Michigan Tech Magazine: Research News

Researcher processing samples in a lab while two others converse in the background.

Michigan Tech is making good on our designation as one of the nation’s premier R1 research institutions with a haul of prestigious national, international and University research awards.

Learn about the exciting research happening at 1400 Townsend Drive in our 2026 Michigan Tech Magazine.

Michigan Tech Joins Global Engineering Education Exchange Consortium

The Office of the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education (APUE) is excited to announce Michigan Tech’s admission into the Global Engineering Education Exchange (Global E3) Consortium, operated through the Institute for International Education (IIE).

The IIE Global E3 Program is a consortium-based exchange program for undergraduate engineering and computing students to study abroad and participate in internships worldwide while paying home school tuition. With exchange locations in over 20 countries, students at Global E3 consortium member institutions may apply to study abroad at international institutions for one semester or full academic year. The IIE Global E3 Program has approximately 250-300 student participants each academic year.

Participating universities are selected based on:

  • Program quality (to include ABET accreditation or national/regional/professional equivalent) and international reputation
  • Diversified undergraduate engineering curricula able to accommodate students from various areas of engineering
  • 15%-20% of classes taught in English in a minimum of three engineering disciplines
  • Demonstrated record of successful student exchanges

We kindly ask that you share the news of this membership with any students you feel may be interested in participating in a semester away with Global E3. Students are welcome to submit any inquiries to studyabroad@mtu.edu or visit our Study Away and Abroad Experiences page to schedule a study away advising appointment.

Likewise, we look forward to welcoming students from participating international universities and introducing them to all of the wonderful opportunities that Michigan Tech and the Houghton area have to offer.

Advance Your Combustion Engine Expertise with MTU's Online IC Engine Systems Certificate

Michigan Tech’s Global Campus invites you to a live Third Thursday webinar on May 21 at 11:30 a.m. ET featuring the online Internal Combustion Engine Systems graduate certificate.

This session will introduce the focused, 9-credit online program built for learners who want deeper expertise in the engine technologies still essential to transportation, power generation, off-highway equipment, and other demanding applications. The certificate, which reflects Michigan Tech’s strong applied-engineering tradition, was developed with substantive industry input, including collaboration with USCAR.

Webinar Highlights:

  • An overview of Michigan Tech’s online Internal Combustion Engine Systems certificate
  • A closer look at how the program connects engineering fundamentals with practical engine-system challenges
  • An introduction to the instructional team, which includes combustion and engine experts Jeffrey NaberAndrea StrzelecScott A. Miers and Rick Davis
  • Guidance on admissions and next steps
  • Live Q&A with faculty and enrollment advisors

Who Should Attend:

  • Michigan Tech students exploring graduate study in mechanical, automotive or energy-related fields
  • Alumni and community members interested in engines, mobility and power systems
  • Engineers and technical professionals looking to deepen their expertise in combustion engines
  • Anyone curious about a focused graduate credential shaped by industry needs

Register for the May 21 Webinar.

Reserve your spot to learn how this online certificate can help you strengthen your technical expertise in a field that continues to matter across industries.

Minneapolis Literary Reading with Stephanie Carpenter

Stephanie Carpenter (HU) will read from her 2025 novel, “Moral Treatment,” on Monday, May 11, at a literary reading at Magers & Quinn Booksellers in Minneapolis.

Winner of the inaugural Summit Series Prize from Central Michigan University Press, “Moral Treatment” is a work of historical fiction inspired by the Traverse City State Hospital.

Carpenter will be in conversation with author and Magers & Quinn bookseller Michael Piafsky during the event.

Learn more and register for the event.

Summer ERG Rowing

This summer, take your fitness to the next level with HuskiesFit Rowing at the Student Development Complex!

Michigan Tech Recreation’s “Get Your Erg On!” (Level 1) indoor rowing program is back with new sessions designed to introduce you to the fundamentals of rowing while delivering a fun, high-energy, full-body workout. Led by experienced members of the Michigan Tech Rowing Club, you’ll learn proper technique and build strength through engaging and challenging workouts.

Whether you’re brand-new to rowing or looking to switch up your fitness routine, this program is open to all skill levels!

Each three-week session will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-7:15 p.m. 

Questions? Email recreation@mtu.edu.

Summer 2026 Sessions:

  • Session 1 — May 12-28
    • Registration closes May 10

  • Session 2 — June 9-25
    • Registration closes June 7

  • Session 3 — July 7-23
    • Registration closes July 5

In Print

Kathryn Hannum (SS) is the author of a new article published in the Sociolinguistics special issue of Galicia 21: Journal of Contemporary Galician Studies.

The article is titled “The Landscape of Galician Language Across Geographies and Generations”.

Hannum drew upon extensive fieldwork in both Galicia, Spain, and Buenos Aires, Argentina, to understand contemporary Galician language use not only as a potent identity marker but as a political resource that Galicians deploy in different ways across the diaspora and within Galicia itself.

In the News

Keweenaw Report quoted James DeGraff (GMES) in a story about the geological history behind the Keweenaw Peninsula’s waterfalls and rugged landscape. DeGraff discussed how volcanic activity, the Keweenaw Fault and glacial erosion helped shape many of the region’s natural landmarks.

Ann Arbor SPARK mentioned Michigan Tech in coverage of the American Center for Mobility’s annual Demo Day. The story highlighted MTU’s work on adaptive beam lighting, work-zone occupant detection technology and guided soft target testing for advanced driver assistance and autonomous vehicle systems.

Reminders

Summer Youth Programs Staff Applications Now Open for Summer 2026

The Center for Educational Outreach is excited to announce that counselor and program support staff applications are now open for the 2026 season of Summer Youth Programs (SYP)!

Each summer, SYP welcomes more than a thousand middle and high school students to campus for an unforgettable experience filled with hands-on learning, discovery and adventure. We’re looking for college students from Michigan Tech and beyond who are excited to help create a fun, welcoming and meaningful environment for the thinkers, doers and problem-solvers of tomorrow.

A wide range of positions are available, including roles focused on youth engagement, residence life, evening programming, transportation, and daily operations. Staff begin paid training in early June, and programs will run through July 18.

If you know a college student (at Michigan Tech or elsewhere) seeking an impactful summer opportunity who enjoys working with youth and wants to be part of a positive, energetic campus community this summer, please encourage them to view our website to learn more and apply through our hiring portal.

Questions? Reach us at outreach@mtu.edu or 906-487-2219, or stop by Suite 217 of the Administration Building.

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Six Graduate Students Awarded Michigan Space Grant Consortium Fellowships

The Graduate School is pleased to announce that six Michigan Tech graduate students have been awarded Michigan Space Grant Consortium (MSGC Fellowships. These NASA-sponsored awards support exceptional students performing research in science, technology and STEM education.

Congratulations to this year’s recipients: 

  • Gabby DuCheny — Mechanical Engineering
    Advisor: Bhisham Sharma

  • Nicholas Hendrickson — Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics
    Advisor: Vinh Nguyen

  • Sam Jensen — Geophysics
    Advisor: Aleksey Smirnov

  • Mari Leland — Biological Sciences
    Advisor: Trista Vick-Majors

  • Samantha Torres — Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics
    Advisor: Vinh Nguyen

  • Dayana Manrique — Atmospheric Sciences
    Advisor: Shiliang Wu

Read more on the Graduate School Newsblog.