January 7, 2026

In December, the College of Engineering granted its first Pathway to PhD awards to six currently enrolled master’s students in an effort to increase both the quantity and quality of Michigan Tech’s doctoral students. This award ensures the University retains top-notch talent by providing each recipient with two semesters of tuition as they begin their doctoral studies with continued support from their faculty advisor and academic department.

As part of the award process, the students are nominated by their advisor and commit to completing their doctoral degrees in three years, following the culmination of their master’s degrees.

“The College of Engineering is excited to support this amazing cohort of Tech students in their transition to a PhD,” said Amy Landis, associate dean of graduate and online education. “The Pathway to PhD award is one of many programs that the College has initiated to grow Tech’s PhD population.”

Learn more about this new initiative and meet this year’s six awardees on the College of Engineering Blog.

Insights from Student Affairs is a monthly series providing the latest updates and information directly from Student Affairs professionals at Michigan Tech.

In our latest entry, Anna McClatchy, director of the Waino Wahtera Center for Student Success, discusses how Student Disability Services is available to support students on campus.

“According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 21% of undergraduate students report having a disability,” McClatchy writes. “But only about 11% of our undergraduates at Tech are reporting their needs to Student Disability Services.”

To learn more about how Student Disability Services supports students and the role you can play, read our latest installment on the Student Affairs Newsblog.

Purchasing textbooks can be a financial burden for students. In recognition of this challenge, the Van Pelt and Opie Library and Campus Store work together to identify course materials that are available in the library’s collections. A list of textbook requests sent to the Campus Store for the spring 2026 semester was reviewed and compared to existing library collections to identify “accidental textbooks” in print and electronic formats.

Accidental textbooks have been placed on Course Reserve and instructors have been notified of their availability. All materials currently placed on Course Reserve can be found in a special collection and on our Spring 2026 Course Materials webpage, which can be searched by course code. Instructors are encouraged to share this information with their students.

Please note: The library is unable to purchase copies of every book assigned in Michigan Tech classes, but identifying “accidental textbooks” in the library’s collections can help to make the Course Reserve system a valuable resource for our students. If you would like to collaborate with the library to acquire course materials, please fill out the Recommend a Purchase form.

Claire Helakoski, Department of Humanities (HU) writing studies faculty and and assistant director of the Michigan Tech Writing Center, is the author of a poem nominated for two prestigious awards by Thirteen Bridges Review.

The journal nominated Helakoski’s poem “Ouroboros” for Best of the Net and the Pushcart Prize.

Both prizes are selected from literary journals annually. Literary journals nominate their best works published in the previous year for inclusion in the Best of the Net Anthology and the Pushcart Prize Anthology.

“Ouroboros” was published by Thirteen Bridges Review in January 2025.

As we enter the time of year for the Leading Scholar Program, Michigan Tech is excited to welcome finalists for this prestigious scholarship opportunity. This program recognizes outstanding high school seniors, both Michigan residents and nonresidents, who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and scholarly achievements both in and outside the classroom.

As we prepare to welcome these outstanding students and their families, we want to ensure a smooth and positive experience for everyone, including providing appropriate parking accommodations.

Please be advised that Lot 8 will have multiple closures during the month of January to support these visits. We kindly ask for your understanding and cooperation as we manage these temporary closures to accommodate the needs of the Leading Scholar Program participants.

Lot 8 Closure Dates
Leading Scholar finalists will be visiting campus on the following dates in January:

• Fridays — Jan. 9, 16, 23 and 30
• Mondays — Jan. 12, 19 and 26
• Tuesday, Jan. 20

Alternative Parking Lots
During these closures, Faculty/Staff permit holders may park in the following locations:

• Lot 10W — across Cliff Drive from East Hall
• Lots 12, 13, 14 — in front of the MUB, Fisher Hall and Hamar House
• Lots 15E and 15W — in front of Wadsworth Hall
• Lot 16 — in front of McNair Hall
• Lot 31 — along Phoenix Drive (please utilize the M&M elevator to the building’s sixth floor)

Should you have any questions or concerns regarding parking arrangements, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to an exciting and successful visit for our Leading Scholar finalists.

Please be informed that the room numbering system in the Michigan Tech Alumni Center (formerly the Advanced Technology Development Complex) has been updated to improve navigation and align with the numbering system used in other campus buildings. 

