September 22, 2025

Michigan Tech's 2025 Fall Career Fair Forged by Nucor, happening tomorrow, Sept. 23, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Student Development Complex (SDC), is the keystone species of the University's robust career development ecosystem. More than just a job fair, the event directly contributes to the University's exceptional employment outcomes — including a record career placement rate and a median early career salary of $82,400 — and has become a powerful, influential factor in student success.

Career Fair is the centerpiece of Career Fest, an extensive series of workshops, resume reviews and networking sessions that provide students with the confidence and skills to make meaningful connections that go far beyond a simple resume drop. As hundreds of companies and thousands of recruiters descend upon the SDC this week, they expect and look forward to an event that consistently delivers on its promise to connect industry needs with top-tier talent.

"The 2025 Fall Career Fair is a powerful testament to the value of a Michigan Tech education," said Cody Kangas, Michigan Tech's executive director for career services. "It's an event where a student's hard work is validated by high demand from the marketplace, proving that the University's tradition of hands-on, purpose-driven learning is the most direct path to a successful and impactful career."

Read the full story at Michigan Tech News.

As Huskies gear up for Michigan Technological University's Fall Career Fair on Tuesday, Sept. 23, they're looking for on-point advice to land co-ops, internships and full-time jobs.

Cody Woodbury ’20 has them covered. Woodbury is a process engineer at Koppers, a global leader in the development of progressive wood treatment technologies. In this Q&A, he shares his experience as a Michigan Tech student who did a co-op with the company and went on to be hired full-time.

Get the chemical engineering grad's practical advice for students on topics like why it’s important to ask prospective employers questions, how to understand what success looks like during a co-op, and how to make the most of your time at Tech.

Read the Q&A on the College of Engineering Blog.

Following the campus conversations held during spring 2025 and the Tomorrow's Needs pieces published in Tech Today throughout fall 2024, eight areas emerged — currently referenced as themes/initiatives and threads/pillars. Academic deans and institute directors were then asked to nominate faculty in these areas who could serve as conveners.

Themes/Initiatives:

• Critical Resources for the Future
  • Conveners : Ana Dyreson, Luke Nave, Lei Pan and Paul van Susante
• Advanced Technologies for National Security
  • Conveners:  Henry Schmidt, Dave Schultz, Bhisham Sharma and Xinfeng Xei
• Smart Infrastructure and Communities
  • Conveners: Jason Archer, Val Gagnon, Anna Stuhlmacher and Keith Vertanen
• Health and Well-Being
  • Conveners: Hoda Hatoum, Guy Hembroff, Smitha Rao Hatti and Mark Tang

Threads/Pillars:

• The Digital World
  • Conveners: Sarah Bell, Jun Dai, Evan Lucas and Vinh Nguyen
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship
  • Conveners: Ellie Asgari, Mike Morley, Shane Oberloier and Len Switzer
• Rural Communities and Development 
  • Conveners: Jenny Apriesnig, Richelle Winkler and Pengfei Xue
• Education and Workforce Development
  • Conveners: Briana Bettin, Kit Cischke and Aleksandr Sergeyev

Provost Andrew Storer and Vice President for Research Andrew Barnard held a kickoff meeting for the conveners on July 17, and since then the conveners have been meeting with their respective areas and reaching out to potential internal and external stakeholders.

Your input is needed. Each of these groups will be holding campus conversations over the next month or two in order to learn who might be interested in each area and to assist in defining their scope. Please watch Tech Today and the Research Navigator Newsletter for announcements regarding upcoming campus conversations and mark your calendar to attend the ones you are interested in learning more about or participating in. You can also reach out directly to the convener groups with ideas and requests.

By the start of spring 2026, we anticipate a total of up to five themes moving forward as Tech Forward 2.0 initiatives, so again, your input is important.

To All MTU Faculty: The Campus Store invites you to participate in the 2025 Faculty Watch Survey. Your input is very important to us. This survey will only take about 15 minutes of your time. By participating, you will be entered to win a $50 gift card.

Take the Faculty Watch Survey.

