May 6, 2021

Updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting say high-touch surfaces should be cleaned at least once daily and the most reliable way to prevent infection transmission from surfaces is to regularly wash hands or use hand sanitizer.

Employees are asked to:

• Continue to wipe and sanitize high-frequency touchpoints and shared equipment in personal offices, office suites and departmentally controlled spaces at least once a day. Departments can continue to procure wipes and hand sanitizer pump dispensers through Chem Stores.
• Continue to take your own trash and recycling from individual offices and office suites to the designated area in your building. Please close your bags securely.
• Research lab trash should be taken directly to the building’s dumpster by research lab personnel.

Custodial staff will continue to concentrate their efforts on cleaning and sanitizing public spaces including high-frequency touchpoints, and will provide hand sanitizer in entries and hallways. Custodians will visit offices on an every-other-week schedule for vacuuming and maintenance checks.

We appreciate your help keeping campus clean and safe.

Michigan Tech professor emeritus Henry Santeford passed away peacefully at his Superior Location home, surrounded by his family, on Sunday, Feb. 14, following a lengthy illness. Santeford, a Michigan Tech alumnus who spent more than two decades teaching at his alma mater, was 78.

A native of Chicago Heights, Ill., Santeford earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from Michigan Tech and PhD from Colorado State University. In 1972, he joined the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences as a staff research hydrologist in Washington, D.C.

Santeford’s love of snow, ice and mountains made him the perfect candidate to head up the first National Weather Service/NOAA field station tasked with unraveling the mysteries of Alaska’s hydrology. His passion for teaching lured him back to academia at the University of Alaska, where he lectured at both the Anchorage and Fairbanks campuses. In 1974, he was the recipient of Michigan Tech’s Outstanding Young Alumni Award.

In 1980, Santeford joined the faculty of Michigan Tech teaching water resource engineering with a focus in cold regions hydrology in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Highly respected by his students, he received the Chi Epsilon Outstanding Faculty Award multiple times, was the faculty advisor for the MTU Ridge Roamers and the Four Wheelers Club and was an active board member of the John Wesley House. He retired as professor emeritus in June 2001.

Following his passing in February, several former students remembered Santeford on Facebook:

• "Dr. Santeford was one of my favorite professors at Tech. And I use the things I learned from him in my career to this day. I'm grateful for the energy and passion he invested in his students!"
• "One of my favorite professors at Tech! He was animated, funny and had passion for his position, students and community. I'll never forget his State jokes and I learned a lot about hydrology!"
• "He made an impression on all of us — he was so lively and fun with his course work. I loved our labs — we were always making something cool to observe how water flowed and moved in different scenarios."
• "Dr. Santeford’s last year teaching was during my senior year in 2001. He helped shape the course of my career with his classes in hydraulic structures and hydrology. I remember him and his lessons with great fondness."

Santeford was a 35-year fixture in the holiday kitchens of Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly and, as the son of a carpenter, he constructed the large oak cross hanging in the sanctuary of Grace United Methodist Church in Houghton, where he was a member. Among his survivors are his wife of 52 years, Sally, and their daughter, Jodi Santeford of Chicago.

Volunteers are needed to assist with a Western Upper Peninsula Health Department vaccine clinic on May 13 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Student Development Complex.

Those interested in volunteering an hour or several hours are asked to please contact Brian Cadwell at bjcadwel@mtu.edu to sign up.

Daniel Fuhrmann, chair of the Department of Applied Computing, will give a talk on Friday (May 7) at 1 p.m.

His presentation is titled, "Computing at Michigan Tech: Building on What We Have Started." Please join us if you can.

Join the virtual talk on Zoom.

Jidong Xiao, an assistant professor in the computer science department at Boise State University, will present a talk May 12 at 3 p.m. Xiao’s research focuses on computer security, especially computer system security and cloud security.

In his talk, “Identifying New Threats in Cloud Environments,” Xiao will present two research projects focusing on a concept called virtual machine extrospection, and a new type of rootkit, which allows attackers to perform active or passive attacks in a nested virtualization environment.

Join the virtual talk.

Read more on the blog post.

Do you know an aspiring engineer in grades 9-11? Summer Youth Programs (SYP) is currently accepting applications for 2021 scholarship program cohorts, including NEXT Scholars: Geospatial Engineering, Women in Automotive Engineering, Rail and Intermodal Transportation, and National Summer Transportation Institute.

Applications are available on the SYP website and will be considered on a rolling basis.

