October 20, 2025

Visitors to the Tech Trails can experience a cornucopia of amplified forest sounds inside Michigan Tech's newly completed nature megaphone. The 10-foot-long conical wooden structure offers a place of quiet contemplation that enhances the sounds of the natural world.

The megaphone, located at the intersection of the Tecumseh and Sure Would trails near the Tech Trails main trailhead, illustrates the kind of cross-campus collaboration typical of Tech. It was created by Lisa Gordillo (VPA/CFRES) and her students along with a whole host of campus and community partners.

"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 expect."

Read about the megaphone and the massive interdisciplinary collaboration that brought it to life on Michigan Tech's Unscripted Research Blog.

Michigan Technological University is pleased to introduce new University Policy 1.22: Children in the Workplace. This policy is intended to support a safe, productive and family-friendly environment. The University values its employees and understands that occasional, unexpected situations may arise which require flexibility. However, it is also important to note that the workplace is not a substitute for regular child care. Employees are expected to make regular arrangements for the care of their children, and frequent, regular or extended visits by children under the age of 18 are not permitted.

This policy requires employees to obtain prior approval from their supervisor, department chair or director for children to be present in their workspace. Exceptions for brief, infrequent visits or temporary, unexpected situations (like a short-term school closure) are possible with supervisory approval, and a new Infant-at-Work Program may be available for newborns up to 3 months old. Crucially, children must be directly supervised at all times, must never enter hazardous areas like laboratories, and their presence must not disrupt the work environment. The policy also clarifies that remote work is not a substitute for child care.

Please reach out to Human Resources at hr-help@mtu.edu or General Counsel Sarah Schulte at shschult@mtu.edu with any questions.

Michigan Technological University is introducing new University Policy 1.21: Remote Work to govern remote work arrangements. Consistent with current practice, the policy recognizes that in-person interaction is highly valued and remote options must always prioritize the institution's operational needs. The policy maintains three distinct categories for working off-site, each with specific criteria and processes:

1. Remote Work: For jobs that are exclusively or primarily performed off-site (e.g., regional recruiters, talent acquisition), requiring a fully remote position description approved by the chief human resources officer and appropriate vice president.

2. Flexible Work: For jobs primarily performed on-site but with a regular component of off-site work (e.g., one day per week). This is a privilege granted at the supervisor's discretion and requires formal documentation on file with Human Resources.

3. Short-Term Reasonable Accommodations: Brief periods, generally a day or less and never exceeding three weeks, that supervisors can grant to address exceptional, short-term needs (e.g., a home delivery).

All employees working remotely must comply with specific conditions, including maintaining continual availability during work hours and certifying that their remote environment is safe and productive and has reliable internet. For those with a Flexible Work or local Remote Work agreement (within 75 miles), travel to campus for meetings is not eligible for mileage reimbursement. This policy ensures consistency, compliance and that any work-from-home arrangement aligns with the University's commitment to service excellence and its institutional priorities.

Please direct any questions to HR at hr-help@mtu.edu or General Counsel Sarah Schulte at shschult@mtu.edu.

To share ideas, seek feedback and gauge interest, a campus conversation on the Tech Forward 2.0 thread/pillar "Innovation and Entrepreneurship" will be held on Thursday, Oct. 23, from 3-4 p.m. in the MUB Alumni Lounge (MUB 107A and 107B). If this is an area that interests you and you would like a calendar invite sent, please complete our complete our RSVP form.

• Tech Forward 2.0 Discussion — Innovation and Entrepreneurship
  Thursday, Oct. 23, from 3-4 p.m. in the MUB Alumni Lounge (MUB 107A and 107B)
  Take the Pre-Discussion Survey

The conveners for the Tech Forward 2.0 thread/pillar Innovation and Entrepreneurship have several concepts to share as they begin to draft their strategic plan. The conveners are seeking feedback on these concepts as well as input of additional ideas and connections between ideas from the campus community. Michigan Tech has built the infrastructure for commercialization but has not yet developed a broadly embraced culture for innovation, commercialization and entrepreneurship. Help change that by taking a brief survey to help frame the campus conversation for the Innovation and Entrepreneurship thread/pillar. The survey will close at midnight tonight, Oct. 20, and those who respond will be automatically entered for a chance to win a hand-carved spoon.