The deadline to participate is noon on Oct. 31.

What's Faculty Watch?
Faculty Watch is an annual survey conducted by OnCampus Research. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate faculty attitudes and behaviors toward their course materials (i.e., textbooks and other materials required for their classes). The survey also asks about related topics, like the use of artificial intelligence and interaction with your college bookstore. The survey does not collect your personal information, and no attempt is made to sell you anything.

The information collected from the survey is used to track nationwide trends in course materials assigned, format preferences and how materials are used in teaching. Additionally, Michigan Tech will receive a school-specific report comparing the University's responses to other schools across the U.S. and Canada.

What's In It for Me?
Aside from helping us gain a better perspective of faculty wants, needs and perceptions, you will be entered to win a $50 gift card. Michigan Tech may also be able to use the results from Faculty Watch to inform policy or practice.

Privacy
Your responses to the survey are confidential. Results will only be published in the aggregate.

Thank you for your consideration!

As Michigan Tech IT recently announced, the University is transitioning from Banner 8 to 9. Beginning today, Sept. 22, all Banweb Self Service functions will move to Experience.

For employees and supervisors, this change brings a new Payroll Card inside Experience that provides direct links to the payroll functions you use most often:

• Timesheet Entry — Complete and submit your time reporting.
• Timesheet Approval — Supervisors can review and approve employee time.
• Direct Deposit Updates — Manage your banking information securely.
• Tax Forms — Access your W-2 and other payroll-related tax documents.

Transition Timeline for Payroll:

• Bi-Weekly 20 (Timesheets Due Sept. 29) — Banweb payroll functions will no longer be available. All timesheet entry, approvals and payroll-related updates must be completed in Experience.

By centralizing these tools into one easy-to-find card, Experience makes navigating payroll tasks faster and more intuitive.

Resources:

• Experience Knowledge Base Article – Learn how to use Experience
• Payroll Knowledge Base Resources – Coming soon, with screenshots and step-by-step guides for payroll tasks.

If you have payroll-specific questions, please contact Payroll Services at payroll@mtu.edu. For technical support with Experience, email IT or call 906-487-1111.

Campus and local community members are invited to a community picnic celebrating the opening of the Keweenaw Nature Megaphone at the Michigan Tech Trails. Bring a chair, a hammock or blanket, and come join us to celebrate the Tech Trails' first community sculpture.

The picnic is planned from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Tech Trails. It will be held near the Tech Trails main trailhead on Sharon Avenue, at the intersection of the Tecumseh and Sure Would trails where the megaphone is installed.

The Keweenaw Nature Megaphone is a cone-shaped cedarwood sculpture designed to help people experience natural sounds in new ways. It was designed by Lisa Gordillo, associate professor in MTU's Department of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA). Gordillo is also the artist-in-residence at the University's College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science (CFRES), and the megaphone is a collaboration between VPA and CFRES, with funding support from the Keweenaw Community Foundation. More than 60 students worked on the project, which has spanned four years.

"A nature megaphone is an interactive sculpture for the forest," said Gordillo, "It's an intersection of so many things; art, acoustic ecology, entertainment design, well-being, community, and sustainability. It allows people to experience nature in a different way than they might be expecting."

The picnic is free and open to all ages. It will feature light refreshments, live music by Michigan Tech's workshop bands, and activities created by students studying entertainment design.

In case of rain, the picnic will move to Sunday, Sept. 28.

Event Details:

• What: Community Picnic Celebrating the Keweenaw Nature Megaphone's Opening
• When: Saturday, Sept. 27, from 2-4 p.m. (with a backup rain date of Sunday, Sept. 28)
• Where: The Michigan Tech Trails (parking available at the MTU Trailhead on Sharon Avenue)

Dean Thelen from Corning Research & Development Corporation will present at this week's Physics Colloquium.

Thelen's presentation is titled "Electrical Conduction of Glasses Used in Displays."

The seminar will be presented  at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 25, in Fisher 139. The coffee hour will be held at 3:30 p.m. in the Fisher Hall Lobby.

Read Thelen's abstract and bio at the University Event Calendar.