More information about available programs:

• NEXT Scholars: Geospatial Engineering, Aug. 1-7 — Through a partnership with Civil and Environmental Engineering and Atwell Group, NEXT Scholars is a deep dive into the rapidly expanding, highly technical field of geospatial engineering. Participants will learn to apply spatial information to solve real-world problems such as monitoring marine environments, surveying underground mines and measuring the impact of climate change.
• Women in Automotive Engineering (WIAE), Aug. 1-7 — Thanks to partnerships with Dana Incorporated and Michigan Tech’s Advanced Power Systems Research Center, WIAE provides opportunities for talented students to explore careers in the automotive industry. Students will tour student design team labs, hear from role models in engineering fields, work in teams to solve complex engineering problems and complete projects and also learn the expanded basics of engines and other vehicle technology.
• Rail and Intermodal Transportation, July 11-17 — Do you know why trains are called the “green transportation alternative”? What about how fast a high-speed passenger trail travels or how containers find their way from China to the U.S.? In this program, participants will learn the answer to these questions and many more while exploring the exciting world of rail and intermodal transportation.
• National Summer Transportation Institute, July 18-31 — Michigan Tech’s National Summer Transportation Institute is a two-week residential program allowing students to explore transportation industries. During the program, students will have the opportunity to tour the Mackinac Bridge Authority, learn firsthand about the Soo Locks shipping canal and engage in group projects and hands-on activities while learning about planes, trains, ships and automobiles. This program is offered through a grant from the Michigan Department of Transportation.

An additional session of group tennis lessons has been added to spring programming at Gates Tennis Center.

Adult Huskies Group Tennis Lessons are for those ages 17 and up looking to learn more about the game of tennis. Each class will include technique and games to learn and develop skills that will help participants improve their workouts and match play on their own. The next session begins May 17 and ends June 10. Registration closes May 15. Days/times, cost and registration info is listed on the Adult Tennis Lessons page.

Youth Huskies Group Tennis Lessons are offered for ages 5 and up. Times are based on age and skill level, with options for participating one or two days a week. The next session begins May 18 and ends June 12. Registration closes May 15. Days/times, level descriptions, cost and registration info is listed on the Youth Tennis Lessons page. Private lessons are also available.

The deadline for applications for the Songer Research Award in Human Health has been extended until May 28.

Details about the award can be found in the Call for Applications published in Tech Today on Feb. 24.

Any questions may be directed to David Hemmer, dean of the College of Sciences and Arts, at djhemmer@mtu.edu. 

The Michigan Tech women's basketball team will host its annual golf tournament June 5 at Portage Lake Golf Course. Registration for the tournament will begin at 9 a.m. with a 10 a.m. shotgun start.

This year's event is sponsored by Ted Simonsen and Ameriprise Financial. The format for the tournament is a four-person, 18-hole scramble with all participants receiving 18 holes of golf, cart, registration gift, lunch and dinner appetizers. Prizes will be awarded for flight and contest winners, and Husky basketball players (defending GLIAC champions) will be on hand to visit with participants on the course.

Read more on the Michigan Tech Athletics website.

Sidike Paheding (AC/ICC) is the principal investigator on a project that has received a $19,037 research and development grant from Purdue University.

The project is entitled, "Cybersecurity Modules Aligned with Undergraduate Computer Science and Engineering Curricula."

This is a potential two-year project.

Michigan Tech's mechatronics program was featured in a story on WLUC TV6.

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Simon Carn (GMES) was quoted in the story "Caribbean Volcano Eruptions Send Sulfur Gases as Far as India," on Bloomberg.com.

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Michigan Tech football recruit Dante Basanese was featured in the The Daily News in Iron Mountain.

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A collaboration between Michigan Tech and the University of Massachusetts Amherst was mentioned in the article "Center for Nursing and Engineering Innovation to be Established at UMass Amherst Through Gift from Alumni Michael and Theresa Hluchyj" on the UMass Amherst News & Media Relations site.

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Joshua Pearce (MSE/ECE) was quoted in the article "Biden claims clean energy jobs can replace fossil fuel ones. Is this true?" in The Millennial Source.

Fill Out the COVID-19 Symptom Monitoring Form Before Coming to Campus

If you are working on campus while the University is at Health Safety Level Three, remember that no one is permitted to come to campus with symptoms consistent with COVID-19.

Employees are required to monitor for symptoms daily before coming to campus using the Daily Symptom Monitoring Form.

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Summer Reading Facilitators Sought

Faculty and staff are invited to facilitate a student group discussion for Michigan Tech’s Reading as Inquiry project. This year, first-year students will be reading "Ready Player One" by Ernest Cline.

A world at stake. A quest for the ultimate prize. Are you ready?