Innovation, entrepreneurship and commercialization are integral to and directly support the education, research and public service goals of Michigan Tech. Innovation involves creating economic and social value from new ideas, discoveries and technologies. Entrepreneurship acts as the bridge that turns innovation into real-world impact, bringing together people, resources and partnerships to move ideas from the lab to the marketplace and into society. Commercialization reinforces both innovation and entrepreneurship by turning knowledge and discoveries into tangible products, services and ventures that generate societal and economic value. These outcomes can emerge through applied research, consulting, securing intellectual property rights, licensing to established businesses or forming new startup enterprises. Faculty engagement in innovation, entrepreneurship and commercialization enriches student learning by providing real-world examples and experiences that complement and deepen course material, while fostering a campus culture that values creativity, initiative and impact.

Concepts to be discussed include:

• Entrepreneurial Ecosystem & Culture — IdeaMine, the Innovation & Impact Advancement Program, and Trial By Fire create a powerful startup pipeline at Michigan Tech that rapidly transforms innovative ideas into thriving companies.

• Experiential Learning & Interdisciplinary Collaboration — Programs that foster hands-on, cross-disciplinary innovation by connecting makerspaces through MTU CoLab, uniting teams on real-world projects via the Megaprise, and preparing students to lead through a product design major.

• Research Translation & External Partnerships — Efforts that extend Michigan Tech’s impact beyond campus by connecting researchers, entrepreneurs and alumni to accelerate translational research and lab-to-market success.

We look forward to your participation.

A partnership between Michigan Tech and Aramco Americas is helping students bring their ideas to life through new, industry-grade equipment. The Enterprise Program recently unveiled a ShopSabre CNC router and HAAS CNC lathe — machines that give students the ability to create high-quality prototypes and explore advanced design techniques.

From the BoardSport Technologies Enterprise team members crafting precision skis and snowboards to the Advanced Motorsports team members building competitive vehicles, MTU students are already seeing a difference in what they can design and build using these new machines.

Learn more about how Aramco’s support is expanding experiential learning opportunities at Michigan Tech's Enterprise Blog.

Student Support and Mentorship and the Thompson Scholar Program have a new home in the Alumni House, and we're hosting a party to celebrate!

Join us for a Halloween-themed Open House on Monday, Oct. 27, from 1-4 p.m.

Come and see the newly updated, student-centered space featuring comfortable areas perfect for studying and connecting with friends. We invite all students, faculty and staff to stop by for:

• Tours of our new space
• Cookies
• Fun Halloween-themed activities

We look forward to seeing you there!

Questions? Contact us at mentorship@mtu.edu.

Join the Friends of the Michigan Tech Library for a talk by Stephanie Carpenter (HU) about her recent novel, "Moral Treatment," on Thursday, Oct. 23, at 4:30 p.m. in the Van Pelt and Opie Library East Reading Room.

Set in 1889-90, "Moral Treatment" is inspired by the early days of the former Traverse City State Hospital. Carpenter will discuss her research for the novel and the exploratory work she’s done toward writing fiction about Keweenaw history. How and when does history spark fiction?

The talk will follow a short business meeting for the 30th annual meeting of the Friends of the Michigan Tech Library. Refreshments (and Halloween candy!) will be served.

Event Details:

• What: "Crafting Fiction from Michigan History" with Stephanie Carpenter
• When: Thursday, Oct. 23, at 4:30 p.m.
• Where: Library East Reading Room

Be a part of the action and volunteer with 41 North Film Festival as we celebrate our 11th anniversary! This year’s festival will take place Nov. 6-9, and we need your help to make it happen! We welcome film enthusiasts, members of the campus community and local area residents. Individuals and groups are invited to join us as volunteers.

