September 4, 2025

John Vucetich is one of the most recognized wildlife ecologists on the planet, with a body of research that ranges across species and disciplines. The 2025 Michigan Tech Research Award recognizes the depth and breadth of his work, his commitment to teaching and mentorship, and his extraordinary ability as a scientific storyteller.

Vucetich, a distinguished professor in Tech's College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science, is perhaps best known for his research related to the University's Isle Royale wolf-moose project. The 67-year-old study has been based at MTU since 1975, and Vucetich has been a member of the research team since the 1990s. Vucetich is also an alum, earning his bachelor's degree in biology in 1995 and his Ph.D. in Forest Science in 1999 at Michigan Tech.

As important as the high-profile winter study has been to both his career and our understanding of the balance of life on a remote Lake Superior island, Vucetich doesn't view it as his seminal contribution to science.

"Sure, I've held the same post for a number of years, and I've lived in the same place for longer. But it feels to me like my life's work is still revealing itself to me after all these years," he said.

Learn more about Vucetich's body of work and what might lie ahead at Michigan Tech News.

Michigan Tech's new Essential Education minors, launching this fall, are built directly into the Essential Education curriculum. They offer a unique opportunity to explore a specific theme through a variety of disciplinary perspectives. By design, they are a seamless addition to a student's degree, allowing them to broaden their perspective and complement their major without adding to their credit load.

Each Essential Ed minor allows students to engage with a variety of perspectives and disciplines, incorporating courses from specific categories in the curriculum. These include a communication-intensive course, an intercultural competency course and a selection of courses from the humanities, arts, social sciences and business (SHAPE). A key feature is the flexibility for students to customize their coursework within the minor's theme, allowing them to align their learning with their personal and career goals.

The Essential Education Curriculum page includes more specific information about the requirements each minor must meet. As part of their minor pathway, students will create an ePortfolio through Husky Folio, allowing students to reflect on and integrate their learning journey.

We are excited to announce that the following Essential Ed minors are in the final stages for approval:

• AI Ethics
• Creativity and Expression
• Economics and Society
• Entrepreneurship
• Human-Centered Design
• Leadership
• Population Health
• Public Policy and Law
• Sustainability Studies

Stay tuned for a deeper dive into each of these themes in the coming weeks. In the meantime, get a sneak peek into the vision behind these minors by watching our Essential Ed Minors Launch Video on YouTube.

The Department of Public Safety and Police Services has officially moved to the first floor of the Meese Center. 

Student Leadership and Involvement invites faculty and staff to nominate students for the 30th LeaderShape Institute at Michigan Tech.

The LeaderShape Institute is a nationally recognized four-day leadership development retreat that challenges students to lead with integrity, build meaningful relationships and envision a future driven by purpose. This year marks the 30th institute hosted at Michigan Tech, and we are excited to welcome a new class of student leaders into this transformative experience.

We are seeking students from all backgrounds, majors and involvement levels. Whether they are already deeply engaged in campus leadership or just beginning to explore their potential, the institute helps students grow their confidence, strengthen their values and learn how to positively impact their communities.

By submitting a nomination, you can encourage a student to apply and provide them with an opportunity they may not have considered for themselves. Nominated students will receive an email on Sept. 15, when applications officially open, with details about the program and the link to apply.

Nominate a student. If you have any questions about the institute or the nomination process, please email Cole Pierucki at cgpieruc@mtu.edu.

Thank you for helping us inspire the next generation of leaders at Michigan Tech!

Jen Shaud, a Ph.D. student in Applied Cognitive Science and Human Factors, is seeking faculty members from all colleges at MTU to participate in a study about faculty and student perceptions about disability accommodations in higher education and whether these perceptions impact student willingness to request accommodations.

Faculty members will be asked to complete a 15-minute survey and send a link to a student survey to all students in the classes that they currently teach.

The student survey will include questions for students with disabilities that ask them to share whether their perceptions about their accommodations, their perception of their classmates' attitudes about accommodations, and their perception of your feelings about accommodations contributed to their willingness to request accommodations.

This study may impact the best practices for faculty and student disability services at the beginning of each semester. It will take place during late September and October 2025.

Please complete the Perceptions Study Interest Form to indicate your willingness to participate.

Abstracts are being accepted for the 11th Annual American Chemical Society (ACS) Upper Peninsula Student Research Symposium. The symposium will be held at Northern Michigan University on Oct. 4.

The symposium is a venue for students to present their research in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science and engineering, and related fields. Graduate, undergraduate and community college students and high school students from the Upper Peninsula are invited to participate, and we also welcome visitors and community members!

There is no cost to present and lunch will be provided. Prize money will be awarded for the best posters and presentations.

The abstract can be submitted to the registration and abstract submission form. The registration deadline is Sept. 15 at 5 p.m.