Effective Jan. 5, all rooms have new room numbers, with all first floor rooms beginning with "1". Previously, rooms were organized and numbered by suites.

Updated room number signs have been ordered and will be installed, and revised floor plans are available through ASPIRE or by request.

We kindly ask everyone to begin using the new room numbers in all correspondence, directions and documentation. If you have any questions, please contact Facilities Management’s Planning and Construction department at facilities@mtu.edu.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Michigan Tech is gearing up for the University’s second annual Zero Waste Hockey Game, challenging fans to help the Huskies reduce waste during their Jan. 17 matchup against Minnesota State.

Attendees will notice several sustainability-friendly changes at the game, including compostable packaging at concessions, waste collection stations with clearly marked recycling and composting bins, and volunteer support to guide proper waste sorting. Volunteers will ensure proper waste management after the game, partnering with Partridge Creek Compost to divert materials from landfills.

This event is a collaborative effort between MTU Athletics, Husky Eats and the Office of Sustainability and Resilience.

Interested in volunteering during the Zero Waste Hockey Game? Multiple volunteer shifts are available and volunteers gain free entry into the game. Sign up to volunteer and support sustainability efforts on campus!

Make plans to join us at Tech Rec for the spring semester! The SDC, Gates Tennis Center and Outdoor Adventure Program have something to offer for all your recreation needs. Make sure to visit Michigan Tech Recreation’s website soon for registration links — and check back often for new and upcoming programs!

Interested in building membership and taking advantage of all the great components? We’ve got you covered! Check out all the details of an SDC Membership or Gates Membership.

We look forward to seeing you this spring! Until then, get ready for another fun and active semester with Tech Rec.

Questions? Reach out to recreation@mtu.edu.

Spring Semester Recreation Programs:

• Sports Camps and Events
  • Volleyball High School Skills Academies
  • Girls' & Boys' Basketball Little Huskies
  • Football Little Huskies 
  • Doghouse Classic 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament
  • Indoor Triathlon
    
    
• Aquatics
  • Adult Swim Lessons & Training
  • Private/Semi-Private Swim Lessons
  • Youth Group Swim Lessons 
  • Youth Competitive Swim Training
  • American Red Cross Lifeguarding Courses
  • Aqua-Fit Class
  • PADI Open Water SCUBA Course
  • WIBIT Events
    
    
• Fitness Coaching
  • Personal and Partner Fitness Coaching
    
    
• HuskiesFit
  • Group Fitness Classes 
  • Indoor Rowing Classes
  • Aikido and Self Defense
  • Tumbling
    
    
• Ice Arena
  • Open Skate and Open Hockey
  • Equipment Rental and Skate Sharpening
    
    
• Outdoor Adventure Program
  • Indoor Rock Climbing and Log Rolling
  • Snowshoeing
  • Equipment Rental
  • Wilderness First Responder Course
  • BigFoot Glowshoe Event
    
    
• Shooting Range
  • CPL and Defensive Handgun Courses
  • Pistol League and Pistol Competition
  • Hunter’s Safety Course
  • Ladies Night
    
    
• Gates Tennis Center
  • Youth and Adult Group Lessons
  • Private Lessons

Registration for Session 1 of Spring 2026 Michigan Tech Aquatics programs closes today, Jan. 7.

Explore our programs for all ages and abilities and register before it’s too late:

• Huskies Group Swim Lessons Parent & Child Aquatics (ages 6 months to 3 years)
• Huskies Group Swim Lessons Preschool Aquatics (ages 4-5 years)
• Huskies Group Swim Lessons Learn to Swim Levels 1-5 (ages 6-17 years)
• Adult Huskies Swim Lessons (ages 18 and older)
• Adult Huskies Swim Training (ages 18 and older)
• Private and Semi-Private Swim Lessons

New Registration System – Important Information for Parents/Guardians:
To register your child for MTU Aquatics programs, you must have a DSE user account* with Michigan Tech Recreation.

* Note: Due to system constraints, only current students, faculty and staff may use an MTU email for their account. All others must use or create a different email address to create an account.

How to Register Your Child:
Instructions on registering your child for any youth program are available on our aquatics program webpages. Look for the heading "Spring 2026."

Additional Resources:

• How to create your user account (PDF)
• How to add your child as your affiliate (PDF)

Questions? Contact Aquatics Manager Annie Boyle at ambengry@mtu.edu or 906-487-2995.

