October 3, 2025

Gopal Jayaraman, who served as a professor of engineering mechanics and biomechanics at Michigan Technological University from 1980 to 2018, passed away on March 13. Born in a small village in India on July 11, 1940, he rose from humble beginnings to become a respected educator, biomechanics researcher and philanthropist.

Known for his optimism, kindness and dedication to helping others, "Dr. Jay" made a lasting impact through his teaching, research and support for underprivileged children.

He was a devoted husband to Manimegalai and father to Roop and Vijay. He cherished the opportunities he found at Michigan Tech and held a deep love for Houghton, which he fondly called "God's country." His legacy of compassion, excellence and service will be remembered by all who knew him.

Joining Michigan Tech in 1980 as a visiting associate professor, Jayaraman's tenure became permanent in 1989. A respected expert in orthopaedic mechanics, impact injury mechanics, sports safety mechanics and solid mechanics-elastic stability, he taught a wide range of courses and was a dedicated mentor. He served as the primary advisor for 23 master's students and two doctoral students and was a committee member for many others.

Throughout his career, Jayaraman received numerous prestigious awards, including the American Orthopedic Society of Sports Medicine O'Donaghue Award, the Scoliosis Research Society Russell S. Hibbs Award and the Arthroscopic Association of North America's Richard O'Connor Research Award. He was an active member of several national and international organizations, including the American Academy of Mechanics, the American Society for Engineering Education, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the Biomedical Engineering Society and the Orthopaedic Research Society.

Upon his retirement in August 2016, Jayaraman was honored with the title of professor emeritus. He then held a research professor appointment for an additional year, following over 35 years of invaluable contributions to both Michigan Tech and his field.

We encourage those wishing to send memories or condolences to the family to address them to the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) office here at Michigan Tech. We will ensure all messages are forwarded directly to Dr. Jayaraman's family.

Dear Researchers,

This is a friendly reminder that all undergraduate students engaged in research must complete the CITI Program Undergraduate Researcher Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Training Course before engaging in any research activities. This is a requirement to ensure compliance with institutional and federal research guidelines.

Please ensure your undergraduate students complete the course at their earliest convenience. If you or your students have any questions about accessing the CITI Program, please visit RCR Policies and Procedures for further instructions.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter and for your commitment to maintaining ethical research practices.

Nominations are now open for the 2026 MAGS/ProQuest Distinguished Thesis Award. Please submit nominations to the Graduate School no later than 4 p.m. on Oct. 29, following our online instructions. This year, nominations are being accepted from dissertations in the fields of:

• Biological and Life Sciences
• Humanities and Fine Arts

Michigan Tech may nominate one student in each field. Master’s students who have completed all of their degree requirements between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2025, are eligible. The fields of competition for 2026 will be Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Engineering; and Social Sciences.

Contact the Graduate School at gradschool@mtu.edu if you have any questions about the competition.

Transportation Services is happy to announce the completion of a brand-new parking lot on campus.

Based on student demand, comments and suggestions, Lot 19, located on Woodland Road to the west of Wadsworth Hall, is now open and available for use. The lot offers 24-hour parking through ParkMobile digital meters and provides 28 spaces for anyone paying through ParkMobile.

The lot is now open. However, you may notice some caution tape or cones blocking certain spaces as final touches are completed, including the installation of signage and lighting.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email, call or stop by Transportation Services.

Are you looking for powerful ways to incorporate meaningful reflection into your courses using Husky Folio powered by PebblePad? Join us for a series of workshops designed to help you identify and refine reflection activities and master Husky Folio powered by PebblePad to unlock richer student learning experiences.

These sessions are perfect for all faculty who need to incorporate Husky Folio assignments into their courses, especially those teaching Essential Education courses.

Faculty using Husky Folio Option 1 “Student shares a PebblePad link to Canvas” are encouraged to come to Session 1: Husky Folio Basics and Session 3: Reflection. Faculty using Husky Folio Option 2 “Faculty connect Canvas assignments to PebblePad Workspace” are encouraged to attend all four sessions.

Husky Folio is not limited to just Essential Education courses! All are welcome to explore how to incorporate reflective practice and folio thinking into their courses.

Workshop Series Schedule
We've scheduled two series of workshops to fit your busy schedule. All workshops will take place in Library 243.

• Tuesdays from 10-10:50 a.m. — Oct. 7, 14, 21, and 28
• Wednesdays from 12-12:50 p.m. — Oct. 8, 15, 22, and 29

Workshop Details:

• Husky Folio Basics — Oct. 7 or Oct. 8 
  Get familiar with the PebblePad dashboard, key terminology and the various components of the tool from a learner's perspective.

