September 2, 2021

At nearly 35,000 samples processed and counting, Michigan Tech’s COVID-19 Testing Laboratory is a lean virus hunting operation.

When the lab opened, lab staff had to manually pipette samples to extract RNA for diagnostic tests. Pipetting requires dexterity, precision, concentration and that most precious of resources: time. Then, in December 2020, with support from the Portage Health Foundation, the testing lab team made the switch to the KingFisher for RNA extraction. 

“We’re an assembly line and the KingFisher is like adding a robot to the line,” said Karl Meingast, COVID-19 lab manager. “The dexterity required for performing RNA extraction is similar to handwriting. Most people have one dominant hand for that — the KingFisher has 96 hands.”

Read more about the virus hunters of the U.P. on mtu.edu/unscripted.

The Office of the President encourages those planning to attend the upcoming leadership update and Staff Council Welcome Back Picnic to RSVP and submit your boxed lunch choice by tomorrow (Sept. 3) at noon.

President Rick Koubek, Provost Jacqueline Huntoon and CFO Sue Kerry will provide the brief leadership update in the lobby of the Rozsa Center beginning at noon on K-Day (Sept. 10). Afterward, all employees are invited to the Staff Council Welcome Back Picnic on the Walker Lawn starting at 12:30 p.m. Boxed picnic lunches will be distributed at the south entrance of the Rozsa lobby at the conclusion of the presentation. Release time is provided for employees to attend.

Following an internal search, Shannon Vairo will join the Provost’s Office in October 2021 to serve as the academic affairs faculty support coordinator.

In this role, Vairo will manage the faculty partner engagement program (formerly overseen by Carrie Richards), provide assistance to the assistant provost for faculty development (Shari Stockero), collaborate with staff from the Office of the Vice President for Research for the Michigan Tech Research Forum, and assist with Tech Fund donor stewardship for endowed faculty positions.

In her work related to the partner engagement program, Vairo will collaborate with deans, the Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion, Human Resources, Institutional Equity, and faculty hiring committees. She will meet with the partners of prospective faculty members to introduce them to the Houghton area, provide guidance for those interested in pursuing a career in the area, and manage funds to be used to provide short-term bridge funding for those who seek and obtain a position at Michigan Tech.

Vairo previously served Michigan Tech in several different roles; most recently she was the assistant to the dean of the Graduate School. Provost Jacqueline Huntoon invites everyone to welcome Vairo to her new position.

On behalf of the Associate Vice President for Research Development (AVPRD) Office, we invite scholars, creators and researchers to attend the upcoming Open House for Centers, Institutes and Shared Facilities on Sept. 10 from 1-5 p.m. in MUB Ballroom A.

The open house will immediately follow the President's Welcome Back Picnic at the Rozsa Center. People are welcome to bring their lunches over from the picnic and finish them in the ballroom.

The event will feature two-minute "Tech Talks" from center, institute and shared facility directors, providing attendees with an opportunity to learn about the mission and research interests of Michigan Tech's variety of research areas and facilities.

After the introductions, guests will have the opportunity to tour the centers, institutes or shared facilities that interest them; meet with other members and users; and learn more about how these organizations can support their work.

The afternoon will conclude with an informal reception at Rovano Plaza (the outdoor area next to the Library) from 4-5 p.m. where researchers and directors can continue conversations.

For more information or a calendar invitation, please contact Brent Burns at bburns@mtu.edu.

Thank you for considering attending this important event, which is intended to help you network with others on campus and assist you with gaining access to the resources and assistance that Michigan Tech's centers, institutes and shared facilities provide.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace. As part of the act compliance, Michigan Tech requires all employees to complete the Safety Skills General Safety Orientation module on an annual basis.

Modules will be assigned by Administration on Wednesday (Sept. 8) for all employees who have not completed the training within the 2021 calendar year.

Safety Skills training email notifications will typically provide a training link.  You can also find training assignments by signing into your account at Michigan Tech’s Online Training Center.

Michigan Tech Athletics has named Samantha Terry as the director of athletic operations.

Terry began her duties in June. She is responsible for handling day-to-day operations for the director of athletics; organizing and executing all athletic department events; executing game contracts and event schedules; and assisting the manager of budget and planning and the director of advertising sales with budgetary and invoicing in advertising and marketing areas.

"I am extremely grateful for this opportunity to work as the director of athletic operations at Michigan Tech," Terry said. "Finding my way back into athletics has always been a dream of mine and I am excited to be able to do just that, here at Michigan Tech."

"I'm excited to welcome Sam to our department," said Director of Athletics Suzanne Sanregret. "Her background and experiences in collegiate athletics fits perfectly with the needs of our department and fills many roles and responsibilities. She will help us continue to build our athletic and recreation programs, not only within daily operations but also advancing other areas within the department."