Our volunteers help us keep 41 North free and open to the public and are an integral part of the festival. Volunteers may assist with welcoming festival attendees, ushering, and answering general questions. Help is needed for all four days of the festival; volunteer for one film or for the whole festival — it’s up to you! Volunteers will receive a free T-shirt as a thank-you. We look forward to having you on our team!

What will I do when volunteering at 41N?
As a volunteer usher, you play a critical role in creating a joyful experience at arts events. With Rozsa and 41N leadership, you and fellow ushers work together to greet guests, admit folks into the theatre, assist with seating and wayfinding, connect guests to venue accommodations, and support effective crowdflow and emergency procedures. Usher roles will be decided on as a team at the beginning of your volunteer shift.

Will I do this alone or with other people?
Each show will have a 41 North volunteer coordinator, a front of house lead, and six to eight volunteer ushers, so you will never be alone! You are always welcome to put together a group — friends, family or people from an organization — and enjoy the shared experience of bringing a production to life.

What do I wear and bring?
Wear clothes and shoes that you’re comfortable in! Please make sure they are free from stains and tears. Layers are encouraged. 41N volunteers will be provided with a smock and apron to wear during your shift(s). You are welcome to bring a water bottle, and we encourage you to leave valuables at home.

How do I prepare for the event?
No experience is needed. All the training you need will take place the day of the show, before guests arrive. Ensure you arrive at or before the shift start time, and check in with the volunteer coordinator in the Rozsa Lobby for a brief orientation.

The 41 North Film Festival spans four days and showcases award-winning independent films and filmmakers from around the region, country and world. Its mission is to provide Michigan Tech students and the surrounding community with an opportunity to critically engage films that are currently in distribution and under discussion, as well as the chance to interact with filmmakers, producers and other industry professionals about the art and business of cinematic storytelling.

Visit the volunteer registration page on GivePulse and search for 41N to sign up for individual volunteer shifts. Questions can be directed to our volunteer coordinator, Allison Neely, at alneely@mtu.edu or by phone at 906-487-2816.

Please join Women in the Academy (WIA) for a breakfast celebrating the end of the fall semester. Stop by the MUB Ballroom B1/B2 anytime between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 14. A full breakfast, coffee, tea and juice will be provided.

Please RSVP using our Fall ’25 Breakfast form by Nov. 6. It is important to respond so we can ensure accurate food counts and cost estimates. If you indicate you will attend and then find you cannot, please notify us as soon as possible, but no later than noon on Nov. 7.

We will not plan a formal program or agenda for this meeting; however, there will be discussion tables and numerous opportunities for networking and conversation. We will also plan get-togethers for the spring semester. Hope to see you there!

This event is co-sponsored by the Office of the Provost and WIA.

Carved and Crafted Catering at Michigan Technological University is hosting the C-Cubed Luncheon for the 2025-26 academic year. C-Cubed will be held on Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Memorial Union Alumni Lounge (MUB 107). All faculty and staff, along with their guests, are invited.

Menu for Thursday, Oct. 23:

• Cauliflower General Tso's (V) — Contains Soy, Sesame, Gluten, Dairy, Egg
• Orange Chicken — Contains Sesame, Dairy, Gluten, Egg, Soy
• Basmati Rice (VG, AD, AG)
• Garden Salad (VG, AD, AG)
• Vegetable Stir Fry (VG, AD, AG)
• Vegetable Spring Rolls (V) — Contains Dairy, Sesame, Gluten, Egg

The C-Cubed lunch buffet menus are created and prepared by the catering culinary team. As the name suggests, the meals are meant to foster conversation, community and collegiality. Attendees may bring their lunch instead of purchasing the buffet. Fruit-infused water, coffee, tea and desserts are available free to all attendees.

