May 20, 2026

Michigan Tech is hosting chief research security officers from new R1 and rising R2 institutions at the 2026 Research on Research Security (RORS) Workshop this week, from May 19-21.

Implementing a participatory group level assessment methodology, the workshop invites stakeholders to identify critical issues, prioritize action planning and build a professional network to advance academic research security.

This workshop is funded by the National Science Foundation RoRS program (Award No. 2537398) and conducted by principal investigator Michelle Jarvie-Eggart (EF/CEGE/PsyHF) and co-PIs Gregory Odegard (MAE/MSE), Wayne W. Weaver (ECE/MAE), Leo C. Ureel (CS/PsyHF) and Matthew R. Hellman (VPR), with support from MTU Institute of Computing and Cybersystems staff member James Townsend.

Congratulations to Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences Assistant Professor Xiang Li on his paper being recognized as a top viewed article in Geophysical Research Letters, a premier journal of the American Geophysical Union (AGU) published by John Wiley & Sons.

Li’s research, titled “Exploring the Behaviors of Initiated Progressive Failure and Slow-Moving Landslides in Los Angeles Using Satellite InSAR and Pixel Offset Tracking,” ranked within the top 10% of most-viewed papers published in the journal in 2024. The study used satellite remote sensing to analyze landslide behavior and identify precursory movement patterns that may help improve understanding of catastrophic landslide events.

This recognition highlights the impact and visibility of Li’s research within the geoscience community. We are proud to celebrate this outstanding achievement and the continued contributions of our faculty to advancing research and discovery.

In observance of the Memorial Day holiday on Monday, May 25, the deadline for this week’s payroll, Bi-Weekly Pay Period 11 (BW11), will be adjusted.

Please review the updated deadline below and plan accordingly.

Key Reminders:

• This notice has also been sent to supervisors and approvers to share with their teams.
• Adjust internal department deadlines as needed to ensure timely payroll processing.
• Ensure proxy approvals are in place if you will be unavailable during the holiday.
• A Tech Today reminder will be distributed tomorrow and again on Tuesday, May 26, when staff return to the office.

Actions/Deadlines:

• Previous Payroll Deadline: Monday, May 25, at 11:59 p.m.
• Updated Payroll Deadline: Tuesday, May 26, at 11:59 p.m.

Thank you for your cooperation in meeting this deadline. We wish you a safe and meaningful Memorial Day!

For instructions on setting up a proxy, please visit Payroll Services’ Electronic Time Entry webpage.

No matter where you are in life — whether you’re just getting started or planning for retirement — a session with a financial consultant can help you create a plan for your goals. And, it’s at no additional cost as a part of your retirement plan. You’ll get answers to these questions and more:

• Am I invested in the appropriate mix of investments to help meet my goals?
• Am I saving enough to create the retirement income I need?
• How do I take income from my retirement account once I stop working?

Matthew Bunch from the Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (TIAA) will be available on Michigan Tech’s campus for one-on-one sessions from June 8 through June 12. MTU employees can schedule time slots with Bunch in the MUB Greenstone Room (MUB 106A) during his time here.

RSVP today, as space is limited. You can register for a session with TIAA directly by logging in to your TIAA or guest account, then searching for "Michigan Tech" in the Institution field. When asked how you would like to meet, select "In Person at My Employer."

You can also register for a meeting by calling TIAA at 800-732-8353 on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.

Tech Today will not publish on Monday, May 25, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday.

Submissions for publication in Tech Today on Tuesday, May 26, are due by noon on Friday, May 22.

Please remember to submit check requests for disbursements from the Michigan Tech Fund Endowed Funds to mtfchecks@mtu.edu by June 3 to meet the deadline for the June 17 payment date.

Registration is open for all of the Michigan Tech Outdoor Adventure Program’s summer 2026 events and open rec!