We ask all attendees, including presenters, visitors and judges, to please register to ensure we have enough food ordered. Contact Wei Wei at wwei4@mtu.edu for any questions.

This event is sponsored by the ACS Upper Peninsula Local Section, Michigan Tech's College of Engineering and Department of Chemistry, Northern Michigan University and Lake Superior State University.

The University Events Calendar is a great place to advertise your department's events that are hosted or sponsored by Michigan Tech. This crowdsourced events calendar is meant for "attendable" events that need public advertising — not deadlines, closures, private events or internal events such as staff meetings. Events listed can be virtual, in person or a hybrid.

If there is someone in your department who should be in charge of adding events, you can request Event Editor access by emailing webmaster@mtu.edu with the person's name, email address and department. Further details about adding events will then be provided.

Events from the University Events Calendar can be displayed on your department website, and they automatically appear in Tech Today on the day the event takes place. Additional tips for promoting your event can be found online.

Please note: Events hosted by student organizations should be posted on Involvement Link. The University Events Calendar will automatically import Involvement Link events each night.

Russ Becker, CEO and president of APi Group, will present a talk at Michigan Tech on Tuesday, Sept. 9, from 4-4:50 p.m. in Dow 641. 

Becker will discuss leadership, the defining factor between average and exceptional performance, and the belief that everyone, at every level, has the potential to lead.

Cultivating leaders in business drives sustainable growth, innovation and a culture of caring. Discipline, teamwork and resilience shape both character and capability. Investing in your own leadership, on the field, in the classroom and beyond can transform personal success and also strengthen the teams and communities in which we all serve.

Event Details:

• What: "Leadership in Industry" with Russ Becker
• When: Tuesday, Sept. 9, from 4-4:50 p.m.
• Where: Dow 641

About Becker and APi Group:
APi Group is a global market-leading provider of fire and life safety, security, elevator and escalator, and specialty services in over 500 locations worldwide. Becker's leadership is a testament to his unwavering commitment to both the company and its people. By continuously setting high standards of excellence, compassion and strategic growth, he has not only driven APi Group to new heights but has also fostered a culture where every team member feels valued and inspired. 

Becker joined the APi Group family of companies in 1995 at The Jamar Company in Duluth, Minnesota. He started as manager of construction and was named president in 1998, where he served until joining APi Group as president in 2002. He was named CEO in 2004.

Guided by his unwavering commitment to operational excellence, safety, and people-first leadership, Russ established "The Care Factor," APi Group's core belief and cultural cornerstone that ensures every team member feels valued, respected and empowered. This philosophy underpins his dedication to fostering a work environment rooted in compassion and support for all teammates.

Campus is invited to a transformative professional development opportunity that will change how you communicate, lead and drive results in your work. Auxiliary and Business Services is excited to sponsor this professional development workshop and offer this opportunity to Michigan Tech employees at no cost to individuals or departments.

Event Details:

• What: STORI Driven Strategy Workshop with Featured Speaker LaDawn Townsend
• When: Thursday, Sept. 11, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (lunch provided)
• Where: Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts Main Lobby

LaDawn Townsend is CEO of Stori Group and an accomplished business strategist whose expertise has been featured in Inc. and Fortune magazines. She has spoken on global stages, including at NASA and Amazon, and to a bipartisan group of U.S. Congress.

You'll Learn To:

• Craft compelling narratives that align with MTU's goals and resonate across all organizational levels
• Secure stakeholder buy-in by clearly demonstrating the value and return on investment of your initiatives
• Transform complex strategies into actionable plans that inspire innovation and drive results
• Leverage data effectively in decision-making and communicate it persuasively
• Engage and align teams to execute with confidence on strategic objectives

What Makes This Workshop Special?
This isn't just theory — it's hands-on, practical training designed for busy leaders like you. Through interactive exercises, hot-seat coaching and real MTU scenarios, you'll walk away with frameworks you can implement immediately in your daily role.

The workshop is perfect for department leaders, managers, project coordinators, faculty and anyone who needs to communicate strategic ideas, secure resources or drive organizational change.

No registration or RSVP is required, but we do ask that you commit your schedule to the full workshop. Please contact Theresa Coleman-Kaiser at tacolema@mtu.edu if you have any questions or would like to be added to the Google calendar invitation.

This program is partially sponsored by the Visiting Professor Program, which is funded by a grant to the Office of the Provost from the State of Michigan's King-Chávez-Parks Initiative.

Students who want to stand out as future leaders can learn how to tell their story, communicate their ideas and find their leadership style by attending a Student Fireside Chat featuring LaDawn Townsend, CEO of STORI Group and an accomplished business strategist.

Join us for this engaging session next Thursday, Sept. 11, from 7-9 p.m. in the DHH Ballroom.

