March 5, 2026

Jared Wolfe, associate professor for the College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science (CFRES), made headlines on Michigan Tech’s Unscripted Research Blog last year with a jaw-dropping research study published in Science Advances — and eye-catching photography of his avian subjects. 

This year, his research into the cause of bird declines in the Neotropics is the focus of the February feature article “Fading Melodies” in Science magazine.

“It’s an honor to have the scientific media outlet of record interested in your work,” said Wolfe. “The fact that they are making it a featured article is even more exciting. Honestly, tropical bird declines have not received the attention they should, and I am glad Science is dedicating the resources to cover this issue.”

Read about Wolfe’s findings on the CFRES Blog.

TouchNet has changed how receipts are delivered to customers to resolve recent email delivery issues.

Previously, receipts were sent from individual store email addresses. To ensure reliable delivery, all receipts will now be sent from "campuspayments@touchnet.com". This change is already in effect and is intended to reduce the number of missing confirmation emails.

If you have any questions or concerns, we can help.  Email IT or call 906-487-1111.

March’s Monthly HR Connect session spotlights EPAFs — Electronic Personnel Action Forms. Join us virtually on Zoom on Tuesday, March 10, from 1-2 p.m. EDT for an EPAF walk-through.

Why you should join:

• Stay Informed: This will be a walk-through of EPAF categories and EPAF screens.
• Open Forum: Bring your questions for our live Q&A session at the end of the hour.

Join the March HR Connect Session on Zoom.

Save the Date: Women in the Academy (WIA) at Michigan Tech will hold our 2026 Spring Breakfast with the Provost on March 27 from 7:30-9:30 a.m. in the MUB Alumni Lounge (MUB 107). Please RSVP by March 16.

The WIA breakfast event is an opportunity to gather as a group and openly discuss issues of interest with Provost Andrew Storer. We will have some questions prepared and will also open the floor for your questions.

If you have questions that you want to ask but wish to do so anonymously, please include them in the RSVP or email them to Tara Bal at tlbal@mtu.edu or Smitha Rao at smithar@mtu.edu.

There will be a traditional breakfast with coffee, tea and orange juice, including vegetarian options. If you have any additional dietary restrictions, please share them in the RSVP so we can do our best to accommodate. 

Breakfast will start at 7:30 a.m., but our discussions with the provost will begin closer to 8 a.m.

This event is co-sponsored by the Office of the Provost and WIA.

Event Details:

• What: 2026 Spring Breakfast with the Provost
• When: Friday, March 27, from 7:30-9:30 a.m.
• Where: Memorial Union Alumni Lounge (MUB 107)
• RSVP Deadline: RSVP by March 16

Coming Soon: WIA's Breakfast Social will be held on April 8! Save the date and watch for more info!

Join Chief Research Security Officer Matt Hellman and the Research Security team on Tuesday, March 10, from noon to 1:30 p.m. for an informational session on export controls and foreign national restrictions (FNRs). 

This hybrid session is being offered both in person in the MUB Alumni Lounge (MUB 107) and remotely via Zoom. It will not be recorded.

Join the Research Security Info Session on Zoom.

Please reach out to researchsecurity-l@mtu.edu with any questions about this session.

John Oakey will present as part of the Department of Chemical Engineering (ChE) Research Series on Wednesday, March 11, at 10 a.m. in person in GLRC 202 or virtually via Zoom.

Join the ChE Research Seminar on Zoom.

Oakey will present “Programming Living Materials: Defining Cellular Architecture at the Mesoscale”.

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

Oakey is a professor at the University of Wyoming.

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) is hosting a seminar presented by Alexis Voulgaropoulos, Ph.D. candidate at Stanford University.

The seminar will be held tomorrow, March 6, at 4 p.m. in M&M 610.

Voulgaropoulos will present “Chemical recycling of plastics: Mapping a path for responsible future technology integration”.

From the abstract:
Since the commercialization of plastics in the 1950s, over 8300 million metric tons of plastic have been produced. Despite the ubiquity of plastics in daily life, only 5% of plastics in the United States are recycled annually. There is a critical need to reduce landfilled plastic waste and increase plastic recycling rates. Currently, mechanical recycling makes up the majority of plastic recycling processes, but it is limited due to polymer degradation and the need for high feedstock purity. Chemical recycling is an emerging plastic recycling solution that converts bulk polymers into commodity chemicals, showing promise for upcycling a more robust range of plastics and increasing plastic recycling rates. Despite its potential, there is opposition to the implementation of new chemical recycling facilities. After engaging with policymakers and the public at the United Nations Global Plastics Treaty, I observed that many environmentally conscious stakeholders are hesitant to embrace chemical recycling as an implementable, widespread solution. In this seminar, I discuss 1) the reasons for public doubt of chemical recycling, 2) the cyclical trend of chemical innovation and environmental externalities, and 3) how chemical engineers can move forward to reduce environmental hazards associated with technology development.