Michigan Tech Recreation’s Outdoor Adventure Program (OAP) is located at the MTU Trailhead off of Sharon Avenue in Houghton. Visit OAP online or follow along for updates on Instagram and Facebook.

Questions? Email OAP at oap@mtu.edu or call 906-487-2290.

OAP Rental Center:

• General Equipment

OAP Open Rec:

• Open Climb
• Tech Trails
• Log Rolling
• Open High Ropes

OAP Events:

Custom Trips
What do you want to do with the OAP? We can plan and program many outdoor adventures for your group and can combine many of the offerings that we have to make one great experience. Complete the Custom Packages Reservation Form, and we can get an estimate together for you! 

Canoe The Sturgeon
Relax and canoe with the OAP on a stretch of the Sturgeon River in Chassell, about 10 miles from campus. OAP will take care of transportation (from the OAP to the river and back), canoes, paddles, PFDs and trailers, and provide two trip leaders to assist along the paddle. This event takes roughly three hours from when we leave until we return. Paddling is easy, on slow-moving waters with no rapids. 

Waterfall Tours
Experience the magic of Michigan’s waterfalls with the OAP’s exclusive tour around the breathtaking Keweenaw Peninsula! Let us be your guides to the serene beauty of Hungarian Falls, the majestic Houghton-Douglass Falls (Michigan’s tallest!), picturesque Jacob’s Falls and Haven Falls. Leave the planning to us and indulge in a stress-free adventure as we uncover the hidden gems of the Upper Peninsula. Book your spot now and prepare for a day filled with awe and wonder! 

Fall Orientation Trips

• Sunset Paddle — Looking to get out and paddle this year, but not confident enough to do it yourself? Come with us on the Orientation Sunset Paddle! We will paddle the Sturgeon Sloughs in Chassell, easy flat water with lots of waterfowl and wildlife. All equipment is included and transportation as well! No need to do it alone; come with us and learn a bit more about paddling!

• Porkies Hike — The OAP will be heading over to the largest state park in Michigan, the Porcupine Mountain Wilderness State Park. Over 60,000 acres comprise the Porkies, with over 87 miles of trails that are perfect for your next outdoor adventure. We will spend the day hiking on the Escarpment Trail and exploring the Lake of the Clouds Scenic Area. We will cover about four miles of trail during the day, and a short visit to the big lake to cool off afterward. Bring your own lunch.

Michigan Tech’s John J. MacInnes Student Ice Arena and Skate Rental Center has begun offering open recreation for the summer season! Whether you’re looking to stay active, sharpen your skills or just enjoy some time on the ice, we’ve got something for everyone.

Here’s what you can look forward to at the Mac this summer:

• Services:
  • Equipment Rental and Skate Sharpening
    
    
• Recreation: 
  • Open Skate — May 17 to June 28
  • Open Hockey — May 13 to June 5
  • Stick and Puck — May 17 to June 28

Questions? Email recreation@mtu.edu.

Commit to be fit with Michigan Tech Recreation’s summer HuskiesFit programs!

HuskiesFit offers a variety of group fitness classes to keep you motivated and moving. One of the following passes is required to attend a class. All purchases can be made at the Central Ticket Office in the SDC.

• SDC Annual Membership (provides free admission to group fitness classes)
  
  
• HuskiesFit Group Fitness Semester Unlimited Punch Pass
  • General Public $110
  • MTU Student $70
    
    
• HuskiesFit Group Fitness Half-Semester Unlimited Punch Pass
  • General Public $60
  • MTU Student $40 (available beginning July 6)
    
    
• Guest Pass
  • General Public and MTU Students $10

Unlimited punch passes are semester based and expire on Aug. 30 at the end of the summer 2026 semester. Passes are valid for the current list of available classes and will not be exchanged or refunded due to changes in the class schedule. Classes may vary in length, location or number of available seats. First come, first served. Participants must be age 16 or older.

