August 2, 2021

Some Michigan Tech scholars, creators, and researchers experienced significant challenges completing their funded research, creative work, or scholarship due to the pandemic. To work toward addressing these issues, the Vice President for Research (VPR) is announcing a one-time internal funding opportunity for fall 2021 to address pandemic-related research and scholarly productivity impacts.

Grants of up to $25,000 will be available to non-student scholars for a one-year period. Review of applications will begin Aug. 15 and continue until all funds are awarded. Additional information and proposal instructions can be found on the Michigan Tech Research website. Incomplete applications and those that do not follow the defined process will be returned without review. Please direct any questions to rd-l@mtu.edu.

In addition to this internal funding program, the University is also implementing several other initiatives aimed to help scholars post-pandemic. As networking was identified as a particular challenge in the last 18 months, research networking events will be scheduled during the 2021-22 academic year. The first will be an open house event for centers, institutes and shared facilities scheduled for the afternoon of Sept. 10. More details will be announced soon.

Furthermore, Michigan Tech’s ADVANCE initiative has been working with offices across campus, including the Research Office and Provost’s Office, to develop a pandemic impact statement template that will be released shortly. The template suggests language faculty can use to convey how the pandemic has impacted their research, teaching and service activities.

Finally, we ask Michigan Tech scholars to consider sharing your story in the guest blog series about the pandemic's impacts coming out through Unscripted, the University research blog. The blog series is part of an effort to acknowledge, support and rebuild robust research, scholarship and creative works at Michigan Tech. To share your story, please complete this Google form by the end of today (Aug. 2).

A production system maintenance window will be taking place on Aug. 15 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The following production services will be unavailable during that time:

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If you have any questions or concerns, we can help. Contact us at it-help@mtu.edu or call 906-487-1111.

The America Competes Act requires Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training for researchers at all levels.

The Vice President for Research Office is therefore launching a new RCR course this fall which is required for all incoming tenured/tenure-track faculty, research scientists, research engineers and research assistant professors.

The course will comprise one hour each month, September through December. We will briefly introduce researchers to all required elements of safe, successful, legally compliant research at Tech, as well as key dimensions to getting their research program off the ground.

We will share the time and place of these sessions with these researchers in the coming weeks. Those with an ongoing scheduling conflict will be able to view a recording of the session.

Michigan Tech and Bay de Noc Community College (Bay College) are working together to help western Upper Peninsula students successfully navigate and complete the transition from community college to a four-year institution.

Through an innovative agreement, Bay College students pursuing an associate degree will gradually prepare for their transition to a bachelor’s degree program at Michigan Tech. Advisors at both institutions will help the students successfully navigate and complete their degrees.

The initial agreement focuses on the Department of Applied Computing bachelor's programs in electrical engineering technology and mechatronics. Additional College of Computing programs are being considered, and during a recent visit the Bay College representatives met with a number of other University degree program representatives to explore partnership opportunities beyond computing.

“This agreement positions students for success in the 21st century,” said Jacqueline Huntoon, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at Michigan Tech. “Community college students, many of them first-generation, may not know about or have the confidence to pursue a four-year degree. The Upper Peninsula workforce is competing in an international economy and our youth need to be prepared.”

“First-generation students often question whether they’re ‘good enough,’ and it’s a big question for them. This agreement helps with that,” added Jean Kampe, MTU's associate provost for curriculum and instruction. “Positioning academic advisors for collaboration is a fabulous arrangement for community college students.”

“It is our hope that by formalizing paths for students from Bay to MTU, we’ll be able to continue to build capacity for Upper Peninsula students to pursue higher education,” said Dennis Livesay, who leads the College of Computing as the Dave House Dean of Computing.

Read more on the College of Computing News Blog.

Faculty and staff are still needed to facilitate student group discussions 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 Aug. 25 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. The faculty panel will follow the book discussions from 1-2:30 p.m. on Aug. 25.

If you are interested in serving as a facilitator, register online. Facilitators will receive a free copy of the book.

Contact success@mtu.edu with any questions.

First Friday University Socials, started in 2006, provide Michigan Tech faculty, staff, graduate students and retirees with a casual setting for informal discussion and socializing.

Each first Friday of the month, September through June, Auxiliary Services partners with a different college or department to host the gatherings. Such informal and inclusive events often lead to more productive work relationships and foster a sense of belonging and an increased appreciation for diversity.

