January 23, 2025

Michigan Tech’s 2025 Spring Career Fair brings recruiters from more than 150 local, national and international employers across multiple industry sectors to campus on Tuesday, Jan. 28. From noon to 5 p.m. in the Student Development Complex, thousands of Huskies looking for full-time, part-time, co-op and internship roles will meet them there.

Spring Career Fair is preceded by Career Fest, a month-long series of casual networking and recruiting events where students can meet prospective employers to have their resumes reviewed, apply for jobs, ask questions and engage in real conversations about their futures.

“Our campus career ecosystem at Michigan Tech is rich and vibrant,” said Cody Kangas, executive director of Career Services. “Accelerating the career mobility of our students is something we all take pride in, and the numbers continue to show how in demand our talented Huskies are by industry across the country.”

Read more about Spring Career Fair at Michigan Tech News.

The Pavlis Honors College invites you to serve as a judge for this year’s Undergraduate Research & Scholarship Symposium (URSS). Your expertise would play a vital role in providing feedback to students and enhancing the quality of their ePortfolio materials, which will be used for their poster presentations.

About URSS
The Undergraduate Research & Scholarship Symposium showcases exceptional undergraduate research conducted across Michigan Tech’s campus. Students present work from a wide variety of disciplines, reflecting the diversity and breadth of research opportunities available. This event provides attendees the chance to engage directly with students, explore their research projects, and gain insight into the vibrant research community at Michigan Tech. For more details about this event, please visit the URSS website.

Judging Process
We are seeking judges to evaluate submissions between Feb. 17 and March 3. Judging will be conducted via Canvas and can be completed at your convenience during this period — wherever you are!

To support your participation, we will provide a recorded training session that will guide you through the evaluation process.

If you are interested in serving as a judge, please complete our brief registration form. 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 we look forward to your participation in the evaluation and judging process!

Research subjects are needed for a study to determine how nicotine users respond to simulated blood loss. We are recruiting men and women between the ages of 21 and 55 who use nicotine (smoking, vaping, chewing or nicotine patch).

There is monetary compensation ($100) for participation. The experiment will require about one hour.

If you are interested in participating, please contact William Cooke at wcooke@mtu.edu.

Help Blue Key National Honor Society this All-Nighter by volunteering to help at a fire pit. Responsibilities include stoking the fire and making sure visitors stay safe near the fire pit. If interested, please sign up on the All-Nighter Fire Pit Spreadsheet.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Skyler Spitzley at bkpresident@mtu.edu.

The next Environmental Engineering Graduate Seminar will take place at 3 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 27, in GLRC 202.

Yi Chao, Ph.D., CEO and founder of Seatrec Inc., will present "Harvesting Energy from Temperature Differences in the Environment to Power Robots and Sensors for Persistent Monitoring."

Read Chao's abstract on the University Events Calendar.

The next guest speaker in the Department of Biomedical Engineering (BioMed) Seminar Series will present tomorrow, Jan. 24, at 3 p.m. in Chem Sci 104 and virtually via Zoom.

Join the BioMed Seminar on Zoom.

Owen McCarty from Oregon Health & Science University will present "The blood microenvironment and medical devices: the good, bad and the sticky."

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

LevelUP Branded Apparel Specialists are sponsoring a "White Out The Mac" event tomorrow, Jan. 24, at Michigan Tech hockey's game against Northern Michigan University.

LevelUP is giving 2,000 fans a souvenir white Huskies rally towel and 400 fans a souvenir white Huskies t-shirt. Fans are encouraged to wear white to the game to help "White Out The Mac" against Northern Michigan. The doors open at 6 p.m.

Read more hockey news at Michigan Tech Athletics.

Dan Shtob (SS) is a co-author of an article recently published in the journal Nature Cities.

The article, titled “Planning for the complexity and uncertainty of urban socio-environmental futures,” presents a framework to guide decision-making processes in the face of unpredictable futures.

Acknowledging that impacts of decisions are often just as uncertain as the social and ecological systems they are trying to influence, the RAFT (reversibility, adaptability, flexibility and tailoring) framework offers a practical tool for planners, policymakers and decision-makers to move forward with humility and flexibility rather than avoiding action in the face of uncertainty.

UPword covered Michigan Tech’s upcoming presentation of the Board of Trustees Silver Medal to late alumnus Tony Esposito ’67. His family will accept the award during a pregame ceremony tomorrow, Jan. 24, at the Michigan Tech hockey game against Northern Michigan. The award was announced this week by Michigan Tech News.

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The Detroit Free Press mentioned Tim Schulz (ECE) as the author of “A Cast Away in Montana,” which was selected as one of 20 Michigan Notable Books for 2025 by the Library of Michigan. A reflection on his first fly fishing trip to Montana, the book is described as “a profoundly personal exploration of life, loss and self-discovery.”

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WLUC TV6 ran a story about Michigan Tech hockey goaltender Ryan Manzella’s success in his first games with the Huskies.

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The Illinois Institute of Technology mentioned Michigan Tech in a story announcing Nicole L. Beebe ’95 (B.S. Electrical Engineering) as the new dean of its College of Computing.

