February 18, 2026

The Michigan Tech Transportation Institute (MTTI) and the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering (CEGE) recently welcomed leaders from Michigan’s Local Roads Research Program (LRRP) for a collaborative campus visit focused on advancing research and innovation to support Michigan’s local transportation systems.

Guests included Joanna I. Johnson, LRRP administrator with the County Road Association of Michigan (CRAM); and Darrell Cass, P.E., LRRP chair and engineer/manager of the Menominee County Road Commission. Their visit featured hands-on tours of Michigan Tech’s state-of-the-art laboratories, including facilities dedicated to asphalt binder and mixture characterization, aggregate testing, asphalt performance evaluation, nondestructive testing, concrete materials and geotechnical engineering.

Following the lab tours, faculty, researchers, staff and graduate students engaged in discussions centered on current projects and future research collaborations aimed at improving the safety, durability and sustainability of Michigan’s local road infrastructure. The visit highlighted the strong partnership between Michigan Tech and transportation agencies across the state, as well as the University’s commitment to delivering practical, high-impact solutions for communities.

Special thanks to the many CEGE and MTTI participants who contributed their expertise, including faculty across transportation, materials, geotechnical and water resources engineering, as well as graduate students from the College of Engineering. Appreciation is also extended to Tim Colling, director of Michigan Tech’s Center for Technology and Training, for his participation, and to the CEGE leadership and MTTI staff who helped facilitate the visit.

The event was coordinated by Zhanping You, MTTI director and distinguished professor of civil, environmental, and geospatial engineering.

Michigan Tech looks forward to continued collaboration with LRRP, CRAM and partners statewide to strengthen Michigan’s transportation infrastructure through research, innovation and education.

Michigan Tech’s first annual Husky Lab Safety Awareness Week wrapped up on Friday, Feb. 13, surpassing expectations with the level of campus engagement, collaboration and enthusiasm. From the opening video message by Andrew Barnard, vice president for research, to the final round of Quest Card prize drawings and the Husky Lab Safety Awards ceremony, the week demonstrated just how deeply our Husky community values the shared responsibility of safety.

Across five days of hands-on demonstrations, activities and the rollout of the new Fire Extinguisher Training System, turnout exceeded expectations for the first year. Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) is especially grateful for the generous number of donated prizes from campus partners and local businesses, which helped fuel participation and excitement throughout the week. See all the prize donors listed on EHS’ Lab Safety Awareness Week website.

This year also brought an exceptional number of Husky Lab Safety Award nominations, highlighting individuals and groups who model leadership, stewardship and everyday responsibility in their labs and workspaces. During Friday’s awards ceremony, awards were presented by Laura Bulleit, vice president for student affairs; LaReesa Wolfenbarger, dean of the College of Sciences and Arts; and Audra Morse, associate dean for academic affairs of the College of Engineering. Their participation underscored the broad, cross‑campus commitment to elevating safety as part of Michigan Tech’s growing R1 research culture.

2026 Husky Lab Safety Awards Recipients:

• Husky Student Safety Stewardship Award: Lucas Sheppard, Chemistry

• Faculty/Staff Husky Safety Stewardship Award: Paul Fraley, Materials Science and Engineering

• Exemplary Husky Research Safety Culture Award: Marine Research Assets Facility, Great Lakes Research Center

See everyone who was nominated listed on the Lab Safety Awareness Week website.

EHS extends our sincere appreciation to everyone who attended events, submitted nominations, completed Quest Cards or supported the week in any way. With such a strong first year, we’re already looking ahead. Planning for Lab Safety Awareness Week 2027 will begin soon, and we’re excited to build on this momentum, expand programming and continue strengthening the culture of Husky Lab Safety across campus.

Please let us know your thoughts and suggestions for next year’s Lab Safety Awareness Week! Send your feedback and ideas through our Lab Safety Awareness Week Survey.

Thank you again for making our first Lab Safety Awareness Week an event to remember.

The Pavlis Honors College invites faculty and staff to serve as judges for the 14th annual Undergraduate Research & Scholarship Symposium (URSS). Your expertise plays a vital role in providing meaningful feedback to students and strengthening the quality of their poster presentations.