The buffet lunch is $16 per person. Cash, credit cards and gift cards are accepted. Gift cards can be purchased in the Memorial Union office (MUB 101). Meals are dine-in only and personal containers/tupperware or to-go meals are not permitted.

Submit C-Cubed Feedback • Sign Up to Receive Weekly Menus

The Department of Mathematical Sciences is pleased to invite you to the next session in our MathSci Seminar Series from 1-2 p.m. today, Oct. 20, in Fisher 323.

This session features guest speaker Allan Newman, first-year Ph.D. student in applied mathematics. This Applied Math REU Insights talk is intended for faculty, researchers and students interested in NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates projects in applied mathematics.

The talk is titled "Mathematical Models for Convolutional Image Blurring and Fibonacci Numbers in Phyllotaxis."

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

Please join the Department of Computer Science for our next Computer Science Colloquium, a talk by new faculty member Jie Wu at 3 p.m. on Nov. 7 in Rekhi 214.

Wu's talk is titled "Clarification-Aware Code Generation: Benchmarks, Techniques, and Open Problems."

From the abstract:
Large language models (LLMs) have made significant progress in code generation, yet they still struggle with ambiguous problem descriptions and the trustworthiness of their outputs. In this talk, I will introduce HumanEvalComm, a benchmark for evaluating whether LLMs can ask meaningful clarifying questions, and ClarifyCoder, a fine-tuning framework that enables models to identify uncertainties and request clarification before generating code. I will also present experimental results and discuss open challenges for making code LLMs more reliable, trustworthy, and human-like.

Caymen Novak will present as part of the Department of Chemical Engineering (ChE) Seminar Series this Friday, Oct. 24, at 10 a.m. in person in Chem Sci 211 and virtually via Zoom.

Join the ChE Seminar on Zoom.

Novak will present "Fibrosis in 3D: Engineering Mechanobiological Models of Disease"

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

Caymen is an assistant professor at the University of Michigan-Dearborn and is hosted by Maria Gencoglu.

Terri Frew (VPA) from Michigan Technological University will present at this week's Physics Colloquium. Frew's presentation is titled "Nanowonder: Images of the Microscopic World."

The seminar will be presented  at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct.23, in lower level of the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts. The coffee hour will be held at 3:30 p.m. in the Fisher Hall Lobby.

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

Job Posting for Monday, Oct. 20, 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.

Research Engineer I / II, Center for Technology and Training.

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.

Steven Walton (SS) recently presented his work on the origins of the American defense industrial base. In late September, Walton presented at a workshop held by the American Philosophical Society in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on "Science and Society in the Age of Revolutions." He gave another presentation last week at the Society for the History of Technology 2025 Annual Meeting, held Oct. 9-11 in Luxembourg with the theme "migrating technologies."

Walton's papers, both on the attempts to develop ordnance production during the American Revolution, looked at the transfer of heavy iron casting and boring technology across the Atlantic and across Europe at the time.

The Daily Mining Gazette covered an open house hosted by the Social House at Wadsworth Hall, Michigan Tech’s most recently remodeled dining hall. Jim Grider (CSMHW) was quoted in the story.

*****

Ontario’s OrilliaMatters.com mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about a book signing by MTU Trustee John U. Bacon at Orillia’s Lightfoot Days Festival 2025, which celebrates the life and music of Gordon Lightfoot. Bacon’s new book “The Gales of November: The Untold Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald” centers on the 1975 shipwreck memorialized in Lightfoot’s enduring folk rock ballad. Bacon’s book and research on the wreck were highlighted in a New York Times story earlier this week.

*****

The Escanaba Daily Press picked up a Daily Mining Gazette story about Michigan Tech’s Oct. 10 ribbon-cutting ceremony for East Hall. University President Rick Koubek, Laura Bulleit (SA), and undergraduate resident assistant Sydney Wieseler (mathematics) were quoted.

