September 14, 2021

The Great Lakes Research Center has launched a website with information on a new project: "Bridging Knowledge Systems and Expertise for Understanding the Dynamics of a Contaminated Tribal Landscape System (TLS)."

The recently awarded project brings natural and social sciences researchers together with tribal community partners in the Upper Peninsula (U.P.) of Michigan to better understand toxic contamination and climate-related changes across the water-rich landscape. The team will map the extent of the region’s mercury and PCBs contamination in inland lakes and, concurrently, map tribal harvesting practices, valued resources and climate-related changes across the landscape to categorize lakes as low, moderate or high risk. This research also aims to explore specific management and outreach decisions to minimize contamination risk and support human-environment relationships that promote the health and well-being of the U.P. environment and its communities.

Read more on the TLS project website.

Dining Services presents this week's C-Cubed luncheon, being held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday (Sept. 16) in the Memorial Union Alumni Lounge. All faculty and staff, along with their guests, are invited.

The C-Cubed lunch buffet menus are created by executive chef Eric Karvonen and prepared by Karvonen and his culinary team. As the name suggests, the meals are meant to foster conversation, community and collegiality. Attendees may bring their lunch instead of purchasing the buffet. Fruit-infused water, coffee, tea, cookies and fruit are available free to all attendees.

The buffet lunch is $12 per person. Cash, credit cards and gift cards are accepted. Gift cards can be purchased in the Memorial Union office, Room 101. You can submit C-Cubed feedback using this Google form. To join the C-Cubed Google group and receive weekly menus, email business-support@mtu.edu. 

Menu for Thursday (Sept. 16):

Korean Taco Bar
Warm Flour Tortillas
Beef Bulgogi (Gluten Free)
Tofu Bulgogi (Gluten Free, Vegan)

Sides and fresh toppings:
Shredded Lettuce
Red Cabbage
Guacamole
Sriracha Lime Crema
White Rice (Gluten Free, Vegan)
Korean Style Slaw (Gluten Free, Vegan)
Korean Cucumber Salad (Gluten Free, Vegan)

Hoda Hatoum (BioMed) will present Thursday (Sept. 16) at 3 p.m. as part of the Biological Sciences Seminar Series.

The presentation will be held virtually on Zoom. 

From the abstract: 
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a non-invasive valve replacement therapy that has been recently FDA approved for low-risk patients. Despite the importance of this therapy, TAVR has been associated with several adverse effects and long-term adverse outcomes such as short durability and thrombus formation. Several clinical studies showed that the incidence of leaflet thrombosis (LT) post-TAVR ranges between 8 to 24% overall, with increasing incidences from 30 day to 1-year timepoints, which makes leaflet thrombosis a highly important concern. ... The purpose of this study is to present a semi-empirical, mathematical model that links patient-specific anatomic, valve, and flow parameters to predict leaflet thrombosis. This tool will be essential in clinical pre-procedural planning. To this end, we used a combination of experimental, analytical, and computational fluid dynamic studies along with patient-specific data.

Michigan Tech went 4-0 at the Capital Classic Volleyball Tournament hosted by the University of Illinois-Springfield.

On Friday (Sept. 10), the Huskies swept McKendree 3-0 in their morning match and upset No. 8-ranked Northwest Missouri State 3-1 in the evening. They wrapped up the weekend with a pair of 3-0 sweeps Saturday (Sept. 11), taking down Lake Erie in the morning and host UIS in the evening.

"We finished really strong today and ended the weekend having accomplished what we came here to do," coach Matt Jennings said. "We played pretty good ball both days, beat some good teams, and got a little better in a few different areas of our game. Maybe most importantly, we came together as a unit during this trip."

Read more at the Michigan Tech Athletics website.

The Michigan Tech soccer team fell 2-1 to Bemidji State on Friday (Sept. 10) but rebounded with a historic 8-0 victory over Minnesota Crookston on Sunday (Sept. 12).

Bemidji State grabbed a 1-0 lead in the first half on a penalty kick from senior forward Allyson Smith. Michigan Tech answered in the second half when Julia Pietila scored her first career goal. Smith answered for the Beavers to give Bemidji State the win. 

"It was unfortunate to give up the penalty kick, but our team fought hard tonight," coach Turk Ozturk said after the game. "Our team is getting better every day and they played their hearts out today. We are proud of their efforts and know that big things are ahead for our program."

Against Minnesota Crookston, Pietila scored four goals total — the first hat trick in program history for Michigan Tech soccer — and the Huskies set a record for most goals in a game as part of their 8-0 triumph.

Allison Thelen scored one for the Huskies, and Hadley Wells, Alexis Shatrau and Anna Gulan also netted one each, recording their first career goals.

"Our team showed amazing grit today, rebounding nicely after a tough Bemidji State match. It was a wonderful team effort," said Ozturk. "We also had three players score their first career collegiate goal and I could not be happier for them and our team today."