About URSS
The Undergraduate Research & Scholarship Symposium will take place on March 20 in the Rozsa Lobby. This campuswide event highlights exceptional undergraduate research and scholarship from across Michigan Tech. Students representing a wide range of disciplines will showcase projects that reflect the depth, creativity and diversity of research opportunities available at the University.

URSS offers attendees the opportunity to engage directly with student researchers, explore innovative projects and experience firsthand the vibrancy of Michigan Tech’s research community. For additional details, please visit the URSS website.

Judging Process
Judges will review digital poster submissions via email between March 2 and March 10. This timeline allows students to receive constructive feedback and refine their work prior to the public poster session. Reviews may be completed remotely at any time during the judging window. 

Sign Up to Judge
If you are interested in serving as a URSS judge, please complete our judge registration form. Questions may be directed to Chris Hohnholt at cahohnho@mtu.edu.

Thank you for supporting undergraduate research at Michigan Tech. We look forward to your participation in this important and rewarding process.

Applications are being accepted for King-Chávez-Parks (KCP) Future Faculty Fellowships, a program funded by the state of Michigan. The purpose of the KCP Future Faculty Fellowship Program is to increase the pool of academically and economically disadvantaged candidates pursuing faculty teaching careers in post-secondary education.

Funding may begin in fall 2026. Applications are due no later than 4 p.m. on April 20.

Applicants will complete the following steps listed under “Application Procedure” on the Graduate School’s KCP fellowship webpage.

• Review the eligibility criteria to ensure eligibility (see step 1)
• Gather the materials needed for an application (see step 2)
• Create an account on the MILogin for Citizens portal (see step 3)
• Submit an application on the MILogin portal (see step 4)

KCP fellowships provide students up to $20,000 (M.S. students) or $35,000 (Ph.D. students) to pursue their degrees. Funds may be used to support students, including faculty and staff, pursuing degrees at Michigan Tech. For Michigan Tech students, the Graduate School and nominating department must also contribute matching funds to help support the student.

Complete information about eligibility criteria and materials needed for an application is available on our webpage. Please note that applications will be submitted through the MILogin for Citizens portal. Questions about eligibility or the application procedure can be directed to Debra Charlesworth. Applicants may work with Lea Marlor to prepare their educational and career goal statement.

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!

• Clair M. Donovan Award: The Clair M. Donovan Award honors a faculty or staff member, student or exceptional community member who has provided the most outstanding service during the preceding year. This prestigious award celebrates individuals who embody the spirit of service and leadership exemplified by Clair M. Donovan. As a Michigan Tech alumnus, national president of Blue Key and dedicated civil leader, Donovan’s contributions left a lasting legacy — and this award continues to recognize those who follow in his footsteps. Help us celebrate someone whose commitment and service have made Michigan Tech and the community a better place. Nominate a deserving individual today on the Clair M. Donovan Award nomination form.

• Student Organization Advisor of the Year: The Student Organization Advisor of the Year Award honors an advisor of a registered student organization who goes above and beyond to engage and motivate its members. This award recognizes advisors who actively participate, inspire and guide student organizations toward success. Respected by the organization’s members, these advisors play a crucial role in fostering growth, leadership and a sense of community within the group. Show your appreciation! Eligible recipients must be a registered advisor of a registered student organization through Student Leadership and Involvement. Nominate an advisor who has made a lasting impact on your organization on the Student Organization Advisor of the Year Award nomination form. 

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

This evening, Feb. 18, join the Superior Wind Symphony, Michigan Tech’s premier wind ensemble, for a performance of “Classics and Contemporaries,” a celebration of wind band masterworks, old and new, from the 18th century to the 21st. Directed by Joel Neves (VPA), the Superior Wind Symphony inspires audiences with a wide variety of works from around the world.

Get Tickets
Pay As You’re Able tickets are available online or at the Rozsa Center during regular Box Office hours. Michigan Tech students are eligible for free Student Rush tickets sponsored by the Experience Tech Fee.

Classics and Contemporaries – Superior Wind Symphony
Wednesday, Feb. 18 | 7:30 p.m.
Rozsa Center
Michigan Tech Music Series

The Financial Services and Operations Lunch and Learn is today, Feb. 18, from noon to 1 p.m. EST on Zoom.

For anyone who has not yet received the Zoom link via Google Calendar invite and for those interested in joining who did not previously register, please join us with the following Zoom link. Please note that you will need to be signed into Zoom with your MTU credentials.