Voulgaropoulos is a chemical engineering Ph.D. candidate at Stanford University studying chemical recycling of plastics. She conducts research under guidance of Chris Tassone at SLAC National Lab, where she uses X-ray scattering to understand the fundamentals of plastic degradation and optimize chemical recycling catalysts. She is also keenly interested in the intersection between chemical engineering and policy. On the policy front, she is the chair of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers’ (AIChE’s) Public Information and Information Committee, where she engages with AIChE members on policy issues pertaining to chemical engineering.

Fox 2 Detroit mentioned Michigan Tech’s Mind Trekkers in a video segment about the upcoming STEM Fest at St. Clair County Community College, where students can explore hands-on, interactive STEM exhibits.

WZMQ 19 News reported that Michigan Tech hockey defenseman Jack Anderson was named CCHA Defenseman of the Month for the second straight month.

Call for Judges: Michigan Tech Design Expo 2026

Interested in supporting our students as they engage in hands-on, discovery-based learning? Consider serving as a distinguished judge at this year’s Design Expo!

Design Expo, scheduled for April 14, showcases exceptional projects crafted by our talented students across various disciplines. This annual event showcases the breadth and depth of undergraduate student innovation at Tech, featuring more than 80 Enterprise, Senior Design and capstone projects.

As a judge, you’ll play a crucial role in supporting student success and fostering a culture of innovation. We encourage all Michigan Tech faculty, graduate students, staff, alumni, industry representatives and community members to fill out our brief judge sign-up form.

Here's what we need from you:

• Attend the Expo: Mark your calendar for April 14 and be present between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to visit assigned teams and witness their projects firsthand.

• Review Team Videos: Prior to the Expo, between April 13 and April 14, you’ll have the opportunity to review and score assigned team videos via RocketJudge. Your feedback will be instrumental in guiding the students and helping them refine their projects.

By becoming a judge, you’ll inspire the next generation of researchers, connect with fellow educators and industry professionals, and make a tangible difference in our students’ lives.

Don’t miss this chance to be part of something extraordinary! Join us as a judge at the Michigan Tech Design Expo and let your passion for hands-on learning shine!

Learn more and sign up now. For questions, please email enterprise@mtu.edu.

We look forward to seeing you at the Design Expo!

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Graduate Research Colloquium 2026: Application Closes on Tuesday

Registration for this year’s Graduate Research Colloquium closes in less than a week.

The Graduate Student Government (GSG) invites all graduate students to participate in this year’s Graduate Research Colloquium (GRC), a campuswide event to showcase your research, strengthen your presentation skills and engage in exciting research competition.

GRC 2026 research presentations will be given in person on March 18. The GRC Awards Banquet will be held the following day, March 19. Graduate students can choose to give oral presentations, present posters, or do both.

Cash Prizes:

• First Place — $600
• Second Place — $400
• Third Place — $200

Register to Present at GRC 2026. The registration deadline is Tuesday, March 10.

Event Details:

• What: GSG Graduate Research Colloquium 2026
• When/Where:
  • Oral Presentations — Wednesday, March 18, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the MUB Alumni Lounge
  • Poster Presentations — Wednesday, March 18, from 5-8 p.m. in the Rozsa Lobby
  • GRC Awards Banquet — Thursday, March 19, at 5 p.m. in the Rozsa Lobby

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No C-Cubed Luncheon Today

Carved and Crafted Catering will not hold a C-Cubed Luncheon today, March 5, due to spring break.

For more information, please visit our C-Cubed Luncheon webpage.

Here’s a sneak peek at the menu for next week's luncheon on March 12!

Coming Next Week to C-Cubed:

• 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)

Submit C-Cubed Feedback.

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

Men's Tennis vs TBD

Thursday, March 5, 12–4 a.m.

Men's Tennis vs TBD

Women's Tennis vs TBD

Thursday, March 5, 12–4 a.m.

Women's Tennis vs TBD

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

Thursday, March 5, 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…

Mont Ripley Ski Patrol 90th Anniversary Celebration

Thursday, March 5, 1–10 p.m. | Michigan Tech Campus

Please join us in celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Mont Ripley Ski Patrol. The weekend will offer a variety of activities, including a campus tour, socials, a celebratory dinner and of course, skiing! Register by Monday, March 2, 2026 to choose from a variety of events over the two-day celebration.

The Buzz: Peer Support Community

Thursday, March 5, 5–7 p.m. | Hamar House

We invite you to join our safe and judgment-free space where students can share, listen, and support each other around substance use and recovery. You are welcome here.