January 14, 2025

“Threading Empathy,” a fashion show produced by Michigan Tech Theatre, features a dynamic runway show with a gallery space and a competition for participants. This year’s theme explores techno-fashion and empathy.

Experience the Future of Fashion — Feb. 13-15

Imagine smart textiles and 3D-printed couture that embrace inclusivity and sustainability, or wearable tech that connects us to the world in meaningful ways. “Threading Empathy” is where these possibilities come to life.

Beyond a showcase of style, “Threading Empathy” invites participants of all skill levels to bring their unique visions to life. Each creation in the fashion show will be judged on its ingenuity, craftsmanship and ability to embody the spirit of empathy through the lens of technology and fashion.

No prior experience in sewing, coding or designing is required.

Ways to Participate in the Competition

• Empathy Through Design: Create a garment or accessory that captures the essence of empathy as it relates to human connection, inclusivity or shared experience.
• Innovative Textiles and Technologies: Experiment with smart fabrics, conductive threads or 3D printing to merge craftsmanship with cutting-edge technologies.
• Robotic Fashion: Design garments or accessories for robots, combining futuristic aesthetics with functional innovation.

Participants will be competing for cash prizes: $500 for first place, $250 for second place and $100 for third place. Honorable mentions will be awarded for innovative approaches and exceptional creativity. If you are interested in participating in the competition, please complete the entry form.

Event Details:

• What: Fashion Show: Threading Empathy
• When: Thursday-Saturday, Feb. 13-15, at 7:30 p.m.
• Where: McArdle Theatre
• Tickets: Pay As You’re Able Tickets ($10 full fee). Michigan Tech Students are eligible for free Student Rush Tickets, sponsored by the Experience Tech Fee.

Case studies in operations management are better in person. For the fifth year, Roger Woods (COB) has taken his Fundamentals of Six Sigma class to Northern Hardwoods in nearby Atlantic Mine as a way to bring what they’re learning into real-world application.

Find out more about the field trip — and why understanding Six Sigma is an important part of career preparation — on the College of Business Newsblog.

Please join the Graduate School in congratulating Michigan Tech's Spring 2025 Finishing Fellows. Awardees will be recognized daily in Tech Today through Friday, Jan. 17.

Abel Reyes-Angulo is a Ph.D. candidate in the Computational Science and Engineering program. He has a passion for artificial intelligence, particularly in the fields of biomedical image segmentation and computer vision. His research focuses on developing AI-driven solutions for early disease detection, aiming to enhance health care outcomes through advanced deep learning techniques. He has presented his work at top-tier conferences such as CVPR and MICCAI.

Read more about Reyes-Angulo’s journey at Michigan Tech on the Graduate School Newsblog.

Please join the Graduate School in congratulating Michigan Tech's Spring 2025 Finishing Fellows. Awardees will be recognized daily in Tech Today through Friday, Jan. 17.

Karlee Westrem studies discrete mathematics in the Department of Mathematical Sciences. Part of Westrem’s work is combinatorially computing the first non-zero Schaper layer for the Specht module in prime characteristic. She has also worked in partition theory, co-authoring a paper on palindrome partitions and relations to the Calkin-Wilf tree, and has studied symmetric functions, proving an identity between an alternating sum of power sum symmetric functions and a product of monomial symmetric functions.

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

Due to a lack of agenda items, the University Senate meeting scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 16, is canceled.

Our next meeting is scheduled for Jan. 23.

Spring Career Fair will take place on Jan. 28 from 12-5 p.m., and Career Services is looking for volunteers from the Michigan Tech community to help make this event a success!

We have a variety of shifts, tasks and roles available, so there’s an opportunity for everyone to get involved. Your support is essential in creating a meaningful experience for our students and employers — and it plays a pivotal role in the future success of many Huskies.

If you’re able to assist, please visit the Spring Career Fair Volunteer Sign-Up Form to select a shift that works for you.

Thank you for your time, energy and commitment. We couldn’t do it without you!

Please join us for the first Peña of the spring 2025 semester. Enjoy an hour of conversation and board games in a laid-back Spanish-speaking setting. All language levels are welcome.

La Peña meets today, Jan. 14, from 5-6 p.m. in the Walker Arts and Humanities Center (HDMZ 120A).

Future dates: Jan. 28, Feb. 11, March 4, March 18 and April 1.

Make plans to attend a Lunch and Learn hosted by the William G. Jackson Center for Teaching and Learning and IDEAhub at Michigan Tech.

• When: Tuesday, Jan. 28, from 12-1 p.m.
• Where: Memorial Union - Ballroom A

Join IDEAhub leadership and participants from IDEAhub’s summer course redesign workshop. Find inspiration in faculty stories about their “small bite” course innovations and learn more about how to “level up” your teaching using IDEAhub tools for innovation.

Register to Attend the Lunch and Learn.

For questions or request any accommodations, please contact the CTL at 906-487-2275 or ctl@mtu.edu.

Department of Biomedical Engineering (BioMed) tenure-track faculty candidate Genny Romanowicz will give a research seminar today, Jan. 14, at 8:30 a.m. in person only in Chem Sci 104.