*****

WZMQ 19 News mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about Able Medical Devices’ new manufacturing facility in Marquette, noting a partnership between Able, MTU and Northern Michigan University to train students in the specific equipment used by Able.

*****

The Office of the Governor mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s appointments to various Michigan boards and commissions. Four MTU alumni received appointments: Megan Rose ’05 (B.S. Biological Sciences), Laurie Catey ’84 (B.S. Mechanical Engineering), Heidi Monaghan ’04 (B.S. Biology) and Bradley Uren ’98 (B.S. Biological Sciences).

Computer Science Colloquium with Bo Zhang

Please join the Department of Computer Science (CS) for the next Computer Science Colloquium featuring a talk by new faculty member Bo Zhang.

Zhang will present "Optimizing Data Movement for GPU-Based In-Situ Workflow Using GPUDirect RDMA" at 3 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 24, in Rekhi 214.

From the abstract:
The extreme-scale computing landscape is increasingly dominated by GPU-accelerated systems. At the same time, in-situ workflows that employ memory-to-memory inter-application data exchanges have emerged as an effective approach for leveraging these extreme-scale systems. In the case of GPUs, GPUDirect RDMA enables third-party devices, such as network interface cards, to access GPU memory directly and has been adopted for intra-application communications across GPUs. In this paper, we present an interoperable framework for GPU-based in-situ workflows that optimizes data movement using GPUDirect RDMA. Specifically, we analyze the characteristics of the possible data movement pathways between GPUs from an in-situ workflow perspective, and design a strategy that maximizes throughput. Furthermore, we implement this approach as an extension of the DataSpaces data staging service, and experimentally evaluate its performance and scalability on a current leadership GPU cluster. The performance results show that the proposed design reduces data-movement time by up to 53% and 40% for the sender and receiver, respectively, and maintains excellent scalability for up to 256 GPUs.

*****

Level Up Your Data Skills: Explore Michigan Tech's Online Master's in Applied Statistics

Curious how applied statistics powers decisions in finance, engineering, health care, marketing and beyond?

Join representatives from Michigan Tech’s Department of Mathematical Sciences and Global Campus for a 45-minute virtual webinar on MTU's online applied statistics programs.

Webinar Details:

• What: Online MS in Applied Statistics Program Interest Session
• When: Thursday, Oct. 23, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET
• Where: Virtually on Zoom 
• Register: Sign up to attend

What You’ll Learn:

• How applied statisticians analyze data, build models and make predictions to solve real-world problems
• Program highlights and curriculum overview for both the online master's degree and the graduate certificate
• Admissions requirements and the application process
• Career paths and outcomes for statistics and data professionals

Questions? Contact Amanda Irwin at globalcampus@mtu.edu or 906-487-1000.

Attend yourself or share this invite with a peer. Everyone is welcome!

*****

Sign Up for a Virtual Workshop: 'Finding the Source of the Problem: Root Cause Analysis and Decision Making Tools'

The Office of Continuous Improvement is offering a virtual workshop, "Finding the Source of the Problem: Root Cause Analysis and Decision Making Tools," on Wednesday, Oct. 22, from 9 a.m. to noon.

In this workshop, you’ll practice with several fun tools for exploring the how, what and why of the gap between how things are and how you want them to be, brainstorming possible causes and using decision-making tools to select the most likely root cause to pursue. These tools can assist you in your efforts to create the best possible experience for students, faculty, staff and other customers.

To see the full workshop description and register, complete our brief Upcoming Michigan Tech Lean Workshops form or visit our website. Once registered, we'll add you to a calendar event for the course.

In this workshop, we’ll use some online tools, Zoom and Miro, that will enable us to work as a team to solve a problem together. Miro is a virtual collaboration tool, similar to a virtual whiteboard. Learn more about how to use Miro at the Miro Academy Essentials course. The course is considered complete after attending the workshop and submitting a couple of brief activities to demonstrate application of concepts. There’s no cost to Michigan Tech employees.

