November 5, 2024

As the Michigan Tech community prepares for the upcoming 2025 Benefits Open Enrollment period, I want to take a moment to share some important updates. Open Enrollment will begin Monday, Nov. 11, and run through Nov. 25.

Open Enrollment is an opportunity for you to review your current benefit elections and ensure they meet your needs for the upcoming year. This year, all benefits eligible employees must participate in Open Enrollment, regardless of whether or not you intend to make any changes to your current benefits elections.

Over the last four years, the University has absorbed a net increase of $8.9 million, or 45.1%, in health care costs. Over the next two years, we are projecting an additional 23.4% increase in health care costs. Taking this into account, the University has made changes to next year’s benefit packages. For example, those employees participating in the HDHP1 plan can expect their monthly premium for an employee plus family to increase by $12 in addition to a few other changes to the out-of-pocket maximum and the coinsurance percentage.

We encourage all benefits eligible employees to take the time to review the changes to next year’s benefits package and to consider attending one of our informational sessions for detailed guidance. The dates for these sessions are provided below.

• Wednesday, Nov. 6, from 10-11 a.m. in MUB Ballroom A*
  Join the Nov. 6 info session on Zoom

• Thursday, Nov. 14, from 1-2 p.m. in MUB Ballroom A
  Join the Nov. 14 info session on Zoom

• Tuesday, Nov. 19, from 5-6 p.m. in MUB Ballroom A
  Join the Nov. 19 info session on Zoom

* The first informational session will be recorded and posted on the Open Enrollment website. Zoom access will be available for each session.

Please visit the Open Enrollment website for more information on the 2025 changes and to access resources that will help you navigate your options. Our Benefits Services team is available to assist with any questions or concerns you may have during this time. Please direct any questions to hr-help@mtu.edu or 906-487-2517.

This year, we will also introduce a new online platform for Open Enrollment called Employee Navigator, which is designed to make choosing and managing your benefits easier. Please visit the Open Enrollment website for more information.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter, and for your continued dedication to our Michigan Tech community.

The Vice President for Research Office will host an educational session on the topics of export controls and foreign national restrictions from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 6, in the Memorial Union Building Ballroom.

This session is designed to help faculty and staff understand and address export controls/foreign national restrictions considerations when conducting research. Topics covered will include: managing technical data, intellectual property and proprietary materials; defining and working with foreign nationals, publishing and teaching; and exporting and licensing considerations.

Please reach out to rd-l@mtu.edu with any questions.

Have you ever considered giving your students a digital space to collect their academic achievements, experiences and reflections? Introducing Husky Folio, powered by PebblePad. This platform is designed to help students maximize their learning and showcase their growth in style. It’s not merely a place to store assignments; it serves as a gateway for reflecting on personal development and building a professional portfolio that will impress future employers.

In a recent Lunch and Learn session hosted by the William G. Jackson Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) and led by Nancy Barr (APUE) and Maria Bergstrom (HU), faculty and administrators explored the benefits of folio thinking and its integration into Michigan Tech’s Essential Education program.

Attendees discovered that students will embark on their folio journey in their first-year seminar class. They start with an initial reflection activity and establish their Essential Abilities Workbook. This workbook acts as a space for assessing progress toward key learning goals throughout their college experience. As students progress through their Essential Ed courses, they will reach crucial milestones and add components to their workbook. For instance, they’ll upload assignments that demonstrate their skills in teamwork, leadership or technical abilities, with dedicated areas for reflecting on how these skills have developed over time.

The Lunch and Learn emphasized a key takeaway: Folio thinking transcends mere assignments; it represents an entire journey. By engaging in this reflective practice, students graduate not only with a degree but also with a dynamic showcase of their skills, experiences and personal growth that sets them apart from their peers.

"Introduction to Husky Folio" presentation slides are available for download. If you are interested in learning more how you can begin using this tool in your course(s) or departments, please contact Nancy Barr at nbbarr@mtu.edu or Maria Bergstrom at mjbergst@mtu.edu.

Student Leadership and Involvement is excited to announce a unique opportunity to shape next year’s Homecoming! We’re holding two Homecoming Focus Groups to gather feedback and ideas from our campus community. Whether you have innovative ideas for themes and activities or want to make your voice heard, this is your chance to contribute to a memorable event!

