January 8, 2026

The Sustainability Film Series returns to Michigan Tech next Thursday, Jan. 15. Now in its 16th year, the series continues the tradition of bringing timely, informative and thought-provoking films to campus. 

Films will be screened at 7 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month from January through May in Fisher 138 on Michigan Tech’s main campus. Each screening is followed by a facilitated discussion, with refreshments provided. The series is open to the public, and all films are free to attend.

To learn more about this year's films, visit the MTU Sustainability Blog. 

2026 Sustainability Film Series:

• Thursday, Jan. 15 — “Jane”
• Thursday, Feb. 19 — “Farming While Black”
• Thursday, March 19 — “The Invisible Mammal”
• Thursday, April 16 — “Human Footprint: Shelf Life”
• Thursday, May 21 — “The Fish Thief: A Great Lakes Mystery”

This week, the Van Pelt and Opie Library and Campus Store celebrate textbook affordability by promoting Course Reserve and a collaborative project between our two units that maintains a searchable list of course materials in the library’s collections.

To further our mission to make a Michigan Tech education more affordable:

1. Meet course material adoption deadlines. The spring 2026 deadline is May 8.

2. Utilize Course Reserve. Instructors may bring a copy of their textbooks to the library for students to access freely. The Course Reserve Request form is available to facilitate the process.

3. Search the Library Catalog. Notify the library and Campus Store when you find your course materials so that they are added to Course Reserve.

4. Reach out to the library and Campus Store. Have any questions regarding acquiring and access to course materials? Email us at library@mtu.edu and campusstore@mtu.edu.

On behalf of the library and Campus Store, have a great semester!

Please note that Michigan Tech’s Office of General Counsel is the only office on campus that may accept service of legal documents. Any attempts to serve legal documents directed to the University — such as complaints, subpoenas or notices of deposition — should be refused and redirected to the Office of General Counsel, which is located on the fifth floor of the Administration Building.

If you inadvertently accept service of process or if you receive legal documents directed to you individually that relate to your work for the University, please reach out to the Office of General Counsel immediately, as many legal documents are time sensitive.

Stop by Michigan Tech's Spring Study Away Fair next Thursday, Jan. 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Library East Reading Room to learn more about the various study away opportunities available to MTU students!

There will be representatives and resources available from several different study away program types and international education opportunities.

Attending the Spring Study Away Fair is a great way to gain an initial understanding of:

• Spring break and summer faculty-led programs
• Semester international exchange university partnerships
• National student exchange partnerships (U.S., Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands)
• Summer research projects
• European project semester (Senior Design) partnerships
• Summer and semester programs (study, intern, research and service work) available through our partner study abroad organizations
• Study abroad scholarship opportunities
• And more!

After the fair, be sure to visit MTU's Study Away and Abroad Experiences website to learn more and schedule an appointment to discuss how you can get started!

The William G. Jackson Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) at Michigan Tech now offers a newsletter to keep faculty and staff in the loop with everything happening throughout the academic year. This engaging newsletter highlights upcoming events like Lunch and Learns, faculty book clubs, informal coffee chats, technical workshops, professional development opportunities and other CTL-hosted programs designed to support teaching and learning.

If you’d like to receive the newsletter directly in your inbox, please email Jess Hendrickson at jelhendr@mtu.edu to be added to the distribution list and stay connected with timely updates and opportunities to enrich your teaching practice.

In addition to the newsletter, the CTL maintains the dynamic Center for Teaching and Learning Blog that shares many of the same timely updates and themes. The blog highlights upcoming CTL events and technical workshops, teaching-focused announcements, instructional initiatives and updates related to the systems and tools instructors use. Whether you’re looking for ideas, inspiration or a snapshot of what the CTL is currently focused on, the blog serves as a complementary resource to help you stay informed and engaged with CTL offerings.

Connect with us today to learn more about how the CTL can support your teaching and learning!

For questions, contact us at ctl@mtu.edu.

The University Senate will meet today, Jan. 8, at 12:30 p.m. in Chem Sci 102. Virtual attendance is also invited via Zoom. Please note that you will need to log in to your MTU Zoom account to join the virtual meeting.

Join the University Senate Meeting on Zoom.

View the Meeting Agenda.

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.

Woodland Hill Preschool is still accepting students for the spring 2026 semester and has limited openings available for both 3-year-old and 4-year-old classes.

A nonprofit preschool located just minutes from Michigan Tech's campus, Woodland Hill has served local families for 67 years. Generations of students have begun their learning journeys with us through our play-based, nurturing, developmentally appropriate programs.

Woodland Hill Preschool is open to all community members. Families living in Michigan Tech's Daniell Heights Apartments receive a 50% discount on tuition.

