February 13, 2025

Michigan Technological University has been designated by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as an R1 research institution, formally placing Tech among the top research universities in the United States.

Since 1970, the Carnegie Classification has been the leading framework for comparing and grouping accredited and degree-granting institutions. Carnegie’s prestigious R1 status is awarded to doctoral universities for excellence in research activities at the highest level. In 2025, of the more than 4,000 degree-granting institutions nationwide, only 187 are recognized as R1 universities.

“By remaining true to the mission of Michigan Tech’s founding charter, we’ve joined the top tier of the nation’s research institutions while serving the needs of Michigan industry,” said Michigan Tech President Rick Koubek. “While we did not change who we are or what we do in pursuit of R1 designation, we are certainly proud to be recognized for the exemplary work our faculty and staff are doing in research and education, and we are excited for the opportunities that R1 status brings.”

Read more about what R1 means for the University at Michigan Tech News.

The STEM-infused courses and programs in Michigan Tech’s College of Business are preparing students to excel in today's data- and technology-intensive workplaces.

"The integration of technology in business education is more than a trend. It's a fundamental shift that demands action," says Dean Johnson, the College's dean. "Businesses need experts who know how to use today's digital technologies successfully if they want to stay competitive. Through our recent program and curricular enhancements, COB students are becoming those experts."

Learn more about the College of Business' latest technology-focused updates in the 2024 Impact Magazine.

Michigan Tech is anticipating the launch of the University’s next iteration of the Tech Forward initiatives. As was the case with the initial Tech Forward initiatives, campus conversations will be a critical part of defining what the new initiatives might look like. Conversations will follow the themes of the “Tomorrow’s Needs” articles published throughout the fall 2024 semester in order to coalesce input from the campus community and ensure that all voices are heard early in the process.

Everyone’s input is important, and we hope you are able to participate in one or both of our planned Tech Forward Campus Conversations:

• Friday, March 14, from 12-1:30 p.m. in the MUB Ballroom
• Friday, March 28, from 3-4:30 p.m. in the Rozsa Lobby

These conversations will be compiled, summarized and shared with the campus community on April 4 from 3-4:30 p.m. in the Rozsa Lobby.

This early feedback is intended to position everyone to continue to think about future directions before we reconvene in fall 2025 to work through the details of designing and moving our new initiatives forward.

The Graduate School is pleased to announce that Seth Kriz, Ph.D. student in chemical engineering, has been selected to represent Michigan Tech as a nominee for the Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools (MAGS) Excellence in Teaching Award. Congratulations to Seth on this significant achievement.

Kriz's journey is a testament to his dedication to both research and teaching. In his nomination materials, he shares a powerful anecdote about an early college experience that ignited his passion for engineering and ultimately led him to Michigan Tech. This pivotal moment involved his engineering physics professor, Professor Joe, who spent two hours helping him debug a program. This experience instilled in Kriz a deep appreciation for the impact of dedicated teaching.

Inspired by Professor Joe and other mentors, Kriz has pursued his own passion for education. Read about his philosophy of teaching and accomplishments at Michigan Tech on the Graduate School Newsblog.

Have questions about the Research Excellence Fund? Planning to submit a proposal to either the Research Seed or Scholarship and Creativity Grant? The Research Development office is scheduling virtual office hours next Friday, Feb. 21, at noon to answer any questions you may have.

To sign up for the office hours, please email REF-l@mtu.edu, and you will be added to the calendar invite.

Keep in mind that proposals must be started and routed for approval in Cayuse by the internal deadline of Feb. 27. Final proposals are due no later than 5 p.m. on March 6, and must be uploaded electronically in Cayuse. This due date will be strictly enforced based on the time stamp marked in the Cayuse system. Early submission is encouraged.

For additional information, see the Research Excellence Fund webpage. Questions can be directed to REF-l@mtu.edu.

Tonight, Feb. 13, at 7:30 p.m. join Michigan Tech Theatre for the opening night of “Threading Empathy,” a fashion show that unites technology and couture.