Students Will Learn:

• How to effectively communicate with senior leadership
• Strategies for tailoring your message to different stakeholders
• Techniques for using data to enhance your professional narrative
• Methods to build credibility and gain buy-in for your ideas

Mark your calendar now for this incredibly powerful and engaging session.

This program is partially sponsored by the Visiting Professor Program, which is funded by a grant to the Office of the Provost from the State of Michigan's King-Chávez-Parks Initiative.

The next Environmental Engineering Graduate Seminar will take place at 3 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 8, in GLRC 202. Attendance is also invited via Zoom. 

Join the Seminar on Zoom (use password 856499).

Andy Erickson, Ph.D., P.E., stormwater research manager in the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory at the University of Minnesota, will present "Five Things We Learned about Road Salt Impacts and Alternatives."

Read Erickson's abstract and bio on the University Events Calendar.

David Krings, Michigan Tech's director of energy management, recently spoke at the Michigan Association of Physical Plant Administrators Summer 2025 Conference, held July 15-18 in Boyne City.

Krings and Jeff Twardzik, founder of QModo AI, presented their results in "The Common Sense AI Workplace," demonstrating how Michigan Tech is using artificial intelligence to monitor HVAC equipment and other machinery in University buildings. Tech has partnered with QModo AI on asset management and documentation since 2022.

"We have applied AI to our Building Management System (BMS), so we can look at our existing controls and instrumentation in a new way. We recognize problems earlier, and our maintenance personnel get better information, and suggestions for making repairs," said Krings.

The system identifies conditions that indicate a failure, and applies logic similar to that of an experienced technician, but one who monitors all of the equipment continuously.

"We currently have a handful of buildings connected to the system, Wadsworth Hall being the largest, and initial results have been encouraging," said Krings. "The feature we really like is the calculated energy savings that tell us the amount of electricity, steam or chilled water that are saved by catching and repairing the defect. It helps us to prioritize the work, and keeps our costs down."

If you are interested in learning more, please contact Krings at dwkrings@mtu.edu.

Tuscola Today in Caro, Michigan, interviewed Michigan Tech student Madison Olar (applied ecology) for a story about her Girl Scouts Gold Award project, which brought a bike rack, recycling bin and water refill station to the city’s farmers market. Olar said the project strengthened her leadership and communication skills while advancing her goal of helping conserve and protect ecosystems.

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The American Society of Civil Engineers mentioned Michigan Tech student Jordan VanderMeer (environmental engineering) in a story highlighting the 2025-26 ASCE Student Ambassadors. VanderMeer is one of 25 students selected nationwide to represent ASCE on their campuses and through social media.

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Midwest Living mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about Houghton being named one of the Midwest’s “cutest small towns to visit this fall.”

Mind Trekkers STEM Festival Heading to Marquette! Volunteers and Exhibitors Needed

Mind Trekkers is bringing our signature brand of hands-on, curiosity-fueled learning to Marquette this fall — and we need your help to make the magic happen!

The OneUP: Superior Shores STEM Festival will take place on Oct. 7 at Northern Michigan University's Jacobetti Complex, welcoming over 600 seventh-grade students from across the Marquette region. This interactive festival is where "science fair meets carnival." Students will explore and engage with real-world science, technology, engineering and math through mind-blowing demonstrations led by volunteers like you.

We're currently seeking exhibitors and volunteers! This is your chance to inspire the next generation of thinkers, makers and explorers.

• Exhibitors: Bring a demo, hands-on activity or tech showcase that sparks curiosity (or use one of ours!).
• Volunteers: Join the action and help run stations, guide students and bring the energy!

Mind Trekkers events are offered free of charge thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and partners. With every demo, we're breaking down barriers to STEM education and building a stronger, more curious future.

• Learn more or sign up to get involved at the 2025 OneUP Superior Shores Festival website
• For questions or partnership inquiries, contact us at mindtrekkers@mtu.edu
• Find out more about Mind Trekkers at our website

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Physics Colloquium with Karla Lassonde

Karla A. Lassonde of Minnesota State University will present at this week's Physics Colloquium. Her presentation is titled "The Science of Learning Meets the Learning of Science: Evidence-Based Strategies for Teachers and Students."

The seminar will be presented  at 4 p.m. today, Sept. 4, in Fisher 139. A coffee hour will be held prior to the colloquium at 3:30 p.m. in the Fisher Hall Lobby.

