March 3, 2025

The University has invited three candidates to campus to interview for the position of chief financial officer (CFO) and senior vice president for administration. Each candidate’s interview will include a presentation of their vision for finance at Michigan Tech at an open forum.

CFO Candidate Open Forum Presentation:
Monday, March 3, at 10:30 a.m. in the MUB Alumni Lounge
The second CFO candidate will provide a public presentation titled “Academic Finance and Administration: A Vision for Michigan Tech” today, March 3, at 10:30 a.m. in the Alumni Lounge of the Memorial Union.

Candidate resumes, cover letters, interview dates, open forum information and post-forum recordings can be viewed at the CFO Search Page. A Michigan Tech login is required to view candidate information.

The search committee encourages the campus community to attend each open forum and provide feedback by completing the anonymous comment form provided on the candidate webpage. Feedback forms will be posted immediately following each candidate's visit and will remain available for 72 hours following the last candidate’s visit.

Recordings of the candidate presentations will be available to those who are unable to attend because of a valid scheduling conflict, those working 100% remotely, and those who have accommodations. Please contact the Office of the President at hlherman@mtu.edu to request access.

Midterm grades are due at noon today, March 3.

Midterm grades must be submitted for all first-year students and transfer students with fewer than 30 credits. The Waino Wahtera Center for Student Success coordinates outreach to these students based on the midterm grades submitted. This supports timely intervention for students who may be experiencing academic and/or other difficulties.

Electronic Grade Submission
Instructors have two options for electronic grade submission. They may submit grades via Banner Self-Service by going directly into Banweb, entering grades and then clicking submit. Those with larger class sizes where grades have already been totaled in Canvas may submit grades via Canvas by going to CourseTools and using the Grade Wizard to first extract them from Canvas and then submit them to Banner.

If grades are submitted using Banner Self-Service, only the students who require a midterm grade will appear. For those who submit their grades via Canvas, a first-year student column has been added to identify these students in your course grade book.

Satisfactory grades (A-C) should be entered as “SA” and Unsatisfactory grades (CD-F) as “UN”.

Midterm grades are for full-semester courses only. Grades not turned in by the deadline will have an M (missing) grade assigned.

The Graduate School announces the recipients of the Dean’s Award for Outstanding Scholarship and the Outstanding Graduate Student Teaching Award for the spring 2025 semester. Congratulations to all recipients.

Dean’s Award for Outstanding Scholarship
The following recipients of the Dean’s Award for Outstanding Scholarship have demonstrated academic or professional qualities that set them apart within their academic program.

• Brennan Vogl — Biomedical Engineering
• Dilka Liyana Arachchige — Chemistry
• Miraj Kayastha — Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering
• Grady McDonald — College of Business
• Oscar Ugwoke — College of Business
• Katie Bershing — College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science
• Noah Kolczzynski — Computer Science
• Michael Maurer — Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Gustavo Bejar Lopez — Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences
• Elizabeth Novotny — Humanities
• Sherry Chen — Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology
• Karlee Westrem — Mathematical Sciences
• Cora Taylor — Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
• Joshua Kempainen — Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
• Rhiannon Turner — Physics
• Seth Nelson — Physics

Outstanding Graduate Student Teaching Award
The following recipients of the Outstanding Graduate Student Teaching Award are recognized for their excellence in teaching. 

• Troy Allman — Applied Computing
• Chethana Kadirimangalam — Applied Computing
• Aaron MacLeod — Biological Sciences
• Ahmad Bshennaty — Biomedical Engineering
• Devadas Sudheesh — Chemistry
• Kiersen Korienek — Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering
• Sepehr Mohammadi — Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering
• Jackie Suits — College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science
• Caleb Rother — Computer Science
• Josh Alele-beals — Computer Science
• Scott Cho — Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Parinaz Eskandari — Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Helen Foldenauer — Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences
• D-Jay Bidwell — Humanities
• Jehyun Lee — Mathematical Sciences
• Zack Thelander — Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
• Tanner Sether — Physics

For details about each award, view our Awards and Honors page.