Homecoming Focus Group Meetings:

Two Dates (choose one):

• Wednesday, Nov. 6, at 4 p.m. in the MUB Superior Room
• Thursday, Nov. 7, at noon in the MUB Superior Room (lunch provided with RSVP)

Who May Attend:
All students! This is for anyone who has or has not participated in Homecoming. We want to hear from repeaters, first-years and anyone who didn't feel like it was for them. This is also open to staff who help support Homecoming. We want to hear what is working and what is not.

Your insights will help us design a Homecoming experience that reflects the spirit and diversity of our campus. Join us to share your thoughts and connect with others who are passionate about making next year's Homecoming unforgettable.

How to RSVP for Thursday Lunch:
Please RSVP by noon today, Nov. 5, for Thursday's session to help us prepare for the lunch order. To RSVP, email Amy Hjerstedt at ahjerste@mtu.edu.

Join us today, Nov. 5, for La Peña!

Come unwind and meet new people at the Spanish Conversation Hour, all while you refresh your Spanish! Everybody is welcome.

We will meet from 5-6 p.m. in the HDMZ (Humanities Digital Media Zone), Walker 120A.

And don't forget to add to your calendar the last Peña of the semester: Nov. 19.

Sarah Hoy, research assistant professor in the College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science at MTU, will present as part of the BioSci Seminar Series from 3-4 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7, in person in GLRC 202 or virtually via Zoom.

Join the BioSci Seminar on Zoom.

Hoy's presentation is titled “Trophic cascades involving wolves on Isle Royale.”

From the abstract:
The concept of trophic cascades was originally developed to describe how changes in predator abundance can lead to changes in the abundance of herbivore prey species, and thereby impact the plant communities that prey species forage on. Trophic cascades are now considered to be one of the most powerful and foundational concepts in ecology because they provide insights about how complex food-webs are regulated and are also relevant to a wide range of topics in ecology, conservation and management.

In this seminar, I will review recent research on trophic cascades involving wolves (Canis lupus) in the Isle Royale ecosystem. That research suggests changes in the wolf population have impacted both the abundance and foraging behavior of their main prey, moose (Alces alces), and subsequently impacted the terrestrial and aquatic plants that moose browse upon. I will also discuss how that research advances the original concept of trophic cascades in two main ways. First, by highlighting how trophic cascades can be triggered by changes in the genetic characteristics of predator populations. Second, by highlighting how trophic cascades may lead to changes in the chemical properties of plants (their carbon & nitrogen content). Together those advances underscore the importance of maintaining genetically healthy predator populations and the far-reaching impacts that large predators can have on ecosystems.

Eduardo Barbieri will present as part of the Department of Chemical Engineering (ChE) Seminar Series on Friday, Nov. 8, at 10 a.m. in person in Chem Sci 101 or virtually via Zoom.

Join the ChE Seminar on Zoom.

Barbieri will present "Bacteria- and virus-targeting peptides for biotechnology and biomanufacturing applications."

Read Barbieri’s abstract on the University Events Calendar.

Barbieri is a scientist II at LigaTrap Technologies.

The next guest speaker in the Department of Biomedical Engineering (BioMed) Seminar Series will present on Friday, Nov. 8, at 3 p.m. in person in Chem Sci 102 and virtually via Zoom.

Join the BioMed Seminar on Zoom.

David Bark from the Washington University School of Medicine will present "Pulling instead of tipping the scale in the balance of hemostasis in pathological flow, a story of mechanosensitive proteins."

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

Michigan Tech hockey began CCHA play with a sweep of Northern Michigan.

The Huskies shut out the Wildcats 3-0 on Friday, Nov. 1, at the Berry Events Center in Marquette. Derek Mullahy made 24 saves to earn the victory in net.

"We played a good complete game tonight," Tech coach Joe Shawhan said. "We got contributions from everybody that dressed. We challenged some players and they answered the bells. Derek made some big saves early until we got the offense going."

The Huskies completed their first CCHA series sweep with a 6-3 victory over Northern Michigan on Saturday, Nov. 2, at the John MacInnes Student Ice Arena. NMU held a 3-1 lead after the first period, but the Huskies scored five unanswered goals.

"I'm proud of the team for its resilience," Shawhan said. "We didn't give up a ton and the pucks went in for us tonight. Six points are big but what's important to me is the way we played this weekend and in the last four games."

Read more hockey news at Michigan Tech Athletics.

The Michigan Tech volleyball team didn't lose a set during their last two regular-season home games, sweeping Parkside and Purdue Northwest at the SDC Gym.

Tech swept the Rangers 3-0 on Friday, Nov. 1. The Huskies won 27-25, 25-13 and 25-22.

