fraki.

Sylvain Giroud, assistant professor in the Department of Biology at Northern Michigan University, will be presenting at this week's Chemistry Seminar. The seminar will be held in person at 3 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24, in Chem Sci 101.

Giroud’s presentation is titled "Hibernators as Metabolic Magicians of Seasonal Fluctuations.”

From the abstract:
In seasonal environments, the long-term maintenance of individuals energy balance plays a central role in the adaptive responses used by animal species. To cope with environmental fluctuations, animal species employ diverse behavioral and physiological strategies, including the use of hypometabolic states, also called torpor or hibernation. Several extrinsic factors and intrinsic components are known to regulate or influence the seasonal use of these energy-saving strategies. In this talk I will specifically discuss (i) how the seasonal shift in lipid metabolism enables heterothermic species to regulate and sustain a state of metabolic depression, and (ii) how conditions during early-life have crucial implications for the seasonal metabolic phenotype of hibernators’ individuals affecting their survival and other life history traits as well as those from the subsequent generations. These two factors influencing torpor expression will be illustrated across a range of heterothermic species contrasting in their body size and feeding behavior.

Giroud has a strong background in environmental physiology. With a Ph.D. in Ecological Physiology from the University of Strasbourg, France, he joined Northern Michigan University after completing a habilitation, or professorship qualification, in animal physiology from the University of Vienna, Austria.

Supported by various research agencies, such as the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) and the National Science Foundation (NSF), Giroud has developed a research program focusing on the mechanisms enabling hibernators to cope with climate change and global warming. His inclusive and highly collaborative research also contributes to environmental health issues and provides many opportunities to students and young scientists to participate to multidisciplinary projects at local, national and international scales.

Giroud has over 50 publications, including articles published in Biol Review, eLife and Sci Reports. His work has 2,007 citations and an H-index of 23. He has mentored many students, who continue their career in either academia or private sector, and has also supported merit review processes at various funding agencies, including the NSF, UKRI and German Research Foundation (DFG). Additionally, he has served as a reviewer for prestigious scientific journals, such as Biol Review, and on Ph.D. committees at institutions including the University of Vienna and recently Monash University, Australia.

Giroud is also a guest editor for the Journal of Thermal Biology and an associate editor for Sci Reports. He is a dedicated organizer of symposiums at international conferences, and recently served as a board member of the International Hibernation Society.

Monday, Jan. 20
• Huskies Hockey Radio Show, 10 a.m. on Mix 93 WKMJ

Thursday, Jan. 23
• Women's Basketball at Lake Superior State, 5:30 p.m. on Mix 93 WKMJ & FloCollege
• Men's Basketball at Lake Superior State, 7:30 p.m. on Mix 93 WKMJ & FloCollege

Friday, Jan. 24
• Hockey vs. Northern Michigan, 7:07 p.m. at MacInnes Student Ice Arena on Mix 93 WKMJ, FOX-UP & Midco Sports Plus

Saturday, Jan. 25
• Women's Basketball at Ferris State, 1 p.m. on Mix 93 WKMJ & FloCollege
• Men's Basketball at Ferris State, 3 p.m. on Mix 93 WKMJ & FloCollege
• Hockey at Northern Michigan, 6:07 p.m. on Mix 93 WKMJ, FOX-UP & Midco Sports Plus

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Athletics News
Read more in the MTU Athletics weekly update.

Job Posting for Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025

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.

​Administrative Aide (12 months/ 40 hours/ first shift) #25004, Physics (UAW posting dates Jan. 21 to Jan. 27, 2025 — external applicants are encouraged to apply; however, internal UAW applicants are given first consideration if they apply during the internal UAW posting dates). 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.

Alexandra Morrison (HU) is the co-author of a chapter published in The Routledge International Handbook of Engineering Ethics Education (Routledge, December 2024).

The chapter is titled "Reflective and Dialogical Approaches in Engineering Ethics Education."

Morrison co-authored the chapter with Lavinia Marin, Yousef Jalali and Cristina Voinea.

The volume responds to the need for a timely and authoritative resource dedicated to this burgeoning and expansive area of research. The collection provides readers with a map of themes, topics and arguments in the field of engineering ethics education (EEE). Featuring critical discussion, research collaboration, and a team of international contributors of globally recognized standing, this volume comprises six key sections which elaborate on the foundations of EEE, teaching methods, accreditation and assessment, and interdisciplinary contributions. Researchers of EEE from around the globe consider the field from the perspective of teaching, research, philosophy and administration. The chapters cover critical topics and best practices, including general data protection regulation (GDPR), artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, and ChatGPT. The book offers new insights into best practices research to equip program leaders and instructors delivering ethics content to students.

MLive ran a story previewing Michigan Tech’s 2025 Winter Carnival, which features the theme “Dragons, Knights, and Legendary Sights.” The article highlighted Carnival activities including the All-Nighter, Stage Revue Show and Torchlight Parade with fireworks.

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Michigan Tech was mentioned by the Associated Press and BusinessWire in stories about Michigan Potash & Salt Company’s $1.26 billion loan guarantee from the U.S. Department of Energy. The story highlighted the company’s partnership with Michigan Tech and other local universities to foster a skilled workforce for its new production facility in Osceola County.

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The Keweenaw Report mentioned the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts in a story about last weekend’s “Raise the Woof” comedy event supporting the Copper Country Humane Society. Comedians Aron Woldeslassie and Mike Brody performed to benefit the shelter.