The Department of Psychology and Human Factors will host Jason Harman at the next Applied Cognitive Science and Human Factors (ACSHF) Forum, being held next Monday, Sept. 29, from 3-4 p.m. in the M&M Third Floor Coworking Space.

Harman is an associate professor in the Department of Psychology and Human Factors and will present "ATOM: Adaptive Taxonomic Modeling of Variability in Judgment and Decision Making."

Harman will be discussing the multi-university research initiative recently funded by the U.S. Office of Naval Research. While biases (systematic predictable errors) in judgment and decision-making have been the subject of considerable study, variability in human judgment and decision-making has only received piecemeal attention and, thus, there is a lack of a strong empirical and theoretical understanding of it. The objective of ATOM (Adaptive Taxonomic Modeling of Variability in Judgment and Decision Making) is to create an empirically validated taxonomy of decision variability that will guide the identification, modeling and manipulation of variability across settings and use cases. Harman will outline the theoretical approach of the ATOM project and present early experimental findings.

Iowa's Sun Courier quoted a column written by Kayla Gabehart (SS) in a story discussing the "fierce grassroots opposition" to Tama County's Salt Creek Wind Phase II wind power development project. Gabehart's column examined recent state policies and environmental initiatives that divide urban and rural residents in Colorado.

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The Daily Mining Gazette quoted Christian Montesinos (IPS) in a preview story about Michigan Tech's 36th annual Parade of Nations, held Saturday, Sept. 20, with students from 57 countries expected to participate. The parade traveled from campus to Dee Stadium and was followed by a multicultural festival featuring international food, music and performances. Lake Superior Magazine also mentioned the Parade of Nations in their weekly newsletter.

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WLUC TV6 featured Michigan Tech football player Dante Basanese in its "UP Power! Spotlight," quoting both Basanese and head coach Dan Mettlach (ATH). The story highlighted Basanese's journey from Iron Mountain to Huskies captain, noting his leadership, defensive play and impact on the team's early-season success.

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WLUC TV6 quoted Mont Ripley general manager Chris Maxson in a story about the start of fall chairlift rides at the ski area. Maxson highlighted the views and the opportunity for families visiting during Michigan Tech's Parents and Families Weekend to enjoy the experience together.

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The Cool Down mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about innovative approaches to invasive species. The article highlighted research by MTU alum Abe Stone '24 (B.S. Ecology and Evolutionary Biology), who developed a mushroom-based treatment to control invasive buckthorn without harming other plants.

Hitachi SEM 'Nanowonder' Opening Reception at Rozsa Art Galleries

The opening reception for Nanowonder: Images of the Microscopic World, a juried exhibition of photographs taken by the Hitachi Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) during its residency at Michigan Tech, is this Friday, Sept. 26, from 5-7 p.m. at the Rozsa Center Art Galleries.

The reception is free and open to all, and there will be light refreshments. The Hitachi SEM will be available to attendees who would like to scan their own small, dry specimens and take an exciting trip beyond the surface in real time!

This exhibit is a partnership between MTU's Applied Chemical and Morphological Analysis Laboratory (ACMAL), Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Department of Visual and Performing Arts and A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Miller, ACMAL director, at eafraki@mtu.edu.

Rozsa Center Art Galleries Hours:
Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. | Saturday 1-8 p.m.

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Beginner-Friendly Student Hackathon Competition

Ever wanted to hack? Join Michigan Tech's Institute of Computing and Cybersystems (ICC) for the 2025 Vehicle Hackathon!

The hackathon competition will be held Oct. 1-2, during Days 1 and 2 of the 2025 Computing [MTU] Showcase. Students will work as teams to hack various systems of a robot car as quickly as possible.

No hacking experience is required. We welcome students with all levels of cybersecurity familiarity to sign up to participate! The first day will be a training session to establish the basics needed to contribute as a team member in the competition, lowering the bar of cybersecurity familiarity needed to participate in the competition.

Winning teams will receive scholarship prizes. All participants will recieve a gift card and get entered into a raffle!

