January 15, 2026

Inside Michigan Tech’s Aging, Cognition and Action Lab, space debris rains down on a screen as players scramble to deflect it before it crashes. Although the fast-paced chaos feels like a classic arcade, there’s something much more ambitious behind the gameplay.

The video game Space Trash is a neuroscience research tool created by faculty and students across three departments at Tech — Psychology and Human Factors, Computer Science, and Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology — along with the University’s Health Research Institute. The game, one of several projects emerging from the work of members in Michigan Tech’s Computer Science Education Research Group (CS-ERG), is transforming how researchers study motor control by turning data collection into something surprisingly engaging.

Meet the faculty and student researchers collaborating on the project and find out how Space Trash may make movement studies and cognitive testing far more accessible in the future on Michigan Tech’s Unscripted Research Blog.

January is National Stalking Awareness Month, presenting an excellent opportunity to ensure the Michigan Tech campus community understands what constitutes stalking per University policy. Most importantly, this month is an opportunity to learn what to do if it happens to you, including where to find information on campus and community resources.

Stalking falls under prohibited conduct as defined by Michigan Tech’s Title IX Policy and Code of Community Conduct. Some examples of stalking include: 

• Unwanted communication (phone, messages, emails)
• Following or waiting for a person to show up at work, school or home
• Cyber stalking (GPS-enabled apps and keeping tabs on social media) 

Stalking affects roughly one in three women and one in six men in their lifetime, according to the 2022 National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey. Statistically, stalking is most prevalent among adults ages 18-24. Nearly 58% of female victims and 49% of male victims experienced stalking before the age of 25, according to a 2022 study (Smith, Basile and Kresnow).

Stalking can happen to faculty, staff and students; it is important to recognize the signs of stalking and know where to report it and find available resources.

Where to Report Stalking:

• In case of emergency, dial 911
• MTU Public Safety and Police Services — Harold Meese Center, 1304 E. Houghton Ave., 906-487-2216
• MTU Title IX Coordinator — Jodie Filpus-Paakola, Admin 310, 906-487-3310, titleix@mtu.edu 

Where to Find Support and Counseling:

• Title IX Office at Michigan Tech 
• Ombuds Office at Michigan Tech
• Michigan Tech’s Employee Assistance Program
• Copper Shores Community Health Foundation

Additional Resources:

• OneLove: Top 5 Picks for Resources on Stalking
• Safety Net Project: Technology Safety and Privacy: A Toolkit for Survivors
• Stalking Prevention and Resource Center (SPARC):
  • Supporting Friends and Loved Ones Experiencing Stalking
  • Helplines, Privacy & Online Safety
  • Stalking Safety Strategies PDF (provides strategies to increase safety at home, work and when using technology)

Local domestic violence shelters can be good resources to assist with more detailed safety planning if needed. You can also contact Victim Connect at 855-4-VICTIM (855-484-2846).

Michigan Tech’s Health Research Institute (HRI) is excited to announce the winners of our fall student forum. We had a very enthusiastic response from our membership and received a record number of abstract submissions.

Oral Presentation Awards:

• First Place: Tara Sarvari, Chemical Engineering (advised by Caryn Heldt)
• Second Place: Lucas Sheppard, Chemistry (advised by Tarun Dam)
• Third Place: Ahmad Bshnatty, Biomedical Engineering (advised by Hoda Hatoum)

Poster Presentation Awards:
In an impressive showing, we had a four-way tie for first place.

• First Place (Tie): Adonis Amoli, Chemistry (advised by Haiying Liu)
• First Place (Tie): Daniel Heaman, Biology (advised by Qinghui Chen)
• First Place (Tie): Idris Tohidian, Chemical Engineering (advised by Caryn Heldt)
• First Place (Tie): Adam Christley, ECE and Applied Computing (advised by Weihua Zhou)

HRI congratulates all of the students who participated, along with their advisors and collaborators, for their exceptional work.

The Ecosystem Science Center (ESC) is hosting an off-campus writing retreat on Jan. 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Finnish American Heritage Center!

This event is open to any MTU faculty, staff or graduate students who would benefit from quiet co-writing in a distraction-free, supportive environment. The heritage center's community hall has Wi-Fi, work tables and a quiet setting — all you need is your brain and a laptop (we’ll bring the coffee).