Read more about Terry at the Michigan Tech Athletics website.

The University Events Calendar is a great place to advertise department events that are hosted or sponsored by Michigan Tech. This crowdsourced events calendar is meant to advertise events the public can attend. It is not meant for deadlines, private events, or internal events such as staff meetings. Events can be listed as virtual, in-person or a hybrid.

If someone in your department is in charge of adding events (or would like to be), you can request Event Admin access by emailing webcal@mtu.edu with the person's name, email address and department. Further details about adding events will then be provided.

Events from the University Events Calendar can be fed onto your department website and they automatically appear in Tech Today on the day they take place. Additional tips for promoting your event can be found online.

CareerFEST kicks off today (Sept. 2) under the Dow tent located between the Electrical Energy Resources Center (EERC) and Chemical Sciences and Engineering Building (Chem Sci).

To help students better prepare for recruiting season and the over 250 companies that will be hiring at Michigan Tech’s Fall 2021 Career Fair (Sept. 22-23), Career Services partners with industry to offer a month-long series of events and career development programming across campus.

This week, Career Services is hosting four events to kick off CareerFEST 2021:

• CareerFEST — Thursday (Sept. 2), 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
  Today we welcome four companies to campus for our CareerFEST. Stop by the tents on campus for some casual conversations and networking with recruiters. Check out their company swag and latest technology and products. No resumes, no business suits — just casual conversation.
  
  
• Career Fair Prep for International Students — Thursday (Sept. 2), 4-5 p.m.
  Join us in the Minerals and Materials Engineering Building (M&M), Room U115, to get prepared for the Career Fair and learn how to navigate the Career Fair Plus App.
  
  
• How to Use the Career Fair Plus App — Friday (Sept. 3), 12-1 p.m.
  Learn about the Career Fair Plus App to optimize your virtual career fair experience.
  
  
• Career Services Semester Preview — Friday (Sept. 3), 12-1 p.m.
  Come learn what Career Services is offering during the Fall 2021 semester.

The complete schedule of CareerFEST events is available on the Career Services website. Opportunities include:

• Six In-Person CareerFEST Days
• Resume and Interview Blitzes
• Career Fair Prep Sessions
• Resume Writing Workshops
• Interview Skills Workshops

Michigan Tech Soccer begins the 2021 regular season at home with a matchup against Minnesota Duluth tonight (Sept. 2) at 6 p.m.

The Huskies will wrap up their opening weekend versus St. Cloud State on Saturday (Sept. 4) at 11 a.m.

Read more and find ways to tune in at the Michigan Tech Athletics website.

Michigan Tech is hosting the Keweenaw Volleyball Classic starting today (Sept. 2) and continuing Friday and Saturday (Sept. 3-4) at the SDC Gym. The three-day tournament will feature eight teams and 16 matches.

Tech opens against No. 7 Minnesota Duluth tonight at 7:30 p.m. On Friday, the Huskies host Minnesota State at noon and No. 16 St. Cloud State at 7:30 p.m. They will wrap up the weekend against No. 2 Concordia-St. Paul at 5 p.m. Saturday.

The Huskies' matches will be on the radio Thursday and Friday. Tune in to Mix 93.5 (WKMJ-FM) to hear all the action from the SDC Gym.

This is MTU's fourth time hosting the Classic, after 2014, 2017 and 2019.

Read more at the Michigan Tech Athletics website. 

Job Posting for Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021

Staff and faculty job descriptions are available on the Human Resources website. For more information regarding staff positions, call 906-487-2280 or email mtujobs@mtu.edu.

For more information regarding faculty positions, contact the academic department in which the position is posted. 

Office Assistant 5, Cognitive and Learning Sciences (UAW posting Sept. 2 to Sept. 8, 2021 — internal UAW applicants are given first consideration if they apply during the UAW posting dates). Apply online.

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 mtujobs@mtu.edu.

Face Coverings Required Indoors on Campus

While Michigan Tech is at Health and Safety Level Two, face coverings must be worn indoors. This applies to all students, employees, and visitors, regardless of vaccination status.

In Level Two, students and employees are not required to monitor their symptoms daily prior to coming to campus. But, individuals should be mindful of their own symptoms. A useful monitoring tool is available from the CDC. 

During all Health and Safety Levels, no one with COVID-19 symptoms is allowed on campus. 

Michigan Tech strongly recommends that all employees and students receive the COVID-19 vaccine and continue with handwashing and hand-sanitizing practices, especially in light of the virulence of the COVID-19 delta variant.

*****

Get Vaccinated Today at the Rozsa!

