From One Tech to Another: How a High School Partnership Is Bringing More Engineers to Campus

A close-up photo of steel bridge construction, with the words “Michigan Tech” visible along a steel beam among working hands.

To students in the Lenawee Intermediate School District near Michigan's Ohio border, Michigan Tech may seem like a faraway place — but not in high school teacher Kim Benson’s classroom.

A veteran teacher with a love for all things Michigan Tech, Benson has been preparing future Huskies for years. Now, thanks to a dual enrollment program with Michigan Tech’s Department of Engineering Fundamentals and Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering, her students are receiving credit for MTU engineering courses before they graduate.

Benson has been teaching in the district, based in Adrian, Michigan, for more than 12 years. She teaches engineering, design and CAD (computer-aided design) at the LISD TECH Center. Here, high school juniors and seniors take part in a free career technical education program, earning college credit and gaining technical training as part of their high school experience.

“Michigan Technological University is one of the nation’s premier engineering schools, and I am proud to partner with them to provide opportunities for my students,” said Benson. “I know that Michigan Tech graduates consistently go on to achieve outstanding careers, and I am grateful to help my students take their first steps on that path.”

Learn more about the trailblazing partnership and how it's preparing future Huskies for success at Michigan Tech News.

Meet the College of Business' New Faculty

The Michigan Tech College of Business is pleased to welcome three new faculty members for the 2025-26 academic year: Feiyu E, Da Yeon Her and Ehsan Heshmatzadeh.

Their expertise in areas ranging from data-driven decision-making and leadership to accounting, taxation and artificial intelligence-enhanced risk assessment will strengthen student learning and foster interdisciplinary research.

Read more about our new faculty and their specialties on the College of Business Newsblog.

Info Session: Summer 2026 Costa Rica Study Away

Come to an information session next Tuesday, Nov. 11, from 6-7 p.m. in EERC 216 to learn about Michigan Tech's summer 2026 Costa Rica study away program. Pizza will be provided! Contact Richelle Winkler at rwinkler@mtu.edu for more information. 

This faculty-led study away is a chance to earn 9-10 credits from Michigan Tech while spending almost six weeks abroad during Track A of the summer 2026 semester. Courses all meet Essential Ed or HASS/PE requirements. The program is open to both current MTU students and non-degree-seeking students from elsewhere.

The program's focus is on sustainability applications in Costa Rica and on Latin American culture and immersion. All levels of Spanish speakers are welcome. Students will live in homestays with local families in the Monteverde region (on top of a mountain in the Cloud Rainforest), and have opportunities to engage with students at the University of Costa Rica in San Jose.

The program is based on experiential learning, with dozens of field trips, dozens of local speakers, and hands-on activities like reforestation activities, processing coffee and sugar cane, and collecting water quality data. There are significant focuses on conservation, tropical ecology and renewable energy.

This program is offered in partnership with the Monteverde Institute and supports local community initiatives in the Monteverde region.

University Senate Meeting 724

The University Senate will convene Meeting 724 at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 6, in Chem Sci 102.

Those within the University community unable to attend in person have the option to attend the University Senate meeting via Zoom. Please note: You will need to log in to your MTU Zoom account to join the virtual meeting.

Senators are responsible for making their constituents aware of the agenda for this meeting. Senators who are unable to attend should arrange for their alternates to attend in their place.

View the Meeting 724 Agenda.

This Week's C-Cubed Luncheon Menu

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, Nov. 6:

  • Chicken Tikka Masala (AG) (PR)
  • Potato, Garbanzo and Pea Coconut Curry (VG) (AG)
  • Basmati Rice (VG) (AG)
  • Garam Cauliflower and Chickpea (VG) (AG) (CF)
  • Garlic Naan (V) (PR)
  • Kachumber Salad (VG) (AG)

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.

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Civil Engineering Seminar with Chen Feng

The Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering is hosting a civil engineering seminar on Thursday, Nov. 6, at 11 a.m. in Dow 875.

Chen Feng, institute associate professor at New York University, director of the AI4CE Lab, and founding co-director of the NYU Center for Robotics and Embodied Intelligence, will present "Baymax and Wall-E in Hard Hats: Embodied Spatial Intelligence for Construction Robotics."