Looking to stay up to date with all the exciting events and activities for students on campus? Student Leadership and Involvement has you covered! Subscribe to the Student Scoop, your go-to weekly newsletter of campus events and activities delivered straight to your inbox every Wednesday.

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Lisa Gordillo (VPA) will share the work of art “Widow in her un/natural habitat” on campus through March 15. During this time, she will wear a shirt that clearly identifies her as a widow.

“Widow…” is a living portrait; with it, Gordillo hopes to raise awareness about the duration of grief and its mutifaceted nature, call attention to the invisibility that many grieving people feel, and create a bit more space for conversations about loss.

In the time since her husband Hugo’s death in 2023, Gordillo has become concerned with our culture’s inability to support grieving people and our unwillingness to sit with challenging stories. As a result, she is shifting her creative work toward themes of loss, comfort and support.

Gordillo welcomes conversation about this project, and about grief, throughout the project and after it.

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, March 6:

• Za’tar Roasted Chicken Breast (AG) (PR)
• Blackened Salmon (AG) (PR)
• Chickpea and Tomato Salad (V) (AG)
• Broccoli, Lemon, and Garlic Penne Pasta (V) (PR)
• Broccoli Rabe (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.

Editor's Note: The location of the 'Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday Celebration' has changed to the Bonfire Restaurant.

Dinner and Live Jazz: “Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday Celebration” — Tuesday, March 4
*** Updated Location: Bonfire Restaurant *** | 6 p.m.
Michigan Tech Music Series

Join the Workshop Brass Band for a Mardi Gras celebration that will transport you straight to the heart of New Orleans. Get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of NOLA Jazz while savoring New Orleans-style cuisine at the Bonfire at the Continental Fire Co.

Please note the location change! This popular event has moved, and now has increased capacity. For guaranteed entry, pre-purchase tickets. Only cash or check can be accepted for any available walk-up seats.

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“YAMATO: The Drummers of Japan World Tour 2025-2026” — Saturday, March 8
Rozsa Center | Doors 7 p.m. | Show 7:30 p.m.
Rozsa Presenting Series

Experience the powerful performance of YAMATO, a world-renowned Japanese Taiko drumming group, coming all the way from Asuka, Nara, Japan, for a spectacular performance at the Rozsa. YAMATO will showcase both the athleticism and artistic expression of Taiko drumming, while immersing you in traditions of Japanese culture. Their goal is to connect with their audience on a deeper level, going beyond just the music. They create a shared experience that transcends cultural barriers.

Looking Ahead:

Huskies Pep Band Concert: “99 Striped Balloons” — Thursday, March 13
Rozsa Center | 7:30 p.m.
Michigan Tech Music Series

The Huskies Pep Band brings the decibels for their annual concert at the Rozsa! Available to watch live on stage or on livestream.

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Zarna Garg: Stand-Up Comedy — Saturday, March 22
Rozsa Center | Doors 7 p.m. | Show 7:30 p.m.
Rozsa Presenting Series

Zarna Garg has established herself in the comedy scene, captivating audiences with her quick wit, relatable humor and fearless social commentary. This Indian immigrant mom turned stand-up comedy star is beloved by more than 2 million social media followers. She has an Amazon Prime Special, headlined a sold-out tour in 2023-24 and opened for comedy legends Tina Fey and Amy Pohler on their 2023-24 Restless Leg Tour.

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

• Kumar Neupane (advised by Yoke Khin Yap)
• Khoa Nguyen (advised by David Nitz)
• Raksha (advised by Yoke Khin Yap)

This will be an in-person event. The students will give their talks at 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 6, in Fisher 139.

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

Kelvin Lee will present as part of the Department of Chemical Engineering (ChE) Seminar Series on Friday, March 7, at 10 a.m. in person in Fisher 101 or virtually via Zoom.