In partnership with Upper Great Lakes Family Health Center (UGL), Michigan Tech is offering a vaccine clinic for students and employees today (Sept. 2) in the Rozsa Center Lobby from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

You will be able to receive a vaccination at this MTU vaccine clinic, regardless of health insurance coverage. No appointments are needed and there will be no cost to participate. Both the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be available — participants can choose which to receive.

After UGL staff administer the vaccine, participants will be asked to wait 15 minutes for observation before leaving. An EMT or nurse is typically on hand to monitor the waiting area.

Employees and students who have already received their first dose of the Moderna vaccine can receive their second dose at this clinic. Third-dose boosters will not be available.

Please send questions about MTU vaccine clinics to mtuflex@mtu.edu. For information about COVID-19 vaccine availability in the western Upper Peninsula, including where to get the Pfizer vaccine, check out the Copper Country Strong website. Please reach out to any local health care provider if you are interested in a third-dose booster — no preexisting relationship is required.

*****

Expect More Vehicles on Campus

Transportation Services welcomes everyone back to campus and reminds our community that there will be more vehicles circulating through campus and parking in our lots and at the meters than we’ve been accustomed to over the last 18 months.

Based on the number of permits issued and vehicles registered, you can expect core campus student and employee lots and meters to be quite busy. The Transportation Services website is your go-to resource for permit and shuttle information as well as parking regulations that guide enforcement.

We suggest you plan ahead for parking and give yourself extra time to find a parking spot. If your preferred lot closest to your core campus destination is full, you’ll need to seek out other lots on campus appropriate for your permit type. This could mean a short walk or a shuttle ride. 

Parking at SDC Lot 24 is always an option, with the Husky Campus Shuttle running from the main SDC doors to core campus approximately every 20 minutes.

Please contact parking@mtu.edu or call 906-487-1441 if you have any questions.

*****

Physics Colloquium

Henrike Fleischhack, postdoctoral fellow at Catholic University of America and NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, will be presenting at this week's physics colloquium.

Fleischhack's presentation is titled "AMEGO-X: 
MeV ɣ-ray Astronomy 
in the Multi-messenger Era."

Please register in advance and join the colloquium today (Sept. 2) at 4 p.m. via Zoom. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email from Elena Giusarma (Physics) containing information about joining the event.

Read more about Fleischhack's research background and the presentation on the Events Calendar.

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

The Spirit of the Hunt: Ecological Art Exhibit & Public Wolf Discussion

Thursday, September 2, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. | U. J. Noblet Forestry Building, Atrium and G002

Art Exhibit: August 30-October 15 Monday-Friday from 9:00am to 4:00pm Noblet Atrium, Michigan Tech College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science Opening...

Fall Blood Drive

Thursday, September 2, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | MUB Ballroom

Our Fall 2021 Blood Drive is September 1st and 2nd. You can donate between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday in the MUB Ballroom. The American Red Cross...

Career Fair Preparation for International Students

Thursday, September 2, 3 p.m.–5 p.m. | Minerals and Materials Engineering Building (M&M), U115

In Situ Resource Utilization, Robotics and Sustainable Human Space Exploration

Thursday, September 2, 4 p.m. | Fisher Hall, 135

ME-EM Graduate Seminar Speaker Series proudly presents Paul van Susante, PhD Michigan Technological University Abstract After the last astronauts left the lunar surface...

Physics Colloquium - Dr. Henrike Fleischhack

Thursday, September 2, 4 p.m.–5 p.m.

Dr. Henrike Fleischhack, post-doctoral fellow at Catholic University of America and NASA Goddard space flight center, will be presenting at this week's physics colloquium....

(Women's Soccer) Minnesota Duluth vs. Michigan Tech

Thursday, September 2, 6 p.m.–9 p.m. | Sherman Field

Women's Soccer: Minnesota Duluth vs. Michigan Tech, Parent Weekend

Beach Bash

Thursday, September 2, 6 p.m.–8 p.m. | Beta Sigma Theta

Start your semester off right and join BetSigs in a front yard beach bash. Swim wear attire suggested for Sand Volleyball, Yard Games, and Water Wars!

Capture the Flag

Thursday, September 2, 7 p.m.–9 p.m. | Husky Statue

Join us for a huge, campus-wide game of capture the flag! We will be starting at the Husky statue - see you there!

(Women's Volleyball) Minnesota Duluth vs. Michigan Tech

Thursday, September 2, 7:30 p.m.–10:30 p.m. | Student Development Complex (SDC), Wood Gym

Women's Volleyball: Minnesota Duluth vs. Michigan Tech, Keweenaw Classic

Range Day

Thursday, September 2, 8 p.m.–10 p.m. | SDC Shooting Range

Students and guests have the opportunity to use club owned firearms and hearing protection. Students and guests can even bring their own firearms provided that it fits within...