May 6, 2025

This year's Michigan Tech Magazine is now available online!

Features:

• R1: Research in Focus
  
  
  • Paving the Way
    Michigan Tech researchers are bridging the gap between simulations and real-world road tests, using cutting-edge technology to make connected and autonomous vehicles more energy efficient.
    
    
  • Modern Mining's Moment
    The future of mining is rising to the surface at Michigan Tech as our researchers address the nation’s critical mineral shortage and educate the mining engineers of the future.
    
    
  • Charting New Waters
    Researchers at Michigan Tech’s Great Lakes Research Center led a high-tech, multi-agency effort to locate an aircraft that went missing in Lake Superior in 1968. What they found — and how they found it — could serve Great Lakes ecosystems well for years to come.
    
    
  • Finding the Balance
    Was that a senior moment or a sign of something more serious? Come into Tech’s H-STEM Complex, where aging and cognition research involving balance and movement aims to help people live better, longer.
    
    
  • Engineering the Elements
    From cloud seeding to climate modeling, Michigan Tech’s Pi Cloud Chamber is unlocking the mysteries of clouds. Researchers are shaping the future of weather science — one tiny droplet at a time.
    
    
  • The Scent of Success
    They’re not Transformers, but these robots will help to transform the agricultural future of small farms in Michigan and beyond. Catch a lavender-scented whiff of our agricultural automation breakthroughs.
    
    
• Chasing the Cannonball Sun
  What does it take to chase a dream? Time — say, four years. Resources — including good tools and a place to work. Above all, commitment — enough to keep going after each devastating setback. This is the story of four intrepid engineering students determined to complete the road trip of a lifetime: New York to Los Angeles in a hand-built car powered solely by the sun.
  
  
• Study Hard, Play Hard
  The degree is the goal — but along the way, Huskies explore their passions as members in Michigan Tech’s vast array of registered student organizations. Get a glimpse of life beyond the classroom from RSOs that take students places — from the campus news beat to the Keweenaw’s famed snowmobile trails.
  

Read these stories and more in the 2025 Michigan Tech Magazine.

Research Integrity is pleased to announce the launch of a new Michigan Tech webpage dedicated to Dual Use Research of Concern and Pathogens with Enhanced Pandemic Potential (DURC-PEPP). This webpage is a valuable resource for our biological materials research community, providing comprehensive information and guidance on the latest policies and regulations.

A significant update is the implementation of the new U.S. Government Policy for Oversight of Dual Use Research of Concern and Pathogens with Enhanced Pandemic Potential, which takes effect today, May 6. This policy supersedes previous DURC policies and the 2017 Enhanced Potential Pandemic Pathogens Framework (P3CO), introducing a unified federal oversight framework. It aims to balance the benefits of life sciences research with the need to minimize potential risks to public health, agriculture and national security.

Key features of the webpage include:

• Information on the USG DURC-PEPP policy, including details about the May 6 implementation.
• Definitions of DURC, PPP and PEPP, clarifying the scope of the policy.
• Guidance on identifying and assessing DURC-PEPP research to help researchers determine if their work falls under the policy.
  • Specifically: Researchers proposing to work with biological materials will be required to complete a principal investigator (PI) self-assessment form to determine if their research falls within the scope of the DURC-PEPP policy.
• Resources for training and compliance, ensuring that our research community can adhere to the new regulations.

Research Integrity encourages all researchers involved in life sciences research to familiarize themselves with the information on this webpage. Compliance with the DURC-PEPP policy is essential for ensuring the safety and security of our research and community.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Research Integrity at researchintegrity@mtu.edu.

Michigan Technological University proudly participated in the 2025 Michigan Construction Career Days (MICCD), held on April 30 and May 1 in Howell, Michigan.

Since 2008, MICCD has been Michigan’s premier construction career exploration event. Based on the National Career Day model, MICCD provides Michigan’s young people a chance to experience construction up close, allowing them to use real tools, materials and heavy equipment under the direct guidance of construction professionals from all sectors of the industry.

This initiative reflects Michigan Tech’s dedication to fostering the next generation of skilled professionals in construction and related industries. As a silver-level sponsor, Tech hosted a recruitment booth to connect with students and showcase opportunities in the field of construction and engineering.

The booth was staffed by Jennifer Miller (CEGE), who engaged directly with prospective students and shared insights about academic and career pathways. Additionally, Cynthia Elder (CTT) represented the University’s ongoing commitment to workforce development, playing a key role as an advisory board member and leading student registration efforts for the event.

More than 4,000 students in grades 7-12 registered to attend the event, which has reached capacity for three years running. These young people not only see what construction is but learn about the training and education paths leading to well-paid careers in construction.

Additionally, the event featured an announcement by state officials of the Michigan Statewide Infrastructure Workforce Plan, which includes a plan to train up to 5,000 new infrastructure workers between now and 2030.

Michigan Tech's Essential Education Experience manager is inviting proposals for the design and development of 3-credit Essential Education Experience (E3) courses over the summer.

E3 courses aim to provide students with immersive, experiential learning opportunities that foster critical reflection, interdisciplinary approaches and ethical engagement with communities or stakeholders.

For more information about E3 course requirements and the proposal process, please view the E3 Request for Proposals document.

Proposals should be sent to E3 Manager Cassandra Reed-VanDam at cmvandam@mtu.edu, and will be reviewed as they are received. Projects received by a deadline of Friday, May 9, will receive initial first consideration.

Please join the Graduate School in congratulating Michigan Tech's Summer 2025 Finishing Fellows.