"It was an important match for our team. After a game like Wednesday, you want to bounce back," Tech coach Matt Jennings said. "We were able to come back and pull out that first set and then ride that momentum into the second."

Michigan Tech kept the momentum going against Purdue Northwest on Senior Day, sweeping the Pride on Saturday, Nov. 2. The Huskies won 25-23, 25-15 and 25-23. Tech honored seniors Ashley L'Esperance, Kaycee Meiners, Abbi Perkins and Riley Stichter after the match. All four contributed to the victory.

"I'm glad everyone got in, and I'm glad we won for our seniors," Jennings said. "We now have to prepare for two more road weekends against tough GLIAC teams. We usually play pretty well at this time of the year, and we want to finish strong and make a run in the playoffs."

Read more volleyball news at Michigan Tech Athletics.

The Michigan Tech football team used a 20-point first half and four total takeaways to outmatch Roosevelt, winning 20-7 over the Lakers at Morris Field on Saturday, Nov. 2.

"I'm proud of the guys — winning on the road is never easy, especially in this league," Tech head coach Dan Mettlach said. "It felt like at halftime the score should've been different, but the guys played hard right until the end and found a way to get it done. At the end of the day, going on the road and playing a team that wants to play with that much pressure — it's great reps for our guys up front and we'll be better for it."

Read more football news at Michigan Tech Athletics.

The Michigan Tech soccer team outshot Parkside 12-2 in the second half but could not find the equalizer, falling to the Rangers in a 1-0 decision at Road Wood Soccer Field on Sunday, Nov. 3, in cold, drizzly and windy conditions.

"We didn't show up today in the first half and Parkside made us pay for it. We have to be better from the start and play our style of soccer," head coach Melissa Kuhar said. "Our biggest struggle all season has been attention to details and that showed today. It's not for a lack of shots or corners. We have to be able to connect passes and simply, we just have to find the back of the net. We need to improve on some things before the final week of regular season and take that into Thursday's game."

Read more soccer news at Michigan Tech Athletics.

Thursday, Nov. 7
• Soccer at Saginaw Valley State, 3 p.m. on FloSports

Friday, Nov. 8
• Women's Basketball vs. Lewis, 2 p.m. (Wisconsin Dells)
• Men's Basketball vs. Missouri-St. Lous, 4 p.m. (Wisconsin Dells)
• Volleyball at Davenport, 7 p.m. on FloSports
• Hockey at Ferris State, 7:07 p.m. on Mix 93 WKMJ and Midco Sports Plus

Saturday, Nov. 9
• Cross Country at NCAA Midwest Regional Championship, 11 a.m. (Romeoville, Ill.)
• Football vs. Grand Valley State, Noon at Kearly Stadium on Mix 93 WKMJ and FloSports
• Soccer at Grand Valley State, 1 p.m. on FloSports
• Women's Basketball vs. Thomas More, 2 p.m. (Wisconsin Dells)
• Men's Basketball vs. Maryville, 4 p.m. (Wisconsin Dells)
• Volleyball at Ferris State, 7 p.m. on FloSports
• Hockey at Ferris State, 7:07 p.m. on Mix 93 WKMJ and Midco Sports Plus

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Athletics News
Read more in the MTU Athletics weekly update.

Don Lafreniere (SS/GLRC), Sarah Scarlett (SS) and James Juip (SS/GLRC) attended the Social Science History Association meetings in Toronto, Ontario, from Oct. 30 to Nov. 3.

Scarlett presented a collaborative paper titled "Francophone Labour and Migrations in and Out of the Industrial Keweenaw Peninsula."

Lafreniere presented in a presidential session titled "People and Urban Spaces: A Round Table in Honour of Sherry Olson."

Juip presented a collaborative paper titled "Interpreting the Absent: The Use of Digital Story Trails and Deep Mapping to Resurrect a Former Lumber Mill Landscape."

Erin Smith (HU) was a guest on the Sunday, Nov. 3, episode of the “Copper Country Today” radio program. The episode was titled “41 North Film Festival.”

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The Daily Mining Gazette and Mining Journal mentioned Miguel Levy (Physics) in a story about efforts to establish a new hospital in Ontonagon. Levy made the inaugural donation to the hospital fund at a recent community update meeting.

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The Alpena News mentioned Amanda Stump (ICC/CFRES) in a story covering her research on oak tree threats in the Great Lakes region. The research, led by Stump, highlights how climate change, insects and diseases are putting oaks at risk despite their adaptability to extreme conditions.