Join the ChE Seminar on Zoom.

Lee will present "A host cell protein contaminant that may impact antibody drug product stability (& NIIMBL)."

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

Lee is a professor at the University of Delaware and is the director of NIIMBL: the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals. He is being hosted by Caryn Heldt.

Assistant Professor Shawn Brueshaber (MAE) is the lead author of a research paper published by the planetary science journal Icarus.

The paper is titled “Multi-instrument sounding of a Jovian thunderstorm from Juno.”

Thunderstorms play a significant role in transporting heat from the deep interior to space on giant planets like Jupiter. In the research paper, a team lead by Brueshaber analyzed the results of the most detailed dataset to date of a Jovian thunderstorm.

The closest approach to Jupiter (periapse) during the spacecraft’s 38th orbit fortunately happened to fly over a thunderstorm complex around eight degrees north at a distance of only approximately 5,690 kilometers above the cloud tops. Data were acquired by the microwave radiometer (MWR), the visible light JunoCam instrument, the Jovian InfraRed Auroral Mapper (JIRAM), and from supporting Earth-based imaging.

Jupiter is thought to have three cloud layers in that part of its atmosphere responsible for the weather we see: an NH3 layer at the top, an NH4SH layer underneath and an H2O layer deeper still. It is the large change in energy from the condensation of water that fuels thunderstorms there, as it does on Earth. However, Jupiter’s air is hydrogen and helium. Add water vapor and the moist air’s density increases, making it harder for convection to occur, which is opposite the case on Earth. Nevertheless, convection in the form of thunderstorms is frequently observed on Jupiter.

The MWR instrument, which gives a vertical cut-away profile of the brightness temperatures, indicated that this storm appeared to be wholly contained within the weather layer, i.e., no deeper than the expected base of the H2O cloud. This finding contrasts with suggestions that Jupiter’s thunderstorms arise from very deep-seated vertical plumes originating well below the base of the H2O cloud layer that cause the vertical motion necessary to form thunderstorms. The team's findings indicate this is not the situation, although other Jovian thunderstorms might be formed by deep-seated plumes.

Earth-based observations, mostly from amateur astronomers, tracked the storm over its approximately two-week lifespan. Juno travels at more than 40 kilometers per second during periapse, which means it collected most of its data of the storm in just 14 minutes.

The analysis of the data provides strong evidence that mesoscale-to-synoptic-scale forcing mechanisms were involved in sustaining this storm system, including the intriguing possibility that a dryline — a sharp change in humidity rather than temperature along a narrow front — may have been key to its existence during its long lifetime.

“It is fascinating that a hydrogen-dominated atmosphere such as Jupiter with no solid surface may have thunderstorm dynamics not that dissimilar from Earth. The next step is to conduct numerical modeling tuned for Jupiter’s atmosphere to test how drylines operate on these planets very unlike our own,” said Brueshaber. “Learning more about how this works advances us closer to the dream of developing a comprehensive theory of meteorology and climatology for any planet.”

Wahtera Center Hiring Student Employees for Summer, Fall 2025

The Waino Wahtera Center for Student Success is hiring! We are looking for creative, compassionate students who are interested in providing a great experience to our incoming Huskies!

In addition to our traditional positions of OTLs, ExSEL peer mentors, Success Coaches and Success Course TAs, we have added two new opportunities during the summer. We are looking for current Huskies who will be around the Houghton-Hancock area this summer to help with our Summer Session Ambassador positions and Summer Session RA roles.

Summer sessions will be held during a two-week period. Two sessions will be held from June 22-27, and two sessions will be held from July 13-18. We are willing to work with you if you are not able to do both weeks. Please talk with us about your availability. Visit our Hiring Information page to learn more.

If you have questions, please come see us! We will be tabling at Wads tomorrow, March 4, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Additionally, we will be at the Van Pelt and Opie Library on March 14 from 12-3 p.m. You can also email us at orientation@mtu.edu.