Held in the McArdle Theatre, “Threading Empathy” features a dynamic runway show and gallery exhibition that redefines the boundaries of artistry and technology. Audience members will witness the power of creative expression in the digital age as designers, engineers, artists and innovators unite.

Prepare to experience futuristic designs that integrate elements like interactive LED walls and robot models strutting down the runway. From smart fabrics and 3D-printed garments to wearable tech and sustainable innovations, every piece created has the possibility to represent the cutting edge of creativity in the digital age.

Fashion enthusiasts of all ages will showcase their creativity on the runway. Community members and Michigan Tech faculty, staff and students will compete for first, second and third place and receive cash prizes for their designs.

This event is made possible by Michigan Tech’s Institute for Policy, Ethics, and Culture (IPEC), College of Computing, Department of Humanities, and Department of Visual and Performing Arts and its Circle of Supporters.

Event Details:

• What: Fashion Show: “Threading Empathy”
• When: Thursday-Saturday, Feb. 13-15, at 7:30 p.m.
• Where: McArdle Theatre
• Tickets: Pay As You’re Able Tickets ($10 full fee). Michigan Tech Students are eligible for free Student Rush Tickets sponsored by the Experience Tech Fee.

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

The last of three candidates will present a department leadership seminar on Monday, Feb. 17, from 11-11:50 a.m. in Chem Sci B002 and also via Zoom.

Join the Math Leadership Seminar on Zoom.

The candidate will also present a research seminar titled “Geometry and Computability of Zero-temperature Measures” on Tuesday, Feb. 18, from 2-2:50 p.m. in Fisher 132 and also via Zoom.

Join the Math Research Seminar on Zoom.

All members of the Michigan Tech community are welcome to attend.

The Department of Mathematical Sciences is hosting a Math Colloquium presented by Jess Ellis Hagman from Colorado State University tomorrow, Feb. 14, at 1 p.m. in Fisher 327B.

The title of Ellis Hagman's presentation is "Working Towards 'Critical Transformations' in University Mathematics."

Make plans to attend a Lunch and Learn hosted by the William G. Jackson Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) and Essential Education at Michigan Tech.

The Lunch and Learn is titled “Building an Essential Ed Experience: (Re)Designing Your Course to Become an E3.”

• When: Tuesday, March 4, from 12-1 p.m.
• Where: MUB Ballroom A
• Registration: Register to Attend the Lunch and Learn (registration is required).

Interested in designing and teaching an Essential Education Experience (E3)? Join E3 leadership and fellow instructors for a course redesign workshop. E3 courses should prepare students for an ever-changing, dynamic and diverse world by increasing social awareness, global understandings and/or cultural competencies through hands-on learning. Students will apply their learning toward a project or activity that engages with community beyond the traditional classroom.

This workshop will cover the basics of E3 requirements and provide participants time to workshop with others an existing or proposed Essential Education Experience course, while learning more about practical tools for transforming their own courses into E3s. Faculty who are interested in E3 courses but don't have a specific course in mind yet are welcome to attend and can expect to gain insights that will aid in future course development.

Lunch will be provided to those who register.

For questions or to request accommodations, including dietary, please feel free to contact the CTL at ctl@mtu.edu or 906-487-3000.

Shiyue Fang (Chem) was quoted by Chemistry World in a story about his team's achievement in the direct chemical synthesis of a gene over 1,700 nucleotides long — a significant advancement in the field of synthetic biology.

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WNMU-FM mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about the “Storytelling and Semiconductors” program that will teach fourth grade students about the science of semiconductors in the western Upper Peninsula. Michigan Tech’s mechatronics program will be consulted during program development. 

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UPword mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about the 2025 Winter Carnival snow statue winners. Phi Kappa Tau took first place, and Tau Kappa Epsilon and Sigma Tau Gamma/Alpha Gamma Delta earned second and third places, respectively.