Sign Up for the Vehicle Hackathon.

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2025 MTU Three Minute Thesis Competition

Three Minute Thesis or 3MT is an international competition developed by the University of Queensland Australia. Graduate Student Government (GSG) at Michigan Tech hosts an annual competition every fall, and the winner will present at the regional levels of the competition.

Michigan Tech's 2025 3MT competition will be held on Nov. 4 in the MUB Ballroom. The schedule will be available one week prior to the event. For more information on the competition, please see GSG's Three Minute Thesis page.

Eligibility: All MTU graduate students are eligible for campus-based competition and awards, but only active Ph.D. students are eligible to move on to the regional competition.

Register for Three Minute Thesis.

The deadline for registration is Oct. 27.

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BioSci Seminar and Reception with Michael Morykwas

Michael Morykwas, professor emeritus of plastic and reconstructive surgery, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, will present a seminar hosted by the Department of Biological Sciences (BioSci) today, Sept. 22, from 3-4 p.m. in Chem Sci 101. The department will also be holding a post-seminar reception beginning at 4 p.m. in the same room.

Morykwas' presentation is titled "Effects of Controlled Sub-atmospheric Pressure on Tissue."

Morykwas has cross appointments in radiology – biomedical engineering in the School for Biomedical Engineering and Sciences (joint with Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University), the Wake Forest Institute of Regenerative Medicine, and the Center for Biomolecular Imaging.  He is also the co-founder, president and chief science officer of Renovo Concepts Inc.

Morykwas attended Michigan Technological University and the University of Detroit. He then earned his Ph.D. in Bioengineering from the University of Michigan.

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

Nanowonder: Images of the Microscopic World Gallery Exhibit - Rozsa Art Galleries

Monday, September 22, 8 a.m.–7 p.m. | Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts, Rozsa Art Galleries

MICHIGAN TECH ART SERIES EVENT For centuries, humanity has been fascinated with the microscopic world. Through advancements in technology, visually investigating this hidden landscape has become increasingly possible. One of these devices, the Hitachi Scanning Electron Microscope, allows us to see the microscopic surface of things more clearly than ever before. The Art Galleries at MTU’s Rozsa Center are proudly hosting a juried exhibition of photographs taken by the Hitachi SEM during its residency at Michigan Tech. Titled Nanowonder, this exhibition is truly collaborative and emphasizes how powerful the relationship between science and the arts can be. See beyond the surface of your stuff for free! The Hitachi Scanning Electron Microscope will be on location at the gallery reception on Friday September 26, 5-7pm. The reception is free, open to all, and light refreshments will be served. All are welcome to bring a small (approx 1"x1"), dry, flat sample to be scanned by the microscope technicians. Support for this event provided by Hitachi, ACMAL (Applied Chemical and Morphological Analysis Laboratory) at Michigan Tech, A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum, Michigan Tech Visual and Performing Arts Department, Michigan Tech Biomedical Engineering Department, Michigan Tech Materials Science and Engineering Department, and Michigan Tech College of Sciences and Arts. Things to know ROZSA ART GALLERIES HOURS | M-F 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Saturdays 1-8 p.m. EXHIBIT DATES | September 12-November 7, 2025 RECEPTION | Friday, September 26, 2025 | 5-7 p.m. ADMISSION| Free and open to the public CONTENT GUIDANCE | none Plan your visit with information about parking, accessibility, and more. Rozsa Art Galleries are open 8 a.m.-8 p.m. M-F and 1-8 p.m. on Saturdays. Closed during academic recesses. Contact the Rozsa Box Office for more information. Thanks to Our Sponsors Support for this Michigan Tech Art Event provided by: and the Visual and Performing Arts Circle of Supporters. About the Presenter Professional exhibitions in the Rozsa Art Galleries. Student showcases. Artist Talks with Studio Here Now. Cross-campus collaborations. The Michigan Tech Art Series offers dynamic programming that supports Michigan Tech students and our wider community. Part of the the annual Rozsa Season, the Michigan Tech Art, Music, and Theatre Series are presented by the Visual and Performing Arts Department. Through these series, students from across campus, community members, and faculty create art that connects us to the world. With majors in audio production and technology, sound design, theatre and entertainment technology, and nine minors, the department fosters creativity, self-motivation, and the development of practical and artistic skills. Everyone is welcome, and there's something for everyone. View all Michigan Tech Art Series Events. Related Events Nanowonder: Images of the Microscopic World Gallery Exhibit - Rozsa Art Galleries September 12-November 7, 2025 Reception | Friday, September 26, 2025 | 5-7 p.m. Artful Intersections: Fall Student Art Showcase - Rozsa Art Galleries November 21-December 2, 2025 Reception | Tuesday, December 2, 2025 | 5-7 p.m. Through the Quiet Hours: Night Sky Photography Gallery Exhibit - Rozsa Art Galleries January 16-23, 2026 Reception | Friday, January 16, 2026 | 5-7 p.m. Women's Rights are Human Rights Gallery Exhibit - Rozsa Art Galleries January 30-March 28, 2026 Reception | Friday, January 30, 2026 | 5-7 p.m. Beyond the Frame: Spring Student Art Showcase - Rozsa Art Galleries April 10-14, 2026 Reception | Friday, April 10, 2026 | 5-7 p.m. Explore upcoming Michigan Tech Art Events. Plan Your Visit to the Rozsa Rozsa Box Office InformationAccessibility Services Find a Digital ProgramPlan your Parking​ Get Involved Volunteer to UsherDonate to Support the RozsaMeet Our DonorsGet Updates via Email View All Upcoming Events Personal Responsibility Statement Not all productions may appeal to or be appropriate for every person or for all ages. The Rozsa Center provides content guidance to alert audience members to common potentially sensitive or distressing material. Guests are encouraged to familiarize themselves with each event in order to make informed decisions prior to attending an event. Views Expressed Statement The views, information, thoughts, or opinions expressed in this program or event are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent the policies of the Rozsa Center or Michigan Technological University. Effective Date: 2025/26.