Join FSO's Lunch and Learn on Zoom.

It is not required to register in advance for today's event, but if you would like the opportunity to provide feedback after the session, please consider registering on our Lunch and Learn Registration form.

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

The Office of Continuous Improvement is offering a virtual workshop, “Practical Problem Solving: Leveraging the Plan-Do-Check-Act Cycle”, next Wednesday, Feb. 25, from 9 a.m. to noon. Practice different problem solving methods to test and learn your way toward your goals. Problem solving in a continuous improvement culture is highly participative, focusing on the problem, not the person, and involving the people who actually do the work.

To see the workshop description and register, complete our brief Upcoming Michigan Tech Lean Workshops form or visit our website. Once registered, we’ll add you to a calendar event for the course.

In this workshop, we’ll use some online tools, Zoom and Miro, that will enable us to work as a team to solve a problem together. Miro is a virtual collaboration tool, similar to a virtual whiteboard. Learn more about how to use Miro at the Miro Academy Essentials course. The workshop is considered complete after attending the workshop and submitting a couple of brief activities to demonstrate application of concepts. A certification of completion will be awarded after meeting all requirements. There’s no cost to Michigan Tech employees.

This stand-alone workshop is part of the Lean Basics workshop series. It can be taken independently, or, if you complete all five workshops in the series, we’ll award you a Lean Yellow Belt certificate! For more information, email improvement@mtu.edu.

Join the Department of Humanities again this Friday, Feb. 20, for the special RTC Research Forum "Creative Works in Progress" at noon in the Petersen Library!

This week’s presentation will be a dynamic literary session, as creative writers from the Department of Humanities share recent poetry and prose, either published or in progress. Featuring the work of M. Bartley Seigel, Claire Helakoski, Mark Lounibos, Ana W. Migwan and Jenni Nance.

We hope you’ll join us for this fun and fascinating dive into the creative process with our nationally recognized faculty and students!

Ph.D. candidate Hunter Roose and Ph.D. student Elizabeth Jahn, both advised by Jill Olin in the Department of Biological Sciences, will present as part of the Departments of Kinesiology and Integrated Physiology (KIP) and Biological Sciences (BioSci) Seminar Series. The seminar will take place in GLRC 202 from 2-3 p.m. tomorrow, Feb. 19.

Presentation 1
Roose will present “Interspecific Interactions Constrain Niche Expansion: Insights from Keystone Niche Individuals”.

From the abstract:
... Recently, the concept of a keystone niche individual has been proposed to describe individuals whose resource use exerts a disproportionate effect on a population’s TNW [total niche width] and identifies those exploiting resources beyond the population’s typical niche space. Yet it remains unclear whether keystone niche individuals consistently emerge under competitive conditions, or whether negative interactions instead constrain individual niche divergence, limiting the expression of distinct trophic niches. Here, we explore the keystone niche individual framework in a comparative field study contrasting individual niche contributions in a sympatric population of native brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) and non-native rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) with an allopatric brook trout population. We use fatty acid profiles of blood from repeatedly sampled brook trout to quantify individual trophic niches and evaluate the presence and characteristics of keystone niche individuals. We found that interspecific interactions constrained individual niche divergence, such that disproportionate individual contributions to TNW were absent in our sympatric population. By comparing individual niche contributions under contrasting competitive scenarios, we find that keystone foraging phenotypes may be diminished or absent under competitive conditions, potentially homogenizing resource use within populations.

Presentation 2
Jahn will present “Does a Dominant Prey Resource Lead to Food Web Stability?”

From the abstract:
... In wasp-waist ecosystems, one or a few pelagic forage species dominate biomass and control energy flow within an ecosystem by exerting top-down control on zooplankton and bottom-up control on both meso-predators and higher-order predators. With decreased complexity in intermediate trophic levels, wasp-waist systems are characterized by low ecosystem stability, as interactions across trophic levels are limited to a few strong interactions across critical prey species. We hypothesize that the migratory shark assemblage in the NYB [New York Bight] will rely heavily on abundant pelagic forage prey species during the summer to fall months, which may imply wasp-waist dynamics are occurring during this time. Here, we present a conceptual model to quantify interaction strengths between migratory shark species and their prey resources. This framework will enable us to characterize food web structure, evaluate the potential for wasp-waist dynamics, and ultimately infer the stability of the food web during the summer months. To quantify interaction strength, we will use a combination of data streams: Bayesian stable isotope mixing models using carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur values from ten migratory shark species will be used to estimate their resource use, and biomass data from nearshore trawls will measure available prey biomass. Initial model outputs indicate a strong reliance on pelagic forage-dominant resources across shark species, indicating the abundance of forage species is critical for maintaining predator biomass in this seasonally dynamic system. Quantifying interaction strengths and characterizing food web structure will improve our understanding of system stability and help assess its resilience to perturbations under ongoing environmental change, including rising sea surface temperatures and shifting species distributions.