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Sportskeeda mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about Greg Ives ‘03 (AAS Mechanical Engineering) and his role as crew chief for Justin Allgaier at the Daytona 500.

Physics Colloquium with Diane Oyen

Diane Oyen from the Los Alamos National Laboratory will present at this week's Physics Colloquium. Oyen's presentation is titled "AI Foundation Models for Science."

The seminar will be presented at 4 p.m. today, Jan. 23, in Fisher 139. The coffee hour will be held at 3:30 p.m. in the Fisher Hall Lobby.

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

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Health Research Institute Monthly Coffee Hour

The Health Research Institute is hosting an informal coffee hour in the second floor atrium of the H-STEM Complex today, Jan. 23, at 2 p.m. This is a great opportunity to socialize and meet new colleagues. We hope to see you there!

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SS Department Chair Candidate Seminars with Thomas Pearson

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

The second of five candidates, Thomas Pearson, professor of anthropology, Social Science Department, University of Wisconsin-Stout, will present a department leadership seminar today, Jan. 23, from 12:30-1:30 p.m. in Admin 404.

Pearson will also present a research seminar tomorrow, Jan. 24, from 12-12:45 p.m. in AOB 201. The research seminar is titled “From Extractivism to Toxic Heritage: Ethnography in a Time of Crisis."

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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CTL and IDEAhub Lunch and Learn

Make plans to attend a Lunch and Learn hosted by the William G. Jackson Center for Teaching and Learning and IDEAhub at Michigan Tech.

• When: Tuesday, Jan. 28, from 12-1 p.m.
• Where: Memorial Union - Ballroom A

Join IDEAhub leadership and participants from IDEAhub’s summer course redesign workshop. Find inspiration in faculty stories about their “small bite” course innovations and learn more about how to “level up” your teaching using IDEAhub tools for innovation.

Register to Attend the Lunch and Learn.

For questions or request any accommodations, please contact the CTL at 906-487-2275 or ctl@mtu.edu.

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Volunteer Opportunity: Spring Career Fair

Spring Career Fair will take place on 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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MSE Seminar with Hamid Reza Bakhsheshi-Rad

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) is hosting a seminar presented by Hamid Reza Bakhsheshi-Rad today, Jan. 23, at 1 p.m. in M&M 610.

Bakhsheshi-Rad will present "Development of Biodegradable Magnesium-based Materials for Orthopedic Applications."

From the abstract:
Magnesium (Mg) and its alloys have significant potential for use in orthopedic applications where temporary implants are needed. They are also employed as bone substitute materials due to their biocompatibility, mechanical properties that resemble those of natural bone, and biodegradability. Mg is an essential element in the human body and is the fourth most abundant component in human serum. However, the clinical application of Mg is limited because of its relatively poor corrosion resistance, rapid degradation rate, and the evolution of hydrogen gas in body fluids. These factors can lead to a decline in the mechanical properties of pure Mg before new tissues have properly healed. To improve the characteristics of Mg for implant applications, approaches such as alloying, biocomposite preparation, and surface modification are utilized. This presentation critically reviews various Mg-based alloys, their fabrication methods, and surface treatment processes for developing biomedical implants. Additionally, it highlights potential applications and future research developments related to Mg-based alloys. The existing successes in this field are discussed, and areas for future investigation are identified to enhance the utilization of degradable Mg-based biocomposites.

Bakhsheshi-Rad earned his Ph.D. in Materials Engineering from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia in 2013. He is an associate professor in the Department of Materials Engineering at Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Iran. His H-index is 58, and according to Google Scholar, his articles have been cited nearly 9,600 times. His research interests include new biodegradable magnesium and zinc and their alloys, additive manufacturing and scaffolds for biomedical applications, surface modification, and nanocomposites.

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Seminar with AmirHossein Zareihassangheshlaghi

AmirHossein Zareihassangheshlaghi will present a seminar today, Jan. 23, from 2-3 p.m. in Chem Sci 104.

Zareihassangheshlaghi's presentation is titled "Synthesis of Zintl Phase Metal Silicide Thermoelectric Materials in Magnesium/Zinc Flux."

From the abstract:
The search for efficient thermoelectric materials is critical for the advancement of energy conversion technologies. In this presentation, Mr. Amir Zarei will discuss his research on the synthesis of Zintl phase metal silicides using the novel magnesium/zinc flux approach. This method has proven to be particularly effective in creating materials with complex crystal structures and unique electronic properties that are essential for enhancing thermoelectric performance.

Mr. Zarei's research emphasizes the strategic manipulation of site mixing and elemental substitution within the crystal lattice to optimize thermal and electrical conductivity with more emphasis on thermal lattice conductivity as a crucial path to enhance zT on this class of materials. The study investigates various compositions of barium and strontium mixed with magnesium in the flux to synthesize new compounds with potential applications in power generation and cooling systems. By adjusting the stoichiometric ratios and exploring different crystalline structures, this research has identified key parameters that significantly influence the thermoelectric properties of the resulting materials and open doors for further investigations.