This stand-alone workshop is part of the Lean Basics workshop series. It can be taken independently, or, if you complete the requirements for all five workshops in the series, we’ll award you a Lean Yellow Belt certificate!

For more information, email improvement@mtu.edu.

*****

Research Development Session: 'Research Graphics: Creating Visuals for Proposals'

Join Jess Brassard, director of research development and communication, for a virtual session on research graphics tomorrow, Oct. 21, from 12-1 p.m.

When crafting research proposals and manuscripts, investigators often focus intensely on written content — but what about the visuals? Figures, charts and graphics play a crucial role in communicating research effectively to reviewers and readers.

In this session, you'll learn practical strategies for creating visualizations that strengthen your proposals and manuscripts. This session will cover quick tips you can implement immediately, as well as insights from current research on effective visualization.

Whether you're preparing a grant proposal or manuscript submission, this session will help you think strategically about how graphics can enhance — not just illustrate — your research narrative.

Session Details:

• What: "Research Graphics: Creating Visuals for Proposals"
• When: Tuesday, Oct. 21, from 12-1 p.m.
• Where: Virtually Only — Join the Session on Zoom.

Can't make it? The session will be recorded for later viewing.

Questions? Contact the Research Development team at rd-l@mtu.edu.

*****

EPSSI Seminar with Dean Rossell

Dean Rossell, chief geologist at Talon Metals, will give a talk today, Oct. 20. This event will be held in the Great Lakes Research Center. Refreshments and a social will be held at 3:30 p.m. in the GLRC Lobby on the first floor, with the lecture to follow at 4 p.m. in GLRC 202.

The title of the talk is "Potential links between the Midcontinent Rift (MCR) related Baraga-Marquette dyke swarm and early MCR related magmatic Ni-Cu sulfide deposits in Michigan, USA."

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

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, October 20, 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.

New Huskies Orientation Presentation Session

Monday, October 20, 8:00–10:30 a.m.

Orientation presentation for new employees.

Open Enrollment Informational Session

Monday, October 20, 9–9 a.m. | MUB Ballroom A

MathSci Seminar: Applied Math REU Insights - Speaker: Allan Newman

Monday, October 20, 1:00 p.m.–12:50 p.m. | Fisher Hall, 323

This talk is intended for faculty, researchers, and students interested in the REU (NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates) projects in applied mathematics. Title: Mathematical Models for Convolutional Image Blurring and Fibonacci Numbers in Phyllotaxis Abstract: In this talk, I discuss the results of two REU projects in applied mathematics. In the first half, we consider the problem of blind deconvolution through the lens of image processing. Let $f$ be a piecewise smooth function with finitely many well-separated jump discontinuities and let $g$ be a Gaussian function with an unknown shape parameter, $\alpha$. The convolution $f \ast g$ models the blurring process that is intrinsic to numerous imaging modalities in biomedicine and astronomy. Given the Fourier coefficients of $f \ast g$, we have developed and analyzed a method for recovering $\alpha$, and consequently obtained an approximation, $\tilde{g}$ of $g$. Our construction involves convolutional edge detection kernels and Gaussian curve fitting. Our findings – confirmed by numerical simulations – demonstrate the feasibility of recovering accurate estimates of the blurring parameter, which is an important first step in solving the challenging inverse problem of blind deconvolution. In the second half of this talk, we consider the occurrence of Fibonacci numbers in nature. Fibonacci numbers occur naturally in the number of clockwise and anticlockwise spirals present in the formations of leaves and seeds of many plants. The physical structure of these natural arrangements can be modeled by deformable unit area cylindrical lattices with a generating helix where lattice points represent the location of the plants' leaves or seeds. We can produce a moduli space of all possible lattices which is tessellated by the parastichy pairs. The energy function of lattices is a function on this moduli space, and we can analyze local minimum trajectories on this function to indicate lattices which are naturally occurring. We further discuss the mechanics of this model and present potential future steps to further understand the natural phenomenon driving these pattern formations. Bio: Allan Newman is a first-year PhD student in Applied Math at Michigan Technological University. Before coming to MTU, he received a BS in Mathematics from Indiana State University. Allan's research focuses on numerical analysis and mathematical modeling, and the related interdisciplinary problems in environmental science, physics and engineering.

