April 3, 2025

Can you imagine the old Nelson-Schroeder Building at the corner of Oak Street and Seventh Street in Calumet with a fully accessible mix of retail shops and residential housing? What about downtown offices, apartments and storefronts within the Houghton City Center on Shelden Avenue?

Michigan Tech project management students can picture it. They’re sharing their visions for the venerable historic buildings in professional presentations taking place in the Memorial Union Alumni Lounge (MUB 107, Rooms B and C) at 5 p.m. on Monday, April 7. Two teams are taking part. Campus and community are welcome to attend.

The students’ instructor, Teaching Professor Roger Woods, also has a vision. Find out how he plans to expand the project management education ecosystem here and across the region with a new competition spanning the Upper Peninsula, Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota — and how you can be involved.

Read the details at the College of Business Newsblog.

It's the end of the term, but the Michigan Tech Global Campus team invites you to take time from your busy day to join us virtually on April 17 at 11:30 a.m. to learn about Tech's online Master of Science in Civil Engineering.

This will be the second virtual information session in Global Campus' Third Thursday Series. Please consider joining us and representatives from the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering.

You’ll learn about the online M.S. in Civil Engineering program’s three focus areas and its stackable certificates — some of which, like Timber Building Design, are unique to MTU. You’ll also discover how to integrate an in-demand Asset Management Certification into your degree.

Members of the Global Campus team will also be on hand to answer questions about accelerated options and the admissions process.

Attend for yourself or for a friend. Everyone is welcome!

Register for the Third Thursday Info Session.

If you have any questions about the online civil engineering master's degree, please email Qingli (Barbara) Dai at qingdai@mtu.edu. Need info about the online session? Contact Amanda Irwin at globalcampus@mtu.edu.

Join our ongoing commitment to foster cultural awareness and appreciation at Michigan Tech! The Cultural Events Fund Committee is seeking support for the Cultural Events Fund.

Established in 2018, the Cultural Events Fund is a collaborative initiative designed to pool resources, thereby maximizing the impact of cultural events on our campus. Its primary goal is to enhance the campus community's understanding and appreciation of various cultures by providing financial support for student-driven events and activities.

Past events supported by this fund include African Night, Soul Train, Pow Wow, Diwali Night and Lunar New Year celebrations.

This past year, after receiving support from the Cultural Events Fund, the Indian Students Association shared this message:

“This opportunity to uphold our traditions brings us comfort and enables us to share our culture with friends and colleagues from diverse backgrounds. It fosters a sense of belonging and allows us to showcase the beauty and spirit of our heritage proudly. Your contribution made this possible, and words cannot fully capture how meaningful this experience was for all of us. Thank you for helping us create a home away from home and empowering us to hold such events in a way that truly does them justice.”

To continue supporting such enriching experiences, the Cultural Events Fund relies on contributions from various departments and individuals across campus. Your generous donation would directly support these events, enabling our students to share their cultural heritage within the MTU community.

If your department is interested in contributing to the Cultural Events Fund, please fill out our Request to Transfer form.

If you are interested in making an individual contribution, please use the Michigan Tech Giving page for the Cultural Events Fund.

If you would like more information about the Cultural Events Fund or have any questions, please reach out to us at culturalevents@mtu.edu.

Together, we can continue to celebrate and learn from the cultures that make up Michigan Tech.

The Graduate Research Colloquium (GRC) and Annual Banquet 2025 were held on March 25 and 26, respectively. Thank you to everyone who participated and volunteered to make this year's event a success! We look forward to making next year's event even better.

Thank you to this year's GRC participants and congratulations to the GRC winners:

Oral Presentation:

• First Place: Amir Tajik, Ph.D. student — Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering
• Second Place: Ian Q. Mattson, Ph.D. student — Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Third Place: Grace Dykstra, Ph.D. student — Chemical Engineering

Poster Presentation:

• First Place: Geeta Nain, Ph.D. student — Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering
• Second Place: Israel Adeoye, Ph.D. student — Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering
• Third Place: Ali Awad, Ph.D. student — Applied Computing

Download GRC 2025 Abstract Handbook.

Download GRC 2025 Photos.