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Career Fest: Partner Day

Monday, September 22, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. | Campus Mall, Career Services Tent

Your Launchpad for Career Exploration, Networking & Skill Building Looking to build your confidence and career readiness' MTU Career Fest offers a series of hands-on, informal networking events designed to help you explore industries, engage with employers, and grow key professional skills ' all while enjoying the energy of the campus mall.Explore booths, ask questions, and discover how your interests connect with real-world opportunities. Learn what employers make, what they do, and what kinds of careers they offer. This is a great way to build Career & Self-Development, Communication, and Professionalism skills in a low-pressure setting. No suit or resume required ' just curiosity and a willingness to learn!

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Resume and Interview Prep with Employers

Monday, September 22, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. | Memorial Union Building (MUB, Building 34), Alumni Lounge

Get real-time advice from the experts'employers who actually read resumes and conduct interviews! This interactive session gives you the chance to sit down with recruiters to review your resume and practice common interview questions. You'll receive personalized feedback on how to present your experience, communicate your strengths, and make a lasting impression.

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Implementation and Performance Evaluation of Large-Scale High-Rubber-Content Asphalt Projects in Michigan

Monday, September 22, 3 p.m.

Environmental Engineering Graduate Seminar Zhanping You, Distinguished Professor, Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering, Michigan Tech Abstract: Recycling scrap tires as crumb rubber in asphalt pavements offers both environmental and engineering benefits. This seminar highlights three high-rubber-content demonstration projects in Michigan: a pilot chip seal and thin overlay in Kalamazoo County (24% rubber, dry process), a large-scale overlay on Dixie Highway in Saginaw County (22% rubber, wet process), and a 4.6-mile reconstruction on CR 573 in Dickinson County (20% rubber, dry process). Laboratory and field evaluations show that these rubberized mixtures deliver superior cracking resistance, adequate rutting performance, and durability, with fracture energy and CT Index values three to four times higher than control mixtures. Collectively, these projects demonstrate the feasibility of producing and paving high-rubber-content asphalt using standard equipment, advancing sustainable and resilient pavement infrastructure while diverting tens of thousands of tires from landfills. Presenter Bio: Dr. Zhanping You is a Distinguished Professor and University Professor in the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering at Michigan Technological University, where he also serves as Director of the Michigan Tech Transportation Institute. He earned his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and is internationally recognized for his expertise in asphalt materials, sustainable pavement technologies, and low-carbon infrastructure. Dr. You has led over 100 research projects funded by federal, state, and industry agencies and has authored more than 400 peer-reviewed publications. He is a Fellow of both the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the Engineering Mechanics Institute (EMI). His numerous honors include the Michigan Tech Research Award, a Best Paper Award from the Transportation Research Board (TRB), and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation Faculty Fellowship. Dr. You is deeply committed to advancing innovation, education, and sustainability in transportation engineering.