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Anna Stuhlmacher (ECE) was quoted by This Old House in a story about holiday lighting tips. Stuhlmacher recommended using LED lights and timers to help reduce energy costs, noting that LEDs use 75% less energy than traditional incandescent lights and last longer, making them a more sustainable and cost-effective choice.

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SciTechDaily mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about new research reviewing the impact of tropical storms on offshore wind turbines. The research, co-authored by Pengfei Xue (CEGE/GLRC), highlights the need for better models to improve turbine design standards.

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Ph.D. students Aritra Chakrabarty (environmental and energy policy) and Victoria Santillan (biomedical engineering) were quoted by WLUC TV6 in a story about Michigan Tech’s Indian Students Association (ISA) Diwali Night celebration at the Rozsa Center. Chakrabarty, ISA president, shared that the event brings a sense of home with traditional food, performances and warm gestures.

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The Grand Forks Herald mentioned Michigan Tech junior Olivia Metz (civil engineering) in a story about her new role as a civil drafter/designer at Ackerman-Estvold’s office in Minot, North Dakota.

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West Virginia’s Dominion Post and Yahoo! Sports featured Michigan Tech volleyball’s junior defensive specialist Alayna Corwin (mechanical engineering) in a story about her journey from Morgantown High to Michigan Tech. Corwin discussed her athletic growth, the decision to transfer from Marshall University and her role as a team captain with the Huskies.

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The Mining Journal mentioned Michigan Tech men’s basketball in a story covering the 2024-25 GLIAC Preseason Poll results. The Huskies were picked to tie for sixth by league coaches, with guard Marcus Tomashek named the GLIAC Preseason Player of the Year.

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Michigan.org mentioned the Michigan Tech Trails in an article highlighting Michigan’s Trail Towns, which showcase top recreation destinations. The article noted Houghton as the “Gateway to the Keweenaw,” with the Tech Trails offering around 50 miles for hiking, biking, skiing and more year-round outdoor activities.

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99.1 WFMK-FM mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about the Paulding Light, a phenomenon that has drawn both supernatural enthusiasts and skeptics alike. While legends attribute the lights to ghostly figures or aliens, Michigan Tech scientists have offered a logical explanation, suggesting they are likely distant vehicle headlights.

CFO Candidate Presenting at Open Forum Today

The University invited three candidates to interview for the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Senior Vice President for Administration position. Candidate interviews will be conducted over two days and will include a presentation of their vision for research at Michigan Tech at an open forum.

Candidate Open Forum Presentation:
Tuesday, Nov. 5, at 1 p.m. in MUB Ballroom B
CFO candidate Lillian Wanjagi will provide a public presentation titled “Academic Finance and Administration: A Vision for Michigan Tech” at an open forum today, Nov. 5, at 1 p.m. in Ballroom B of the Memorial Union.

Candidate resumes, cover letters, interview dates and open forum information can be viewed at the Chief Financial Officer Search page. A Michigan Tech login is required to view candidate information.

The search committee encourages the campus community to attend and to 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 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.

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Save the Date: Spring Career Fair is in January!

New for 2024-25: Spring Career Fair will be held Jan. 28 from 12-5 p.m. at the Student Development Complex.

Career Services is very excited about the many opportunities Career Fair provides our students. We are hosting multiple prep workshops to prepare students for this event. Please let us know if you have any questions.

More details can be found on our website, on Handshake and in emails from Handshake. Registration is open on Handshake as well. Go Huskies!

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A Cup of Joe with the Safety Crew

Michigan Tech’s Safety Team — Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) and the Office of Risk, Insurance, Safety, Security, and Compliance (RISSC) — will be hosting our next monthly Safety Round Table: a place for all Huskies to share a cup of coffee and learn about the importance of campus health and safety.

We invite you to join us tomorrow, Nov. 6, from 9-10 a.m. in MUB Ballroom B.

Topic: Can I throw this in the trash? Or dump it down the drain?

Enjoy a hot beverage and snacks during our short presentation on how to safely, legally and ethically dispose of that leftover can of paint, a half-used bottle of motor oil, an aerosol can with a faulty spray valve, a broken beaker, a used laboratory syringe, or even a lab full of “hazardous waste.” Our team members with expertise in chemical and biological safety will lead this conversation and answer your questions.

In addition, there will be an informal opportunity to talk with our campus safety professionals for other safety related questions and issues.