For residents needing extended care, students may be enrolled in both morning and afternoon sessions, provided that families can take their child during the lunch break between sessions.

To learn more about our programs or request a tour, please visit the Woodland Hill Preschool website or email woodlandhillpreschool@gmail.com.

The William G. Jackson Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) will host a technical workshop to introduce Michigan Tech instructors to iClicker Cloud software. The workshop will be held from 10-11 a.m. on Jan. 21 in Library 243.

iClicker Cloud helps instructors engage with their students in the classroom by asking polling questions that can promote discussion, identify areas of confusion and generate questions. Michigan Tech has a campus site license for iClicker Cloud, so instructors can use this tool at no additional cost to their students.

In this CTL technical workshop, we’ll review how to get started using iClicker Cloud in your classroom. We’ll review how to set up your instructor account, iClicker Groups, make custom course settings to meet your needs, and integrate the course with your Canvas course.

Register for the iClicker Cloud Workshop (registration is required).

Contact the CTL at elearning@mtu.edu with any questions about this workshop or using iClicker Cloud in your class this spring semester. Accommodation requests may also be made to elearning@mtu.edu or by calling 906-487-3000.

My UP Now featured Staff Council chair Laurie Stark (VPOL) in a video highlighting Michigan Tech’s Making a Difference Staff Awards ceremony, held on Jan. 6.

The Daily Mining Gazette covered multiple Michigan Tech athletics achievements, highlighting hockey defenseman Jack Anderson being named CCHA Defenseman of the Week and football defensive back Dante Basanese, defensive lineman Pierce Miller and wide receiver Nic Nora earning 2025 CSC Academic All-District honors for their combined academic and athletic performance.

Physics Colloquium: Grad Student Presentations

Department of Physics graduate students will be presenting their research progress at this week's Physics Colloquium:

• Ogetay Kayali (advised by Robert Nemiroff)
• Khoa Nguyen (advised by David Nitz)

This will be an in-person event. The students will give their talks at 4 p.m. today, Jan. 8, in Fisher 139.

Event details, including the students’ presentation titles and abstracts, are available on the University Events Calendar.

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MAE Graduate Seminar Speaker: Jeff Dusek

The next Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) Graduate Seminar speaker will present at 2 p.m today, 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.

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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.

Skiing at U.S. Cross Country Ski National Championships

Thursday, January 8, 12 a.m. | Lake Placid, NY

Skiing at U.S. Cross Country Ski National Championships Lake Placid, NY

Winter Involvement Fair 2026

Thursday, January 8, 12–3 p.m. | MUB Ballroom and Alumni Lounge

Looking to join a cool student org? Get a WIF of what’s cooking at the Winter Involvement Fair 2026. January 8th 12pm - 3pm, MUB Ballroom and Alumni Lounge FEATURING Student Organizations: Many student organizations will be there to share about their group.Soup: Learn how to make dried soup mixes for a tasty dinner.Beat the Boss: Challenge the MUB staff in some retro video games in the MUB Commons.Campus Store Discount: Come check out the fair and get a 20% off coupon for the Campus Store

Exploring the Marine Energy Potential in Lake Erie through Undergraduate Teaching and Research

Thursday, January 8, 2 p.m. | Electrical Energy Resources Center (EERC), 103

MAE Graduate Seminar Speaker Series proudly presents Jeff Dusek, PhD Associate Professor of Engineering Baldwin Wallace University Abstract Marine energy, or the utilization of waves, currents, and temperature and salinity gradients for power generation, has tremendous potential for contributing to the rising energy needs of the United States. This opportunity is especially true in the Midwest region where the Great Lakes represent an untapped energy resource that could diversify and strengthen the region’s energy generation portfolio. Despite this vast natural resource, the marine energy industry remains in the early stage of development in the United States due to technical challenges and socioeconomic considerations. At Baldwin Wallace University (BW), undergraduate students are partnering with community stakeholders in the Greater Cleveland area to explore Blue Economy applications and the potential of marine energy in Lake Erie through courses, undergraduate research, and Engineering Capstone projects. In his seminar, Dr. Jeff 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. Finally, he will describe his career path to focusing on student-centered undergraduate teaching and research and his experience developing marine science and engineering opportunities in the new engineering program at Baldwin Wallace University. Bio Dr. Jeff Dusek is an Associate Professor of Engineering at Baldwin Wallace University (BW) in Berea, Ohio, where he leads the Laboratory for Adaptation, Inclusion, and Robotics (LAIR) and is the faculty advisor for the BW Marine Energy Collegiate Competition team. He focuses on interdisciplinary undergraduate research in the broad areas of marine robotics, marine energy, and assistive/adaptive technology. Dr. Duseks primary teaching interests are robotics, fluid mechanics, hydrodynamics, sensing and measurement, and user-oriented design. In his teaching, Dusek strives to build intuition around foundational engineering concepts using exploration, experimentation, and real-world examples. Through his research and teaching, he has collaborated with organizations including MIT and Ohio Sea Grant, the Kern Entrepreneurial Engineering Network (KEEN), Toyota of North America, the Cleveland Water Alliance, and the US Department of Energy. Prior to joining BW, Dusek spent five years at the Olin College of Engineering as an assistant professor of mechanical engineering. At Olin, he contributed to the development of the foundational Quantitative Engineering Analysis stream of courses which presented students with an integrated approach to core concepts in mathematics, physics, and engineering. He also led initiatives to increase access to undergraduate research opportunities and coached the Olin College and Wellesley College sailing teams. Before Olin, he completed a postdoctoral fellowship in the Self-Organizing Systems Research Lab at Harvard University investigating underwater robotic swarming under the guidance of Radhika Nagpal. He is a Cleveland native, avid sailor, and is motivated by bringing his experiences in engineering education and research back to his hometown. Invited by: Shangyan Zou