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Workshop: 'Preparing a Tenure and Promotion Binder'

The Office of the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs will host a workshop, “Preparing a Tenure and Promotion Binder,” on Thursday, March 6, from 3-5 p.m. The event will take place in MUB Ballroom B3.

The first half of the session will focus on the mechanics of preparing a well-presented promotion and/or tenure binder and will include insights from a panel who have been involved in the TPR review process. Panelists include:

• Provost Andrew Storer
• Dean Michelle Scherer, College of Engineering
• Beth Veinott, College of Sciences and Arts TPR Committee
• Keith Vertanen, College of Computing TPR Committee

The second half of the session will focus on inputting data and narratives into Digital Measures to produce a Faculty Activity Report (FAR) for the tenure and promotion binder.

All faculty are welcome; those who plan to submit a tenure/promotion package in the next couple of years are especially encouraged to attend.

Faculty are welcome to attend just one part of the session as their schedule allows. Questions can be directed to Shari Stockero, assistant provost for faculty development, at stockero@mtu.edu.

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Spark Curiosity at Summer Youth Programs!

Since 1972, Summer Youth Programs (SYP) at Michigan Tech has provided pre-college students with hands-on explorations focused on the needs of tomorrow. This summer, we’re excited to partner with more than 20 academic units to offer 50-plus exploration programs, including 10 new courses!

These high-impact educational experiences give students in grades 6-11 the opportunity to experience college in a fun, engaging and safe environment. Both live-in and commuter options are available, with discounts available for children and grandchildren of Michigan Tech alumni, faculty and staff.

Be sure to check out our Course Catalog and our Free and Reduced-Cost course list to explore options for an unforgettable summer.

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Global Stories, Local Connections: GLAS Presentations at Portage Lake Library

Next Monday, March 10, from 5:15-7 p.m., the Portage Lake District Library is hosting Graduate Language Assessment and Support (GLAS) Student Presentations, showcasing the cultures and perspectives of international students at Michigan Tech.

Hear firsthand accounts of life around the world as GLAS students share stories about their home cultures, academic passions and personal journeys. It's a chance to learn about unique traditions, gain global insights and connect with the vibrant international community right here in Houghton.

This free event is open to everyone — students, faculty, community members and anyone with a curious mind. No registration is needed. Come to the library next Monday ready to listen, learn and connect. Expand your world and celebrate our global community!

Read more about the event on the Graduate School Newsblog.

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CS Faculty Candidate Presentation with Qin Yang

Please join the Department of Computer Science (CS) on Wednesday, March 5, at 3 p.m. in Rekhi G005 for a research presentation by tenure-track faculty candidate Qin Yang, following the social hour in Rekhi 218 (coffee and snacks).

The title of Yang's presentation is "Cooperative Multi-Agent Systems Cognitive Modeling: From Individual Needs to Swarm Intelligence."

From the abstract:
With the tremendous growth of AI technology, Robotics, IoT, and high-speed wireless sensor networks (like 5G) in recent years, it gradually forms an artificial ecosystem termed artificial social systems that involves entire AI agents from software entities to hardware devices. How to integrate artificial social systems into human society and coexist harmoniously is a critical issue for the sustainable development of human beings. In this talk, I will discuss cooperative multi-agent systems from the cognitive modeling perspective and survey how to optimize the global system's utility and guarantee sustainable development for each group member from an individual needs angle in agents' interaction and collaboration.

Yang received his Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Georgia in 2022. He is an assistant professor specializing in robotics and artificial intelligence at Bradley University. His research focuses on multi-agent/robot systems (MAS/MRS), artificial intelligence, cognitive modeling, swarm intelligence/robotics, and human-robot interaction (HRI). Before that, he was a research scientist studying autonomous driving systems at Hitachi America Ltd. He received the NSF Foundational Research in Robotics (FRR) program award for his research on "Cooperative Multi-Agent Systems Cognitive Modeling" and has over 12 years of experience in the intelligence systems field.