Requests to sponsor a social are granted on a first-come, first-served basis. Available dates are quickly filled, so reserve your date early. Contact the Business Support Center at business-support@mtu.edu or by calling 906-487-2543 to reserve a date or to find out more.

Faculty, staff, graduate students and retirees from across campus are invited and encouraged to attend. It’s an excellent opportunity to meet new people, learn about other departments, and share your own work and interests with colleagues.

View the complete 2021-22 First Friday University Socials schedule.

The Parade of Nations is celebrating its return this year with the annual parade on Sept. 18. The parade begins at 11 a.m. in Hancock and crosses the Portage Lake Lift Bridge.

This amazing celebration of unity and culture relies on the support of community volunteers. Volunteers are needed to work before, during and after the parade to assist with tasks such as flag distribution, carrying continent banners and cleanup after the event.

Interested in helping to make this year’s parade a success? Volunteers should fill out this form and a Parade of Nations Committee member will be in touch with you about volunteering soon.

If you have any questions, please contact the Parade of Nations Committee at paradeofnations@mtu.edu.

Earn your American Red Cross lifeguard certification in a three-day intensive training course at the Michigan Tech SDC pool Aug. 27-29.

Lifeguard/first-aid/CPR/AED certifications and all training materials are included. All participants must be 15 years of age or older by the first date of the course (documentation is required). Required water skills include the ability to swim 300 yards continuously, tread water for two minutes, and complete a timed event in which participants retrieve a 10-pound brick from a depth of 7-10 feet and swim 20 yards with the object.

Online training prerequisites must be completed by the first day of classroom instruction. The instructor will contact class participants with online course information and directions. Class size is limited.

Registration is now open and will close Aug. 20 at 11:59 p.m.

Visit the Michigan Tech Recreation website for more information and to register.

Former Michigan Tech hockey player Jujhar Khaira signed a two-year contract with the Chicago Blackhawks, the organization announced July 28.

Khaira tallied six goals and 19 assists for 25 total points in his only season with the Huskies in 2012-13. He finished tied for fourth on the team in scoring and played in all 37 games. He was named WCHA Rookie of the Week on Nov. 20 that season, after leading Tech to a pair of overtime wins at Bemidji State with two goals and an assist.

Read more on the Michigan Tech Athletics website.

Season tickets for Michigan Tech hockey, football, basketball and volleyball are on sale at the Student Development Complex (SDC) Central Ticket Office or online at BuyHuskiesTickets.com.

Pricing for tickets is available at the bottom. Early Bird deadlines for hockey, football and volleyball are Aug. 8 and the Early Bird basketball deadline is Sept. 8.

Read more on the Michigan Tech Athletics website.

Get Vaccinated, Continue Washing and Sanitizing Hands

While Michigan Tech is at Health and Safety Level One, face coverings and daily symptom monitoring are no longer required. However, those who wish to continue wearing a face covering are encouraged to do so.

The MTU Flex Task Force also encourages University community members to get their vaccinations and continue with handwashing and hand-sanitizing practices.

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Federal Agencies Clarify Requirements for Disclosures Related to Sponsored Research Proposals

The National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recently issued further clarification regarding information required to be disclosed upon the submission of sponsored research proposals and at any time during the performance of a sponsored research project.

NSF has issued revised FAQs Regarding Current and Pending Support which are consistent with a newly developed table describing Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending Support disclosure requirements.

NIH has updated its forms and instructions for Biosketches and Other Support. These forms are recommended currently and will be required for proposals due after Jan. 25, 2022.

These clarifications have been issued to ensure federal funding agency and funding recipient compliance with Section 223 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021. This act and related federal policies requires the disclosure of affiliations and resources available to researchers in order to address issues related to undue foreign influence, conflicts of interest and conflicts of commitment for individuals involved in federally funded research.

For support in preparing proposals, including completing the necessary agency-required forms, contact the Research Development group at rd-l@mtu.edu.

If you have questions about the general topic of undue foreign influence, including Section 223 of the NDAA, contact Jim Baker, associate vice president for research administration, at jrbaker@mtu.edu.