Gala Latina is hosted annually by the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), a registered student organization at Michigan Tech. Please join us on Saturday, April 5, from 6-9 p.m. in the DHH Ballroom. This year's theme is Western/Vaquero, so come with your boots or semiformal clothes — either is fine (we're not strict on the dress code).

Gala Latina is a free cultural event, open to the community, located on campus in Douglass Houghton Hall, making it easily accessible for MTU resident students. This event is meant to be a de-stress opportunity for students to let loose and a chance to create a sense of community for everyone while also learning something new about our Latino culture.

There will be music from various cultures and dancing will be strongly encouraged. We will provide food, music and prizes — like LEGO sets, Nerf guns, a snow cone machine and a telescope. Check us out on Involvement Link and Instagram (@SHPE_mtu) for more details!

The next Environmental Engineering Graduate Seminar will take place at 3 p.m. on Monday, April 7, via Zoom.

Join the Environmental Engineering Graduate Seminar on Zoom.

Claudia Tebaldi of the Joint Global Change Research Institute, a division of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, will present "Integrated modelling of the Earth and human systems: progress, challenges, and outlook" as part of the American Geophysical Union Distinguished Lecture Series.

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

The following Atmospheric Sciences (ATM) graduate students will be presenting their research progress at an ATM Colloquium:

• Sabrina Li (advised by Xin Xi)

• Geeta Nain (advised by Pengfei Xue)

This will be an in-person event. The students will give their talks at 4 p.m. on Monday, April 7, in Fisher 125.

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

Job Posting for Thursday, April 3, 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.

Assistant Soccer Coach, Athletics. 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.

The Daily Mining Gazette quoted Dawn Corwin (CSS) and undergraduate Sarah Baxter (electrical engineering) in a story about Michigan Tech's Denim Drive and events during Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The drive, conducted in partnership with Copper Shores Community Health Foundation, aims to raise awareness about sexual assault and provide resources for victims.

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Tim Havens (CS/ICC/GLRC) was quoted by My UP Now in a story about Art in Silico hosted by Michigan Tech’s Institute of Computing and Cybersystems. Havens highlighted the event’s role in showcasing the evolving relationship between computational methods and art and the opportunity it provides for students to engage with emerging technologies like AI.

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North Carolina's Biltmore Beacon mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about students volunteering during spring break with Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity. Huskies joined other college groups to help with the organization’s recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene.

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The Daily Mining Gazette covered Michigan Tech men’s basketball team award winners for the 2024-25 season. Junior guard Marcus Tomashek earned the Ken Hamar Award for MVP, redshirt first-year Gabe Smith received the Bill Gappy Award for most improved player, and Josh Terrian earned the Harold Meese Sportsmanship Award for the third consecutive year.

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Sports Illustrated and 24 national news outlets mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about the most Frozen Four championships. Michigan Tech has won three national titles in college hockey.

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Michigan Tech alum Casey Sigg ’20 (M.S. Forestry) was interviewed by Oakland University Alumni Magazine in a story about his career in forest management. Sigg discussed how his passion for the outdoors led him to become a forester with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, where he works with tribes to manage their forest resources.

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Michigan Tech alum Raymond Weglerz ’77 (A.S. Nursing) was quoted by the Daily Mining Gazette in a story about the "Final Journey: An Exploration of End of Life" presentation series hosted by Omega House of Houghton.

Denim Drive and Sexual Assault Awareness Month

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Title IX and the student group S.A.V.E. will host several events over the next few weeks to raise awareness. One of our primary events is Denim Day, which is recognized on a Wednesday in April in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This year, Denim Day is April 30. Mark your calendars and wear denim to show solidarity with women around the world and to bring awareness to victim blaming and destructive myths that surround sexual violence.

Denim Day began after the Italian Supreme Court overturned a rape conviction in 1998, arguing that because the victim wore tight jeans, she must have helped remove them — implying consent. Since 1999, Peace Over Violence has run an inspiring and powerful Denim Day campaign to practice solidarity and support survivors by renewing the commitment to exposing harmful behaviors and attitudes surrounding sexual violence.

Denim Drive — Ends Today
Denim Painting — Today from 5-7 p.m. in MUB B001
Do you have jeans taking up space in your closet? It’s time to give them up. Donate to our denim drive, which ends today, April 3. From 5-7 p.m. today, students, staff and community members are invited to paint denim with messages of support for sexual assault survivors. We will display the denim on Walker Lawn starting tomorrow, April 4, through April 30.