• Husky Folio Structured Templates and Workbooks — Oct. 14 or Oct. 15
  Learn to design and build structured learning materials for your students, guiding them through complex assignments or required portfolio components.

• Reflection — Oct. 21 or Oct. 22
  Discover effective pedagogical strategies for incorporating reflection into your coursework to deepen student understanding and connection to learning outcomes.

• Husky Folio: Behind the Scenes — Oct. 28 or Oct. 29
  Master ATLAS, the administrative side of Husky Folio. You'll learn how to connect your course to PebblePad, link to it from Canvas assignments, review student work submitted to ATLAS, and provide feedback.

To attend one or more of these workshops, complete the Husky Folio Workshop Registration Form.

Self-Paced Learning Option
This year, PebblePad is offering free Self-Serve Training! This is a great option if you prefer to learn to use PebblePad on your own schedule. To learn more and sign up, please visit PebblePad Self Serve Training. Note that there is not currently a self-serve training option for the Reflection workshop.

We're here to support you in integrating Husky Folio into your courses. Please don't hesitate to reach out to Husky Folio Director AJ Hamlin at ahamlin@mtu.edu if you need any assistance.

Join the Department of Humanities today, Oct. 3, at 4 p.m. for visiting scholar Stuart Kendall's keynote presentation, "What Are Humans For?" This public talk on the present and future of interdisciplinary study will examine the strategies of several exemplary interdisciplinary thinkers.

The talk will take place in the atrium of the U. J. Noblet Forestry Building, and is free and open to all.

Kendall is a historian of thought and media as well as a design theorist who has lectured and run workshops at colleges, universities, conferences and colloquia nationally and internationally. As an academic leader, he created new majors, coursework concentrations and assessment tools in interdisciplinary humanities; environmental and animal studies; and media and design history, theory and criticism.

Find a full abstract on the Humanities News blog.

The next Environmental Engineering Graduate Seminar will take place at 3 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 6, via Zoom. 

Join the Seminar on Zoom (use password 856499).

Kay Millerick, associate professor, Department of Civil, Environmental & Construction Engineering, Texas Tech, will present "What Does it Take to Commercialize Biosolids in 2025?"

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

Yan Feng, principal atmospheric scientist and head of the Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Department in the Environment Science Division at Argonne National Laboratory, will give a talk on Monday, Oct. 6, at 4 p.m. in GLRC 202.

A social with refreshments will be held at 3:30 p.m. in the GLRC Lobby on the first floor.

The presentation is titled "Progresses and Challenges: Improving Representation of Aerosol Climate Effects in the DOE’s Earth System Model."

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

Job Postings for Tuesday, Sept. 30, 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.

Data Analyst, College of Engineering.

Research Associate, Materials Science and Engineering.

Food Service Helper – First Shift (nine months, 40 hours) #25251, 25257, Dining Services. (AFSCME posting dates are Oct. 3 to Oct. 9, 2025. External applicants are encouraged to apply; however, internal AFSCME applicants are given first consideration if they apply during the internal AFSCME posting dates.)

Senior Office Assistant (10 months, 40 hours) #25243, William G. Jackson Center for Teaching and Learning. (​UAW posting dates are Oct. 3 to Oct. 9, 2025. External applicants are encouraged to apply; however, internal UAW applicants are given first consideration if they apply during the internal UAW posting dates.)

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.

From Sept. 29 to Oct. 2, Great Lakes Research Center members attended the OCEANS 2025 Great Lakes conference, held at Navy Pier in Chicago, Illinois.

GLRC Executive Director Tim Havens served as general co-chair of the conference and also as a session chair for its Imaging and Vision track.

GLRC Senior Research Engineer Hayden Henderson presented two talks:

• "Building Capacity to Measure and Assess Offshore, Full-frequency Water Level Fluctuations to Support Coastal Hazard Observation and Prediction"
• "Benthic Blueprint: Integrating Fieldwork and Data Science to Characterize High-Priority Habitats of the Great Lakes"

Henderson also participated in making a townhall discussion titled “From Sensor to Stakeholder: How Observations Drive Decision-Making Across the Great Lakes.”

GLRC intern Jenna DeVries presented her work, titled "Lake Superior Mapping and Archaeological Exploration Using Uncrewed Technology."

GlobeNewswire, Yahoo! Finance and 251 additional outlets mentioned Paul van Susante (MAE) in a story about his selection to the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Class of 2026 Associate Fellows.

