2009 Archive

Research cracks metabolism code of date rape drug.

MichiganTech Youth Programs takes science on the road to Grand Rapids.

International students cooked up a buffet table laden with native dishes for the 3rd annual International Food Festival.

Wayne Weaver looks to adapt smart grid technology to smaller electrical networks, from military outposts to a solar-powered home.

Sudhakar Pandit, professor of mechanical engineering-engineering mechanics, has been elected a Fellow in the prestigious Society of Manufacturing Engineers' College of Fellows. 

A Michigan Tech graduate student works with scientists and conservationists on two continents to rescue the golden-winged warbler, a tiny migratory bird that breeds in the upper midwest and Canada.

Cass Technical High School students learn what goes on backstage on a working visit to Michigan Tech's Department of Visual and Performing Arts.

Students from many departments were investigating usability lately—analyzing products and processes to make them more efficient and more satisfying to use. It was all part of World Usability Day–UP, where this year's theme was sustainability.

The Michigan Legislature’s Joint Capital Outlay Committee meeting in Lansing today authorized Michigan Technological University to seek construction bids for its planned Great Lakes Research Center (GLRC).

In the 2009 National Survey of Student Engagement, Michigan Tech students report a supportive campus environment, active and collaborative learning. 

Michigan Tech inducted seven new members into its Sports Hall of Fame during a recent ceremony on campus.

Research at Michigan Tech and Michigan State Universities will support development of the state's first cellulosic ethanol plant in the eastern UP.

A worldwide search is on for outstanding energy and health researchers to fill up to 20 new tenure-track positions at Michigan Tech.

Portage Health will provide up to a 30 percent discount on required medical exams and tests for Peace Corps Master's International program students at Michigan Tech.

Moose eat plants; wolves kill moose. Surprisingly, this classic predator-prey interaction makes a major impact on biodiversity.

Beginning with the Par and Grill restaurant, Mark Maroste, manager of the Portage Lake Golf Course, says it was a very good season. But he has even more planned for the future.

With the help of a dedicated community volunteeer, Michigan Tech is launching a campaign to plant a Memorial Grove at the east entrance to campus along Highway 41.

The public is invited to drop by between 5 and 8:30 p.m. to see raptors up close and talk with experts.

School of Technology Developing New Program in Robotics and Industrial Automation

PhD student Tara Bal uses an unorthodox method to collect leaves from the treetops.

Native Americans, Tech community celebrate 14th annual powwow on campus.

Michigan Tech’s School of Business and Economics MBA program has been honored by the Aspen Institute’s 2009-2010 edition of Beyond Grey Pinstripes, a biennial survey and alternative ranking of business schools.

Terry Mazure and John Krystof take the silver and bronze in AIChE design challenge

The Oct. 31, 2009, Safehouse has been cancelled to help prevent the spread of flu in the community.

Effort is funded by a $2.8 million grant from the DOE National Energy Technology Lab

Where there are wildfires, there is smoke. And climate change may mean more wildfires and more intense ones. What might that mean for the health of people downwind from the smoke? 

Alex Guth, PhD student, online lecturer and Kenyan geology researcher, was tapped as an expert for a National Geographic television show airing next spring.

Featuring performances by country music star Crystal Shawanda and amazing hoop dancer Lowrey Begay

sand castles, a tug of war and lots more

Team takes delivery on 2009 GM Saturn Vue

Philanthropic support for Michigan Tech continues strong, with several recent gifts including one to endow a new House Professorship and another bringing varsity women's soccer to the University.

The generosity of Pat Nelson, a longtime donor, is bringing varsity women's soccer to Michigan Tech.

Mike Gibson has spent most of his professional life trying to better understand genetic metabolic disorders that arise in children. With that knowledge, he is working to develop treatments in mice--including liver-cell transplants--that could one day be used to treat a variety of liver-based illnesses in people.

A Tech undergrad who hopes for a career in alternative energy scores an internship at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Michigan Tech alumni are brewing and selling beer in Grand Rapids, Mich. 

It was the 2009 edition of the traditional Homecoming Powderpuff football game, and the action was spirited. There were a couple of differences, though: the cheerleaders were male, some in long dresses, and the players were women.

Michigan State University College of Human Medicine and Michigan Technological University entered into an agreement today that provides a link between premedical students at Michigan Tech and MSU’s medical school.

The unintended consequence of crop-based biofuels may be the loss of wildlife habitat, particularly that of the birds who call this country's grasslands home. One solution: Use diverse native prairie plants to produce bioenergy instead of a single agricultural crop like corn.