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Sign Up for the Doghouse Classic 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament

It’s that time of year! The Doghouse Classic is an original Michigan Tech event that saw its beginnings over 30 years ago under the direction of Kevin Borseth, head women’s basketball coach at the time.

The tournament will take place on April 12 in the SDC Multipurpose Room on six competition courts. The number of teams registered will determine the number of divisions and the tournament format for each division. The preferred format will be a double-elimination bracket. Tournament brackets will not be available until the day of the tournament.

Register for the Doghouse Classic.

Tournament Details:

• Divisions: Boys and girls divisions for grade levels 4-8, JV, Varsity, and Men's and Women's Opens
• Cost: $120 per team (four players per team)
• Registration: The deadline to register is March 31

This tournament is an excellent opportunity to have some fun playing 3-on-3 basketball in a friendly yet competitive environment. Prizes will be awarded for division champs, and event swag will be available for all participants!

Visit Michigan Tech Recreation's Doghouse Classic Spring 2025 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament page to learn more and sign up.

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ACSHF Forum: Grad Student Presentations

The Department of Psychology and Human Factors will host two speakers at the next Applied Cognitive Science and Human Factors Forum: Lauren Sprague and Anusha Kannan, both ACSHF Ph.D. students. Their presentations will be from 2-3 p.m. today, March 3, in M&M 610.

Sprague will present "Press Start and Juggle: Exploring Dual-Tasking in Gamers.”

Kannan will present "Examining the Effects of Intelligent Multimodal Alerts on Driver Decision Behavior at Two Types of Highway-Rail Crossings.”

The Detroit News 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, Andrew Barnard (VPR) and Paul van Susante (MAE) were quoted.

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State News and My UP Now highlighted the mention of Michigan Tech’s designation as an R1 research institution by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer during her 2025 State of the State address, given Feb. 26 in Lansing.

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The Keweenaw Report mentioned the Michigan Tech Mushing Club in a story about the upcoming CopperDog 150 race. The story highlighted Mushing Club members Haley Bonk and Ben Amat, who will be running teams owned by Tom Bauer of the Otter River Sled Dog Kennel. 

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Professor Emeritus Wayne Pennington (GMES) was quoted by Utah’s Salt Lake Tribune in a story about a proposed effort to turn wastewater into drinking water in Washington County, Utah.

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

Isle Royale Art Exhibition - Michigan Tech Art

Monday, March 3, 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...

ACSHF Forum: Lauren Sprague, ACSHF PhD Student & Anusha Kannan, ACSHF PhD Student

Monday, March 3, 2–3 p.m. | Minerals and Materials Engineering Building (M&M), 610

The Department of Psychology and Human Factors will host two speakers at the next Applied Cognitive Science and Human Factors forum on Monday, March 3, 2025. Lauren Sprague,...

Hot Cocoa Handout

Monday, March 3, 2–4 p.m. | Husky Statue

We offer free Hot Chocolate to all students from2 to 4pm near the Husky Statue every Monday!

Sustainability as a Mindset for Enhancing Pavement Performance

Monday, March 3, 3–4 p.m. | Great Lakes Research Center (GLRC), 202

Environmental Engineering Graduate Seminar Michelle A. Cooper, PhD Candidate at Michigan Tech Bio: Michelle Cooper is a PhD candidate at Michigan Tech in Civil Engineering...

WiP Machine Learning Workshop

Monday, March 3, 4–5 p.m. | Fisher Hall 231

A beginners friendly guide to the ins and outs of Machine Learning. Lessons weekly every Monday at 4:00-5:00 PM in Fisher Hall 231 with a hybrid option availible.

Psalm Bible Study

Monday, March 3, 7–8 p.m. | Wads Cafe

Want to see how the bible handles emotions? How it instructs us in righteousness? Eat cafe food, talk through the psalms, learn and grow with Pastor Brandon Charbonneau.