February 11, 2026

From Wall Street to the streets of San Francisco, Huskies in the College of Business are putting their Michigan Tech education to work in powerful ways. In the latest issue of Impact Magazine, we’re taking stock of their journeys and spotlighting how students, faculty and alumni are making a difference in classrooms, boardrooms and communities.

This year’s issue — the 19th since publication began in 2010 — highlights what sets a STEM-infused Michigan Tech business education apart: hands-on learning, strong faculty mentorship and a curriculum built for the future. 

Find out how artificial intelligence is integrated across degree programs. Meet Huskies whose ideas and ambitions have led to million-dollar successes and meaningful leadership. Meet the College’s 2025 Teacher of the Year — and more. 

Read Impact Magazine, now available online.

Join Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) for Chemical Safety Day. The event is part of Michigan Tech’s first annual Lab Safety Awareness Week, held in partnership with the Campus Safety, Health, and Environmental Management Association (CSHEMA) as part of their national Lab Safety Awareness Week drive. 

Chemical Safety Day
Wednesday, Feb. 11, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the H-STEM Commons

Stop in and talk to Jeff Lewin, MTU’s director of laboratory chemical operations, review spill kits needed for labs, and learn how to read a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), how to store chemicals in the lab, and how to use the eyewash and shower in a lab. 

Chemical Safety Day will take place today, Feb. 11, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the H-STEM Commons on the first floor of the H-STEM Complex. Check out the Husky Lab Safety Awareness Week website for more info.

Husky Lab Safety Awards — Nominations Close Tomorrow!
Don’t forget to nominate a Husky and/or MTU lab for Safety Stewardship Awards. Please submit your nominations by tomorrow, Feb. 12, at 2 p.m. The Husky Lab Safety Awards will be presented on Friday, Feb. 13, at 1 p.m. in the MUB Ballroom B. Nominators will be entered into a prize drawing for taking the time to recognize a person or group. Everyone is encouraged to attend the event and participate in Husky Lab Safety Awareness Week's week-long activities.

Husky Lab Safety Awards:

• Husky Student Safety Stewardship Award
  This award honors an undergraduate or graduate Michigan Tech student who demonstrates exceptional dedication to fostering a safe, responsible and community‑minded laboratory environment. Recipients of the Husky Student Safety Stewardship Award consistently model best practices, support their peers, identify improvements, and embody the shared responsibility that defines Michigan Tech’s safety culture. Their leadership reflects the integrity, stewardship and commitment to excellence that strengthen our research and learning spaces.

• Husky Safety Stewardship Award
  The Husky Safety Stewardship Award recognizes a Michigan Tech faculty or staff member who exemplifies exceptional leadership in fostering a safe, ethical, and supportive research and learning environment. Honorees consistently model best practices, mentor others with patience and clarity, and champion continuous improvement in their labs, shops or workspaces. Their commitment strengthens Michigan Tech’s culture of shared responsibility and reflects the integrity, stewardship and community values that define us as Huskies.

• Exemplary Husky Research Safety Culture Award
  The Exemplary Husky Research Safety Culture Award recognizes a Michigan Tech research group that demonstrates outstanding collective commitment to safe, ethical and responsible research practices. This team models what it means to build a culture of shared stewardship — integrating safety into daily routines, supporting one another, proactively identifying improvements and fostering an environment where every member feels empowered to speak up and contribute. Their leadership strengthens Michigan Tech’s identity as an R1 research institution where world‑class research and world‑class safety go hand in hand.

We appreciate your support in recognizing the efforts of those who help keep our campus safe. If you have any questions, please contact ehs-help@mtu.edu.

Michigan Tech’s Spring Career Fair is almost here, and we’re seeking volunteers from across the campus community to help make the event a success.

Spring Career Fair is happening on Tuesday, Feb. 17, from noon to 5 p.m. in the Student Development Complex. Details can be found on the Career Services website. Please reach out to us at career@mtu.edu with any questions.

A variety of volunteer shifts, tasks and roles are available, offering flexible ways for faculty and staff to participate. Your support helps create a welcoming, meaningful experience for students and employers, and contributes directly to the career readiness and future success of our Huskies.

If you’re interested in assisting, please visit the Spring Career Fair Volunteer Sign‑Up Form to select a shift that fits your schedule.

Thank you for your time, energy and continued commitment to our students!