Physics Colloquium - Graduate Student Presentations (Kayali, Nguyen)

Thursday, January 8, 3:30–5:00 p.m. | Fisher Hall, 139

Please join physics graduate students, Ogetay Kayali and Khoa Nguyen for their presentations on Thursday, January 8 at 4 PM - Fisher Hall 139. Ogetay Kayali (Advisor: Robert Nemiroff) REINVESTIGATING VAVILOV-CHERENKOV RADIATION (VCR) THROUGH RELATIVISTIC IMAGE DOUBLING (RID) Vavilov-Cherenkov radiation (VCR, commonly known as Cherenkov radiation) occurs when a charged particle travels through a dielectric medium at a speed exceeding the phase velocity of light in that medium. Since its discovery in the 1930s, its well-defined emission angle and prompt, directional light yield have made it a cornerstone of particle detection, widely used for velocity measurement, particle identification, and high-energy astrophysics. In this work, we reinterpret VCR through the framework of RID, a simple kinematic effect arising from light-travel-time delays when a source appears superluminal to an observer. Although RID has been directly observed in controlled laboratory settings, its implications have not been systematically explored in many experimental contexts where it naturally arises. Here, in the context of VCR, we show that radiation detected at a single observation time can originate from multiple emission points along the particle's trajectory, producing paired forward and backward apparent images. We discuss how the familiar Cherenkov cone emerges naturally as the caustic envelope of these image solutions, and reinvestigate the coherent and incoherent emission behavior near and within the cone to explore previously unexamined characteristics of VCR. Khoa Nguyen (Advisor: David Nitz) IMPROVING PHOTON DETECTION FOR PIERRE-AUGER OBSERVATORY AT 10¹⁶ – 10¹⁸ EV ENERGY RANGE This project aims to develop advanced photon triggers for the Pierre Auger Observatory's Surface Detector array, targeting the challenging 10¹⁶ – 10¹⁸ eV energy range. Using machine learning discrimination of PMT trace data from water-Cherenkov detectors, we aim to achieve 50% improvement in photon detection efficiency while reducing hadronic background triggers by 30%.

Huskies Swim Training - Session 1

Thursday, January 8, 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!

Mix & Manifest

Thursday, January 8, 5:00–6:30 p.m. | Fisher 230

Join BSA as we kick off the semester with an evening of vision board making and goal setting! Write a letter to yourself, map out your 2026, or just come for the vibe! **Please bring a device to work on**

Women's Basketball vs Northern Michigan

Thursday, January 8, 5:30–8:30 p.m. | Student Development Complex (SDC), Wood Gym

Women's Basketball vs Northern Michigan Houghton, Mich.

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

Thursday, January 8, 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.

Men's Basketball vs Northern Michigan

Thursday, January 8, 7:30–10:30 p.m. | Student Development Complex (SDC), Wood Gym

Men's Basketball vs Northern Michigan Houghton, Mich.

RSO Budget Hearing Info Sessions

Thursday, January 8, 7:30–8:30 p.m. | M&M U115

The RSO Budget Hearing Info Sessions are the first week of the Spring semester on: - Tuesday, January 6th - Thursday, January 8th - Friday, January 9th All organizations are required to send at least one representative / officer to one info session to be eligible to participate in Budget Hearings. Multiple officers or representatives are permitted, but you must send someone to one of the information sessions. The content of the information sessions will remain the same. After organizations participate, they will receive an information packet with the presentation content and details about submitting their budget and inventory before Budget Hearings begin.