See you at the pool!

Fiber crafters from the Michigan Tech community! If you knit, crochet, spin, embroider, cross-stitch, bead, weave or do any other kind of craft involving yarn, cloth, fiber or string, this is the meetup for you.

Join us today, Jan. 7, in the MUB Commons at noon to work on your current project. Feel free to bring your lunch.

We meet the first and third Wednesday of the month.

Are you looking for a way to incorporate video recordings to increase student engagement or provide course materials to be viewed in preparation for class? Perhaps you’re seeking a recording tool for lectures or meetings which can capture multiple video sources at the same time, and then easily edit and share them?

Compatible with multiple operating systems and file formats, Panopto is a robust and straightforward tool to fit those needs and many more. Join the William G. Jackson Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) for an "Introduction to Panopto" workshop next Wednesday, Jan. 14, at 10 a.m. in Library 243.

Register for the Panopto Workshop (registration is required).

Contact the CTL at elearning@mtu.edu with any accommodation requests and questions about this workshop or using Panopto in your class this spring semester.

The next Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) Graduate Seminar speaker will present at 2 p.m tomorrow, Jan. 8, in EERC 103.

Jeff Dusek will present "Exploring the Marine Energy Potential in Lake Erie through Undergraduate Teaching and Research."

In his seminar, Dusek will introduce foundational concepts in marine energy and the Blue Economy and will outline the unique challenges encountered when developing wave energy devices for Lake Erie. He will share the work of the BW Marine Energy Collegiate Competition team and describe ongoing efforts to raise awareness and knowledge of marine energy in Northeast Ohio through community outreach and advocacy.

Reid Van Lehn will present as part of the Department of Chemical Engineering (ChE) Seminar Series on Friday, Jan. 9, at 10 a.m. The seminar will be held in person in Chem Sci 106 and virtually via Zoom.

Join the ChE Seminar on Zoom.

Van Lehn will present "Computational Modeling of Solvent-Mediated Plastics Recycling." 

Read Lehn’s abstract and bio on the University Events Calendar.

Van Lehn is a Sobota Associate Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is hosted by Rebecca Ong.

Job Postings for Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026

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.

Department Chair – Visual and Performing Arts, Visual and Performing Arts.

Lab and Academic Specialist, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.

Department Coordinator, Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education.

Administrative Aide, A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum. (​UAW posting dates are Jan. 7 to Jan. 13, 2026. External applicants are encouraged to apply; however, internal ​UAW applicants are given first consideration if they apply during the internal ​UAW posting dates.)

Student Wellness Coordinator, Center for Student Mental Health and Well-being.

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.

The Daily Mining Gazette quoted John Vucetich (CFRES) in coverage of proposed federal legislation affecting gray wolf protections, noting his perspective on wolf population recovery and conservation science.

WCMU Public Media quoted Travis White (GLRC) in a story about a Michigan Tech-led search for a missing aircraft in Lake Superior that also contributed to mapping previously unexplored lakebed areas. White discussed how modern sonar and underwater vehicles are advancing efforts to better understand the Great Lakes’ bottomlands.

Will Cantrell (GS/Physics/EPSSI) was quoted by the Daily Mining Gazette in a story examining a proposed breakup of the National Center for Atmospheric Research and its potential impacts on atmospheric science and weather forecasting.

Canada’s The Tyee and Popular Resistance mentioned Rupali Datta (BioSci) in stories about phytomining, a plant-based approach to extracting critical minerals from soil. The articles referenced Datta’s U.S. Department of Energy-funded research focused on improving plants’ ability to accumulate valuable metals.

The Minnesota Star Tribune and 25 additional regional outlets quoted Nathir Rawashdeh (AC/ECE/ICC/GLRC) in a story examining how autonomous vehicles may perform in winter driving conditions, noting Michigan Tech’s location in the snowy Upper Peninsula.

WCMU Public Media quoted Parth Bhatt (CFRES) in a story about the delay of Michigan’s 10-year state forest management plan following spring 2025’s ice storms. Bhatt noted that the updated plan should account for long-term climate factors, including precipitation, temperature and soil health.

Hawai'i Public Radio quoted Professor Emerita Carol MacLennan (SS) in a story examining the history of Alexander & Baldwin as one of Hawai'i's "Big Five" companies amid news that the firm will be acquired and taken private. MacLennan provided historical context on the legacy of sugar plantations and the long-term impacts of land consolidation on Hawai'i's communities and landscapes.