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Colorado’s Berthoud Weekly Surveyor quoted John Vucetich and Rolf Peterson (both CFRES) in the third installment of its four-part series on wolf reintroduction in the state. Vucetich and Peterson discussed findings from the Isle Royale wolf-moose project and the impacts of lethal control, relocation and other management practices on wolf populations.

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UPword quoted Dennis Livesay (CC) in a story about Michigan Tech’s fourth annual Computing [MTU] Showcase. Sponsored by MTU’s Institute of Computing and Cybersystems and the College of Computing, the event explored the theme “Digital Frontiers: Advancing Computing for a Better World.”

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Noti Uno in San Juan, Puerto Rico, covered the participation of two University of Puerto Rico Bayamón students in the Michigan Tech Health Research Institute’s 2025 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship program. Yara Cintrón López and Aleysha Negrón Olivero discussed their experience and the research they participated in.

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Grand Rapids’ Mix 95.7 WLHT-FM highlighted a video captured by Michigan Tech students from the Waterski and Wakeboard Club who encountered a moose while waterskiing on the Portage Canal.

Faculty Invited to Participate in 2025 Midyear Commencement

Michigan Tech's 2025 Midyear Commencement ceremony will take place on Dec. 13 at 10:30 a.m. in the SDC Varsity Gym.

Faculty are cordially invited to participate in the faculty procession to support students in their department at the ceremony. Faculty presence means a great deal to the students and their families. Members of the procession wear regalia, march in the procession, and sit as a group to show support for the graduates.

To participate in the ceremony on Dec. 13, please submit the Commencement Ceremony Participation Form by Oct. 17.

Faculty may order caps and gowns through the Campus Store's Graduation Information page before noon on Monday, Oct. 6, to receive the lowest price. Expedited shipping fees will apply to all orders placed after Monday. Orders placed after noon on Nov. 10 are not guaranteed to arrive before Midyear Commencement.

We hope you will join us!

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Faculty Information Session on DataSENSE NRT

Faculty who do research and mentor students in the broad areas of computational analysis, sensors and sensing technology, with application domains of the environment are invited to attend an information session on the DataSENSE NRT project.

• DataSENSE Faculty Information Session
  Monday, Oct. 6, from 10-11 a.m. in Fisher 101

The DataSENSE project (Data Science-Enabled Sensing of the Environment) provides training for graduate students to address complex, interdisciplinary, environmental problems.

We are actively recruiting and looking to support incoming students for our next cohort of funded trainees in fall 2026.

The information session will provide more information on the DataSENSE project, events related to the project, and student funding opportunities.

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Civil Engineering Seminar with Ashley P. Thrall

The Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering is hosting a civil engineering seminar presented by Ashley P. Thrall from 11 a.m. to noon on Monday, Oct. 6, in Dow 875.

Thrall's presentation is titled "New Approaches for Rapid Fabrication and Construction of Resilient Steel Bridges."

The talk will include a brief lunch including pizza and beverages.

Read Thrall's abstract and bio.

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

Men's Ice Hockey at Minnesota

Friday, October 3, 12–2 a.m. | Minneapolis, MN

Men's Ice Hockey at Minnesota Minneapolis, MN

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

Friday, October 3, 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.

Tech Forward 2.0 Campus Conversation — The Digital World

Friday, October 3, 10–10 a.m. | Memorial Union Building (MUB), Alumni Lounge

As noted in the Tech Forward 2.0 article published in Tech Today Sept. 22, 2025, each Tech Forward 2.0 theme/initiative and thread/pillar convener group is holding a campus conversation to share their ideas, seek feedback and gauge interest. The conveners for the thread/pillar Tech Forward 2.0 Discussion — The Digital World will hold a campus conversation Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, from 10-11 a.m. in the MUB Alumni Lounge. As technology, data and artificial intelligence become more prolific in society, Michigan Tech aims to continue our strong presence in tomorrow's evolving digital landscape. Conveners for the Tech Forward 2.0 thread/pillar The Digital World have drafted a strategic plan to build upon Michigan Tech's data and AI capacity in research, education and administration. The Tech Forward 2.0 Digital World Discussion is a campuswide meeting to solicit feedback on the strategic plan. Strategic initiatives that will be discussed include: An AI Makerspace AI-Enabled Pre- and Post-Award Support A Regional Database Index Computing Industry Partnerships through Tech Alumni An AI Startup Incubator If this is an area that interests you and you would like a calendar invite sent, please complete our RSVP form. We look forward to your participation.

Student Poster Competition

Friday, October 3, 2 p.m.–3 p.m. | Memorial Union Building (MUB), Ballroom

Please join us for our annual Computing Showcase Student Poster Session and Competition. Prizes will be awarded in both undergraduate and graduate categories. Students from all departments and disciplines are welcome to enter. Refreshments will be provided. Please register.