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Unit Operations Lab Tours Available for Alumni

The Department of Chemical Engineering would like to cordially welcome Alumni and Friends to this year’s Alumni Reunion on Friday (Aug. 6). In addition to already published events, we are pleased to offer tours of our world-class Unit Operations Laboratory. Please be sure to reserve your spot early by calling 906-487-3132 or emailing chemeng@mtu.edu or krpieti@mtu.edu.

Tours will be held every 30 minutes starting at 10 a.m. and ending at 11:30 a.m. Refreshments will be available, offering you a time to take a trip down memory lane and meet up with your classmates. All alumni who wish to join us for a reception, or skip the tour if they've done it already, are welcome anytime between 10 a.m. and noon in Room 310.

Many other exciting events are available throughout campus. Prior registration is required. Please visit the Alumni Reunion web page for more information.

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PhD Defense: Saeid Jamilan, ECE

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering candidate Saeid Jamilan will defend his doctoral dissertation today (Aug. 2) at 2 p.m. via Zoom. 

The title of his dissertation is "Developing Electromagnetic and Photonic Devices by Using Artificial Dielectric Materials."

Saeid is advised by Elena Semouchkina.

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PhD Defense: Amir Khameneian, ME-EM

Doctoral candidate Amir Khameneian (ME-EM) will present his Ph.D. defense at noon today (Aug. 2). This will be an online defense. Virtual attendance is invited via Zoom.

Khameneian's defense is titled "Dynamic Engine-Out Emissions Analysis for a Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection Engine During the Cold Crank-Start Conditions in Elevated Hev Cranking Speed." 

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Everyone's Welcome: Husky Bites Live at Alumni Reunion

What are you doing Friday (Aug. 6) at 1:30 p.m.? Join Dean Janet Callahan, along with Jeremy Bos and Darrell Robinette — the mentors and advisors of Michigan Tech’s award-winning SAE International AutoDrive Challenge team — for a live edition of Husky Bites on campus at Michigan Technological University.

Titled "Autonomy at the End of the Earth," during this on-campus session of Husky Bites, Callahan, Bos and Robinette will introduce you to their wild ride — the fully autonomous vehicle “Borealis Prime,” which will be up on stage during the event at the Rosza Center. 

Register in advance to attend in person! Or, join us remotely on Zoom or live on the College of Engineering Facebook page.

Though it will take place during Michigan Tech's annual Alumni Reunion, there is no need to be a Michigan Tech student or alum to attend — everyone is welcome!

This family-friendly event is BYOC: Bring Your Own Curiosity. Grab a late lunch or just flop down on your couch. Learn something new in about 30 minutes, plus time after for Q&A.

Afterward (weather permitting), head out on the Walker Lawn. Meet the students of Team Prometheus Borealis and the Robotics Systems Enterprise, get a close look at their autonomous vehicles (including Borealis Prime) — and bring your questions, too!

Read more about this live session of Husky Bites on the College of Engineering Blog. 

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

UPLGA Women's Senior Tournament

Monday, August 2, 8:30 a.m. | Portage Lake Golf Course

UPLGA Women's Senior Tournament

Master's Defense: Cristhian Paul Salas Pazmiño

Monday, August 2, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. | Dow Environmental Sciences and Engineering Building, 610

Geophysics Advisor: Gregory Waite Seismotectonic Interpretation of an Expansive Set of Earthquake Focal Mechanisms from First Motions and Amplitude Ratios on the Yellowstone...

PinT 2021: 10th Parallel-in-Time Workshop

Monday, August 2, 11:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

Please join us for the 10th parallel-in-time workshop, held virtually, Aug 2- 6, 2021. More details are available at the conference website: http://conferences.math.mtu.edu

PhD Defense: Amir Abbas Khameneian

Monday, August 2, 12 p.m.–1 p.m.

Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics Co-advisors: Jeffrey Naber and Mahdi Shahbakhti Dynamic Engine-Out Emissions Analysis for a Gasoline Turbocharged Direct...

PhD Defense: Saeid Jamilan

Monday, August 2, 2 p.m.–3 p.m.

Electrical Engineering Advisor: Elena Semouchkina Developing Electromagnetic and Photonic Devices by Using Artificial Dielectric Materials Attend Virtually:...

UP & Moving Strength Training and High Intensity Interval Training ("HIIT")

Monday, August 2, 5:30 p.m.–6:15 p.m.

We are a group of Michigan Tech graduate students who are focused on improving the health of our community. We are contributing to the COVID-19 response by providing health...