Summer 2026 HuskiesFit Programs:

• Group Fitness:
  • HIIT
  • Bootcamp
  • Zumba
  • Aqua Zumba
  • Zumba Gold
  • Zumba Toning
  • CIRCL Mobility
  • Vinyasa Yoga
  • Yogatone
  • Interval Burn
  • Slow Flow Toga
  • Body Sculpt
  • Lower Body + ABS
  • Belly Dance
  • Roll and Restore

New Group Fitness Check-In Process Beginning Summer 2026

1. Check In: Stop at the Fitness Center Attendant Desk (or the Pool Attendant Desk for Aqua Zumba). Give the attendant your name to verify your registration/eligibility. Those attending studio classes will be given a class token.

2. Head to Class: Enjoy your workout! Studio class tokens can be handed to the instructor in the studio.

Questions? Email recreation@mtu.edu.

Registration for all sessions of Michigan Tech Aquatics’ summer 2026 programs is open!

Explore our programs for all ages and abilities:

• Huskies Group Swim Lessons Parent & Child Aquatics (ages 6 months to 3 years)
• Huskies Group Swim Lessons Preschool Aquatics (ages 4-5 years)
• Huskies Group Swim Lessons Learn to Swim Levels 1-5 (ages 6-17 years)
• Huskies Swim Training (ages 6-17 years)
• Adult Huskies Swim Lessons (ages 18 and older)
• Adult Huskies Swim Training (ages 18 and older)
• Private and Semi-Private Swim Lessons

Important Information for Parents/Guardians:
To register your child for MTU Aquatics programs, you must have a DSE user account with Michigan Tech Recreation.

Additional Resources:

• How to create your user account
• How to create your child’s affiliate account

Questions? Contact Aquatics Manager Annie Boyle at ambengry@mtu.edu or 906-487-2995.

See you at the pool!

Shooting Range programs are back at the SDC! Whether you’re looking to earn your Concealed Pistol License or take the next step toward becoming a certified instructor, we’ve got courses for you. Check out our upcoming Concealed Pistol Licensing Courses and Concealed Pistol Licensing Instructor Course to get started.

Questions? Email Jeff Stroud at jsstroud@mtu edu.

Concealed Pistol Licensing Course
This is the course you need to take to get your Michigan Concealed Pistol License. This is the premier course in the state of Michigan. The Michigan Coalition of Responsible Gun Owners (MCRGO) course covers what you need to know for carrying in open spaces, not just what to do in your home, but what to do in the parking lot, in the alley, etc. But we also add in things we teach our other courses that we feel you are going to need to know, doing our best to help prepare you to prevail in any encounter.

CPL Instructor Course
Before a MCRGO instructor candidate may register for the MTU Course on June 6-7, they must first apply to MCRGO, and become an approved instructor candidate (there is no cost to apply to become a MCRGO instructor — find the application link on the instructor course webpage). Instructor candidates must hold a current Michigan Concealed Pistol License unless exempted under MCL 28.432a Sec. 12a (a) and providing current department ID as a substitute. Instructor candidates also must be current members of MCRGO.

HuskiesFit Recreation is back! This summer, discover new ways to stay active, build confidence and challenge yourself at the Student Development Complex! Whether you’re stepping onto the mat for the first time, continuing your martial arts journey or looking to improve your fitness with rowing, our summer recreation programs offer something for all ages and experience levels.

Questions? Email recreation@mtu.edu.

HuskiesFit Adult and Youth Aikido
Whether you’re brand-new to aikido or looking to continue developing your skills, HuskiesFit programs offer something for everyone. With both adult and youth aikido options available, participants of all ages and experience levels can learn the fundamentals, build confidence and improve coordination in a supportive environment.

From mastering basic movements to refining technique and discipline, our aikido programs are designed to challenge and support you every step of the way. Join us this summer and experience a unique martial art that emphasizes balance, control and personal growth.

• Adult Aikido
• Youth Aikido

Summer ERG Rowing
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. 