The schedule is flexible, which means you’re welcome to join for any portion of the retreat during the day. If you’re interested, please RSVP on our ESC Writing Retreat RSVP Form.

Provost Andrew Storer will be holding open office hours from 11 a.m. to noon on Feb. 3 near Velodrome Coffee Co. in the Van Pelt and Opie Library. Feel free to stop by; appointments are not required for open office hours.

An additional spring 2026 open office hour is scheduled for:

• Wednesday, April 1, from 1:30-2:30 p.m.

The provost continues to hold office hours from 1:30-3:30 p.m. each Thursday during the 2025-26 academic year. Faculty, staff and students are welcome to schedule an appointment by emailing Amie Ledgerwood at provost@mtu.edu.

The information provided here is also available on the Academic Affairs website. To view it, click the Office Hours icon in the bottom right corner of the banner image at the top of the page.

The 2026 Sustainability Film Series, coordinated by the Michigan Tech Office of Sustainability and Resilience, will present January’s film “Jane” at 7 p.m. tonight, Jan. 15, in Fisher 138.

“Jane” uses a trove of never-before-seen footage to tell the story of Jane Goodall’s early explorations and research in Tanzania, focusing on her groundbreaking fieldwork, her relationship with her cameraman and husband Hugo van Lawick, and the chimpanzees that were the subject of her study.

Add “Jane” to Your Google Calendar.

The Sustainability Film Series offers thought-provoking films and engaging conversation around environmental and sustainability topics. Films are screened on the third Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. in Fisher 138. Refreshments are provided, and each film is followed by a facilitated discussion. The series is open to the public, and all films are free to attend.

Join Michigan Tech’s Outdoor Adventure Program (OAP) for our annual Bigfoot Glowshoe event, being held on the Michigan Tech Trails! The event promises to be a glowing good time — all are welcome, and no prior snowshoeing experience is required. Pre-registration is required and includes beanies, glowsticks and more!

Event Details:

• What: Bigfoot Glowshoe 2026
• When: Thursday, Feb. 5, with 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. start times available
• Where: OAP Rental Center — Tech Trails Trailhead
• Registration: Register for Bigfoot Glowshoe 2026 (pre-registration is required)

Registration Cost:

• MTU Students: $5.50 (snowshoe rental included)
• General Public – Bringing Snowshoes: $5.50
• General Public – Renting Snowshoes: Additional $5.50

For more information, visit our Bigfoot Glowshoe 2026 webpage at Michigan Tech Recreation.

Questions? Email the OAP Rental Center at oap@mtu.edu or call 906-487-2290 and leave a voicemail.

We are actively seeking volunteers for this event! See our volunteer information PDF for more information. Register to volunteer on GivePulse.

Michigan Advance, The State News, Crain’s Detroit Business and the Lansing State Journal reported on a new Michigan Association of State Universities study showing the state’s public universities generate nearly $45 billion in annual economic impact. Michigan Tech President Rick Koubek was quoted by Crain’s and The State News on the return on investment of public higher education.

SpaceNews quoted Brad King (MAE) in a story about Houghton’s Orbion Space Technology delivering 33 of its Aurora Hall-effect electric propulsion units to Colorado-based York Space Systems, which builds spacecraft for the U.S. Space Force’s Space Development Agency. King spoke about Orbion increasing production in the face of rising orders from government and commercial customers.

The Keweenaw Report mentioned Zhanping You (CEGE/MTTI) in coverage of a Copper Country Recycling Initiative event highlighting innovative approaches to materials management, including You’s research on alternative uses for scrap tires.

WLUC TV6 and the Daily Mining Gazette covered Michigan Tech’s Copper Country Robotics Team completing the annual Robot in 3 Days challenge. Michigan Tech students Preston Gump (computer engineering), Jack Coluccy (mechanical engineering) and David Reeves (computer science) were quoted.

The Daily Mining Gazette highlighted Michigan Tech student-athletes in two stories recognizing weekly conference honors. Men’s basketball guard Marcus Tomashek was named GLIAC Offensive Player of the Week, while hockey forward Max Koskipirtti earned CCHA Forward of the Week honors.