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The Escanaba Daily Press mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about the wrap-up of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ 2024 Great Lakes fish surveys. The surveys provided data for collaborations with researchers from Michigan Tech and other regional universities.

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The Daily Mining Gazette covered Michigan Tech hockey forward Elias Jansson being named CCHA Rookie of the Week for the third time this season.

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Utah’s TechBuzz News interviewed Michigan Tech alum Jessica Elwell ’02 ’03 (B.S. M.S. Chemical Engineering) about her career as chief operating officer of OxEon Energy, including her work on the groundbreaking MOXIE project with NASA and her advice for women pursuing STEM careers. Elwell delivered MTU's 2024 First-Year Engineering Lecture last August, and she and MOXIE were featured by Tech’s Stories from Husky Nation in December 2023.

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Wisconsin's Door County Pulse mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about the inventor who created ice-resurfacing machines, including one used at Michigan Tech.

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, Feb. 13:

• Chicken Tikka Masala (AG) (PR)
• Potato, Garbanzo and Pea Coconut Curry (VG) (AG)
• Basmati Rice (VG) (AG)
• Garam Cauliflower and Chickpeas (VG) (AG) (CF)
• Garlic Naan (V) (PR)
• Kachumber Salad (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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Physics Colloquium: Grad Student Presentations

The following Department of Physics graduate students will be presenting their research progress at this week’s Physics Colloquium:

• Ian Norwood (advised by Claudio Mazzoleni)
• Siddharth Karkhanis (advised by Issei Nakamura)
• Ögetay Kayalı (advised by Robert Nemiroff)

This will be a hybrid event. Norwood will present via Zoom, while Karkhanis and Kayalı will present in person. They will give their talks at 4 p.m. today, Feb.13, in Fisher 139.

Read the students' presentation titles and abstracts at the University Events Calendar.

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Workshop: 'Exploring Drones for Remote Sensing'

Are you curious about how drones are transforming remote sensing? Join the DataSENSE NSF Research Traineeship (NRT) project at Michigan Tech for an exciting two-hour workshop where we will explore drones' fascinating applications in environmental monitoring and research.

The workshop will be presented by Ashraf Saleem, assistant professor of applied computing and director of the Robotics and Remote Sensing Lab. Participation is limited to the first 25 to register! A confirmation email will be sent to the first registrants.

Sign Up for the Workshop.

Workshop Details:

• What: “Exploring Drones for Remote Sensing: Airborne and Underwater Applications” Workshop
• When: Wednesday, Feb. 19, from 3:30-5:30 p.m.
• Where: Rekhi G005
• Who Should Attend: This workshop is perfect for students, researchers and anyone interested in cutting-edge drone technology and its applications in environmental monitoring, renewable energy and underwater exploration.

What You’ll Learn:

• Drone Technology Basics: This course explores the key components and capabilities of small-flying, heavy-lifting and underwater drones.
• Applications in Research: Learn how drones are revolutionizing fields like:
  • Snow Detection on Solar Panels: Using drones and machine learning to enhance solar energy efficiency.
  • Underwater Imaging: Overcoming challenges in aquatic environments with advanced image enhancement techniques.
• Hands-On Demonstration: Watch live demonstrations of both airborne and underwater drones.

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Math Department Chair Candidate Visit

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

The second of three candidates will present a department leadership seminar today, Feb. 13, from 11-11:50 a.m. in Fisher 325 and also via Zoom.

Join the Math Leadership Seminar on Zoom.

The candidate will also present a research seminar titled "Spatiotemporal patterns of activity in high-dimensional brain data and in neural field models” tomorrow, Feb. 14, from 11-11:50 a.m. in Fisher 325 and also via Zoom.

Join the Math Research Seminar on Zoom.

All members of the Michigan Tech community are welcome to attend.

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BioMed Seminar Series Speaker: Aytuğ Gençoğlu

The next guest speaker in the Department of Biomedical Engineering (BioMed) Seminar Series will present tomorrow, Feb. 14, at 3 p.m. in Chem Sci 104 and virtually via Zoom.