The U.S. Department of Defense Cyber Service Academy (DoD CSA) Recruitment Program provides scholarships to college students to study in cyber-related majors at the undergraduate and graduate levels at select National Centers for Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C). 

Michigan Tech is an NCAE-C, and therefore MTU students who are taking or planning to take cybersecurity-related courses in their degree are eligible to apply for DoD CSA recruitment scholarships.

Further restrictions on eligibility apply. For further details, view the CSA Recruitment Program PDF or visit the Cyber Service Academy website.

The application deadline is Tuesday, Feb. 17.

The Van Pelt and Opie Library (VPOL), in collaboration with the Department of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA), is pleased to announce the installation of the data sonification project “Very Pleasing Orchestration of Library [Data]” — an audio interpretation of library data. 

The project, created as a pilot digital scholarship project for Love Data Week 2026, is currently part of an installation with visualizations located in the Library Opie Reading Room. It is available now through Saturday, Feb. 14.

Data sonification is the act of using sound to represent data points. The elements of sound, such as pitch or rhythm, are utilized to differentiate the various data in much the same way that colors and lines represent information in visualizations. Sonification is a unique method that showcases the dynamics of various datasets, allowing listeners to interpret the data in a multitude of ways.

“Very Pleasing Orchestration of Library [Data]” features two academic years’ worth of nonproprietary statistics from all 11 library departments. The data was collected and curated by Angela Badke (VPOL) and visualized by Kepha Barasa (VPOL), who earned an MS in Data Science from Michigan Tech in 2025. The sound mapping, voices and composition of the piece were completed by Mike Maxwell (VPA). 

An online variation of the sonification project is available on the Van Pelt and Opie Library’s YouTube channel.

Please like and follow the Van Pelt and Opie Library on Facebook and Instagram for more library outreach information.

Financial Services and Operations (FSO) will hold our next Lunch and Learn session on finance-related topics next Wednesday, Feb. 18, from noon to 1 p.m. EST.

This session will be hosted virtually on Zoom and recorded for those unable to attend. Register for the Lunch and Learn to receive the Zoom link and recording.

We’ll be covering the following topics. When you sign up, you'll have the opportunity to share any questions in advance, and we’ll be sure to address them during the session.

1. Budget Office
   • What are budget/fund transfers?
   • How to process a budget transfer in Experience
     
     
2. Navigating Perceptive Content (PC)
   • How documents get uploaded to PC
   • How to look up specific documents (invoice, PO, journal, etc.)
   • How to review and approve documents in PC

If you have any questions, please reach out to Jamie Meleen at jameleen@mtu.edu or 906-487-2122.

Nominations are open to celebrate and recognize the individual and group efforts of students involved across campus at the 32nd Annual Student Leadership Awards! The nomination deadline for all awards is March 9 at 11:59 p.m. Each week leading up to the nomination deadline, we will highlight awards for which you could nominate an outstanding member of our community!

• Exceptional Leadership in Student Governance: The Exceptional Leadership in Student Governance Award honors individuals who represent their peers with fairness, integrity and dedication. This student works tirelessly to improve their organization and the Michigan Tech community as a whole. From advocating for their constituents to driving meaningful changes, these leaders embody the spirit of service and collaboration. Their efforts make a lasting impact on campus life and governance. Eligible students must have held a past or present leadership position in a student governance body. Nominate a student whose commitment to fair representation and organizational growth deserves to be celebrated. Recognize their leadership today on the Exceptional Leadership in Student Governance nomination form.

• Rising Star of the Year: The Rising Star of the Year Award celebrates students just beginning to shine as leaders, demonstrating a strong commitment to developing themselves and making an impact at Michigan Tech. This award honors individuals who exhibit promise, determination and a passion for learning through their involvement in campus life and beyond. They are the future leaders of our community, and their efforts deserve recognition. Students eligible for this award are first- and second-year undergraduate students. Nominate a student who exemplifies the qualities of a rising star. Help us recognize tomorrow’s leaders on the Rising Star of the Year nomination form.

• Student Employee of the Year: The Student Employee of the Year Award honors a student who exemplifies responsibility, dependability and outstanding follow-through in their work. This award recognizes individuals who not only excel in their job responsibilities but also take initiative and persevere, exceeding expectations while balancing their academic and employment commitments. These students play an integral role in supporting the Michigan Tech community, and their efforts deserve to be celebrated. Your nomination helps shine a light on their hard work and dedication. Students eligible for this award must be employed on campus for at least one semester. Nominate an exceptional student employee today on the Student Employee of the Year nomination form.