CTL Workshop: Getting Started with iClicker Cloud

The William G. Jackson Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) will host a technical workshop next week to introduce Michigan Tech instructors to iClicker Cloud software. The workshop will be held from 10-11 a.m. on Wednesday, 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.

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Physics Colloquium: Grad Student Presentations

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

• Krishna Teja Vedula (advised by Tiffany Lewis)
• Raksha (advised by Yoke Khin Yap and Dongyan Zhang)

This will be an in-person event. The students will give their talks at 4 p.m. today, Jan. 15, 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: Kazuya Tajiri

The next Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) Graduate Seminar speaker will present at 2 p.m today, Jan. 15, in EERC 103.

Kazuya Tajiri will present “Policies and Procedures of the MAE Graduate Program.”

This talk will focus on the policies and procedures of the MAE graduate program, including the courses, credits, requirements and steps for each degree. Further, the procedures and forms to handle issues such as course restrictions, prerequisites, reduced course load and CPT/OPT will be covered.

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KIP and Biological Sciences Seminar Series Speaker: Amy Marcarelli

Amy Marcarelli, professor of biological sciences and director of the Ecosystem Science Center at Michigan Technological University, will present today, Jan. 15, at 2 p.m. in GLRC 202 as part of the Departments of Kinesiology and Integrated Physiology (KIP) and Biological Sciences Seminar Series.

Marcarelli’s presentation is titled “Energy Generation by Dissolved Organic Matter Fueled Microbial Communities (EG-DOM).”

From the abstract:
The Energy Generation by Dissolved Organic Matter Fueled Microbial Communities (EG-DOM) project, led by Michigan Tech, is developing a microbially powered system for electricity generation underwater that captures, concentrates and converts marine organic matter (OM) into electricity. The EG-DOM device will concentrate OM (dissolved OM, phytoplankton, and suspended organic particles <1 mm) using a novel granular activated carbon (GAC) approach to passively concentrate OM to supply an enriched microbial community in an MFC, which will convert the OM into electricity. A critical project component is the identification of areas of the coastal ocean where DOM concentrations and biodegradability are sufficiently high and environmental conditions are favorable for electricity generation. EG-DOM will identify these locations using remote sensing data to determine the spatial and temporal distribution of proxies for DOM quantity and composition and key environmental conditions.

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Today's C-Cubed Luncheon Menu

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

Menu for Thursday, Jan. 15:

• 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.

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

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

Men's Basketball at Saginaw Valley State

Thursday, January 15, 12–3 a.m. | University Center, Mich.

Men's Basketball at Saginaw Valley State University Center, Mich.

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New Position Management Process

Thursday, January 15, 9–10 a.m. | https://michigantech.zoom.us/j/89492775551?jst=3

https://michigantech.zoom.us/j/89492775551?jst=3

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DC Trip Info + Q&A

Thursday, January 15, 10:30–11:30 a.m.

Michigan Tech's DC Trip connects faculty and research staff with federal funding agencies, program officers, and collaboration opportunities in Washington, DC. Join the Research Development team for this session to learn about the Spring 2026 trip structure, timeline, cost-share support, and how to prepare for a successful visit. This trip is open to all researchers Bring your questions! Key Details: Trip Dates: Week of May 4, 2026 (core dates TBD)Application Deadline: February 26, 2026Application FormFull Timeline What to Expect: Group meetings at federal agencies Individual meetings with program officers Potential visits to Morgan State University and other partner institutions Cost-share support available from VPR, Colleges, and Centers/Institutes Check out the Timeline for upcoming sessions, deadlines, and expectations. Next up: Fill out the application form by February 26. Jan 15 - DC Trip Info and Q+A (this session) Talk to chairs and deans about attending. Make a list of program officers.

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CTL Lunch and Learn

Thursday, January 15, 12–1 p.m. | J. Robert Van Pelt and John and Ruanne Opie Library

Join the Center for Teaching and Learning for the following opportunity: Join the CTL’s accessibility team for the Spring 2026 MTU Accessible Tech Challenge kick-off. We’ll discuss how to participate in this challenge and share tips to help you make your courses more accessible. To register, please visit: https://mtu.libcal.com/event/15572338 For questions or request any accommodations, please contact the CTL at (906) 487-2275 or (ctl@mtu.edu).