Join the BioMed Seminar on Zoom.

Aytuğ Gençoğlu from the Department of Chemical Engineering will present "Microfluidics: In Vitro Tools for the Cell to Tissue Scale."

Read Gençoğlu’s abstract and bio at the University Events Calendar.

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SS Department Chair Candidate Seminars with Gareth John

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

The fifth of five candidates, Gareth John, professor of geography, St. Cloud State University, will present a department leadership seminar today, Feb. 13, from 12:30-1:30 p.m. in Admin 404.

John will also present a research seminar tomorrow, Feb.14, from 12-12:45 p.m. in AOB 201. The research seminar is titled “From Landscapes to Seascapes."

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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MSE Graduate Seminar with Caleb Minasian

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) is hosting a seminar presented by MSE graduate student Caleb Minasian today, Feb. 13, at 1 p.m. in M&M 610.

Minasian's presentation is titled "Development of Multi-Constituent Austenite-Containing Steels for Explosive Confinement Vessels."

From the abstract:
Explosive confinement vessels (ECVs) require high strength and toughness materials that are amenable to manufacturing and vessel fabrication. Multi-constituent austenite-containing (MCA) steels are anticipated to improve on current ECV materials. The fine-scale microstructures associated with MCA steels predominantly consist of a ferrite or martensite and retained austenite. Austenite retention is accomplished through partitioning of carbon (C), manganese (Mn), and/or nickel (Ni) during heat treatment. Due to the amount of Mn and/or Ni in MCA alloys, there is sufficient hardenability to achieve a uniform microstructure in thick-section ECV components. The present work discusses progress toward developing MCA steels for ECVs. Twelve experimental alloys have been developed with a range of Mn and Ni alloy concentrations as the predominant austenite stabilizer. Thermo-Calc® was used to simulate multiple austenite re-forming thermal processing treatments to develop MCA microstructures, including intercritical annealing (IA), quench-lamellarize-temper (QLT), and double-soaking (DS).

Minasian graduated from Michigan Tech with his bachelor’s degree in materials science and engineering in spring 2023. Advised by Josh Mueller, he is currently pursuing a master’s degree in materials science and engineering, and will pursue a Ph.D. once he defends his master’s thesis. Minasian is currently working on researching and developing austenite containing steels.

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GMES Faculty Candidate Seminar with Yu Tan

Please join the Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences (GMES) today, Feb. 13, from 12-1 p.m. in Dow 610 for a research presentation by faculty candidate Yu Tan, postdoctoral researcher at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

The title of Tan's presentation is "Effectiveness of Landfill Composite Liners in Containing PFAS."

All are welcome to attend.

From the abstract:
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are emerging contaminants with very low maximum contaminant levels (from 4.0 to 10 ng/L) in drinking water, whereas cumulating to thousand ng/L in municipal solid waste landfill leachate. The low PFAS’ maximum contaminant levels, along with the high concentrations in waste leachate, require landfill bottom liners (i.e., a composite of high-density polyethylene -HDPE- geomembrane overlying a clay liner) to be highly effective in protecting groundwater, but the effectiveness has not been evaluated.

This research combined laboratory experiments and numerical simulations to evaluate the effectiveness of landfill composite liners in containing PFAS. We measured key PFAS transport parameters in liner materials, applied transport parameters into PFAS-specific transport models, and predicted PFAS concentrations and fluxes to groundwater. The experimental results show that HDPE geomembranes are highly effective in containing PFAS with a diffusion coefficient of less than 3.4×10-15 m2/s and show that different PFAS in municipal solid waste leachate with various concentrations have no adverse impact on the hydraulic conductivity of clay liners. Numerical simulation predicts that PFAS concentration at the groundwater table remains very low (

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MAE Graduate Seminar Speaker: Chris Shamie

The next Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) Graduate Seminar speaker will present at 2 p.m. today, Feb. 13, in EERC 103.