The Baltimore Banner quoted Professor Emeritus Bruce Seely (SS) in a story examining the history and symbolism of a novelty I-70 mileage sign pointing drivers 2,200 miles west to Cove Fort, Utah.

The Daily Mining Gazette mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about Calumet-based Steelhead Technologies announcing an $84 million growth investment to expand a manufacturing software platform driven by artificial intelligence. The article cited a story in the College of Computing’s Gateway Magazine, noting that more than 70% of Steelhead’s full-time employees are MTU alumni, with several others currently pursuing degrees at Tech.

The ‘Gander, Detroit Free Press, Daily Mining Gazette and Kalamazoo’s 103.3 WKFR-FM, along with additional statewide outlets, mentioned Michigan Tech in stories highlighting Upper Peninsula winter travel and festivals. The stories covered Tech’s Winter Carnival and its snow statues, student traditions and impact on local tourism.

The Detroit Free Press highlighted Michigan Tech’s A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum as one of seven notable museums in Michigan.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and 11 regional outlets mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about how reduced snowfall is affecting winter-sports participation, noting Houghton as a reliable Midwest destination for Nordic skiing.

Hardwood Floors Magazine picked up an LP Building Solutions news release listing Michigan Tech as a recipient of product donations from the company in 2025 to support hands-on learning in building and forestry programs.

WLUC TV6 covered Michigan Tech hockey defenseman Jack Anderson being named CCHA Defenseman of the Week.

Canada’s MRO Magazine mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about the appointment of Jack Mitchell ’20 (B.S. Chemical Engineering) as OEM manager of Fristam Pumps USA.

Summer 2026 Research Mentors Needed

The MICUP Scholars Program and McNair Scholars Program at Michigan Tech are currently seeking faculty to serve as mentors during Track A of summer 2026. Faculty mentors in the programs will assist students with research projects in their field of study, including engineering, technology, business, computer science, health science and more.

All faculty interested in facilitating undergraduate research with MICUP or McNair participants should complete the Summer 2026 Research Mentor Interest form.

For questions about MICUP or McNair, contact micup@mtu.edu or mcnair@mtu.edu.

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SDC Spring Building Hours Are Here!

The spring semester is here!

Spring semester building hours* will be in effect now through April 23 for all SDC, Gates Tennis Center and OAP facilities. Plan ahead and check out our Open Rec and Spring Programs now, or take a look at our Tech Rec Weekly for a quick first week breakdown!

* Hours are subject to change.

For more information, visit the Michigan Tech Recreation website.

Go Huskies!

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Coffee Talk with the Safety Crew: Job Hazard Analysis

Please join Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) today, Jan. 7, at 9 a.m. in MUB Ballroom B for our monthly Coffee Talk with the Safety Crew.

Michigan Tech’s Safety Team — EHS and RISSC (the Office of Risk, Insurance, Safety, Security, and Compliance) — will be hosting our monthly Safety Round Table: a place for all Huskies to share a cup of coffee and learn about the importance of campus health and safety.

Topic: Enjoy a hot beverage and a muffin while Scott Wendt discusses how to complete a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA).

This session will actively engage participants in identifying job hazards, assessing risk and applying effective controls. The coffee talk is open to students, staff and faculty. Whether you are new to JHAs or looking to train your Enterprise group, lab employees or departments, this training will provide practical tools you can use on the job.

Mark your calendars and come ask the questions you have always wanted to ask and get the answers you need about Michigan Tech safety programs, legal compliance issues and additional resources… and have a cup of Joe with the Safety Crew!

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Editing Services Available to MTU Community

Professional editing services are available to all members of the Michigan Tech community through the William G. Jackson Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL).

• Any academic document (proposals, reports, journal articles, dissertations, etc.)
• Editing for grammar, spelling, punctuation, flow and readability
• All editing is conducted via email and with quick turnaround

Editing services are provided by highly qualified English language instructors with expertise in grammar, writing and language instruction. Rates are $31 per hour. Email ekastamo@mtu.edu to get an estimate and free sample edit.

Visit our Editing Services webpage for more information.