Find more information about all the awards and nomination forms on the Student Leadership Award webpage.

Join representatives from Dykema, Michigan Tech’s government relations firm, as they present a “Federal Science & Technology Budget Update” virtual session next Wednesday, Feb. 18, from 12-12:30 p.m. The session will be held on Zoom.

This event will be an update from Washington, D.C., on the recently passed federal budget bills and the outlook for federal science and technology research and development funding for the remainder of fiscal year 2026.

Michigan Tech Vice President for Government Relations Bill Kordenbrock will join the discussion to help address any questions. Research Development will provide a brief update on the final federal budget and leave time for questions and answers from the community. 

Please direct any questions about the upcoming presentation to the Research Development team via rd-l@mtu.edu.

Join the VPR Research Session on Zoom.

The next Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) Graduate Seminar speaker will present at 2 p.m. tomorrow, Feb. 12, in EERC 103.

Jeremy Bos will present “Directed energy: a Greek fire for the twenty-first century.”

From the abstract:
In this talk I will provide an overview of modern directed energy systems, focusing on topics relevant to Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and centering on beam control — the systems responsible for compensating for atmospheric turbulence and boundary layer effects around aircraft. After reviewing how turbulence affects laser propagation and imaging, I will discuss compensation approaches used in modern systems. The talk will conclude with open research and engineering challenges.

How can seismo-acoustic signals reveal what happens beneath the ocean surface during powerful volcanic eruptions?

The Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences (GMES) invites all interested faculty, staff and students to attend a seminar presented by Kathleen McKee, research assistant professor in GMES, on Friday, Feb. 13, at 10 a.m. in Dow 610. Light refreshments will be provided.

McKee’s seminar is titled “Using Seismo-Acoustic Observations to Characterize Remote Submarine Volcanic Eruptions.”

McKee joined the GMES department in fall 2025. She earned an MS in Geology from Michigan Technological University in 2012 and a Ph.D. in Geophysics from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 2017. Her previous research appointments include positions at the Carnegie Institution for Science, Los Alamos National Laboratory, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, and Vanderbilt University.

Presentation summary:
The August 2021 eruption of Fukutoku-Oka-no-Ba (FOB) volcano in Japan was a remarkable VEI 4 shallow submarine eruption, partly because it generated a 16-km water-rich atmospheric plume, new islands, and a large pumice raft. Recent studies provide complementary summaries of the atmospheric and oceanic surface expressions of the 2021 FOB eruption, including analyses of regional infrasound and Himawari-8 geostationary satellite data. The hydroacoustic record has also been published. Following these studies, we examine how processes beneath the sea surface correlate with the intensity of the atmospheric portion of the 2021 FOB eruption. We compare multiple data sets, specifically International Monitoring System (IMS) hydroacoustic and infrasonic array data in the context of ground-based lightning observations, and plume height and width data (Himawari-8). We estimate a time-varying volume flow rate from plume observations and compare this time series with the acoustic and lightning characteristics. The infrasound data are less correlated with the other data streams due to signal loss from diurnal winds. The lightning, hydroacoustic, and plume flux data are highly correlated, and we suggest this is because they depend on a common source.

Bridge Michigan included Michigan Tech in a story on public university tuition and financial aid trends in Michigan.

Ann Arbor’s Michigan Daily mentioned Michigan Tech in a story examining how strong in-state college competition is fueling youth hockey across Michigan, noting that Tech hockey is ranked No. 17 nationally among four Michigan teams currently in the top 20.

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

Cross-Institutional Faculty Learning Community on Teaching with AI

Northern Michigan University is sponsoring a cross-institutional faculty learning community (FLC) focused on teaching with artificial intelligence, and Michigan Tech faculty and staff are invited to participate.

The William G. Jackson Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) at MTU is accepting registrations for this experience and will provide them to NMU after registration closes on Friday, Feb. 13.

Register for the Faculty Learning Community.

The FLC will center on “Teaching with AI: A Practical Guide to a New Era of Human Learning,” co-authored by C. Edward “Eddie” Watson and José Antonio Bowen. Watson will also be joining as the Upper Peninsula Teaching and Learning Conference (UPTLC) keynote speaker and pre-conference workshop facilitator, making this an excellent opportunity to engage with the book’s ideas in advance of the conference.