The title of Romanowicz’s talk is “Integrating Bioengineering and Biomarker Discovery to Advance Personalized Regenerative Medicine.” The talk will discuss translational strategies to enhance musculoskeletal health and clinical outcomes.

Read Romanowicz’s abstract at the University Events Calendar.

Job Postings for Tuesday, Jan. 14, 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.

​D​epartment Coordinator #24361,​ S​ocial Sciences. Apply online.

Information System Security Engineer, Michigan Tech Research Institute. Apply online.

Purchasing and Inventory Control Specialist, Advanced Power Systems Research Center. Apply online.

Department Coordinator, Advanced Power Systems Research Center. 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.

Professor Emeritus Iosif Pinelis (Math) is the author of a paper published in the journal Mathematical Inequalities & Applications.

The paper is titled "Monotonicity of ratios of Bernoulli polynomials."

A preprint version of the paper can be viewed and/or downloaded online.

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Professor Emeritus Iosif Pinelis (Math) is the author of a chapter accepted for publication in "Mathematical Analysis, Optimization, Approximation and Applications" from World Scientific Publishing.

The chapter is titled "Minimization of the free energy with an expectation constraint."

A preprint version of the chapter can be viewed and/or downloaded online.

Brian Cadwell (PSPS) was quoted by WLUC TV6, the Daily Mining Gazette and the Iron Mountain Daily News regarding a fire at Michigan Tech’s Daniell Heights apartment complex last Friday, Jan. 10. The fire displaced 15 students, with no injuries reported. Cadwell highlighted the quick response from MTU Public Safety and the University’s efforts to provide housing for the displaced students, who are also being assisted by the Salvation Army and Red Cross. WNMU-FM also covered the fire.

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Kristin Brzeski (CFRES) was quoted by the Daily News in Galveston, Texas, in a story about a $2.1 million National Science Foundation grant for research on Galveston’s “ghost wolves.” Brzeski, along with researchers from Princeton University, is studying the island’s coyotes, which carry genes that could help save the North American red wolf from extinction.

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ECO Magazine mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about the U.S. Department of Energy’s $18 million investment in marine energy and offshore wind research. Michigan Tech received $598,800 to advance marine energy technologies as part of a broader initiative to improve performance and reduce costs in the industry.

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Crain’s Detroit Business mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about MI-HQ, a startup incubator expanding into Detroit. MI-HQ, which sources spinout companies from local universities, including Michigan Tech, will be part of a new development on Gratiot Avenue, offering lab space, offices and manufacturing facilities for startups.

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Michigan Tech alum Mike Nelson ’97 (M.S. Mechanical Engineering) was a guest on the Jan. 12 episode of the Wise Athletes Podcast, titled “Adaptive Range Expansion for Peak Performance.” Nelson shared insights on training protocols, metabolic flexibility and how interventions like sauna, cold therapy and breathwork can enhance athletic performance and longevity.

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Green Bay's Business News mentioned Michigan Tech alum Tim Kippenhan (B.S. Civil Engineering) in a story about his transition to president/COO of Miron Construction Company.

CTL Lunch and Learn: 'Using Canvas to Support Student Success'

Make plans to attend a Lunch and Learn with the William G. Jackson Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) that's packed with practical tips to avoid common Canvas “gotchas” and create more student-friendly courses.

Join us next Tuesday, Jan. 21, from 12-1 p.m. in MUB Ballroom B to discover smarter ways to organize content, simplify grading and improve accessibility using tools like TidyUP, Ally and Huskycast. You'll leave with actionable strategies to build a more efficient and student-centered course experience.

Registration is required.

Register to Attend the CTL Lunch and Learn.

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Summer 2025 CSCHF Graduate Assistantship Nominations Open

Pre-proposals for Summer 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. next Tuesday, Jan. 21. Students who best meet the foundation’s criteria will be invited to submit a full application, which will be due on March 4. Instructions for 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.

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.

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

Integrating Bioengineering and Biomarker Discovery to Advance Personalized Regenerative Medicine

Tuesday, January 14, 8:30–10:30 a.m. | Chemical Sciences and Engineering Building, 104

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Candidate Seminar Genny Romanowicz, DDS, PhD University of Oregon Abstract Dr. Romanowicz's research bridges tissue engineering and clinical care by addressing critical questions in bone regeneration and fracture risk prediction. Her work focuses on developing advanced bone-like organoids and preclinical models to explore the immune response's role in bone healing and fracture risk. She has also created predictive models for recurrent bone stress injuries, leveraging high-precision proteomic markers in female athletes. By integrating these experimental platforms with machine learning, Dr. Romanowicz aims to identify biomarkers and improve outcome predictions for complex injuries, including craniofacial trauma and bone stress injuries. Supported by her NIH K99 project, her research drives personalized, translational strategies to enhance musculoskeletal health and clinical outcomes.

January NotMISpecies Webinar

Tuesday, January 14, 9–11 a.m.