Learn salsa, merengue and cumbia and then dance to the most exhilarating music on the planet.

Students, companies compare notes for job opportunities at Tech's fall Career Fair.

Michigan Tech alumnus Erick Dyke ’91 was remembered as a student who studied everything but his studies for a while. Then he met his future wife, Michelle (Gornowicz), also a 1991 Michigan Tech graduate. He started focusing on school, received his computer science degree and launched a successful video game development company, n-Space.

Erick passed away recently, but his memory lives on through an endowed scholarship fund, the largest such fund in the University’s history.

Michigan Tech’s 2009 Homecoming features three hockey games, two football games (one NCAA, one not), a parade, alumni broomball, the traditional hilarity involving cardboard boats, and lots more.

A local firm with Michigan Tech roots has secured a $25-million, five-year contract with the US Special Operations Command. GS Engineering, founded by Glen Simula ’80, was awarded the contract recently. 

Michigan Tech has received nearly $200,000 from the Michigan Department of Education for a professional development program for grades 5-12 physics and chemistry teachers.

What were once storage rooms and empty space has been transformed into something beautiful. Thanks to the estate of Eileen J. Niva ’71, the lower level of the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts now contains a gallery to feature various artists, and if their first showing is any indication, the Keweenaw just got a great, new artistic venue.

As part of the ongoing budget strife in Michigan, the Michigan Promise and Competitive Scholarships were cut Wednesday and restored Thursday. The debate will be ongoing until the budget is voted on next Tuesday, September 29. If these programs are eliminated, it will reduce approximately $3 million in funding for more than 1,800 Michigan Tech students.

Over 300 families coming to experience Tech and the Copper Country

The process could slash steel-production costs and take advantage of America’s vast coal reserves to reduce dependence on petroleum.

Michigan Tech "Dances with Diversity" and celebrates Parade of Nations. 

Eight research projects in eight different fields at Michigan Technological University are receiving grants totaling $4,172,719 from the National Science Foundation (NSF).

Michigan Tech is one of five universities nationwide selected to receive a 2009 Ford College Community Challenge grant. The funding will enable undergraduates to work with community groups and schools to help winterize homes of elderly residents of the community. 

The Family Engineering program helps families work together to discover what engineering is, how to solve engineering problems and inspire some youngsters to pursue education and careers in engineering.

Madhukar Vable's free textbook illustrates its subject with photos and examples of famous engineering achievements and fiascos.

70 nations will be represented in the 2009 Parade of Nations.

Michigan Tech's enrollment rose again this school year, topping last year's number.

The discovery does not mean an end to ALS, but it could provide scientists with valuable clues as they search for a cure. It can’t come any too soon. Zhang started showing symptoms of the disease himself four years ago.

Michigan Tech students explore underlying causes of hatred and violence with "Lay That Trumpet in Our Hands" author Susan Carol McCarthy

The daughter of slain civil rights activists tells what got her through and keeps her going.

Recognized for support of students, building campus-wide cooperation through service on the University Senate

Honored for interdisciplinary work, efforts to raise awareness of water issues

A free documentary film explores human and ecological aspects of the Great Lakes.

The atmosphere at Tech’s first cross country meet was low-key, and the trail was soggy. Coach Joe Haggenmiller wasn’t too concerned about finishes by his teams of men and women runners.

Vaccinations, health recommendations and more

Late August might seem an odd time of the year to discuss skiing, but Nick Sirdenis will chat about the sport and Mont Ripley Ski Hill anytime. In fact, he and his crew are quite busy on this sunny, mid-60s Wednesday, and, in part, it’s El Niño’s fault.

Unlike graduate schools nationwide, Michigan Tech attracted more international graduate students this year than last.

Susan Carol McCarthy, author of "Lay That Trumpet in Our Hands," and Evangeline Moore, daughter of slain civil rights activists Harry T. and Harriette M. Moore, address Michigan Tech students.

Using rock and roll to educate on the risks of drinking

New Leader Commands Army ROTC Program

Michigan Tech's undergraduate engineering programs rose in the latest US News & World Report rankings, placing 64th in the nation among engineering schools whose highest degree is a doctorate.Environmental Engineering ranked 15th and Materials Science and Engineering ranked 17th nationally.

First-year students to discuss Susan Carol McCarthy's "Lay That Trumpet in Our Hands"

Dining Services adds new venue

Michigan Tech has hired seven new faculty members in six different departments to conduct research in computational discovery and innovation. It is the University's second Strategic Faculty Hiring Initiative.

President Glenn Mroz hosted emeriti faculty at a luncheon in their honor.