The next Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) Graduate Seminar speaker will present at 2 p.m. tomorrow, Feb. 19, in EERC 103.

Becky Petteys will present “Systems Engineering for the future, and why it needs you!”

In this talk, Petteys will go a little into the history of systems engineering as a field, but the main focus will be on what it is now and where it is going in the future. The hard engineering skills of mechanical engineers — modeling, simulation, coding, analysis — are essential to that future vision.

Brookhaven National Laboratory quoted Raymond Shaw (Physics) and Michigan Tech alum Fan Yang ’17 (Ph.D. Atmospheric Sciences) in a story about the lab’s new convection cloud chamber, designed to study cloud formation and aerosol interactions under controlled laboratory conditions. The article notes that the chamber builds on experience from Tech’s Pi Cloud Chamber and highlights collaboration between Brookhaven and MTU researchers to advance atmospheric science.

In Business Madison quoted Tim Scarlett (SS) in a story about the potential to repurpose abandoned mines in Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula for rare earth mineral recovery and underground energy storage.

My UP Now quoted Jim Tolan (CFRES) in a story about a new cross country ski trail at Michigan Tech’s Ford Center in Alberta. Tolan discussed the nearly 10-kilometer groomed loop system and its potential to expand winter recreation opportunities in Baraga County.

The Fishing Wire mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources–assisted survey led by MTU researchers to gather angler feedback on recreational burbot fishing in the Lake Superior basin.

Nominations Open: Bhakta Rath Award and Michigan Tech Research Award

The Vice President for Research Office is accepting nominations for both the Bhakta Rath Research Award and the Michigan Tech Research Award.

The Bhakta Rath Research Award offers an opportunity to promote and reward excellence in scientific and engineering research in the fields of physical and natural sciences and engineering. For complete submission guidelines, visit our Bhakta Rath Research Award page.

The Michigan Tech Research Award offers an opportunity for an individual to be recognized for outstanding achievements in research. For complete submission guidelines, visit our Michigan Tech Research Award page.

Nominations for each award must be submitted electronically in PDF format, per the guidelines, no later than 4 p.m. on March 5.

All nominations must be sent to rd-l@mtu.edu.

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Virtual Position Management Training Session

Human Resources will be providing a virtual Position Management training session tomorrow, Feb. 19, at 10 a.m. on Zoom. Please join us in learning about Michigan Tech’s new position management system, Kuali.

This one-hour session provides an overview of position management, the electronic Position Management Request Form, and the new transaction workflow.

The event is listed on our HR Events Calendar if you would like to add it to your calendar. The following Zoom link can also be used tomorrow.

Join the Position Management Training Session on Zoom.

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2026 Indoor Triathlon

It’s time to challenge yourself this spring with the Michigan Tech Indoor Triathlon! Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or trying a tri for the first time, this fun event lets you test your skills in three disciplines.

The indoor triathlon is happening April 1 at 7 p.m. in the SDC Pool and Multipurpose Room. It will include a 10-minute swim, 15-minute row and 10-minute run. Participants of all experience levels are welcome, from first-timers to training pros!

Visit Michigan Tech Recreation’s Indoor Triathlon page to learn more.

This event is free for MTU students and SDC Access Pass holders (minimum three-month), but you must register to participate. Registration opens today, Feb. 18, at 8 a.m. and closes March 24 at 11:59 p.m.

Spots are limited, so sign up early and get ready to tri!

Questions? Email recreation@mtu.edu.

Event Details:

• What: Michigan Tech Indoor Triathlon
• When: Wednesday, April 1, at 7 p.m.
• Where: SDC Pool and Multipurpose Room
• Registration: Required. A registration link is available on the event webpage.