From the abstract:
Construction sites are among the most unforgiving arenas for robots, demanding not only strength and resilience but also perception, adaptability, and safe collaboration with humans. In this talk, I introduce the idea of embodied spatial intelligence — the ability of machines to perceive, represent, reason, and act in the physical world — as a foundation for advancing construction robotics. I will highlight two complementary pillars. The first, inspired by Baymax, centers on human-robot collaboration: soft robots that sense their own structure and anticipate human intentions to support safe, intuitive teamwork. The second, inspired by Wall-E, focuses on autonomous mobile robotics: multi-agent systems that share perception and build rich spatial representations to navigate dynamic, cluttered sites. Together, these approaches pave the way toward autonomous construction, including mobile 3D printing, and toward an ecosystem of open research infrastructure and student-driven entrepreneurial innovation. By fusing intelligence with physical action, we can begin to imagine robots as trusted partners in building safer, smarter, and more sustainable infrastructure.

This Week in Michigan Tech Athletics

Tuesday, Nov. 4
• Michigan Tech Hockey Radio Show, 10 a.m. on Mix 93 WKMJ
 
Friday, Nov. 7
• Volleyball vs. Davenport, 5 p.m. at SDC Gym on 920 AM & 107.3 FM WMPL & FloCollege
• Hockey vs. Northern Michigan, 7:07 p.m. at MacInnes Student Ice Arena on Mix 93 WKMJ, Midco Sports Plus & TV6
 
Saturday, Nov. 8
• Cross Country at NCAA Regional Championships (Kenosha, Wisconsin), 11 a.m.
• Soccer vs. Purdue Northwest, Noon at Kearly Stadium on FloCollege
• Football at Grand Valley State, 2 p.m. on Mix 93 WKMJ & FloCollege
• Volleyball vs. Ferris State, 2 p.m. at SDC Gym on FloCollege
• Hockey at Northern Michigan, 6:07 p.m. on Mix 93 WKMJ, Midco Sports Plus & TV6

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Athletics News
Read more in the MTU Athletics weekly update.

Job Posting

Job Postings for Tuesday, Nov. 4, 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.

Pre-Award Associate, Sponsored Programs Office.

Professor and Executive Director of the Institute of Computing and Cybersystems, College of Computing.

Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer that provides equal opportunity for all, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Accommodations are available. If you require any auxiliary aids, services, or other accommodations to apply for employment or for an interview at Michigan Technological University, please notify the Human Resources office at 906-487-2280 or humanresources@mtu.edu.

In the News

The University of Michigan mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about the launch of the Livable Futures – Water Collaboration Grants initiative, part of the Research Universities for Michigan (RU4M) alliance. The new seed funding program supports cross-institutional research among Michigan Tech, U-M, Michigan State, and Wayne State to address the state’s environmental and economic challenges through innovative, community-based projects.

Mount Pleasant’s Morning Sun mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about enrollment trends at Michigan’s public universities. The article noted MTU’s second consecutive year with more than 7,400 students.

WLUC TV6 mentioned Michigan Tech in coverage of the annual TV6 Canathon, which raises food and monetary donations to support Upper Peninsula food pantries. The story noted that campus food pantries at both MTU and Northern Michigan University are providing assistance during the federal government shutdown.

Reminders

Paid Research Participants Needed

Are you a non-video game player interested in participating in a paid research study? If so, check out a dual-task experiment being conducted by the Department of Psychology and Human Factors.

The study will take approximately 60 minutes. Participants will be compensated with $20. 

We are recruiting participants with little to no video game play experience who:

  • Are 18-40 years old
  • Are able to read and write in English
  • Have normal or corrected-to-normal vision

For more information, please contact Lauren Sprague at lmonroe@mtu.edu or Kevin Trewartha at kmtrewar@mtu.edu.

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Careers in Mathematics Seminar with Kylie Huitema

The Department of Mathematical Sciences proudly presents a Careers in Mathematics Seminar to be given by Kylie Huitema, environmental quality analyst for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, today, Nov. 4, at 1 p.m. in Fisher 133. Refreshments will be provided.

Huitema's seminar is titled "State Government – Environmental Quality Analyst."