Zarei is an accomplished Ph.D. student in materials chemistry and inorganic at Florida State University. His doctoral research is primarily focused on the synthesis of advanced materials for thermoelectric energy conversion, under the guidance of Susan Latturner. His work has been funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation and has led to high-impact publication.

Beyond his academic pursuits, Zarei is deeply committed to the scientific community at FSU, serving as the vice president of the ChemiNoles Graduate Student Association. He plays a pivotal role in supporting developmental, outreach and advocacy initiatives for chemistry graduate students. His previous academic and research experiences span multiple institutions, including significant projects on heterogeneous catalysis and energy storage materials at Leipzig University, Germany, which have equipped him with a diverse skill set and a broad perspective on material sciences. Zarei received his undergraduate degree in applied chemistry from University of Tabriz.

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MAE Graduate Seminar Speaker: Mufaddel Dahodwala

The next Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) Graduate Seminar Speaker will present at 2 p.m. today, Jan. 23, in EERC 103.

Mufaddel Dahodwala will present “Decarbonization through Hybrids.”

Dahodwala is a business leader with experience in leading new initiatives and implementing advanced technologies to improve energy efficiency of powertrain solutions for the mobility industry, leading large and complex powertrain development projects, and leading the Powertrain division for KPIT Technologies Inc. for the Americas, including conventional and electrified applications.

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Today's C-Cubed Luncheon Menu

Carved and Crafted Catering at Michigan Technological University invites faculty, staff, and their guests to the C-Cubed Luncheon, held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. every Thursday in the Memorial Union Alumni Lounge (MUB 107).

Menu for Thursday, Jan. 23:

• Char Siu Pork Loin (AG)
• Thai Basil Tofu (VG) (PR)
• Asian Vegetable Stir Fry (VG)
• Vegetable Spring Roll
• Asian Salad (VG)
• Basmati Rice (VG) (AG)

The C-Cubed lunch buffet menus are created and prepared by Chef Luis Delgado and his culinary team. As the name suggests, the meals are meant to foster conversation, community and collegiality. Attendees may bring their lunch instead of purchasing the buffet. Fruit-infused water, coffee and tea are available free to all attendees. All vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free items on the buffet are labeled for easy identification. Meals are for dine-in only, and personal containers and to-go meals are not permitted.

The buffet lunch is $15.50 per person. Cash, credit cards and gift cards are accepted. Gift cards can be purchased in the Memorial Union Office (MUB 101).

You can submit C-Cubed feedback using C-Cubed Survey/Comments form. To join the C-Cubed Luncheon Email List and receive weekly menus, please complete the sign-up form.

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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.

CTL Technical Workshop: Panopto

Thursday, January 23, 10–11 a.m. | J. Robert Van Pelt and John and Ruanne Opie Library, 243

Join the Center for Teaching and Learning (Technical Workshops) for the following opportunity: https://mtu.libcal.com/event/13838721 Are you looking for a way to incorporate...

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SS Department Chair Candidate Seminars with Thomas Pearson

Thursday, January 23, 12:30 p.m.–1:30 a.m. | Administration and Student Services Building, 404

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

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Decarbonization through Hybrids

Thursday, January 23, 2–3 p.m. | Electrical Energy Resources Center (EERC), 103

MAE Graduate Seminar Speaker Series proudly presents Mufaddel Dahodwala, Director KPIT Technologies, Inc. Abstract The transition to hybrid powertrains is often viewed as...

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Physics Colloquium with Diane Oyen

Thursday, January 23, 3:30–5:00 p.m. | Fisher Hall, 139

Diane Oyen of Los Alamos National Laboratory will present at this week's Physics Colloquium. Daine Oyen's presentation is titled "AI Foundation Models for Science". The...

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Caring for Your Nervous System - Husky Hour

Thursday, January 23, 4–5 p.m. | Library East Reading Room

Feeling overwhelmed? You're not alone! Join us for an engaging discussion where we'll explore practical techniques to reduce stress, boost mental health, and find more balance...

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HuskyLEAD - Creating An Effective Student Org Budget

Thursday, January 23, 4–5 p.m. | Fisher Hall Room 125

Student Organization Budget Hearings are quickly approaching! Join Taylor Piering from Student Leadership and Involvement to learn budgeting best practices for creating and...

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Spring 2025 Mentor Recruitment Meeting

Thursday, January 23, 5–6 p.m. | Tentatively Fisher 133

Interested in being a mentor for the 2025 FIRST Robotics Competition season, REEFSCAPE? Have no fear, Copper Country Robotics has your back! We maintain and establish...

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Copper Country Robotics General Meeting

Thursday, January 23, 5:30–6:30 p.m. | Fisher 133

Join us for our Spring semester meetings for Copper Country Robotics happening weekly on alternating schedules to accommodate for all of our members, mentors, and volunteers....

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General Meeting

Thursday, January 23, 6–7 p.m. | Fisher 130

Willkommen! The German Club at Michigan Tech is brand new this year and we are excited to create a community of fellow German speakers and enthusiasts. Our goal is to allow...

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Robotics Information Session

Thursday, January 23, 7–8 p.m.

Want to keep doing Robotics at Michigan Tech? Join our panel of current Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering students to hear about the value of their FIRST/VEX experience...