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MTU Fiber Arts Group Meetup

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. Feel free to bring your lunch as well as your works-in-progress. We welcome students, staff, faculty and the community — the more the merrier!

Our meetings will be on the first and third Wednesdays of the month at the Van Pelt and Opie Library in Library 103 from noon to 1 p.m.

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Mathematical Sciences Graduate Student Seminar Series with Philip Cuthbertson

Please join the Department of Mathematical Sciences in Fisher 326 tomorrow, Feb. 19, from 12-1 p.m. for our Graduate Student Seminar Series featuring Ph.D. candidate Philip Cuthbertson.

Refreshments will be provided. Contact the math department’s graduate program assistant, Andi Schoch, via email at ajschoch@mtu.edu or in person in Fisher 318 with any questions.

The seminar is titled “Joint Distributions of Hook Lengths in Integer Partitions”.

From the abstract:
The question of how many ways a natural number can be split into a sum of smaller natural numbers is a surprisingly difficult and deep question. Each way that this can be done is called an integer partition. These partitions show up in many disparate areas of mathematics and science such as number theory, complex analysis, cryptography, statistical mechanics, string theory, and computational chemistry to name just a few. We focus primarily on a geometric aspect of integer partitions called their hook lengths. Hook lengths in integer partitions have been widely studied and much work has gone into understanding how they are distributed. Inspired by an identity of Anible and Keith, we derive generating functions for some joint distributions of hook lengths and provide a conjecture for the general form that these series will take.

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 18, 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…

Let's Talk

Wednesday, February 18, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. | Minerals & Materials Building, room 338

Struggling with the semester or wondering how to support a friend? Let’s Talk, in partnership with Student Support & Mentorship, offers free, informal, and confidential chats with a Michigan Tech counselor to help you explore mental health resources and get guidance, no therapy commitment needed. All students welcome!

Fiber Arts Group

Wednesday, February 18, 12–2 p.m. | J. Robert Van Pelt and John and Ruanne Opie Library, 103

MTU Fiber Arts Meetup 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. Feel free to bring your lunch as well as your Works-in-progress. We welcome students, staff, faculty, and the community - the more the merrier! We meet every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Meetings will be at the Van Pelt & Opie Library, Room 103.

VPR Research Series: Federal Science & Technology Budget Update

Wednesday, February 18, 12:00–1:30 p.m.

Join representatives from Dykema, Michigan Tech’s government relations firm, as they present an update from Washington, D.C., on the recently passed federal budget bills and the outlook for federal science & technology research and development funding for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2026. The session will be held on Zoom. Michigan Tech Vice President for Government Relations Bill Kordenbrock will join the discussion. We 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.

Huskies Swim Training - Session 2

Wednesday, February 18, 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!

HuskyLEAD - Managing Organizational Conflict

Wednesday, February 18, 4–6 p.m. | Fisher 129

Join us for a practical workshop on managing organizational conflict aimed to help you navigate conflict in any groups you’re a part of. Through guided discussion and real-life scenarios, participants will explore strategies for addressing disagreements within their organizations, even when those conflicts involve friends. This session will equip you with tools to communicate effectively, manage tension, and strengthen relationships while working toward shared goals.

SoundGirls General Meeting

Wednesday, February 18, 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.

TSA February Social: Free Skate

Wednesday, February 18, 6:00–8:50 p.m. | Student Development Complex

Join the Thompson Scholars Organization for free skate at the Student Development Complex! Ice skating is free with your Michigan Tech ID. If you need to rent skates, they are $5. Helmets are required, so if you have one, bring it, but if not, they are free to rent. Skating starts at 6 and goes until 7:50. Come for as long as you'd like, and bring a friend!

Michigan Tech Husky Parent and Family Panel

Wednesday, February 18, 7–9 p.m.

Do you have questions for parents of current Huskies? A few of our current Husky parents will be there to answer any questions you may have. They'll tell you about their student's experiences at Michigan Tech and how to navigate the whole process as a parent.

Pickleball Club Weekly Practice/Meeting

Wednesday, February 18, 9 p.m.–12 a.m. | Gates Tennis Center

Come join us at Gates Tennis Center for some Pickleball! We have equipment that is free to use and its a great way to have some friendly competition against fellow huskies. If you have never played pickleball and want to learn, then you came to the right place! We can teach you how play, so feel free to come at any time and join in on the fun.