So mark your calendars and come ask the questions you have always wanted to ask and get the answers you need about Michigan Tech Safety programs, legal compliance issues, and additional resources… and have a cup of Joe with the Safety Crew!

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

Master's Defense: Ashish Mahaur

Tuesday, November 5, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. | U. J. Noblet Forestry Building, G004

Integrated Geospatial Tech Co-advisors: Jae Sung Kim and Tao Liu Forest Aboveground Biomass Density Estimation Using Deep Learning: Insight from NEON Ground-Truth Data and Simulated GEDI Waveforms Attend Virtually: https://michigantech.zoom.us/j/85108837538

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CFRES Resume Review

Tuesday, November 5, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. | U.J. Noblet Forestry Building, Atrium

Career Services and friends will review your resume and help you get ready for the Natural Resources Career Fair.

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Beyond the Resume: Building Networks with Informational Interviews

Tuesday, November 5, 12 p.m.–2 p.m.

Join us to learn about informational interviews. We will talk about what they are, why you should try them, who you can ask and how.

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Electron Microscopy Consultation Sessions

Tuesday, November 5, 1 p.m.–4 p.m. | Minerals and Materials Engineering Building (M&M), 607

As part of ACMAL actions to strengthen the electron microscopy user base at Tech, Dr. Erico Freitas is offering a few hours of free-of-charge consultations in November for the ACMAL users community. The EM consultation sessions will take place on Mondays afternoon and Dr. Freitas hopes to use his expertise on the field to discuss aspects of electron microscopy (SEM & TEM), microanalysis (EDS & EELS) experiments and data analysis, including sample preparation, to help ACMAL users to make the most of their beam time in our Electron Microscopy Facility. To book a time, please use this form (https://forms.gle/ipPPM8runDAxjyoU6)

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Huskies Swim Training - Session 2

Tuesday, November 5, 4 p.m.–6 p.m. | Student Development Complex (SDC), Pool

Huskies Swim Training is a program that provides additional attention and competitive guidance to advanced swimmers looking to focus on stroke technique and efficiency. Sessions will be designed to improve swimming through stroke drills and swimming sets focused on endurance, speed, and race strategy. Coaches will provide feedback and stroke correction in a group environment with an emphasis on promoting a love for competitive swimming and lifelong skills such as discipline, dedication, and teamwork. This program is our first step in growing competitive swimming opportunities in the area. Come be part of the pack! Ages 6-17 years

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Adult Huskies Swim Lessons - Session 2

Tuesday, November 5, 5 p.m.–7 p.m. | Student Development Complex (SDC), Pool

Adult Huskies Swim Lessons provides aquatic education for the beginner to intermediate swimmer who is looking to become more comfortable in the water and learn the fundamental four strokes. For adults 18 and up.

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Adult Huskies Swim Training - Session 2

Tuesday, November 5, 5 p.m.–7 p.m. | Student Development Complex (SDC), Pool

Adult Huskies Swim Training provides additional attention and competitive guidance to swimmers ages 18 and older who are looking to improve their swimming skills and fitness levels in a group setting. Each session is programmed with warm-up, and variations of a workout for the beginner, intermediate and advanced swimmer. Participants will be provided coaching and guidance to meet their individual swimming goals!

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La Peña-Spanish Conversation Hour

Tuesday, November 5, 5 p.m.–7 p.m. | Walker Arts and Humanities Center, HDMZ 120A

Come unwind, meet new people and play board games all while you refresh your Spanish! Bring a friend or anybody you think might enjoy speaking some Spanish, everybody is welcome! Next (and last) Peña: November 19

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Python Workshop

Tuesday, November 5, 5 p.m.–7 p.m. | Rekhi 113

A free, in person, python workshop for beginners!

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Bible Study - John

Tuesday, November 5, 7 p.m.–10 p.m. | Campus House

Join us every Tuesday at 7:00pm for a Bible study of the Gospel of John! We investigate who Jesus is and ask questions of the text. Following our meeting we have a homecooked meal and time to hang out playing games or talking. We meet at 219 Blanche St. - Our Campus House!

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Main Meeting!

Tuesday, November 5, 7 p.m.–10 p.m. | WADS G42W

Main meeting for our organization where we listen to preaching, take communion and have fellowship

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Weekly Meeting

Tuesday, November 5, 7 p.m.–10 p.m. | Guys' House

His House meets every Tuesday evening for worship, Bible study, fellowship and food! Join us at our campus house on Blanche Street! Hope to see you soon!