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Martin Luther King's Legacy: Your Call to Action at Michigan Tech

The Michigan Tech community is ready to transform this "day off" into a powerful "day on" — a genuine commitment to service, reflection and meaningful action. Martin Luther King Jr.’s enduring legacy calls us to a higher standard of citizenship and humanity, and these scheduled events provide a powerful path for every student to answer that call and contribute to his vision of “unity through service."

This Martin Luther King Jr. Day, don't just take the day off. Show up. Serve. Reflect. Act. Honor King's legacy by engaging with the events and making a meaningful difference right here in Houghton.

MLK Day 2026 Events:

• MLK Day of Service — We kick off Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Jan. 19, 2026, at 10 a.m. with a Day of Service at multiple volunteer locations where the hands-on efforts of Michigan Tech students and community members can make a tangible difference in the local community. By volunteering, you are actively participating in the work of social uplift that King championed. Give your time, apply your talents and live the spirit of service.

• Volunteer Reading — Michigan Tech students will also read to local schoolchildren, spreading King's history and legacy to young minds in our community.

• Interfaith Service — Our Interfaith Service starts at 4:15 p.m. in the Van Pelt and Opie Library's East Reading Room, offering a space for quiet introspection that draws on King's spiritual foundation and his call for unity across all faiths.

• Peace March — The campus and community are invited to participate in a peace march, beginning with a gathering at the Husky Statue at 5 p.m. The procession will travel to the Alumni House and return. Walking together, we will publicly reaffirm Michigan Tech’s dedication to King's enduring principles of justice and nonviolence, making a powerful, visible statement about our commitment to an equitable future.

• Shared Meal/Panel Discussion — The day concludes with a shared meal and a panel discussion featuring alumni Jemel Thompson, Jailynn Johnson and Austin McFarlane, offering a chance to connect, reflect and hear their stories of resilience. Dinner will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the MUB Ballroom. Gather with fellow students, faculty and staff to share stories from your service, discuss the meaning of King's legacy, and strengthen the bonds of the Michigan Tech community.

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MLK Day of Service

Join Michigan Tech students and community members on Jan. 19, starting at 10 a.m., to honor Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy through hands-on service.

This Martin Luther King Jr. Day, don't just take the day off. Show up. Serve. Reflect. Act. Honor King's legacy by engaging with the events and making a meaningful difference right here in Houghton.

Find more information on GivePulse.

Event Details:

• What: MLK Day of Service
• When: Monday, Jan. 19, at 10 a.m.
• Where: Multiple locations, including the Copper Country Humane Society, Letters Against Isolation, the Bluffs Senior Living Facility and the Community Alliance for Progressive Education (CAPE).

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

Huskies Swim Training - Session 1

Wednesday, January 7, 4–5 p.m. | Student Development Complex (SDC), Pool

Huskies Swim Training is a program that provides additional attention and competitive guidance to advanced swimmers looking to focus on stroke technique and efficiency. Sessions will be designed to improve swimming through stroke drills and swimming sets focused on endurance, speed, and race strategy. Coaches will provide feedback and stroke correction in a group environment with an emphasis on promoting a love for competitive swimming and lifelong skills such as discipline, dedication, and teamwork. Come be part of the pack! Competitve swimming opportunities are now availabe to current Huskies Swim Training participants!

SoundGirls General Meeting

Wednesday, January 7, 5–6 p.m. | Walker 210

Join SoundGirls for our weekly general meeting! We will talk about music, the audio industry, and fun events around campus.

American Red Cross Lifeguarding Course - Jan. 7-11, 2026

Wednesday, January 7, 6:00–9:30 p.m. | Student Development Complex (SDC), Pool

Earn your American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification in this intensive training course located at the Michigan Tech SDC Pool. The certification includes Lifeguarding (Including Deep Water) with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers, First Aid Certification and all training materials. All participants must be 15 years of age or older by the first date of the course (documentation required). Required water skills include the ability to: Swim 150 yards (using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both, swimming on the back or side is not permitted, swim goggles are allowed), maintain a position on the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water with the legs, swim 50 yards (using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both). Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds.Starting in the water, swim 20 yards (face may be in or out of the water, swim goggles are not permitted).Surface dive (feet-first or head-first) to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping the face at or near the surface.Exit the water without using the ladder or steps. For additional details on registering for this course to receive ACADEMIC CREDIT, please reach out to Ann Boyle at ambengry@mtu.edu or 906-487-2995.