Of Pietila's standout performance, Ozturk said: "Julia is really coming into her own — she's a freshman but is playing like a veteran that has been here for years. We are excited to have her in our program and she has a very bright future."

Read more at the Michigan Tech Athletics website.

Michigan Tech's defense made another strong stand but untimely mistakes doomed the Huskies in a 12-9 loss to University of St. Thomas at Kearly Stadium Saturday afternoon.

The Huskies led 9-3 at halftime, but kicker Louis Hyde netted a 32-yard field goal with 59 seconds left in the game to give St. Thomas their first lead and help seal the three-point contest.

With the loss, Tech falls to 1-1 midway through a four-game homestand.

Read more at the Michigan Tech Athletics website.

Michigan Tech men's cross country took first place and women's cross country came in second at the Wayne State Warrior Invitational.

For the men, Clayton Sayen (third), Samuel Lange (sixth) and Nick Niemi (ninth) were all top 10 individual finishers.

"We had three men in the top 10 and then a heavy pack of men right behind them," said head coach Kristina Owen. "We were particularly excited about Sam's performance as a second-year freshman. He was flying around the course with his signature wide grin, eating up the hills. All in all it was a good early-season race. We executed the race plan reasonably well, and it's always fantastic to be able to bring home the win. I think there's still room for improvement, and this is not going to be the fastest we race this year."

The Michigan Tech women placed second behind host Wayne State. For the Huskies, Michelle Bollini (fourth) and Sam Kurkowski (fifth) led the way in the top 10, followed by Elsa Huckles (12th) with a notable performance.

"I felt it was a great showing for our first race of the year," Owen said. "One of the key focuses on the women's side was to work together as a pack, and we were able to stack a lot of results closely together. Michelle ran a really nice race, and so did Sam. Second-year Elsa Huckles was our third woman, making her collegiate debut, and she is going to be one of the future leaders of our team. It was so great to see her coming into her own."

Read more at the Michigan Tech Athletics website.

Tuesday (Sept. 14)
• Huskies Drive Time, 7:30-8 a.m. on Mix 93 WKMJ

Friday (Sept. 17)
• Women's Tennis at ITA Regionals (Grand Valley State)
• Volleyball vs. Grand Valley State, 5 p.m. at SDC Gym on Mix 93 WKMJ
• Soccer vs. Davenport, 7:30 p.m. at Kearly Stadium

Saturday (Sept. 18)
• Volleyball vs. Davenport, 2 p.m. at SDC Gym

Sunday (Sept. 19)
• Volleyball vs. Ferris State, 2 p.m. at SDC Gym on Mix 93 WKMJ
• Soccer vs. Grand Valley State, Noon at Kearly Stadium

Read more at the Michigan Tech Athletics website.

Michigan Tech Athletics is selling officially licensed team gear for Husky men's basketball in their recently launched online Nike store.

Fans may choose from a wide array of Husky basketball apparel options, including T-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, polos, pants and sweatshirts.

The online store is open now. Items will be available for purchase through Monday (Sept. 20).

Job Posting for Tuesday, Sept. 14, 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. 

Residence Education Coordinator, Residence Education and Housing Services. 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.

Kay Tislar and Kelly Steelman (CLS) are the authors of a paper accepted for publication in Brain and Behavior.

The paper is titled "Inconsistent seduction: Addressing confounds and methodological issues in the study of the seductive detail effect."

A preprint version of the paper is available for download.

Sidike Paheding (AC/ICC) is the principal investigator (PI) on a project that has received a $69,711 research and development grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF).

The project is titled "Collaborative Research: FW-HTF-P: IntelEUI: Artificial Intelligence and Extended Reality to Enhance Workforce Productivity for the Energy and Utilities Industry."

Samantha Smith (CLS/ICC) is a co-PI on this project.

The A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum was mentioned by Travel Awaits in an article titled "How To Spend A Perfect Fall Weekend In Houghton, Michigan." The article describes some popular things to do in Houghton — including visiting the museum.

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A feature article on Michigan Tech’s annual student organization fair, K-Day, ran in the Daily Mining Gazette.

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.

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. Please be aware that if you are exposed to COVID-19, quarantine guidelines vary depending on 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. 

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On-Demand COVID-19 Testing Available on Campus

Walk-in, on-demand COVID-19 testing is available to Michigan Tech students and employees during the fall 2021 semester.

Testing is located in the Datolite Room at the MUB on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. There is no cost to be tested, and no appointment is needed. 

Read more COVID-19 Testing Information on the MTU Flex website.

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Staff Council Invites New Members

Staff Council, one of the key representative units on campus, invites and welcomes new members to its annual organizational meeting at noon on Thursday (Sept. 16) in the Wads Cherry Room. Lunch will be provided via Wads Dining Hall dining pass. For planning purposes, please complete the form by 5 p.m. today (Sept. 14) if you plan to attend.