MTU instructors and staff will have free access to the digital version of this book through the CTL Learning Library. Even if you do not participate in the learning community, MTU instructors may access this title and other curated resources available through the CTL.

FLC Meeting Dates:

• Friday, Feb. 20
• Friday, March 20
• Friday, April 17

All sessions will be held virtually via Zoom at 2 p.m. EST. Additional details, including Zoom links and discussion materials, will be shared closer to the first meeting. Sessions will run approximately 60 minutes.

Proposed Session Format:

• Large-group welcome and overview (5-10 minutes), including framing of the session’s discussion questions.
• Breakout room discussions (35-40 minutes) with three to four participants per group, focused on the assigned reading.
  • Each breakout group will have access to a shared Google doc for note-taking and reflection.
• Return to the full group (10-15 minutes), with each breakout room briefly sharing one key takeaway.

Discussion guides and Google docs will be provided for each session. Participants should plan to join individually via Zoom to support effective breakout room discussions.

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Video Screening: 'Next Steps for Nature' with Doug Tallamy

Everyone is invited to a screening of the video "Next Steps for Nature” featuring Doug Tallamy being held in the U. J. Noblet Forestry Building, followed by a live local panel discussion. The video begins at 6 p.m. today, Feb. 11,  in Noblet 144.

Tallamy is an entomologist, conservationist and professor at the University of Delaware whose work has transformed our understanding of the relationship between native plants and wildlife. This engrossing video is based on his latest book, "How Can I Help? Saving Nature with Your Yard," in which he answers dozens of audience questions from his many presentations all over the country.

The screening will be followed by a live panel discussion featuring:

• Sigrid Resh, Keweenaw Invasive Species Management Area (KISMA)
• Michelle Wietek-Stephens, U.P. Native Plants Nursery
• Michelle Anderson, Keweenaw Wild Bird REC
• Mary Richardson, Ecological Landscaper

This event is hosted by KISMA. Learn more at the Keweenaw Wild Ones website.

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

Women's Rights are Human Rights: International Posters on Gender-based Inequality, Violence, and Discrimination Gallery Exhibit - Rozsa Art Galleries

Wednesday, February 11, 8 a.m.–9 p.m. | Rozsa Art Galleries, Rozsa Art Galleries A-Space

MICHIGAN TECH ART SERIES EVENT Women’s Rights are Human Rights is a fitting title for an exhibition of women’s rights and advocacy posters, as it was a term used in the women’s rights movement and was the title of an important speech given by Hillary Rodham Clinton in 1995 at the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing. This exhibition features posters created by artsit of all genders to celebrate and acknowledge the vital role that all citizens should play in protecting and promoting human rights while challenging gender inequality and stereotypes, advancing reproductive and sexual rights, protecting women and girls against brutality, and promoting women’s empowerment and participation in society. These poster images challenge patriarchal attitudes that subordinate, stigmatize or restrict women from achieving their fullest potential. These images argue for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls enabling empowerment of women and achievement of real equality between women and men that fosters societal stability and human dignity. Learn more at womensrightsarehumanrights.org Things to know ROZSA ART GALLERIES HOURS | M-F 8 a.m.-8 p.m. and…

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2026 Annual Burning Issues Conference

Wednesday, February 11, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. | Fort Custer Training Center

The Wildland Fire Club will be sending 7 students to the 2026 Burning Issues Conference! Burning Issues is coordinated by the Michigan Prescribed Fire Council (MPFC) every year to get together the best prescribed burners, fire ecologists, and government agencies to discuss the importance and impact of prescribed or controlled fire on the landscape in the Midwest. Registration for WFC members is now closed, but there is more information about the conference and MPFC at the link below. Michigan Prescribed Fire Council

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PhD Defense: Kyle Wehmanen

Wednesday, February 11, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. | Electrical Energy Resources Center (EERC), 227

Integrative Physiology Co-advisors: Erich Petushek and Steven Elmer Human Locomotion on Snow: A Case for the Bicycle

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Spring Blood Drive

Wednesday, February 11, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. | MUB Ballroom

The Spring 2026 Blood Drive will be on February 10th and 11th from 10 AM until 4 PM in the Memorial Union Building Ballroom. Help us reach our goal of 185 units! The American Red Cross recommends everyone make an appointment, however, walk-ins are welcome based on availability. To schedule, please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or make an appointment online. Learn more on the American Red Cross Website: 1. Eligibility Requirments 2. Type of Blood Donations 3. How Blood Donations Help 4. Common Concerns

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MRC Recruiting Info Session

Wednesday, February 11, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Dow Environmental Sciences and Engineering Building (Dow, Building 8), 619

Mining isn't what most people think - Learn about career paths in the mining industry and enjoy a free lunch in this session hosted by MRC recruiting.