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Open Air Info Session

Monday, September 22, 3 p.m.–4 p.m. | Campus Mall, Husky Plaza (Featuring Husky Statue)

Stop by to network with companies the afternoon before the career fair. Meet the recruiters to get a better understanding of the types of jobs they offer and what kinds of careers they may have for you. Shake their hand today. Be more relaxed tomorrow when you see them at the Career Fair.

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AiChE CME Networking Reception

Monday, September 22, 3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. | Chemical Sciences and Engineering Building (ChemSci, Building 19), Outside Between ChemSci & RL Smith

Join employers the night before the Career Fair in this casual mixer. Mix with company representatives to learn what career opportunities are available for you.

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COB Networking Reception

Monday, September 22, 4:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m. | Memorial Union Building (MUB, Building 34), Commons

This event is designed to be an informal 'Meet & Greet' style event for companies and students.

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German Stammtisch Conversation Hour

Monday, September 22, 4:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. | Walker Arts and Humanities Center, 120C

Join us every other Monday at 4:30 this fall for Stammtisch, German conversation, snacks, games, and more in Walker 120C in the HDMZ! All levels of German are welcome! Questions? Contact Stephanie Rowe sdrowe@mtu.edu

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Deep Dives

Monday, September 22, 5:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m. | Fisher 231

Deep Dives is a biweekly program designed to bring students together to share their research, personal journeys, and ideas in an open and collaborative environment. The series provides an opportunity to connect with peers, spark curiosity, and foster community through science and conversation. For those interested, one-to-one mentoring will also be available to offer personalized guidance in the research areas discussed. Pizza will be provided.

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Evening with Industry

Monday, September 22, 5 p.m.–6 p.m. | MUB Ballroom

Evening with Industry – Networking Dinner presented by Society of Women Engineers Kick off Career Fair with Evening with Industry! Join us for a professional networking dinner with company representatives who are eager to meet and hire students like you. This is your chance to build connections, sharpen your networking skills, and get a head start before the big day at Career Fair. Take this opportunity to work on your elevator pitch, gain confidence networking and- you even get a free dinner! Sign-up Here!

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MSE Networking Reception

Monday, September 22, 5:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m. | Minerals and Materials Engineering Building (M&M, Building 12), 6th Floor Hallway

This event is designed to be an informal 'Meet & Greet' style event for companies and students.

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Biomedical BME Networking Reception

Monday, September 22, 5:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m. | H-STEM Engineering and Health Technologies Complex (H-STEM, Building 114), H-STEM Lobby

Join employers the night before the Career Fair in this casual mixer. Mix with company representatives to learn what career opportunities are available for you.

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Pavlis Networking Reception

Monday, September 22, 5:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m. | Minerals and Materials Engineering Building (M&M, Building 12), Pavlis Honors College - 722

Join employers the night before the Career Fair in this casual mixer. Mix with company representatives to learn what career opportunities are available for you.

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CEGE Networking Reception

Monday, September 22, 6:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m. | Rozsa Center (Building 10), Lobby

Join employers the night before the Career Fair in this casual mixer. Mix with company representatives to learn what career opportunities are available for you.

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General Meeting

Monday, September 22, 7 p.m.–7 p.m. | Fisher 101

KS at MTU weekly general meeting.