GM has given three hybrid vehicles to Michigan Tech for research and education.

Research team led by physics chair Ravindra Pandey models the ultimate tiny transistor

Chili cooks from Forestry, Accounting Services and Sponsored Programs compete for awards in annual Chili Challenge. 

It started with certificates and pins awarded to the Class of 1959, as they joined the Golden M's: 50 years or more since graduating. Later, as the microphone was passed around, the stories began.

In a special Tech Talk during Alumni Reunion 2009, Research Professor Rolf Peterson shared tales and videos of 50 years of wolf-moose research at Isle Royale National Park. 

Veteran volleyball coach Orlando Gonzalez has been named head coach of Michigan Tech's volleyball program.

Emergency responders practice firefighting, handling hazardous materials.

Michigan Tech will develop undergraduate and graduate hybrid electric curricula with federal stimulus funds.

Detroit-area class to be led by Jeff Naber

The late Ed Haltenhoff, who served 15 years on Michigan Tech's civil and environmental engineering faculty, was inducted July 29 into the Michigan Construction Hall of Fame.

Michigan Tech has received support from the US Department of Education to fund a new, international dual master’s program in volcanology and geotechniques.

Tech Talks, gospel music, chili, basketball, pasties, canoeing, biking, hiking, waterfalls . . . 

With $900,000 from the USDA and the DOE, Victor Busov hopes to develop varieties of poplar trees that will thrive in dry, nitrogen-poor soils. Ultimately, they could be grown sustainably as a biofuel crop on lands that aren't suitable for food production.

Change is in the air—and on the grounds—of Michigan Tech thanks to an innovative new construction project. 

...and how Stan Vitton solved the 200-year-old mystery.

Michigan Tech is recognized by The Princeton Review for quality academics and quality of life.

We had the pleasure of talking with alumnus Jim Cooper, visiting from Arizona, who earned a degree in metallurgy in 1939 and parlayed it to worldwide achievement. Jim spent nearly 40 years in the mining industry, much of it in Mexico, and at one time his operation was the most efficient in the world. “That,” he says without a touch of swagger, “was probably, in the business sense, as outstanding as you can do.”

MentorNet links students and young teachers with professionals for career guidance.  

Proud parents watch as their sons learn the fundamentals of hockey at Michigan Tech's hockey camp. 

Tech’s Portage Lake Golf Course hosted the Upper Peninsula Ladies Golf Association championship for the first time. 

Anti-icing material developed at Michigan Tech applied on campus walkways.

IGERT trainees from Michigan Tech and Southern University in Baton Rouge, La., are gathering at Michigan Tech this week to share the results of their NSF-funded graduate research.

At its regular meeting in Houghton today, Michigan Technological University’s Board of Control approved a general fund operating budget of nearly $155 million for fiscal year 2010, which began July 1. The budget included new tuition and room and board rates.

Eight students from the Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies Pavlis Institute for Global Technological Leadership at Michigan Tech had a thrill of a lifetime--meeting President Barack Obama when he visited Ghana. 

Enriching the University community by attracting talented student musicians

Students exploring conservation opportunities, wind power

Michigan Tech has signed an educational and research partnership agreement with the US Army Corps of Engineers Environmental Laboratory in Vicksburg, Miss.

Michigan Tech has received federal funding to address a persistent problem on campus: high-risk drinking, which is a critical issue nationwide.

The University's updated Strategic Plan, due to be considered for approval by the Board of Control at its July meeting, features a number of revisions.

Jacob "Jake" Parkhurst, a community coordinator and resident in Wadsworth Hall, died Saturday evening in a car accident on US 41 near Copper Harbor, just north of the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge.

Glen Archer takes a hands-off approach when it comes to his students’ hands-on education. And that’s a good thing.

“The Blue Marble Security team is run as a business, and by that, I mean, they get to run all the day-to-day operations, make all the decisions, and the project managers just report to me with updates,” says Archer, a lecturer in Michigan Tech’s electrical and computer engineering department.

Blue Marble is one of numerous Enterprise teams thriving on campus in which students find industry sponsors, solve problems, and learn many important business practices in addition to some intense engineering.

Michigan Technological University's Blizzard Baja Enterprise finished the three-part Baja SAE collegiate design competition at the top of the heap, with more points than any other competitor.

Michigan Tech Exercise Science researcher receives federal stimulus funding from the National Institutes of Health(NIH).

A group of Grand Rapids middle-school science teachers are spending this week at Michigan Tech, finding ways to make earth science more engaging for students.

