February 14, 2025

Jeffrey Naber (MAE) is Michigan Tech’s lead on a three-year, $2.5 million project to develop an advanced medium-duty spark engine that can operate on sustainable natural gas and natural gas/hydrogen blends.

Most medium-duty engines run on diesel fuel and are used to move material — for construction, agriculture, forestry and mining — in excavators, motor graders, loaders and crawlers. Natural gas and a flex fuel of natural gas and hydrogen fuel are potentially viable alternatives with substantially lower greenhouse gas emissions.

MTU is joined on the project by research partners John Deere, Woodward Inc., Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the University of Colorado-Boulder.

Read more in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering's inaugural MAE Magazine.

Students in Michigan Tech's Department of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) start asking the big questions early on in their college career. Allison Lewis ’26, a theatre and entertainment technology major, approached the final project for her art and design class by inviting others to share their experiences. The project prompt, “the human condition,” inspired a large interactive mural of Lewis’ mother.

“My mom is a really large influence in my life and I feel like I carry her with me the most,” said Lewis. “I wanted to not only celebrate her but let people celebrate the people in their lives who influenced them, and who they are made up of.”

See the mural and find out how it celebrates lives and stories on the College of Sciences and Arts Newsblog.

If anyone needs proof that Winter Carnival brings the Husky family together, they need look no further than the College of Business.

Last Friday, Feb. 7, students had a career-forward chance to kick off their Carnival weekend with an alumni panel. And the next day, a pair of management information systems scholarship recipients and the donors who made it possible met up in the Alumni Box at the MTU hockey game.

Find out more about the alumni events that connect students with Husky mentors on the College of Business Newsblog.

Dean Johnson, dean of the College of Business (COB), has selected Laura Sieders as this week’s featured instructor in the Deans’ Teaching Showcase.

Sieders, the Edward and Betty Robinson Faculty Fellow in Accounting, is being recognized for her outstanding work in making students feel comfortable in the classroom while learning challenging material. She will be recognized at an end-of-term event with other spring showcase members and is a candidate for the CTL Instructional Award Series.

Now in her second year as an assistant teaching professor, Sieders is a COB alumna who serves as director for the M.S. in Accounting and Analytics degree program. “She has a special sense of pride and responsibility as a COB alum who has come full circle back into the classroom,” said Johnson.

Sieders came to academia after 25 years in the corporate sector, where she specialized in not-for-profit accounting. Though she described her current transition into academia as her second career, she was a teacher long before joining the COB faculty — first at Finlandia University and then at Michigan Tech.

“Laura’s teaching and leadership centers on individual motivation and growth,” said a former colleague. “As she works with each student and mentee, she always puts them first and fosters an environment for questioning, trying, failing and continual learning.”

During her nine years in academia, Sieders has taught at every level, from introductory courses for students of all different majors to graduate students pursuing their master’s degrees in accounting and analytics. After only three semesters with Michigan Tech, three of Sieders’ courses ranked in the “top 10 percent sections.”

Sieders’ approach to teaching always starts with the question, “How do I get students engaged in the learning?” A key building block in her teaching method is encouraging students to bring their best — rather than aiming for perfection — to coursework. Sieders’ classroom catchphrase “We are here to make mistakes!” resonates with students, as evidenced by one student’s comments: “She encourages participation in the classroom, celebrating wrong answers as a learning moment and part of the process, not something to be ashamed of. She even encourages her students to catch her when she makes a mistake to show that everyone can make mistakes. Her classes are hard — some of the hardest I’ve taken — but they’re not stressful.”

A recent innovation in Sieders’ classroom this academic year is known as “Laura’s Whiteboard Mistakes,” where students are awarded a limited number of extra credit points if they call attention to an error that was written on the board and provide the correction. Student evaluation comments from the fall 2024 semester indicate that the new practice resulted in an increase in attentiveness and more focus on understanding the material during lectures.

Above all else, Sieders is aware that her students are whole persons with lives outside the classroom, experiencing other pressures and stresses, and coming from differing backgrounds of life and education. A student shared that after a difficult exam day, “[Laura] let me watch her grade my exam while gently explaining where I went wrong and emphasizing everything I did right. I’ll never forget that moment and how cared for and supported I felt.”