Tire Wear Particles (Microplastics and Derived Chemicals), An Emerging Dual Threat to the Environment and Humans

Monday, October 20, 3 p.m. | Great Lakes Research Center (GLRC), 202

Environmental Engineering Graduate Seminar Rudoulph Ahorlu, PhD Student, Environmental Engineering, Michigan Tech Abstract: Tire wear particles, a source of microplastics and tire-derived chemicals have rapidly become ubiquitous, persistent and toxic contaminants in the environment. These particles enter the environment through multiple pathways such as stormwater runoff and atmospheric deposition. Yet the global understanding of their environmental behavior and toxicity remains fragmented.. Field and laboratory experiments will be conducted to test the release of microplastics and chemicals from recycled and weathered tire materials. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy will be used for microplastic characterization, and mass spectrometers (GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS) will be applied to quantify associated chemicals such as 6-PPD (N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine) and its derivative quinone, benzothiazoles, benzotriazoles, phthalates, and dicyclohexylamine. By combining the study of physical particle traits with detailed chemical analysis, this work will build a clearer understanding of how pollutants from tires move through the environment and affect living organisms including humans. The outcomes will deepen our understanding of exposure pathways and guide in developing effective strategies to manage and reduce risk posed by TWPs.

EPSSI Seminar: Dean Rossell

Monday, October 20, 3:30 p.m.–4:00 p.m. | Great Lakes Research Center (GLRC), First floor lobby (social) and Room 202 (lecture)