Michigan Tech's College of Engineering graduates a higher percentage of women with PhDs in engineering than any other engineering school in the nation.

Physicist Ulrich Hansmann receives the 2009 Michigan Tech Research Award.

IBM is opening a Global Rail Innovation Center in Beijing, China, and the company has tapped Michigan Tech as one of only two university partners. The other is MIT.

Physicists challenge conventional wisdom about the size and speed of raindrops.

Michigan Tech is realigning programs to create an outreach and multicultural affairs center within Student Life, part of the Division of Student Affairs.

Although student loans are increasing everywhere, the average debt that Michigan Tech students owe at graduation is well below the national average.

Scientists should take a stand in the environmental policy debate.

Craig Otis didn't like any of the calendar programs he used in high school, so he made one himself.

Computer science student Gary Phillips on his (former) fascination with a code not even the CIA could break.

The Midwest Center of the National Institute for Climate Change Research, based at Michigan Tech, has awarded $1.5 million in research grants.

An Executive Order cutting more than $300 million from the current year's budget does not affect the base budgets of the state universities, including Michigan Tech.

The seeds of a lowly weed could cut jet fuel's cradle-to-grave carbon emissions by 84 percent.

Michigan Technological University has received $164,521 in federal economic stimulus monies to conduct medical research.

Heidi Bostic is happy to finally sing the praises of Librarian David Bezotte, whom she calls Michigan Tech's "unsung hero."

Nine new degree programs--most of them in computer engineering and business--were approved today by the Michigan Technological University Board of Control at its regular meeting in Houghton.

Africa is dotted with monuments to what doesn't work. Terry Woychowski wanted to build something that would.

Lt. Col. Otha Thornton, a presidential communications officer, is the featured speaker at Michigan Technological University’s Spring Commencement, set for Saturday, May 2.

Two Michigan Tech deans have been appointed to serve on the Great Lakes Wind Council.

Graduate school rankings released today by US News & World Report rank three of Michigan Tech's graduate engineering programs in the top 50 nationwide.

CN, one of the largest railroads in North America, today announced it has donated $250,000 to Michigan Technological University's Rail Transportation Program to create the CN Rail Transportation Education Center (CN RTEC).

Grant enables Michigan Tech to partner with Grand Rapids Public Schools to design a science teaching model.

Graduate students from across Michigan are presenting their research to legislators in Lansing at Graduate Education Day April 23.

Professor Richard Honrath, a leader of Michigan Tech's atmospheric sciences program and recipient of the 2006 Research Award, died Friday, April 17, in a kayaking accident on the Silver River in Baraga County.

Michigan Tech is the first university in the state to receive a federal grant to host a National Summer Transportation Institute for high school students.

Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm has appointed Marquette civic leader Thomas L. Baldini to fill a vacant seat on the Michigan Technological University Board of Control. Baldini will serve through 2016. He replaces David Brule, whose term has expired.

The US Dept. of Defense is going to help a Michigan Tech student earn a graduate degree in nuclear engineering.

Michigan Tech has awarded scholarships for summer programs to three Detroit-area high school students for their entries in the Science and Engineering Fair of Metropolitan Detroit.

All three Michigan Tech student nominees Goldwater Scholarships this year.

Girls from across the UP and northern Wisconsin will gather at Michigan Tech Saturday, April 4 for a day of hands-on science activities.

The wolves on Isle Royale are suffering from gentically deformed bones, and scientists from Michigan Tech blame extreme inbreeding.

A scientist from Michigan is digging up the past in Utah. The 19th century pottery he unearths will be displayed at the Iron Mission State Park Museum in Cedar City.

More research is needed to improve the safety and fuel economy of the nation's truck fleet, a Michigan Technological University faculty member told a congressional subcommittee Tuesday.

The campus and community are invited to a welcome home celebration for the Michigan Tech women’s basketball team, who made it to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Division II National Championship in San Antonio. The Huskies were defeated by Minnesota State Mankato Tuesday, in a hard-fought, 61-53 battle.

Tyler Erickson, a research scientist at the Michigan Tech Research Institute in Ann Arbor, has been named one of five scientists worldwide who created winning entries in a Google Earth Education competition. The contest sought innovative ways to use the KML computer programming language in research.

Work harder than you can imagine, play harder than you ever dreamed. Draw a bead on an audacious goal. And then, come March 24, you just might find yourself competing in the NCAA Division II Elite Eight.

The US Forest Service's second-highest ranking official told participants in the 2009 SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenge that their efforts contribute to the future of America's wild places.