Johnson said Sieders exemplifies the combination of connection and challenge that helps students in COB excel in their studies and careers. “I appreciate the skill and dedication Laura brings to her work — and we can see the benefit that it has on our students,” he said.

Assistant Professor Ishi Keenum of the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering (CEGE) at Michigan Tech, presented a Lillian M. Gilbreth Lecture yesterday, Feb. 13, as part of the 2025 National Academy of Engineering (NAE) National Meeting in Irvine, California.

Keenum’s 20-minute Gilbreth Lecture was titled “Evaluating Waste Management Systems to Prevent the Spread of Antibiotic Resistance.” An audience-led Q&A session followed the lecture.

Gilbreth Lectures were established in 2001 by the NAE Council as a means of recognizing outstanding young engineers and are supported by the Armstrong Endowment for Young Engineers. This year's lecturers were selected based on their presentations at The Grainger Foundation Frontiers of Engineering symposia.

In the original article announcing the Research Development office's planned virtual office hours to answer questions about the Research Excellence Fund and proposal submissions for the Research Seed or Scholarship and Creativity Grant, the date of the virtual office hours was incorrect. The virtual office hours are happening next Friday, Feb. 21, at noon.

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.

Nominations are now open to celebrate and recognize the individual and group efforts of students involved across campus at the 31st Annual Student Leadership Awards! The nomination deadline for all awards is March 9 by midnight.

Each week leading up to the nomination deadline, we will highlight two awards for which you could nominate an outstanding member of our community!

• Exceptional Enthusiasm as a Student Leader: The Exceptional Enthusiasm as a Student Leader Award celebrates students who are actively involved in campus activities and lead with enthusiasm, adaptability and drive. This award honors individuals who not only participate but inspire others through their passion and dedication. Whether they’re organizing events, leading groups or simply making campus life more vibrant, these student leaders make a lasting impact. Nominate a student whose commitment to campus activities and leadership deserves recognition. Shine a spotlight on their enthusiasm!

• Exceptional Leadership in Student Governance: The Exceptional Leadership in Student Governance Award honors individuals who represent their peers with fairness, integrity and dedication. This student works tirelessly to improve their organization and the Michigan Tech community as a whole. From advocating for their constituents to driving meaningful changes, these leaders embody the spirit of service and collaboration. Their efforts make a lasting impact on campus life and governance. Recognize their leadership today! Eligible students must have held a past or present leadership position in a student governance body. Nominate a student whose commitment to fair representation and organizational growth deserves to be celebrated.

Find more information about all the awards and nomination forms on the Student Leadership Awards webpage.

Concert: “Isle Royale 85th Anniversary” — Saturday, Feb. 15
Rozsa Center | 7:30 p.m.
Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra
Michigan Tech Music Series

The evening includes a pre-concert artist reception in the Rozsa Art Galleries, featuring works by Isle Royale artists-in-residence. Guests will have a chance to chat with the artists and National Park Service rangers, view their work and hear live poetry by poet M. Bartley Seigel.

Prior to the concert, meet composer Libby Meyer to hear about her Isle Royale-inspired symphony: “The land that speaks when we’ve ears to listen.”* Meyer is the director of Michigan Tech’s music composition program and has served as composer-in-residence at Isle Royale National Park. Her work reflects the natural rhythms and patterns of the world around her.

Led by Joel Neves, the KSO will present the world premiere of Meyer's new work. The program also includes Anton Bruckner's Symphony No. 7 in E Major, first movement, and Aaron Copland's "Four Dance Episodes" from "Rodeo."

Event Schedule:

• 5-7 p.m. — Isle Royale Artist-in-Residence Exhibit Reception
• 6:30-7:30 p.m. — Chat with National Park Rangers amid Isle Royale Exhibits
• 6:45 p.m. — Meet Composer Libby Meyer and Hear Live Poetry by M. Bartley Seigel
• 7:30 p.m. — Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra Concert

* Commissioned by Isle Royale National Park and the Isle Royale and Keweenaw Parks Association in honor of the 85th anniversary of Isle Royale National Park.

This event is made possible by the National Park Service, International Society for Contemporary Music (ISCM), Isle Royale National Park and the Isle Royale and Keweenaw Parks Association, and Michigan Tech's Department of Visual and Performing Arts and its Circle of Supporters.