Denim Drop-Off Locations:

• Wahtera Center — Admin Building (first floor)
• Title IX Office — Admin Building (third floor)

Campus Denim Collection:

• Thursday, April 3 — Wads Lobby from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Come Paint Denim With Us:

• What: Denim Painting Event
• When: Thursday, April 3, from 5-7 p.m.
• Where: MUB Superior Room (MUB B001)

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Tomorrow: Campus Talent Show

Get ready for an unforgettable evening as the campus community comes together for the Campus Talent Show, hosted in partnership by Student Leadership and Involvement’s Late Night Program, Delta Zeta and Sigma Phi Epsilon!

Come cheer on students as they showcase their incredible talents — music, singing, juggling and more! In addition to enjoying the performances, you’ll have the opportunity to support philanthropic causes, making a difference while having fun.

Don’t miss this chance to celebrate local talent, give back and enjoy a night of entertainment with friends. See you there!

Event Details:

• What: Campus Talent Show
• When: Friday, April 4, at 9 p.m.
• Where: McArdle Theatre in Walker 207 (second floor)

For more info about the event or accessibility, contact Amy Hjerstedt at ahjerste@mtu.edu.

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Entrepreneurial Development Trip to Minneapolis – Apply Now!

Embark on a transformative journey with the Entrepreneurial Development Trip to Minneapolis, Minnesota, from April 27-30. Sponsored by the College of Business and Husky Innovate, this exclusive opportunity allows you to:

• Tour Leading Companies: Gain insights into innovation at the 3M Innovation Center, explore engineering excellence with Enclos, and delve into creative strategies at broadhead marketing agency.​

• Connect with Successful Alumni: Engage in networking events with Michigan Tech graduates who are leading in their industries.​

• Engage with Startup Creators: Learn firsthand about the challenges and triumphs of launching and growing a startup.​

Trip participants will depart Houghton on April 27 and return on April 30. Accommodations (double-occupancy hotel rooms with two separate beds) and transportation costs are fully covered by the College of Business. Some meals will be provided during meetings; participants are responsible for others.​

Application Details:
Michigan Tech graduate and undergraduate students across all University departments are invited to apply for the trip. Applicants must be enrolled at MTU at the time of application.​ The deadline to apply is Saturday, April 5, at 11:59 p.m. There is a registration fee of $50 (conditionally refundable upon successful participation)​.

Apply to the Entrepreneurial Development Trip.

Selection Criteria:
Please note: Meeting these criteria does not guarantee selection; final decisions rest with the College of Business and Husky Innovate team.​

• Demonstrated Interest: A clear passion for innovation, entrepreneurship, or professional development.​
• Application Quality: Thoughtful and complete responses in the application form.​
• Academic Standing: Good academic performance and standing within the University.​
• Conduct History: A positive record in alignment with the Student Code of Community Conduct.​

Code of Conduct:
Participants are expected to adhere to Michigan Tech’s Student Code of Community Conduct and Title IX policies. Selected participants must sign the official Trip Code of Conduct Agreement prior to departure.​

If you have questions, please contact the Husky Innovate team at huskyinnovate@mtu.edu. We look forward to your participation in this exciting opportunity!

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ChE Seminar Series with Jeong Bong (JB) Lee

Jeong Bong (JB) Lee will present as part of the Department of Chemical Engineering (ChE) Seminar Series tomorrow, April 4, at 10 a.m. in person in Fisher 101 or virtually via Zoom.

Join the ChE Seminar on Zoom.

Lee will present "Innovative Biomedical Devices and Liquid Metal Soft Electronics."

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

Lee is a professor at Baylor University and is hosted by Yixin Liu.

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BioSci Seminar Series Speaker: Yan Zhang

Yan Zhang, research assistant professor in Michigan Tech's Department of Biological Sciences, will be presenting today, April 3, from 3-4 p.m. in person in GLRC 202 and virtually via Zoom.

Join the BioSci Seminar on Zoom.

Zhang's presentation is titled “Toll-like Receptor 2 in Polycystic Kidney Disease: A Key Driver of ERK-Driven Cell Growth and NF-κB-Mediated Inflammation.”