Fall Color Tour - Chairlift Rides

Friday, October 3, 3 p.m.–5 p.m. | Mont Ripley Ski Area

Join us for a thrilling chairlift ride to the top of the ski hill and take in the spectacular views of Houghton, Hancock, the Lift Bridge, and Michigan Tech Campus from high atop the hill.

Turning towards understanding and improving human agility and mobility

Friday, October 3, 3 p.m.–3 p.m. | Chemical Sciences and Engineering Building, 102

Biomedical Engineering Research Seminar Antonia Zaferiou, Ph.D. Stevens Institute of Technology Abstract Turning is a ubiquitous human movement that captivates fascination in athletics and draws considerable attention in clinical practice. The ability to perform agile maneuvers like turns is a fundamental skill that challenges balance regulation as we navigate our environment or swiftly perform athletic maneuvers. While some balance-impaired populations struggle to turn, at the other end of the motor control spectrum, the elite performance of athletes often relies on their abilities to turn with ease. This talk will introduce overarching turning mechanics and how athletes, young, and older adults generate and control the requisite momenta during different types of turns. The presentation will also introduce our recent development of music-based biofeedback technology to improve and preserve mobility. Beyond motivating and engaging users from a psychosocial perspective, embedding music in rehabilitation technology offers a unique and exciting opportunity to leverage neural pathways that swiftly coordinate between auditory and motor systems. Bio Dr. Antonia Zaferiou is an Assistant Professor in Biomedical Engineering and a Presidential Faculty Fellow at Stevens Institute of Technology, where she directs the Musculoskeletal Control and Dynamics Lab. Dr. Zaferiou began her education studying Mechanical Engineering at The Cooper Union and continued to University of Southern California, where she earned her master’s and doctoral degrees in Biomedical Engineering. She was a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Michigan in the Department of Mechanical Engineering before becoming a faculty member in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery and the Director of Sports Medicine Motion Analysis at Rush University Medical Center. Her research has been funded by an NSF CAREER grant, the Interdisciplinary Rehabilitation Engineering Research Career Development program (NIH-funded K-12 program), and Major League Baseball grants. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated steadfast dedication to her role as an educator and to broaden participation in STEM by hosting learning activities that encourage young students from to identify with and pursue STEM careers.

What Are Humans For? with Stuart Kendall, Visiting Scholar

Friday, October 3, 4 p.m.–5 p.m. | U. J. Noblet Forestry Building, Atrium

Join us in welcoming Dr. Stuart Kendall for a series of talks, classroom visits, and scholarly discussions centered around interdisciplinary study and research! Dr. Kendall’s keynote talk, titled “What Are Humans For?” will take place on Friday, October 3rd at 4pm in the atrium of the U.J. Noblet Forestry Building. All are welcome to attend this public presentation, which will discuss the present and future of interdisciplinary study- examining the strategies of several exemplary interdisciplinary thinkers whose modes of thought sought to embrace exploration and change. The lecture pursues an interdisciplinary inquiry into human experience in order to open a methodological toolbox of strategies and tactics for conviviality. Stay tuned for more information about Dr. Kendall’s visit, including a special lunch discussion between Dr.Kendall and ICC visiting scholar Ian Bogost! The graduate community is also invited to a talk on Thursday, October 2nd at 3pm in the forestry atrium titled “We Scholars” which will discuss interdisciplinary study and research, with an emphasis on centering the human therein. This presentation is specially geared at graduate students and faculty. Stuart Kendall is a historian of thought and media and design theorist who has lectured and run workshops at colleges, universities, conferences, and colloquia nationally and internationally. As an academic leader, he created new majors, coursework concentrations, and assessment tools in interdisciplinary humanities, environmental and animal studies, and media and design history, theory, and criticism.

Women's Soccer vs Saginaw Valley State

Friday, October 3, 6 p.m.–8 p.m. | Sherman Field

Women's Soccer vs Saginaw Valley State Houghton, Mich.

Women's Volleyball at Lake Superior State

Friday, October 3, 7 p.m.–9 p.m. | Sault Ste. Marie, MI

Women's Volleyball at Lake Superior State Sault Ste. Marie, MI

YAF Movie Night

Friday, October 3, 7 p.m.–9 p.m. | Minerals and Materials Engineering Building, Room U115

This Friday at 7:00 PM in M&M U115, we’ll be showing Patton—the movie chosen at our last meeting. The Academy Award–winning war film follows General George S. Patton through his World War II campaigns.