Summer ERG Sessions:

• Session 2 — June 9-25 (registration closes June 7)
• Session 3 — July 7-23 (registration closes July 5)

Registration is open for summer tennis programs at Michigan Tech’s Gates Tennis Center!

The Gates Tennis Center is open for the summer. Court reservations are available seven days a week for tennis and pickleball, as well as a variety of programming options for youth and adults. Reservations and payments can be taken online as well as at the Gates Tennis Center.

Join the Gates Tennis Center mailing list.

Questions? Contact John Miller at jowmille@mtu.edu.

Group Lessons:

• Youth Group Tennis Lessons
• Adult Group Tennis Lessons
• Adult Specialty Programs

Private Lessons:

• Youth Private Tennis Lessons
• Adult Private Tennis Lessons

Open Recreation:

• Hours
• Membership, Court Rentals and Locker Rental

Job Posting for Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Staff and faculty job descriptions are available on the Human Resources website. For more information regarding staff positions, call 906-487-2280 or email humanresources@mtu.edu. For more information regarding faculty positions, contact the academic department in which the position is posted.

Administrative Aide (12 months, 40 hours), Graduate School. (​UAW posting dates are May 20 to May 27, 2026. External applicants are encouraged to apply; however, internal ​UAW applicants are given first consideration if they apply during the internal ​UAW posting dates.)

Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer that provides equal opportunity for all, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Accommodations are available. If you require any auxiliary aids, services, or other accommodations to apply for employment or for an interview at Michigan Technological University, please notify the Human Resources office at 906-487-2280 or humanresources@mtu.edu.

Trains Pro mentioned Michigan Tech alum Craig Morehouse ’05 (B.S. Civil Engineering) in a story about his promotion to executive vice president and chief operations officer at BNSF Railway.

Tampa Bay 28’s “Morning Blend” morning show aired an interview with Michigan Tech alum Steven C. Fantetti ’07 (B.S. Social Sciences) promoting his first book, the historical fiction novel “Across the Knoll” based on events surrounding the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Fantetti is a former Huskies wide receiver turned attorney, certified NFL player agent and author.

Pre-Award Staff in Retreat This Week

Pre-Award staff from the Sponsored Programs Office (SPO), Michigan Tech institute offices and the Research Development (RD) office will be participating in an on-campus retreat this week, May 18-22, to focus on proposal process improvement.

Principal investigators may experience some delays in responses from Pre-Award, RD, and institute research support staff during this time. Rest assured that all proposal submission deadlines will be met.

Thank you for your patience as we work together to strengthen our processes.

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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 tomorrow, 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 Naber, Andrea Strzelec, Scott 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.

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Fathima Farheen Selected as 2026-27 APS Student Ambassador

The Department of Physics is pleased to announce that Ph.D. candidate Fathima Farheen Nambipunnilath Siddique has been selected for the American Physical Society (APS) Student Ambassador Program for the 2026-27 academic year. The APS Student Ambassador Program is a prestigious student leadership opportunity, with 125 students from 20 countries worldwide selected for the 2026-27 cohort. The program recognizes individuals who demonstrate leadership, service and dedication to strengthening the physics community.

At Michigan Tech, Farheen will organize and promote student-focused events, connect her peers with APS resources, gather student input on APS and unit initiatives and represent APS at her home institution while helping build a stronger student community.

Farheen is a Ph.D. candidate in atmospheric sciences in the physics department under the guidance of Kartik Iyer. Her research focuses on the geometric and topological complexity of turbulent flows, using large-scale computational simulations and high-performance computing. 

Farheen has been actively involved in student leadership and outreach at Michigan Tech. She served as the president of MTU’s Women in Physics organization in 2025-26. She currently serves as secretary of the APS Forum on Graduate Student Affairs (FGSA). Through these roles, she has helped organize professional development workshops, outreach programs, technical training sessions, fellowship initiatives and cloud chamber tours for students.

