Michigan Tech Researcher Invited to Share Biotech Expertise with National Policymakers

Stephen Techmann talks into a microphone while seated in a congressional meeting room, flanked on each side by other university experts in biotechnology.

Michigan Technological University was among a select group of universities invited by members of the U.S. House of Representatives to present at a joint bipartisan hearing called “Pursuing the Golden Age of Innovation: Strategic Priorities in Biotechnology.”

Held June 5 on Capitol Hill, the hearing included the House Science, Space, and Technology Subcommittee and the Subcommittee on Energy. Invited to testify on the strengths and threats to American biotechnological research and the biotech sector of the economy were MTU's Associate Professor Stephen Techtmann (BioSci/GLRC), Drew Endy of Stanford University, Deb Gracio of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Kelvin Lee of the University of Delaware.

The hearing allowed congressional members to make statements and ask questions about innovations in biotechnology, a field poised to revolutionize industries including health care, agriculture and manufacturing. The "Golden Age of Innovation" in biotechnology is a near-future reality fueled by the convergence of biology, computing and data science. At Michigan Tech, examples include the work of Techtmann and other researchers in the Great Lakes Research Center, who are pioneering solutions that transform plastic waste into valuable materials and recover critical minerals from mine waste materials.

Read more about Techtmann's testimony at Michigan Tech News.

Job Posting

Job Posting for Thursday, June 19, 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.

Cook's Helper #25163 (first shift, 12 months, 40 hours), Dining Services (AFSCME posting dates June 19 to June 25, 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.

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.

In the News

Kelly Steelman (PsyHF) was mentioned by AARP in a story about technology changes coming to grocery stores. The story included suggestions from Steelman to shoppers hesitant to try out the new gadgets.

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Michigan Tech hockey coach Bill Muckalt (ATH) was a guest on episode 25 of The Reporter’s Corner podcast.

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The Keweenaw Report covered two Michigan Tech researchers, Noel Urban (CEGE) and Pengfei Xue (CEGE/GLRC), being selected for the board of directors for the International Association for Great Lakes Research. Urban will serve as vice president and Xue will be a U.S. regular member of the board.

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Michigan Tech was mentioned by Detroit City Wire in a story about the Detroit News’ Michiganians of the Year awards ceremony. MTU wildlife ecologist Rolf Peterson (CFRES) was one of 10 Michiganders honored for 2025.

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WZMQ 19 News covered Michigan Tech’s hiring of Mike Andrews as head coach of the University's men’s and women’s tennis teams.

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MLive mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about U.S. News and World Report’s “Best Global Universities.” MTU was one of four Michigan universities to make the list, which included the world's top thousand institutions.

Reminders

SDC Closing Saturday and Sunday for Water Line Repairs

The Student Development Complex (SDC) will be closed on Saturday, June 21, and Sunday, June 22, due to essential repairs to our main water line. We will resume our regular summer hours on Monday, June 23.

You can view our facility hours online.

We appreciate your patience during these necessary repairs.

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Color Your World with the Summer Reading Program

The Van Pelt and Opie Library (VPOL) and the Portage Lake District Library (PLDL) are excited to partner for a second year and bring the Summer Reading Program to Michigan Tech! This year’s theme is Color Our World, which the libraries are using to invite you to embark on a journey of art and creativity.

Visit the VPOL anytime between now and Aug. 23 to pick up your reading log, or download a PDF version. Once you are halfway through (350 minutes of reading), stop at the VPOL for one of our custom tote bags and head to the lovely PLDL in downtown Houghton to claim $5 in farmers market bucks. Claim another prize when you finish!

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Juneteenth Celebration

Join the CommUNITY Education Support Team for a Juneteenth celebration! We invite you to come and commemorate this significant day in history. There will be an array of exciting activities for everyone to enjoy, including delicious food, refreshing drinks, engaging outdoor games and a thrilling trivia contest with fantastic prizes. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to celebrate and learn more about Juneteenth.

Our celebration is planned today, June 19, from 1-3 p.m. on the DHH Patio. Questions? Email Julia Keleher at jdkelehe@mtu.edu for more information.

Today's Campus Events

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

Strength and Conditioning : Summer Middle School Program

Lead by the MTU Strength and Conditioning Staff, this 8-week summer program is for athletes looking to improve their performance and fitness level to prepare for the upcoming season. Program includes (3) sessions per week in a varsity collegiate setting and SDC membership access for the duration of the program.

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Strength and Conditioning : Summer High School Program

Lead by the MTU Strength and Conditioning Staff, this 8-week summer program is for athletes looking to improve their performance and fitness level to prepare for the upcoming season. Program includes (3) sessions per week in a varsity collegiate setting and SDC membership access for the duration of the program.

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Fox Valley Alumni Bimonthly Meetup

Fox Valley-based Michigan Tech alumni and friends are invited to join Leah Enking '10 for a bimonthly happy hour on Thursday, June 19, from 6-8 p.m. CT at Appleton Beer Factory. Come ready to network with fellow Huskies and forge new connections. The venue is located at 603 W College Ave, Appleton, WI 54914. Food and beverages will be available for individual purchase. No RSVP is required. Tentative Upcoming Dates Thursday, August 21, 2025 Thursday, October 16, 2025