Ashley Hawke's journey at Michigan Tech began in 2012, sparking a passion for research that has continued to flourish. On her way to earning dual bachelor's degrees in biomedical engineering and exercise science in 2016, Hawke became deeply involved in human subject research. She pursued her M.S. in Exercise Science, specializing in human biomechanics. Now, back at Michigan Tech for her Ph.D. in Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology while working as a biomedical engineer, she is tackling a critical issue: reducing musculoskeletal disorders among healthcare workers.

Read more about Hawke’s journey at Michigan Tech on the Graduate School Newsblog.

Pre-proposals for Fall 2025 Copper Shores Community Health Foundation (CSCHF) Graduate Assistantships are being accepted and are due to the Graduate School no later than 4 p.m. on May 20. Students who best meet the foundation’s criteria will be invited to submit a full application, which will be due on June 25. Instructions for all steps of the process, including the pre-proposal, full application and evaluation process, are found online.

Students are eligible if all of the following criteria are met:

1. Must be a Ph.D. student conducting a research or outreach project that will promote and/or improve the overall health of Houghton, Keweenaw, Baraga, and Ontonagon communities.
2. Must be two years after starting the graduate program at the time of application.
3. Must not be a prior recipient of a Portage Health Foundation or CSCHF Graduate Assistantship.
4. Preference will be given to applicants with long-standing local connections to Houghton, Keweenaw, Baraga, or Ontonagon counties.

Previous recipients of a CSCHF Graduate Assistantship are not eligible to reapply.

Priority will be given to students originally from Houghton, Keweenaw, Baraga or Ontonagon counties. Nonresident students and international students are encouraged to apply if their health research is applicable to health needs and job shortages of our local community (obesity research, rural health, medical informatics, drug delivery and lab testing, physical therapy, etc.).

These assistantships are available through the generosity of the Copper Shores Community Health Foundation. They are intended to recognize outstanding Ph.D. talent in health-oriented research areas. Applicants should be a catalyst for promoting and improving the overall health of Houghton, Keweenaw, Baraga, and Ontonagon communities through one of the following:

• health research and technology development
• health education or preventive and wellness initiatives
• rural health care access, informatics and assessment of care

Students who receive full support through a CSCHF Graduate Assistantship may not accept any other employment. For example, students cannot be fully supported by a CSCHF Graduate Assistantship and accept support as a GTA or GRA.

Financial Services and Operations (FSO) will periodically be sharing information regarding a specific topic to increase awareness and knowledge in an “FSO — Did You Know?” article. If there is an FSO topic that you’d like to learn more about, please email fso@mtu.edu.

Michigan Tech Fund – Endowed Disbursements
Disbursements from Michigan Tech Fund endowed funds are done quarterly. Check requests for disbursements from Michigan Tech Fund endowed funds may still be submitted to mtfchecks@mtu.edu at any time during a quarter using the Michigan Tech Fund Check Request form (PDF); however, payment of the check requests will only occur once per quarter.

The next endowment quarterly disbursement, which is the final one of fiscal year 2025, will occur on June 18. Please submit check requests by June 4.

If you have any questions regarding Michigan Tech Fund check requests, please email mtfchecks@mtu.edu.

Job Postings for Tuesday, May 6, 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.

Custodian #25114 (part-time, no base schedule, 12 months), Facilities Management (AFSCME posting dates May 6 to May 12, 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.

Building Mechanic II #251​09 (​first shift,​ 40 hours, 12 months), Facilities Management (AFSCME posting dates May 6 to May 12, 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.

Recreation Coordinator, Athletics/Recreation. 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.

Stephanie Carpenter (HU) was a guest on the May 2 episode of Michigan Public’s “Stateside” podcast, where she discussed her new historical fiction novel, “Moral Treatment.”

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The Daily Mining Gazette quoted Kelly Steelman (PsyHF) and Cassandra Reed-VanDam (APUE) in a story about Michigan Tech's new Essential Education core curriculum. The program, the topic of a symposium held April 30 at MTU, aims to help students connect their coursework to real-world experiences and better prepare for their future careers.

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The Daily Mining Gazette and WLUC TV6 covered Michigan Tech track and field's Tucker Ringhand winning the men’s 10,000 meters at the GLIAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships on Thursday, May 1. 

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Crain’s Grand Rapids Business mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about earmark requests for the Center for Convergence and Innovation building and the Mass Timber Research and Demonstration Structure. 

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MidwestLiving mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about the Keweenaw Peninsula, highlighting the University's location in Houghton as a key point for exploring the area's scenic drives, hiking trails, waterfalls and mining history.

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The Daily Mining Gazette featured Michigan Tech alum Jennifer Julien ’12 ’15 (B.S. Civil Engineering M.S. Environmental Engineering) in a story about her success at the World Championship Snowmobile Hill Climb in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Julien was the only finalist from Michigan and placed fifth in both the Women’s Pro Stock and Women’s Pro Mod races.

Community Conversations on Breastfeeding Needs

The Community Breastfeeding Collaborative invites the Michigan Tech community to take part in our next listening session focused on better understanding the breastfeeding needs of our local communities. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, support person or community advocate, we welcome your voice. Your insights will help shape future programs and support systems.

This session is free to attend. Refreshments will be provided. No registration is required.

• Session 2: Saturday, May 10, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  Location: Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Library, 409 S. Superior Ave., Baraga.
  • 11 a.m. Doors open
  • 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Listening Session
  • 12:30-1 p.m. Networking

Anyone unable to attend is invited to share feedback through our anonymous survey.

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

No events are scheduled for today. Visit the University Events Calendar.