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The Athletic mentioned Michigan Tech hockey defenseman Chase Pietila in its 2025 Pittsburgh Penguins NHL prospect pool rankings. Pietila was recognized for his key role last season in the Huskies’ CCHA title and his strong all-around game as part of the Penguins’ prospect pool.

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EIN Presswire mentioned Michigan Tech alum Nathan Mouw ’02 (M.S. Mechanical Engineering) as a recipient of the Certified Product Safety Professional designation at the International Product Safety Conference.

KIP Seminar with John Durocher

Please join the Department of Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology (KIP) for a seminar today, Jan. 21, from 2-3 p.m. in Chem Sci 104 with guest speaker John Durocher from Purdue University Northwest.

The title of the presentation is "A Snapshot of Four Areas of Scholarship: Exercise Physiology, Autonomic Regulation, Public Health, and Physiology Education."

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SS Department Chair Candidate Seminars with Christoph Stefes

The Department of Social Sciences (SS) is pleased to be hosting candidates for on-campus interviews for the position of department chair.

The first of five candidates, Christoph Stefes, professor, School of Public Affairs, University of Colorado Denver, and currently a visiting professor at Michigan Tech, will present a department leadership seminar today, Jan. 21, from 12:30-1:30 p.m. in GLRC 202.

Stefes will also present a research seminar tomorrow, Jan. 22, from 12-12:45 p.m. in AOB 201. The research seminar is titled “A Research Journey: From the South Caucasus to Europe to the United States.”

All members of the Michigan Tech community are welcome to attend. Both presentations are also available on Zoom.

Join the SS Department Chair Seminar on Zoom.

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Volunteer Opportunity: Spring Career Fair

Spring Career Fair will take place next Tuesday, Jan. 28, from 12-5 p.m., and Career Services is looking for volunteers from the Michigan Tech community to help make this event a success!

We have a variety of shifts, tasks and roles available, so there’s an opportunity for everyone to get involved. Your support is essential in creating a meaningful experience for our students and employers — and it plays a pivotal role in the future success of many Huskies.

If you’re able to assist, please visit the Spring Career Fair Volunteer Sign-Up Form to select a shift that works for you.

Thank you for your time, energy and commitment. We couldn’t do it without you!

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InventCon Registration for Inventors in Grades 3-12

If you know an inventor in grades 3-12, encourage them to register for InventCon 2025, happening at Michigan Tech in conjunction with Superior MakerFest 2025 on March 15. It is a great opportunity for them to learn about and grow their engineering design skills.

InventCon is the regional hub for Invention Convention Michigan, a state-level competition for inventors, entrepreneurs and problem-solvers that inspires students to become the next generation of innovators. Projects can be completed individually or in groups of 2-3 students. Only one registration form is needed per project.

Please use the InventCon 2025 Project Registration form to sign up.

The deadline to register a project is Feb. 28. However, the earlier that projects are registered, the greater chance we have of offering more opportunities to promote local inventions to the state-level competition happening in early May.

Official information and updates can be found at the InventCon @ Superior MakerFest 2025 website.

If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please reach out to Emily Geiger at egeiger@copperisd.org or 906-482-4250 (ext. 188) or Tom Oliver at teoliver@mtu.edu or 906-487-2412.

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Health Savings Account Transfer Reminder

Benefits Services would like to remind Michigan Tech employees that if they would like to transfer their health savings account (HSA) balance currently at Health Equity to their new HSA account at WEX, they will need to submit the HSA Transfer Form to Health Equity.

For the first 90 days of 2025, WEX will provide an individual $25 credit equal to Health Equity's account closure fee for each employee who transfers their balance from Health Equity, as long as the employee has a positive balance of at least $500 at the time of transfer.

The transfer form can be faxed to 801-846-2929 or mailed to the following address:

Health Equity Attn Operations
P.O. Box 14374
Lexington, KY 40512

The form can also be submitted through Health Equity's online portal:

1. Log in to your account.
2. Click "Support" in the menu bar, and select "Health Savings Account" in the pop-up.
3. From the support options, click "Fill out a Form."
4. On the Forms page, use the "Upload a secure form or document" option to submit the transfer form PDF.

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

Depression Screening

Tuesday, January 21, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. | Library 243/244

Have you been feeling down lately? Take a free depression screening and chat with a clinical counselor about resources and additional information. The Depression Screening...

CTL Lunch and Learn: Using Canvas to Support Student Success: Avoid “Gotchas” and Enhance Course Organization, Grading, and Accessibility

Tuesday, January 21, 12–1 p.m. | J. Robert Van Pelt and John and Ruanne Opie Library

Join the Center for Teaching and Learning for the following opportunity: https://mtu.libcal.com/event/13801858

Staff Council Meeting

Tuesday, January 21, 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....

SS Department Chair Candidate Seminars with Christoph Stefes

Tuesday, January 21, 12:30–1:30 p.m. | Great Lakes Research Center (GLRC), 202

The Department of Social Sciences (SS) is pleased to be hosting candidates for on-campus interviews for the position of Department Chair. The first of five candidates,...

Husky Transfers Information Session: Housing Edition

Tuesday, January 21, 3–4 p.m.

Join us for our monthly virtual event to talk transfer. This month we will hear from Residential Living to discuss the new residence hall, on-campus housing options, upcoming...

Spring Involvement Fair

Tuesday, January 21, 6:30–9:30 p.m. | Memorial Union Building

Looking for a way to get involved? The Spring Involvement Fair takes place each January, allowing students to explore more options for their involvement. The Spring...