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Resume Review and Interview Prep

Wednesday, February 11, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. | Administration and Student Services Building (Admin, Building 1), 220 Career Services

Get ready for the career fair by having your resume reviewed by career services staff. Prepare for an interview too! We will go over common questions and basic interview etiquette. The more you prepare, the more confident you will be! Walk in anytime between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

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Resume Review and Interview Prep

Wednesday, February 11, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. | Administration and Student Services Building (Admin, Building 1), 220 Career Services

Get ready for the career fair by having your resume reviewed by career services staff. Prepare for an interview too! We will go over common questions and basic interview etiquette. The more you prepare, the more confident you will be! Walk in anytime between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. See Handshake for additional details.

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BMES General Meeting

Wednesday, February 11, 4–7 p.m. | ChemSci 102

This semester, our general meetings are every other (even) Wednesdays at 4pm in ChemSci 102. Any changes and topics for each meeting will be announced the week before the meeting takes place.

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BMES Valentine's Day

Wednesday, February 11, 4–6 p.m. | ChemSci 102

Celebrate Valentine’s season with BMES at a relaxed, cozy general meeting! We’re hosting a Valentine’s Party filled with light snacks, simple crafts, and plenty of good vibes. Whether you want to make a cute craft for a friend, unwind with some creative time, or just hang out with fellow BME students, this will be a low‑key, fun hour to recharge mid‑week. All BME students are welcome—come as you are and enjoy a chill Valentine’s-themed meeting with us!

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Huskies Swim Training - Session 2

Wednesday, February 11, 4–6 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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SoundGirls General Meeting

Wednesday, February 11, 5–7 p.m. | Walker 210

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

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Board Game Night

Wednesday, February 11, 6–9 p.m. | Wadsworth Annex (G11)

Need a break from the grind? Come unwind at Board Game Night! Drop in, play a game (or a few), and hang out with other Huskies. No experience required, just show up.

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SMLS Bi-Weekly Meeting

Wednesday, February 11, 6–8 p.m. | Fisher 231

Welcome to the Society of Medical Laboratory Scientists! We host meetings every other week to discuss topics within the major, career development opportunities, volunteer opportunities, and do MLS themed crafts. We are open to all majors, and welcome anyone with an interest in MLS.

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Facing Giants with Chloe Cole

Wednesday, February 11, 7:00–9:30 p.m. | Fisher Hall Room 135

Chloe Cole, a teenage girl from California, began a transition from female to male at just 13. First, she was placed on puberty blockers and given testosterone, then by 15, she underwent top surgery to “affirm” her perceived male gender. At 16 years old, Chloe Cole de-transitioned, and began to speak out against medical intervention for underage kids who suffer from gender dysphoria. Chloe will speak about recognizing the “giants” that push us away from truth—and how every one of us needs hope and strength to stand firm and push back. She’ll challenge us to confront the giants we face in our own lives, in our schools, and across our nation. Join TPUSA at Michigan Tech on Wednesday, Feb. 11th at 7 PM in Fisher 135 to hear Chloe speak about her unique experience and how you too can learn to face your own giants.

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video presentation of “Next Steps for Nature”

February 11, all day | U. J. Noblet Forestry Building, 144

Even after reading books and attending talks, many still have questions about ecological landscaping. In his latest webinar, renowned native plant guru Doug Tallamy answers many of the questions audiences have asked during his hundreds of presentations. Topics range from biodiversity and pest control to home landscaping and supporting wildlife. He also provides practical guidance on restoring nature in everyday spaces. Keweenaw Wild Ones and the Keweenaw Invasive Species Management Area (KISMA) are happy to present video of “Next Steps for Nature,” with Doug Tallamy, inspired by his book How Can I Help? Saving Nature with Your Yard6 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 11Michigan Tech’s U. J. Noblet Forestry Building, Room 144“Next Steps for Nature” will be followed by a panel Q&A featuring the following local experts: KISMA coordinator Sigrid ReshMichelle Anderson, of Keweenaw Wild Bird RECMary Richardson, ecological landscaper and owner of Richardson LandscapingMichelle Wietek Stephens, owner of U.P. Native Plants