Michigan Technological University achieved its best finish in five years at the 2009 Society of Automotive Engineers Clean Snowmobile Challenge, finishing second and winning the Yellowstone National Park Award for Second Place.

The University of Wisconsin at Madison triumphed two for two Saturday, March 21, at the 2009 SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenge, winning in both divisions of a competition tailor-made for the Snow Belt.

It takes more than a few days of sunshine to melt 260-plus inches of snow, which turned out to be a St. Patrick's Day blessing for contestants in the SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenge.

The Michigan Tech Huskies won the 2009 NCAA Midwest Regional Championship with a 69-52 score over Indianapolis at the Bank of Kentucky Center Monday night. The Number 22-ranked Huskies are headed for San Antonio for the NCAA Division II Elite Eight! Tech led by as many as 25 points and stayed on top down the stretch to claim the program's second regional title and the first since 1993.

Michigan Technological University and Michigan State University (MSU) have received more than $1.4 million from the US Department of Energy through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), to establish a new forest-based biofuel research center. The center will focus on research to help make cellulosic biofuels a commercial reality.

The 10th annual SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenge kicks off Tuesday, March 17, with a trail ride to Baraga via the Portage Lake Lift Bridge.

Approximately 34 graduate students from Michigan Tech are serving in the Peace Corps around the world as part of their master's degree program. As a result, the Peace Corps has announced, Michigan Tech remains the university with the most Peace Corps Master's International (PCMI) program students in the nation. Tech ranked number one in the nation last year too.

At its regular meeting today, Michigan Technological University's Board of Control approved issuing bonds totaling more than $24 million for capital improvement projects.

A team of Michigan Technological University researchers led by Associate Professor of Chemistry Haiying Liu has discovered how to make a strain of E. coli glow under fluorescent light. The technique could eventually be used to track down all sorts of pathogens and even help in the fight against breast cancer.

Two of Bill Gregg's former students have established a scholarship fund in his memory.

Seth and Shannon (Bair) Lemke both graduated from Michigan Tech in 2000, Shannon with a BS in Geological Engineering and Seth with a dual major in geological engineering and geophysics.

Nearly 600 road maintenance personnel at 191 locations in 19 states learned about the latest research and best practices in de-icing and sustainable road maintenance during a national winter road maintenance web conference.

Bad economic times can be good times for entrepreneurs, says Michigan Tech alumnus Kanwal Rekhi.

Former school superintendent appointed to eight-year term

Scott Miers, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering-engineering mechanics at Michigan Technological University, has received a Lloyd L. Withrow Distinguished Speaker Award from the Society of Automotive Engineers.

Do you "hope" that everyone will start living more sustainably to save the environment? If so, you may be doing more harm than good.

Roshan D'Souza, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering-engineering mechanics, has been named the recipient of a National Science Foundation CAREER Award.

The new president-elect of the Society for Industrial Microbiology (SIM).

Governor Jennifer Granholm has presented a budget for the 2009-10 fiscal year that would cut higher education appropriations by 3 percent.

Phi Kappa Tau brought home the gold in Michigan Tech's 2009 Winter Carnival statue competition, nabbing first place among the University's highly competitive fraternities.

Michigan Tech is betting on the future of rail transportation by establishing a Rail Transportation Program within the Michigan Tech Transportation Institute.

When gowns sparkle, piano keys tickle, and extraterrestrials take over the Keweenaw for a nibble of pasty, it can mean only one thing--the 2009 Winter Carnival Queen Coronation has commenced.

When the campus comes alive for Winter Carnival on Wednesday's all-nighter, there are two things you can count on, in addition to snow statue building and cold temperatures: good food and lots of music.

Winter Carnival celebrates Houghton's unique winter weather.

There are bold things being done in the dead of night at this time of year.

Jeffrey Allen, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering-engineering mechanics, has been selected to receive a 2009 SAE Ralph R. Teetor Educational Award.

Marshalls endow $700,000 scholarship fund

Michigan Tech researchers have developed a technique using satellite images to locate the best place to drill for water in volcanic ground.

Max Seel, professor of physics and longtime dean of the College of Sciences and Arts, has been named interim provost and vice president for academic affairs.

When the SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenge kicks off March 16, 2009, at Michigan Technological University, it will celebrate a milestone: a decade devoted to developing greener, quieter snow machines.

Michigan Tech alumnus Richard Henes and his wife, Elizabeth, are endowing a new professorship in mathematical sciences.

Michigan Tech is partnering with GM and the Engineering Society of Detroit to retrain displaced automotive engineeers

Lesley Lovett-Doust has accepted the presidency of Nipissing University in North Bay, Ontario.