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

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

Fall Blood Drive

Thursday, September 4, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. | MUB Ballroom

Grab your canteen and roll up your sleeves—it’s time for an adventure that saves lives! Sign up today to donate at the Fall Blood Drive. Whether you’re a first-time donor or a seasoned camper, your generous gift will make a lifesaving impact. Help us reach our goal of 185 units - that’s a merit badge worth earning! The American Red Cross recommends everyone make an appointment, however, walk-ins are welcome based on availability. To schedule, please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or make an appointment online. Learn more on the American Red Cross Website: 1. Eligibility Requirments 2. Type of Blood Donations 3. How Blood Donations Help 4. Common Concerns

Physics Colloquium with Karla Lassonde

Thursday, September 4, 3 p.m.–4 p.m. | Fisher Hall, 139

KARLA A. LASSONDE of MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY will present at this week's Physics Colloquium. Her presentation is titled "THE SCIENCE OF LEARNING MEETS THE LEARNING OF SCIENCE: EVIDENCE-BASED STRATEGIES FOR TEACHERS AND STUDENTS". The seminar will be presented at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday (Sep.4) in Fisher 139. The coffee hour will be held at 3:30 in the Fisher Hall Lobby. Abstract Applying the LEARN Method and other Learning Science Strategies for student and teaching success. I will talk about the LEARN Method, an instructional framework informed by research and practice in the science of learning. The LEARN Method integrates key practices from cognitive psychology, including attention, memory, elaboration, retrieval practice, and planning, to foster learning and effective teaching. Participants will be introduced to strategies that move beyond common learning misconceptions, such as learning styles, and instead emphasize empirically supported practices. Examples include encouraging students to generate multiple retrieval opportunities, connecting new material to prior knowledge, and providing varied cues for encoding. Participants will reflect on their current teaching and learning practices and consider LEARN strategies. Additional resources, including an open-access e-book and classroom materials, will be provided to support ongoing application. Bio Karla Lassonde is a Professor of Cognitive Psychology at Minnesota State University, Mankato where she has been teaching for 17 years. Her research and teaching focuses on memory and student learning. She works on various outreach projects to promote a better understanding of psychological science and how psychology can be applied to the public. One is her student led blog called, Communicating Psychological Science. Another is a program for training students to be better learners called LEARN. Find out more about her and her work at, https://www.karlalassonde.com/

CTL Coffee Chat

Thursday, September 4, 3:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m. | J. Robert Van Pelt and John and Ruanne Opie Library, 243

Join the Center for Teaching and Learning for the following opportunity: Coffee Chats with the CTL – Connect, Share, Inspire Take a break and join the William G. Jackson Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) this Thursday Sept. 4th from 3:30–4:30 p.m. in Library 243 for our biweekly Coffee Chats! Enjoy a complimentary beverage from Velodrome as you connect with colleagues from across campus in a relaxed, informal setting. These sessions offer an open space to: Share teaching ideasLearn from one anotherCollaborate and build communityNo agenda. No presentations. Just rich conversation and meaningful connections. This week’s topic: Tips and Tricks for a Great Semester! We’ll kick off the series by sharing strategies, tools and insights to help set the tone for a successful and engaging semester! Come as you are—whether you're looking for inspiration, support, or simply a warm drink and good company. We’d love to see you there!

Study Away Info Session

Thursday, September 4, 4 p.m.–4 p.m. | Memorial Union Building (MUB), Alumni Lounge A

Want an in-depth introduction to your opportunities to participate in a study away or study abroad program? Attend an info session to learn about our university partnerships and active MTU Faculty-Led programs. How do I find a program that suits my major? How do I compare and contrast between programs in terms of cost and experience? Attend a Study Away Info Session to learn more! If you are unable to attend, please feel free to schedule a 1-1 Study Away advising appointment. Schedule an in-person appointment | Schedule a virtual appointment

AEMT General Meeting

Thursday, September 4, 5:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m. | Fisher 325

Casual meeting to discuss car news and cover club agendas/activities. Bring yourself or bring a friend if they are interested in joining the club! All are welcome.

Basketball With Sigma Pi (Rush)

Thursday, September 4, 6 p.m.–7 p.m. | Student Development Complex

Join the brothers of Sigma Pi for basketball in the SDC!

LinkedIn Workshop

Thursday, September 4, 6 p.m.–6 p.m. | AOB 101

Join AMA for an interactive LinkedIn workshop designed to help you build a professional online presence. We’ll cover profile essentials, networking strategies, and tips to stand out to recruiters. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to polish your page, this session will give you practical tools to take your LinkedIn to the next level.

Weekly Practice

Thursday, September 4, 6:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m. | Upper Field

Come practice your soccer skills with us! We run practice like a competitive club team. We practice similarly to how a competitive club or high school team would. We start with a warm-up lap, dynamic warm-up up and passing. This is followed by technical drills or small-sided games to work out team weak areas. Usually, we end with a scrimmage or shooting.

Football at South Dakota Mines

Thursday, September 4, 8 p.m.–10 p.m. | Rapid City, S.D.

Football at South Dakota Mines Rapid City, S.D.