This event will be held in the GLRC. Refreshments and a social will be held at 3:30pm in the GLRC Lobby on the first floor, with the lecture to follow at 4:00pm in GLRC 202. Dean Rossell, Chief Geologist at Talon Metals, will give a talk on Monday, October 20. The title of the talk is "Potential links between the Midcontinent Rift (MCR) related Baraga-Marquette dyke swarm and early MCR related magmatic Ni-Cu sulfide deposits in Michigan, USA." Abstract: The~1100Ma Midcontinent Rift (MCR) system can be traced across the central United States and Canada as a ~2000km long gravity high, but the only surface exposures of the volcanics, intrusions and sediments that make up the MCR are in the Lake Superior region. Despite the large extent of the MCR, historic MCR related mineral production has been almost exclusively from the portion of the MCR in Michigan. The MCR related mineral deposits shown in Figure 1, range from the famous Keweenaw volcanic hosted Native Cu deposits and the large “White Pine type” sediment hosted chalcocite deposits to the Eagle magmatic Ni-Cu sulfide mine, the only currently producing Ni mine in the USA. In contrast to many Large Igneous Provinces which are relatively short lived events of a few million years or less, the main period of MCR related magmatism spans ~20my [1]. The USGS [1] subdivides MCR volcanism into two main phases, an Early Plateau Stage (~1112-1105Ma) which largely occurred during a period of reversed magnetic polarity and later Rift stages (~1102-1090Ma) which occurred during a period of normal magnetic polarity . [Figure 1-NOT SHOWN] Figure 1 Geology map of the Western portion of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, USA showing the distribution of dykes of the Baraga Dyke swarm and the various types of mineral deposits and prospects associated with the MCR (modified from Michigan Geologic Survey state geology map). The Baraga dyke swarm is located on the south side of the MCR in the western portion of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan , USA (fig. 1). The dyke swarm is comprised of more than 100 mafic-ultramafic dykes wide enough (+10m) to be visible in proprietary high resolution airborne magnetic data sets (the dykes shown in figure 1), and likely hundreds more, to thin to be discernible from airborne data, but frequently intersected in drilling in the area. The dykes can be divided into three types based on geochronology, magnetic polarity, orientation and chemistry that are referred to in figure 1 as the “metal depleted”, “Cr Rich”, and “Reversely Polarized” dykes The oldest known dykes within the dyke swarm are the “Metal Depleted ”dykes, which are only recognized as a pair of east-west trending dykes on the north and south side of the Eagle Ni-Cu mine. These two gabbroic dykes have very different trace element chemistry from all the other dykes in the Baraga-Marquette swarm (most notably having below detection limits PGE contents) and are the only dated dykes (1120Ma+/-4my [2]). The youngest known dykes are the “reversely polarized” set of gabbroic dykes that have distinctive ophitic to sub-ophitic textures, generally East-West orientations, high TiO2 contents , mantle like Cu/Zr ratios and the highest Pd contents of any of the dyke sets. Although, all attempts to date these dykes have been unsuccessful, they cross-cut both the East Eagle intrusion dated at 1107.3+/-3.7ma [3] and the BIC intrusions dated at 1106.2+/- 1.3Ma [4]. Despite the cross cutting relationships, Paleomagnetic data suggests they might be similar in age to the Eagle intrusions [5]. The third type of dykes making up the Baraga-Marquette dyke swarm are a NW-SE trending set of dykes that range from centimetres to >70m in width. Although they have a wide range of MgO contents, the sampled dykes all have much higher Cr contents(>500ppm) than the other two types of dykes. The often amygdaloidal, Cr Rich dykes typically do not have visible sulfides, but do resemble the amygdaloidal pyroxenite margins of the well mineralized olivine cumulates that host mineralization in the Eagle and Eagle East deposits. The Ni-Cu-PGE mineralized, pipe like conduits at Eagle, Eagle East and BIC also align closely with Cr Rich dykes, suggesting a potential temporal and genetic relationship (feeder dykes). The pronounced 30-40 degree change in orientation between the likely similar aged, reversely polarized dykes and Cr Rich dykes might indicate a change in the orientation of the regional stress fields associated with the emplacement of the mineralized intrusions. References: [1] Woodruff, L et al. (2020) Ore Geol. Rev. 126 [2] Dunlop, M (2013) Indiana Univ. MSc thesis (93p.) [3] Ding X et al. (2010) Geochem. Geophys. Geosyst. v.11(3) [4] Bleeker W et al. (2020) personal communication [5] Foucher M (2018) Michigan Tech. Univ. PhD dissertation (173p.) Bio: Dean received a BSc degree in Geology from the University of Minnesota, Duluth and an MSc degree in Geology from Michigan Technological University. Following that, he spent 30 years working as an exploration geologist for Rio Tinto looking for gold, zinc and nickel deposits. In 1999, he developed Rio Tinto’s Midcontinent Rift Ni exploration program, which led directly to the greenfield discoveries of the Eagle Ni-Cu Mine in Michigan, The Tamarack Ni-Cu deposit in Minnesota and the Escape Lake Cu-Ni-PGE deposit in Ontario. He was Rio Tinto’s Global Ni Specialist working on target generation for Ni exploration projects in Canada, Finland, Brazil, China, Uganda, and Australia for 10 years prior to his retirement in 2021. Dean joined Talon Metals as Chief Geologist in 2021 providing support for the ongoing exploration of the Tamarack Ni-Cu deposit and to develop a new exploration program for Midcontinent Rift related Ni-Cu deposits in Michigan.

German Stammtisch Conversation Hour

Monday, October 20, 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

Deep Dives

Monday, October 20, 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.

Keweenaw Socialists - General Meeting

Monday, October 20, 7 p.m.–7 p.m. | Fisher 101

KS at MTU weekly general meeting.