From the abstract:
Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common genetic disorder (frequency 1:400-1:1,000) affecting more than 600,000 Americans and 12.5 million people worldwide. ADPKD is caused by mutations in PKD1 or PKD2 which encode polycystin-1 (PC-1) and polycystin-2 (PC-2), respectively. The disease is characterized by the continuous formation and growth of numerous fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys. Aberrant innate immune responses play pivotal roles in driving cyst growth and disease progression in ADPKD; however, the precise molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Our recent experiments using human ADPKD cells and mouse models showed that activation of toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) in cystic epithelial cells stimulated ERK-mediated proliferation and NF-κB-mediated expression of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Our study provides insight into the molecular mechanisms by which innate immunity promotes disease progression and suggests that TLR2 is a therapeutic target for ADPKD treatment.

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MSE Seminar with Wiktor Bednarczyk

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) is hosting a seminar presented by Wiktor Bednarczyk, AGH University of Krakow, Poland, at 1 p.m. today, April 3, in M&M 610.

Bednarczyk’s presentation is titled “Microstructural Engineering and Functional Properties of Zinc Alloys.”

From the abstract:
Zinc alloys have gained significant interest for their potential in both structural applications and biodegradable medical implants. Initial research focused on severe plastic deformation techniques such as equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) and high-pressure torsion (HPT) to refine microstructures and enhance mechanical properties. While grain refinement typically strengthens materials, studies have shown that in ultrafine-grained Zn alloys, an inverse Hall-Petch effect can occur, where excessive refinement leads to softening due to grain boundary-mediated deformation. Building on these findings, current investigations focus on complex chemical compositions to further optimize mechanical performance and functional properties. To better understand deformation mechanisms, micropillar compression tests have been employed, revealing a transition from dislocation-based plasticity to grain boundary sliding in fine-grained Zn alloys. In Zn-Cu alloys, superplastic behavior has been observed, largely driven by grain boundary sliding. Based on these results. ongoing efforts aim to reduce grain boundary sliding through rapid solidification and hot extrusion, with the goal of stabilizing the microstructure, hindering grain boundary sliding, and improving mechanical performance. Beyond mechanical properties, research has also explored the biocompatibility of Zn-based alloys, particularly Zn-Ag-Mg compositions, demonstrating cytocompatibility and antibacterial properties. Additionally, this presentation will introduce a wide range of advanced characterization techniques perfectly suited for microstructural and mechanical analysis, providing deeper insights into deformation mechanisms. This talk will present recent advancements in zinc alloy processing, characterization methodologies, and the impact of complex chemical compositions, paving the way for optimized material performance in both engineering and biomedical applications.

Bednarczyk is an adjunct (assistant professor), Faculty of Metals Engineering and Industrial Computer Science, AGH University of Krakow, Poland. He earned his Ph.D. in 2021 from AGH University of Krakow. Following his Ph.D., he moved to Warsaw University of Technology to conduct his own research project under conditions similar to a postdoctoral position. Throughout his career, he has been awarded four national research grants and two prestigious honors, including the Scholarship of the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Poland for Outstanding Young Researchers and the Foundation for Polish Science START Stipend for the Best Young Researchers.

Bednarczyk’s research focuses on understanding the relationships between processing techniques, microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of zinc-based alloys for structural and biomedical applications, resulting in 28 scientific publications. His expertise spans a wide range of advanced characterization techniques, including SEM, EBSD, TKD, TEM, nanoindentation and in-situ micromechanics. Additionally, his background covers various manufacturing methods, from casting to final plastic processing.

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MAE Graduate Seminar Speaker: Wade Sheffer

The next Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) Graduate Seminar speaker will present at 2 p.m. today, April 3, in EERC 103.

Wade Sheffer will present “Inside GM Energy’s Quest for a Better EV Charging Experience.”

Sheffer currently serves as GM’s vice president of GM Energy. In this role, Sheffer leads a team of experts responsible for enabling, expanding and accelerating broader electric vehicle (EV) adoption throughout and beyond the company’s core vehicle portfolio.

This includes the expansion of public charging infrastructure, broadening EV education and extending the applications of EV technology to new industries and applications, as well as introducing new energy management products, services and solutions for EV, residential and commercial customers.