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Concert: “Music for a Sacred Space” — Sunday, Feb. 16
St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lake Linden | 7:30 p.m.
Choirs of Michigan Tech
Michigan Tech Music Series

The Michigan Tech Chamber Singers and Michigan Tech Concert Choir join in a concert of sacred music at the stunning St. Joseph Catholic Church, located at 701 Calumet St. in Lake Linden. This event has free admission — donations are appreciated at the door. Proceeds from this concert go to support the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

Content Guidance: This off-campus fundraising concert includes sacred music. St. Joseph Church has a ramp available to enter the church and an elevator to enter the performance space.

The next Environmental Engineering Graduate Seminar will take place at 3 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 17, in GLRC 202.

Environmental engineering faculty candidate Jess Kozarek, research associate, St. Anthony Falls Laboratory, will present "Linking physical, chemical, and biological processes to inform surface water management."

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

Please join the Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences (GMES) on Monday, Feb. 17, from 12-1 p.m. in Dow 610 for a research presentation by faculty candidate Ting Xiao, research assistant professor at the University of Utah.

The title of Xiao's presentation is "Carbon Dioxide Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) and Its Risk Assessment."

From the abstract:
Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) in geological formations are key in mitigating anthropogenic CO2 emissions and achieving the net-zero greenhouse gas emission goal. Risk and uncertainty assessment is crucial for ensuring the safety and reliability of geologic carbon storage (GCS) by evaluating CO2 migration in the subsurface, forecasting potential leakage and induced seismicity risks, and optimizing operational and monitoring plans. In this presentation, I will provide an overview of CCUS, discuss my research interests in risk assessment, and prospect future efforts.

Please join the Department of Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology (KIP) for a seminar on Monday, Feb. 17, from 2-3 p.m. in Chem Sci 101 with guest speaker Theodore Angelopoulos from the University of Vermont’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences.

The title of the presentation is “Comparative Effectiveness of Physical Activity, Diet, and Drug Interventions on Blood Pressure of Hypertensive Overweight and Obese Adults: A Multilevel Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.”

The Department of Mathematical Sciences is hosting a Math Colloquium presented by Kaibo Hu, a Royal Society University Research Fellow based at the University of Edinburgh and the Maxwell Institute, on Monday, Feb. 17, at 1 p.m. in Fisher 327B.

Hu will be presenting "Topology-Preserving Computation for Ideal Magnetic Relaxation."

Job Postings for Friday, Feb. 14, 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.

S​enior Office Assistant (​12 months, 40 hours), C​ollege of Engineering (UAW posting dates Feb. 14 to Feb. 20, 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.

Central Energy Plant Operator, F​acilities Management. Apply online.

Food Service Helper (nine months, first shift, 40 hours, five positions available), Dining Services (AFSCME posting dates Feb. 14 to Feb. 20, 2025 — external applicants are encouraged to apply; however, internal AFSCME applicants are given first consideration if they apply during the internal AFSCME posting dates). Apply online.

Food Service Helper (12 months, first shift, 40 hours), Dining Services (AFSCME posting dates Feb. 14 to Feb. 20, 2025 — external applicants are encouraged to apply; however, internal AFSCME applicants are given first consideration if they apply during the internal AFSCME posting dates). Apply online.

Cook (nine months, second shift, 40 hours), Dining Services (AFSCME posting dates Feb. 14 to Feb. 20, 2025 — external applicants are encouraged to apply; however, internal AFSCME applicants are given first consideration if they apply during the internal AFSCME posting dates). Apply online.

Cook (nine months, first shift, 40 hours, two positions available), Dining Services (AFSCME posting dates Feb. 14 to Feb. 20, 2025 — external applicants are encouraged to apply; however, internal AFSCME applicants are given first consideration if they apply during the internal AFSCME posting dates). Apply online.

​D​epartment Coordinator, Applied Computing. 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.

Inside Higher Ed, Crain’s Detroit Business and Forbes covered Michigan Tech’s new status as an R1 institution under the 2025 revisions to the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The recognition highlights Michigan Tech’s significant research spending and doctoral production. University President Rick Koubek and Andrew Barnard (VPR) were quoted.