From the abstract:
Have you wondered how a mathematics degree can be used to help protect Michiganders from contaminants in their drinking water? In this talk, I’ll share about my journey from an undergraduate statistics major at MTU, to becoming an environmental quality analyst with the State of Michigan – Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). I’ll share ideas on how you can prepare yourself for this type of position, and other typical requirements for similar roles with the State of Michigan.

Today's Campus Events

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

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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Reading Group on Early Christian Thought: St. Augustine of Hippo’s Confessions

Join us on Tuesdays at noon for the Fall 2025 reading group on early christian though! What? St. Augustine of Hippo’s Confessions Where? 3rd Floor of Walker, Peterson Library (120C on 9/16 during Peterson renovations) When? Tuesdays at Noon starting Sep 9, 2025 Who? You! No prior knowledge of Augustine, theology, ethics, or Christianity required– this reading group is open to all! This reading group is hosted by Dr. T rish Grosse Brewer (tgbrewer@mtu.edu, Humanities). Dr. Brewer’s educational background is in philosophy and religion and her research focuses on the thought of Augustine of Hippo. Augustine’s Confessions is considered to be the first autobiography. In it, a middle aged Bishop gives an account of his birth to his conversion to Christianity and the death of his mother. The book concludes with an exploration of the first three books of Genesis. W e will determine our reading pace together in the first meeting. We will use the Chadwick translation.

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Careers In Mathematics Seminar

The Mathematical Sciences Department proudly presents Careers In Mathematics Seminar Kylie Huitema, Environmental Quality Analyst for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy Title: State Government – Environmental Quality Analyst Abstract: Have you wondered how a mathematics degree can be used to help protect Michiganders from contaminants in their drinking water? In this talk, I’ll share about my journey from an undergraduate statistics major at MTU, to becoming an environmental quality analyst with the State of Michigan – Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). I’ll share ideas on how you can prepare yourself for this type of position, and other typical requirements for similar roles with the State of Michigan.

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ASME Keweenaw Brewing Company Tour

Join ASME for our Fall Company Tour of the Keweenaw Brewing Company's South Range Manufacturing location!! This is a great opportunity to learn more about a local business and the engineering processes that go into running a brewery. The tour will be at 10 4th Street, South Range, Michigan, 49963 on Tuesday 11/4 from 4-5:30pm. Please RSVP at this link. If you need a ride, please meet at the MUB circle by 3:30pm on 11/4. If you have any questions, reach out to Sophia Lewis (solewis@mtu.edu)

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HuskyGOLD Information Session

Learn about Michigan Tech’s new HuskyGOLD program, designed to prepare students for lifelong engagement in their communities. With a variety of options, you can shape your own HuskyGOLD path based on what matters most to you. This session will cover what the program is, how it works, and how you can join. Find more details about HuskyGOLD on the Student Leadership & Involvement website.

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La Peña Spanish Conversation Hour

Join us every other Tuesday this for La Peña, Spanish Conversation Hour, from 5-6pm in Walker 120A! Come practice your Spanish, hang out with other Spanish-speakers, play games, and maybe learn something new! All levels are welcome. Questions? Contact Estela Mira Barreda ebarreda@mtu.edu

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Linux workshop

This workshop will introduce you to the essentials of Linux, Git, and version control. You’ll learn how to set up and navigate a Linux environment, manage files and directories, and understand commonly used commands. The session will also cover the basics of Git, including creating repositories, committing changes, branching, and collaborating on projects through version control. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have a solid foundation to confidently use Linux and Git for coursework, research, or collaborative development projects.

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NCSA General Meeting

NCSA's weekly meeting is where we cover what's going on in the organization, often followed by a guest presenter, then discussion of what's going on in the world of tech. Meeting time and location may be subject to changes (ex. room conflicts, guest availability). Announcements will be made in NCSA's Discord server, invite link available via our website.

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Student Community Meal

Join us for our weekly free student meal, held Tuesdays during the semester at Good Shepard Lutheran Church. Come to cook, serve, eat, clean up, or all of the above! Cooking begins at 5pm and anyone is welcome to help cook. The meal is served from 6:30pm-7:30pm and any students are welcome to eat at the church and visit with friends or take a to-go box! If you would like to help with the meal but can't be there at 5, we also welcome people to help clean up from around 6:30pm to about 8pm. To stay up to date on weekly menus, follow the LCM instagram @lcm.mtu