Chris Shamie will present "Product Development in the Automotive Supply Base."

Shamie is the vice president of the eDrives business division at Schaeffler, the Motion Tech Company, leading the development, industrialization and production of cutting-edge automotive technologies. During his time with Schaeffler, the team has delivered products like clutches, torque converters, hybrid systems, electric motors and electric axles for customers in North and South America.

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Human Research Volunteers Needed

Professor William Cooke, Department of Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology, Michigan Tech, is recruiting men and women between the ages of 21 and 55 who regularly use a nicotine product (smoking, vaping, chewing or nicotine patch) to participate in a research study.

The purpose of this study is to determine how your body responds to simulated blood loss and how these responses might be different in people who use nicotine products. We hope to be able to develop mathematical approaches that could be applied to new devices that might help emergency workers care for bleeding patients.

There is monetary compensation ($100) for participation and the experiment will require about one hour of your time.

You are eligible to participate if you:

• Have not been diagnosed with diabetes.
• Do not have a history of blood clots or peripheral vascular disease.
• Have not been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism.
• Are not pregnant or trying to become pregnant.
• Are not taking any prescription drugs.
• Have not been diagnosed with a current or chronic respiratory illness.
• Do not have blood pressure above 140/90 mmHg.
• Do not have a history of becoming lightheaded or dizzy upon standing.

If you are interested in participating, please contact:

William Cooke, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology
H-STEM Complex Room 154, Michigan Tech Campus
wcooke@mtu.edu
906-487-3389

This study has been approved by the Institutional Review Board of Michigan Technological University (approval #2103454-1).

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

Isle Royale Art Exhibition - Michigan Tech Art

Thursday, February 13, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. | Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts, Rozsa Galleries A-Space

MICHIGAN TECH ART SERIES EVENT Enter into a world of artistic expression inspired by the wilderness of Isle Royale. The artworks showcased in this exhibition have all been...

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Sabbatical Leaves: Purpose, Planning, and Paying

Thursday, February 13, 9:30–11:00 a.m. | Memorial Union Building (MUB), B1 and B2

The Office of the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs will host a workshop focused on planning a sabbatical leave on Thursday, February 13, from 9:30-11:00...

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SS Department Chair Candidate Seminars with Gareth John

Thursday, February 13, 12:30–1:30 p.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 fifth of five candidates,...

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Product Development in the Automotive Supply Base

Thursday, February 13, 2–3 p.m. | Electrical Energy Resources Center (EERC), 103

MAE Graduate Seminar Speaker Series proudly presents Chris Shamie Schaeffler Abstract Chris Shamie will give a flavor of the product development process as used at...

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Physics Colloquium - Grad Student Presentations (Norwood, Karkhanis,Kayali)

Thursday, February 13, 3:30–5:00 p.m. | Fisher Hall, 139

Please join physics graduate students, Ian Norwoon, Siddharth Karkhanis, and Ogetay Kayali for their presentations on Thursday, February 13th at 4 PM - Fisher Hall 139. Ian...

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Enterprise Day

Thursday, February 13, 6–8 p.m. | Memorial Union Building (MUB), Ballroom

Are you interested in learning more about Enterprise at Michigan Tech? Maybe you are thinking about joining Enterprise, but are not sure which team is right for you. Learn...

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Information Session: Summer '25 Barcelona Faculty-Led Study Abroad

Thursday, February 13, 6–7 p.m. | Walker Arts and Humanities Center, 120A

Join the modern languages department for an informational session about this summer's faculty-led study abroad program to Barcelona, Spain. Sessions will take place Wednesday,...

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Fashion Show: Threading Empathy - Michigan Tech Theatre

Thursday, February 13, 7:30 p.m. | McArdle Theatre

MICHIGAN TECH THEATRE SERIES EVENT Threading Empathy: Exploring the Intersection of Techno-Fashion and Empathy. Join us for the second Fashion Show produced by the Michigan...