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The Sociable quoted Alexandra Morrison (HU) in a story about the RoboSAPIENS consortium, a European research initiative focused on making self-adapting industrial robots safer and more trustworthy. Morrison, the independent ethics advisor for RoboSAPIENS, highlighted the importance of integrating ethical considerations into the early stages of robotic and artificial intelligence design.

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Defense Advancement and Seapower Magazine mentioned Michigan Tech’s Keweenaw Research Center (KRC) in stories about General Dynamics Land Systems’ testing of the ARV C4/UAS prototype for the U.S. Marine Corps. The KRC served as a principal test location for the Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle from March to December 2024.

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The Chronicle of Higher Education mentioned recent organizational updates at Michigan Tech in a story about changes to diversity efforts at public and private colleges around the country.

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The Daily Mining Gazette and WLUC TV6 mentioned Michigan Tech hockey forward Alex Nordstrom in stories about his new role as alternate captain for the Huskies.

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The Athletic mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about the development of U.S. hockey talent through the National Team Development Program, where former MTU hockey coach Bob Mancini serves as assistant executive director of hockey development.

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Business Wire mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about the appointment of Steve Worthy ’11 (B.S. Business Administration) as chief business and financial officer of Cognito Therapeutics. 

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Essentially Sports mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about Lucy (Dernovsek) Slowik ’11 (B.S. Accounting), highlighting her MTU basketball career and GLIAC Tournament MVP and All-GLIAC First Team honors. Slowik is currently a senior accounting manager at Nielsen, while her husband Bobby ’09 (B.S. Biomedical Engineering) is a senior passing game coordinator for the Miami Dolphins.

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

Men's Tennis at University of Missouri - St. Louis

Friday, February 14, 12–3 a.m. | St. Louis, MO

Men's Tennis at University of Missouri - St. Louis St. Louis, MO

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Women's Tennis at University of Missouri - St. Louis

Friday, February 14, 12–3 a.m. | St. Louis, MO

Women's Tennis at University of Missouri - St. Louis St. Louis, MO

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Isle Royale Art Exhibition - Michigan Tech Art

Friday, February 14, 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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Graduating and Still Looking

Friday, February 14, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. | Administration and Student Services Building, 220 Career Services

Are you graduating in April? Are you still looking for your first opportunity out of college? Join us Friday mornings for coffee and discuss possibilities and strategies for...

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Third Chemical Engineering Department Chair Candidate Seminar

Friday, February 14, 10 a.m. | Electrical Energy Resources Center (EERC), 214

The Department of Chemical Engineering (ChE) would like to invite you to attend the seminar given by the third department chair candidate. A research seminar will be held at...

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SS Department Chair Candidate Seminars with Gareth John

Friday, February 14, 12:00–12:45 p.m. | Academic Office Building (AOB), 201

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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Cookies & Coloring

Friday, February 14, 2–4 p.m. | CDI Basement

Take a break and unwind at Cookies and Coloring! Enjoy tasty treats while you relax with some coloring—it’s a perfect way to de-stress and recharge.

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Ladies Bible Study

Friday, February 14, 3–4 p.m. | 1st Floor, Opie Van Pelt Library

Want to learn about women of the Bible? The Do's and Don't of lady wisdom and the harlot? Join Rachel and Gabby as they teach through the ladies of the bible. This is a...

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Microfluidics: In Vitro Tools for the Cell to Tissue Scale

Friday, February 14, 3–4 p.m. | Chemical Sciences and Engineering Building, 104

Biomedical Engineering Research Seminar Aytuğ Gençoğlu Michigan Technological University Abstract Microfluidics technology is mostly developed and used for life sciences...

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Game Night

Friday, February 14, 7–8 p.m. | His House Campus House

Looking for a fun way to unwind and connect with friends? Join us for Game Night! 🕹️ Whether board games, card games, video games, or even ping pong, there’s something...

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Fashion Show: Threading Empathy - Michigan Tech Theatre

Friday, February 14, 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...

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Men's Ice Hockey at Augustana (S.D.)

Friday, February 14, 8:07–11:07 p.m. | Sioux Falls, S.D.

Men's Ice Hockey at Augustana (S.D.) Sioux Falls, S.D.