In the year 2045, reality is an ugly place. The only time Wade Watts really feels alive is when he’s jacked into the OASIS, a vast virtual world where most of humanity spends their days. When the eccentric creator of the OASIS dies, he leaves behind a series of fiendish puzzles, based on his obsession with the pop culture of decades past. Whoever is first to solve them will inherit his vast fortune — and control of the OASIS itself. Then Wade cracks the first clue. Suddenly he’s beset by rivals who’ll kill to take this prize. The race is on — and the only way to survive is to win.

The Reading as Inquiry program is also heading in a new direction. This fall, in lieu of the author speaking, we will be hosting a faculty panel addressing themes from the book that align with furthering the conversation about the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the Tech Forward initiatives. Additionally, the small group discussions will serve not only as book discussions, but also as a means of preparing first-year students to participate in the panel discussion.

Facilitators will lead a small group discussion of approximately 25 first-year students with assistance from upper-level students during Orientation Week. A facilitator information session will be held in August and the student group discussions are scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 25, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The faculty panel will be held following the group discussions Aug. 25, from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

If you are interested in serving as a facilitator, register online no later than May 14. Facilitators will receive a free copy of the book.

Email success@mtu.edu with any questions.

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Nominations Open for KCP Future Faculty Fellowships

Applications are being sought 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 or administrative careers in post-secondary education.

Priority will be placed on applications submitted by 4 p.m. on May 13, but applications will be accepted through May 31.

KCP fellowships provide students with up to $20,000 (MS students) or $35,000 (PhD 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 web page. Please note that beginning this year, applications will be submitted through the MILogin Citizens Portal. Questions about eligibility or the application procedure can be directed to Debra Charlesworth (Graduate School) at ddc@mtu.edu.

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Local Events to Start Your Summer Growing

Join in these upcoming seed starting and plant events with partners of the Western UP Food Systems Collaborative!

May 12, 4-6 p.m. — Seed Starting Party at Porvoo Park in Hancock
Join the Portage Lake Seed Library in starting seeds for your home garden. Participants will receive free seed starting kits. Free event, open to all.

May 15, 1-3 p.m. — Garden Sign Making & Compost Share at Ray Kestner Park in Houghton
Join the Growing from the Heart community food growing and sharing program as we make Growing from the Heart signs for home gardens, learn to break down pallets for sign making, and connect to share the abundance of local foods with one another this summer. Sign-making supplies will be provided. Extra old scrap wood for signs, a crowbar and a hammer/nails are helpful but not required. Bring containers to take home compost donated by the Sustainability Demonstration House. Free event, open to all.

May 29, 1-4 p.m. — Plant Sale at Pewabic St. Community Garden in Houghton
Fundraiser selling indoor and outdoor plants to benefit the programs of Pewabic St. Community Garden, located at  204 E. Houghton Ave., Houghton. 

May 30, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Garden Market at Calumet Art Center in Calumet
Art sale and plant sharing/swap at the center, located at 57055 5th St., Calumet. Social distancing and masks will be required at all events. 

Thanks to Pewabic St. Community Garden, Calumet Art Center, Portage Lake Seed Library, Growing from the Heart and Portage Health Foundation for their collaboration in planning these events. Special thanks to the MTU students enrolled in SS 3090 Undergraduate Program for Exploration and Research in Social Sciences (UPERSS) course for their leadership and contributions to these events.

Michigan Tech is a partner of the Western UP Food Systems Collaborative, a grassroots community effort working to create a supportive, interconnected and equitable food system across our region through service and stewardship for the well-being of our earth, air and water, and all living beings.

For more info, visit wupfoodsystems.com.

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

Youth Huskies Group Tennis Lessons Spring Session 3

Thursday, May 6, 4:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m. | Gates Tennis Center

Youth Huskies Group Tennis Lessons are now being offered all spring. The third session is 6 weeks, April 6 - May 15. Options for participating 1 or 2 days a week. Our youth...

Art in a Panorama

May 6, all day

Year end virtual art show by students in FA 2300 Art + Design, taught by Terri Frew. Student Artists include, Bethany Hellman, Michelle Kline, Danelle Leinonen, Kylie Mogen,...

Music in Sacred Spaces: conScience

May 6, all day

conScience: Michigan Tech Chamber Singers, under the direction of Dr. Jared Anderson, present a series of three recorded mini-concerts in historic sacred spaces in the Copper...

Superior Wind Symphony: Reparations

May 6, all day

The Superior Wind Symphony, under the direction of Dr. Michael Christianson, use the unique setting of the 2020-21 academic year to explore the music of Black composers in a...