The Department of Physics congratulates Fathima on this outstanding achievement and is proud of her continued leadership and contributions to the physics community.

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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!

We meet at the Van Pelt and Opie Library every first and third Wednesday of the month from 12-1 p.m. Meetings will be in Library 216.

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

Submission and Formatting 101: Master the Dissertation, Thesis, and Report Process

Wednesday, May 20, 2–4 p.m. | Administration and Student Services Building, 404

Students who are completing a dissertation, thesis, or report are invited to join the Graduate School to learn about the resources available to them to assist in scheduling their defense, formatting their documents, and submitting their documents. In one afternoon, you can learn everything you need to be successful and complete your degree in a timely fashion! Faculty and staff who assist students with submissions are also welcome to attend. Attend the entire event, or stop in for the seminar that interests you. Registration: Please register online to receive reminders and the link to attend online. The seminar will be available in person or online.Detailed schedule 2 – 3pm – Submission 101 Learn what is required to submit your document to the Graduate School and the deadlines for the upcoming semester. Best for students who are completing their degree this semester or next semester.3 – 4pm – Formatting 101-103 Learn about templates, checking your document with Adobe Acrobat, and how to use copyrighted materials. You’ll also learn where resources are on the web page so you can learn more about the topics that interest you.4pm - ? - Questions We'll be available to answer any additional…

West Michigan Alumni Spring Dinner

Wednesday, May 20, 6–8 p.m. | Ada, MI - Egypt Valley Country Club

You're invited to join fellow alumni and friends at the annual West Michigan Alumni Spring Dinner on Wednesday, May 20 at 6 p.m. This year's honored guest speaker is Bapi Pahar, Senior Research Engineer Scientist at Michigan Tech's Translational Health Engineering Research Center. His work spans mucosal immunology, epithelial cell biology, organoid and animal model development, and the function of mucosal regulatory T- and B-cells. Dr. Pahar is commited to promoting biomedical research in collaboration with Michigan State University, other academic institutions, healthcare providers, and industry partners by developing and implementing innovative medical solutions. The dinner will be held at Egypt Valley Country Club located at 7333 Knapp Ave NE, Ada, MI 49301. Tickets are $55 per person. Price includes garden salad, dinner (see options below), dessert, and a soft drink. Additional drink tickets can be purchased with cash on the evening of the event. Dinner Options: Cornmeal Crusted Walleye with a Lemon Caper Burre BlancHerb Roasted Pork Loin (GF) with Roasted Apple-Cranberry ChutneyGrilled Chicken Florentine: All Natural Herb & Garlic Chicken Topped w/ Sauteed Spinach, Sundried…

Fiber Arts Group - Summer 2026

May 20, all day | J. Robert Van Pelt and John and Ruanne Opie Library, 216

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 216.

Michigan Sustainable Tourism Summit - Visit Keweenaw

May 20, all day | McArdle Theatre, Rozsa 207

PRESENTED BY VIST KEWEENAW The Michigan Sustainable Tourism Summit is a regional forum dedicated to thoughtful, responsible destination development. Hosted in Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula, a place shaped by natural beauty, industry, and resilience, the Summit brings together those shaping the future of tourism and community life. Over four days, participants will explore practical strategies, shared challenges, and real-world examples of how economic vitality and environmental care can coexist. This is about progress that feels rooted, intentional, and true to place. Key Summit Themes: Enhancing our industry’s commitment to responsible outdoor recreationPreserving northern Michigan’s dark skiesSupporting the underpinning ecological and outdoor recreation infrastructure the visitor industry and our local communities rely uponLeveraging tourism as a force to support authentic cultural and heritage preservationTools for community-centric tourism Things to know By registering to this Summit, registrants agree to sharing their full registration information with the Summit host, Visit Keweenaw. DATE | Wednesday - Saturday, May 20 - 23, 2026 TIME | Full summit schedule available…