Join KISMA, Michigan's EGLE, and more for January's installment of the NotMISpecies webinar series. NotMISpecies webinars are monthly webinars hosted by EGLE to educate people about invasive species and their management in Michigan. Don’t let it loose! Protecting Michigan’s waterways from pesky pets and plants Aquariums and water gardens provide peace and serenity to homes and public spaces; however, they also are home to non-native animals and plants that don’t belong in the wild. Since 2015, Michigan State University Extension has been empowering aquarium and water garden retailers to make sound stocking decisions and to share the “don’t let it loose” message with their customers through the Reduce Invasive Pet and Plant Escapes (RIPPLE) campaign. Join Paige Filice, natural resources educator and associate director of the MSUE Center for Lakes and Streams to learn about the pet and garden trade and how the “don’t let it loose” message is being promoted through surrender events and partnerships with leading retailers and conservation organizations.

Master's Defense: Peter Agyemang

Tuesday, January 14, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. | Chemical Sciences and Engineering Building, 101

Chemistry Advisor: Athar Ata NEAR-INFRARED HEMICYANINE-COUMARIN PROBE FOR DUAL-CHANNEL DETECTION OF VISCOSITY AND HSA IN LIVE CELLS Attend Virtually: https://michigantech.zoom.us/j/84138224899

On Campus Jobs Expo

Tuesday, January 14, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. | Memorial Union Building (MUB), Alumni Lounge

On-Campus Jobs Expo Join us for the On-Campus Jobs Expo, where students can explore a wide range of employment opportunities with university departments. This is the perfect chance to meet directly with hiring representatives from various campus offices, learn more about available part-time positions, and apply for jobs that fit your schedule. Whether you're looking to gain valuable work experience, earn extra income, or build connections within the university, this event is a must-attend for all students seeking on-campus employment. Event Highlights: Explore a variety of part-time campus job openings Meet with university departments seeking student employees Network with campus staff and learn about job responsibilities Get tips on applying and interviewing for student jobs Don't miss out on this opportunity to find the perfect on-campus job!

Guiding Growth: A Workshop for Faculty Mentors

Tuesday, January 14, 12:30–3:00 a.m. | Memorial Union Building (MUB), Ballroom B1

Mentoring is an important role of any faculty member, but few faculty receive formal training for this role. Guiding Growth: A Workshop for Faculty Mentors will help faculty develop skills for effectively mentoring graduate students, junior faculty, and peers. The program will provide an opportunity for both new and senior faculty to work with a community of peers to enhance their ability to guide and support others as they navigate their academic career. Topics will include developing mentoring agreements, communicating expectations, fostering independence, meeting the mentee’s individual needs, and addressing mentoring challenges. The Guiding Growth workshop will include four 90-minute sessions from 12:30-2:00 pm on January 14, February 4, March 4, and April 1. Participants will be asked to commit to all four sessions. Please register for the program by December 20 by completing this Google form. Google form: https://bit.ly/GuidingGrowthMTU

Submission and Formatting 101: Master the Dissertation, Thesis, and Report Process

Tuesday, January 14, 2 p.m.–5 p.m. | Administration and Student Services Building, 404

Students who are completing a dissertation, thesis, or report are invited to join the Graduate School to learn about the resources available to them to assist in scheduling their defense, formatting their documents, and submitting their documents. In one afternoon, you can learn everything you need to be successful and complete your degree in a timely fashion! Faculty and staff who assist students with submissions are also welcome to attend. Attend the entire event, or stop in for the seminar that interests you. Registration: Please register online to receive reminders and the link to attend online. The seminar will be available in person or online.Detailed schedule 2 – 3pm – Submission 101 Learn what is required to submit your document to the Graduate School and the deadlines for the upcoming semester. Best for students who are completing their degree this semester or next semester.3 – 4pm – Formatting 101-103 Learn about templates, checking your document with Adobe Acrobat, and how to use copyrighted materials. You’ll also learn where resources are on the web page so you can learn more about the topics that interest you.4pm - ? - Questions We'll be available to answer any additional…

Stammtisch

Tuesday, January 14, 4:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m. | Walker Arts and Humanities Center, 120C HDMZ

Join us for German conversation and get to know the German-speaking community at Michigan Tech!

La Peña-Spanish Conversation Hour

Tuesday, January 14, 5 p.m.–7 p.m. | Walker Arts and Humanities Center, HDMZ 120A

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! Peñas for Spring 2025: January 14th & 28th, February 11th, March 4th & 18th, April 1st

Lets Talk

Tuesday, January 14, 6 p.m.–9 p.m. | Wadsworth Hall 124W

Have a question or concern about your mental health? Stop by Let’s Talk, a free and confidential consultation service for Michigan Tech students. Connect with a counselor to discuss specific concerns, explore solutions, and learn about resources available to you.

Tesla x Michigan Tech: Manufacturing Controls Tech Talk

Tuesday, January 14, 6 p.m.–8 p.m. | Memorial Union Building (MUB), Alumni Lounge

Want to learn more about factory automation and controls in the world's largest battery factory' Electrical Engineers, Controls Engineers, Mechatronics, Robotics or anyone with an interest in optimizing factory automation is welcome to learn more about Machine Controls.