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Policies and Procedures of the MAE Graduate Program

Thursday, January 15, 2 p.m. | Electrical Energy Resources Center (EERC), 103

MAE Graduate Seminar Speaker Series proudly presents Kazuya Tajiri, PhD Assistant Professor MAE at MTU Abstract The MAE department offers a Master of Science and Ph.D degrees. This talk will focus on the policies and procedures of the MAE graduate program including the courses, credits, requirements, and steps for each degree. Further, the procedures and forms to handle issues such as course restrictions, prerequisites, reduced course load and CPT/OPT will be covered. Lastly, the important issues of good standing, probation and academic integrity will be discussed. There will be an open time for all on-campus graduate students to ask questions and get to know the MAE Director of Graduate Studies. Karen Hext from the Graduate School will demonstrate the new Academic Audit, a tool that shows progress toward the academic credential you are pursuing (degrees or graduate certificates). It lists course, and non-course requirements and works in conjunction with the Degree Progress Checklist. Bring your laptop or device to follow along. Bio Dr. Kazuya Tajiri is an associate professor and Associate Chair and Director of Graduate Studies of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering department at Michigan Technological University. He received his Bachelor degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics from University of Tokyo, Master degree in Aerospace Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology, and Ph. D in Mechanical Engineering from The Pennsylvania State University. After obtained Ph.D degree, he worked at Argonne National Laboratory as a postdoctoral researcher, and then in 2010 he joined Michigan Technological University as an assistant professor. He also has work experience at Nissan Research Center in Yokosuka, Japan. Invited by: Radheshyam Tewari

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Physics Colloquium - Graduate Student Presentations (Teja Vedula, Raksha)

Thursday, January 15, 3:30–5:00 p.m. | Fisher Hall, 139

Please join physics graduate students, Krishna Teja Vedula and Raksha for their presentations on Thursday, January 15 at 4 PM - Fisher Hall 139. Krishna Teja Vedula (Advisor: Tiffany Lewis) MODELING SYNCHROTRON POLARIZATION IN BLAZARS : APPLICATION TO 3C 454.3 Blazars, the most energetic sustained objects in the universe, are jetted active galaxies with one jet pointed toward Earth. Magnetic fields are central to particle acceleration and radiation processes in blazar jets, though they cannot be directly observed. The degree of order in the magnetic field offers a critical diagnostic of jet composition and acceleration mechanisms. We compare optical polarization measurements and simulations broadband multiwavelength spectra from one blazar, with a new self-consistent theoretical model, to constrain the physical parameters and gain a better understanding of conditions within the blazar zone. We derived and implemented the synchrotron polarization model in the context of an existing particle transport model. This is a novel approach to calculating blazar polarization because it facilitates taking particle acceleration processes into account directly. We compare this theoretical model to multiwavelength observations of the blazar, 3C 454.3 from two periods representing a significant flare and a quiescent period to demonstrate the flexibility of the physics we implemented. For each spectral period, we co-analyze the polarization degree available with the optical data. Raksha (Advisor: Yoke Khin Yap and Dongyan Zhang) SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF BORON NITRIDE DOTS FOR HIGH-BRIGHTNESS FLUORESCENT PROBES Intracellular gene detection demands fluorescent probes that offer high brightness, photostability, and biocompatibility at low target concentrations. Conventional organic dyes suffer from low fluorescence, while semiconductor quantum dots introduce toxicity. Here, we present high-brightness probes (HBPs) that overcome all these shortcomings. We synthesize HBPs by using boron nitride dots (BN dots) as the zero-dimensional nanocarriers. BN dots are sub-5 nm hexagonal boron nitride nanocrystals with a wide bandgap (~6 eV) and electrically insulating, resulting in minimal fluorescent quenching and without intrinsic visible fluorescence. These properties enable the conjugation of a series of organic dye molecules on each BN dots without quenching or photoinduced electron transfer, preserving high quantum yield and high signal-to-noise ratios. When functionalized with sequence-specific oligonucleotides, HBPs enable detection of intracellular gene sequences with strong fluorescence >10X than regular organic dyes. The translational relevance of this platform was further validated through an NSF I-Corps study involving 100 customer interviews, which identified brightness, stability, and biocompatibility as critical unmet needs that BN-dot HBPs directly address.