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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, April 3:

• 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.

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

Master's Defense: Reeba Reji

Thursday, April 3, 9–10 a.m. | Chemical Sciences and Engineering Building, 201

Chemical Engineering Advisor: Rebecca Ong MICROBIAL INACTIVATION AND SPRAY DRYING FOR THE RECOVERY OF SINGLE-CELL PROTEIN FROM CHEMICALLY DECONSTRUCTED POLYETHYLENE...

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Art in Silico 2025 Gallery hosted by the CCCAC

Thursday, April 3, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. | Copper Country Community Arts Center, Gallery

Submissions from the Art in Silico 2025 Computational Art Exhibition will be on display at the Copper Country Community Arts Center in Hancock, Michigan, during open hours...

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FIRST Robotics Competition Volunteering - Michigan State Championships

Thursday, April 3, 12:00–10:30 p.m. | Saginaw Valley State University

NOTE: Due to the increased travel and distance, Copper Country Robotics at Michigan Tech is requiring $20 per person to attend this trip... This $20 covers a hotel room...

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Inside GM Energy’s Quest for a Better EV Charging Experience

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

MAE Graduate Seminar Speaker Series proudly presents Wade Sheffer GM Energy Abstract Electric vehicle companies face a big decision – invest in building out a small,...

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Biological Sciences Seminar Series - Toll-like Receptor 2 in Polycystic Kidney Disease: A Key Driver of ERK-Driven Cell Growth and NF-κB-Mediated Inflammation

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

Dr. Yan Zhang, Research Assistant Professor Department of Biological Sciences, Michigan Technological University Abstract: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease...

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Master's Defense: Fawad Ullah

Thursday, April 3, 3–4 p.m. | Rekhi Hall, Rekhi G005

Biological Sciences Advisor: Stephen Techtmann Computational Tools for Protein Classification in Metagenomes Attend Virtually: https://michigantech.zoom.us/j/87306285322

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CANCELLED : Physics Colloquium with Hao Fu

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

Hao Fu from University of Chicago will present at this week's Physics Colloquium. Hao Fu's presentation is titled "A Laboratory Analogy for Mixing by Shallow Cumulus...

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Art in Silico Opening Reception

Thursday, April 3, 4:30–6:00 p.m. | Copper County Community Art Center

The evening will open at the Copper Country Community Arts Center at 4:30 PM before moving to the Orpheum at 6 PM. This is the venue where the gallery is. Take the opportunity...

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Northeast Florida Alumni Social

Thursday, April 3, 4:30–6:30 p.m. | Palm Valley Outdoors Bar & Grill

Looking for an evening of Husky camaraderie with Florida-based alumni and friends? Join volunteer hosts Sarah Wicker '93 and Matt Lahti '04 for an alumni social on Thursday,...

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Denim Painting Party

Thursday, April 3, 5–7 p.m. | MUB Superior Room

This April 3rd we will be conducting a denim painting party to further awareness regarding abuse. We will be painting messages on denim pieces collected this first week of...

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Art in Silico Main Reception / Auction / Live Music

Thursday, April 3, 6–8 p.m. | The Orpheum

Following the opening reception, at 6:00 PM the Main Reception for the event at the Orpheum will take place, featuring live music from Olivia Tremor Control's John Fernandes,...

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Christianity: Light for a World Without Answers

Thursday, April 3, 6–8 p.m. | MEEM 112

Let's be honest, you most likely don't believe that there's anything to live for, that there is any purpose in life or for life, and you're just here on this rock to be happy...

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General Meeting

Thursday, April 3, 6–7 p.m. | Fisher 130

Listen to Dr. Werner share his story of growing up in East Germany!

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German Club Guest Speaker Professor Thomas Werner

Thursday, April 3, 6 p.m. | Fisher Hall, 130

Join the German Club in welcoming guest speaker Professor Thomas Werner to share his experiences growing up in East Germany before the fall of the Iron Curtain. The talk will...

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TNT (Thursday Night Thing)

Thursday, April 3, 8–9 p.m. | Forestry G002

Come to our weekly large group meeting to hang out, have fun, and grow closer to God! These meetings include two worship sets, an activity, a talk given by one of our members,...