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Huskies Swim Training - Session 1

Thursday, January 15, 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!

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Candle Painting with Delta Zeta

Thursday, January 15, 5–6 p.m. | Delta Zeta Sorority House

Join the sisters of Delta Zeta for candle decorating! Rides leave at 4:55 from the Wads lobby. Contact Lili at (651) 600-5423 with any questions. Meet the sisters and hear about what sorority life is all about!

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HuskyGOLD Information Session

Thursday, January 15, 5–6 p.m. | Fisher 125

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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Little Huskies Volleyball Club

Thursday, January 15, 5–6 p.m. | Student Development Complex (SDC), Varsity Gym, Multipurpose Room

The Little Huskies Volleyball Club is open to boys and girls entering grades K - 4 as of Fall 2025. Focus on fun while you learn to play volleyball! Our Little Huskies Volleyball Club is the perfect way to explore the basics of an active and energetic sport. Once you get into the game, you'll be spiking like a champ. Post-game clinics, game admission, and team pen pals are all part of the fun! Participants can wear their club shirts to Women's Volleyball home matches for free admission! What to Expect Meet and Greet + Big Husky Pen Pals Home Match "Total Experience" Free admission (wear your club T-shirt!) - Reminder - parents must pay to attend.Special cheering section - Look for the "Little Huskies Club" banner.Days/Times October 9 - directly following the NMU match, Meet and Greet, play with the Big Huskies for up to 30 minutes (match at 6 pm EST)January 14, 15, 16 - 5:00-6:00 pm - Skills Sessions with the Big HuskiesCheck-In: Wednesday, January 14, 4:30-5:00 pmPick-Up/Drop-Off: main doors of SDC

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Learn-to-Swim Levels 1-5 (Ages 6-17 yrs) - Session 1

Thursday, January 15, 5:10–5:50 p.m. | Student Development Complex (SDC), Pool

Come make a splash in Huskies Group Swim Lessons! American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Levels 1-5 are being offered at the SDC Pool.

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Courageous Dialogue by LeaderShape

Thursday, January 15, 5:30–7:30 p.m. | MUB Ballroom B

Courageous Dialogue is designed to foster meaningful and transformative conversations. In today’s world, engaging in open, honest, and authentic dialogue is essential for personal growth, community building, and creating lasting change. This event provides a safe and supportive space for participants to explore their individual comfort with different conversations, learn effective communication strategies, and practice engaging in courageous dialogue. Through this program, participants will: -Learn a process of engaging in open, authentic, and respectful conversations with others. -Understand how to take responsibility for the dialogue and engage in the entire process. -Learn techniques to practice expressing their values and, in turn, will be open to the possibility of those being changed because of interactions with members of their community. The workshop will last approximately two hours. Pizza and soda will be provided to attendees. Please RSVP by January 11th so we can ensure adequate refreshments.

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Women's Basketball at Saginaw Valley State

Thursday, January 15, 5:30–8:30 p.m. | University Center, Mich.

Women's Basketball at Saginaw Valley State University Center, Mich.

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Sustainability Film Series: Jane

Thursday, January 15, 7 p.m. | Fisher Hall, 138

The Sustainability Film Series, coordinated by the Michigan Tech Office of Sustainability and Resilience, offers thought-provoking films and engaging conversation around environmental and sustainability topics. January’s film ‘Jane’ uses a trove of never-before-seen footage to tell the story of Jane Goodall's early explorations and research in Tanzania, focusing on her groundbreaking field work, her relationship with her cameraman and husband Hugo van Lawick, and the chimpanzees that were the subject of her study. 'Jane' will be shown at 7 p.m. on Thursday, January 15 in Fisher Hall 138. Refreshments will be provided, and each film will be followed by a facilitated discussion. The Sustainability Film Series is free and everyone is welcome to attend. A suggested $5 donation is appreciated and helps to support the continued offering of this film series.