What is Staff Council?
Staff Council was created in 1991 as a service organization for the University. Staff Council is made up of staff members from all levels at Michigan Tech, and it supports activities and resources that provide recognition for staff achievement and opportunities for professional development, and enhance the working environment and campus community.

What does Staff Council do for you and the University?
Staff Council sponsors the following annual events: Making A Difference Awards, Family Fun Day, and Staff Service Recognition Awards. Members also serve on search committees and help out with other special University initiatives and task forces that require staff representation, create and distribute the Employee Wall Calendar, and various other campus activities.

Who is involved with Staff Council?
Staff Council exists to support all University staff employees: full-time, temporary, part-time, nine-month or 10-month; union/non-union; and non-student and non-faculty. Participation in Staff Council, including its committee functions, is recognized as a valuable contribution and service to the University. Time to participate in Staff Council functions will be arranged with an employee's immediate supervisor or with Human Resources if there should be a disagreement.

Membership on Staff Council is voluntary and is open and available to any staff member. A diverse group better serves the University, so Staff Council strives to involve members from every employment classification. Officer positions within the council consist of a chair, vice chair, secretary and financial custodian. Elections are held annually in June.

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RCR Sessions for Scholars, Creators and Researchers

A responsible conduct of research (RCR) course aimed at scholars, creators and researchers in staff or faculty roles will take place in four sessions this fall. While required for scholars, creators and researchers who joined Michigan Tech or stepped into their current roles after Dec. 1, 2020, it is open to interested others, no RSVP necessary.

The course provides critical information about conducting safe, successful and legally compliant research, scholarship and creative works while at Michigan Tech. The America Competes Act mandates that universities that receive federal funding require this training at all levels.

Please also note that the training is required in order for those who joined Michigan Tech or stepped into their current roles after Dec. 1, 2020, to be eligible for internal funding, including the Century II Campaign Endowed Equipment Fund (C2E2) and Research Excellence Funds (REF).

Sessions will be held in the Great Lake Research Center (GLRC) Room 202 on the following dates and topics:

• Wednesday (Sept. 15), 4-5 p.m. — Research Misconduct, Research-Related Agreements, Conflicts of Interest, Undue Foreign Influence
• Oct. 13, 4-5 p.m. — Animal Research Protection Program (ARPP, IACUC), Human Research Protection Program (HRPP, IRB), Biological Materials Research (IBC)
• Nov. 17, 4-5 p.m. — Proposals, Awards and Financial Management; Research Proposal Development
• Dec. 8, 4-5 p.m. — Laboratory Operations (required only for researchers with a research lab space)

To give attendees a chance to talk and network, light snacks and drinks will be available at 3:30 p.m. before each session in the atrium outside GLRC 202.

Please contact Associate Vice President for Research Development Kathy Halvorsen at kehalvor@mtu.edu or 906-487-3098 if you have any questions.

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VPR Research Series: Technology Commercialization, Part I

Join us as we kick off a new year of the VPR Research Series with a virtual presentation led by the Office of Innovation and Commercialization team today (Sept. 14) from 11 a.m to noon.

 Learn how to take your research discoveries from the laboratory to the marketplace using funding programs, resources and insights from experts in our regional innovation ecosystem.

A Q&A session will follow the presentation for attendees to ask questions and engage with the presenters to dig deeper into specific topics of interest.

Join this virtual session via Zoom.

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

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.

Seminar information:

• Submission and Formatting 101: Master the Dissertation, Thesis and Report Process
  Wednesday (Sept. 15), 2-4 p.m. — MUB, Alumni Lounges B and C 
  A detailed schedule is available on the Graduate School blog.
  Please register online to attend and receive participation instructions. You can choose to participate in person or virtually.

This seminar will be available online as well as on campus. If you are unable to join us, the event will be taped and available online after the event. The previous semester’s seminars are always available online.

Information on submitting, formatting and more can be found online for dissertations and theses or reports.

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Café Français Returning

Café Français is resuming its activities after a long hiatus. 

The café's first meeting will be held today (Sept. 14) in Walker 120C from 5-6 p.m. Please join us for an hour of laid-back Francophone setting with French natives and other Francophiles. All levels welcome.

Additional Café Français dates: Sept. 28, Oct. 12, Oct. 26, Nov. 9 and Dec. 7.

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MSGC Graduate Fellowship Application Support

The Graduate School is offering support services to assist graduate students in applying for the Michigan Space Grant Consortium (MSGC) Graduate Fellowship, including a workshop and one-on-one writing support.

MSGC’s Graduate Fellowship opportunity supports graduate students from affiliate institutions who are conducting research and public service projects relevant to NASA’s strategic interests as expressed in NASA’s 2014 and 2018 Strategic Plans — specifically, research focused on aerospace, space science and earth system science. Graduate students working in other related science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields are also eligible to apply. 

Starting this year, MSGC is piloting an expanded definition of STEM to include support for interdisciplinary projects that include art, so graduate students conducting research and projects relevant to NASA’s strategic interests in disciplines not traditionally considered STEM, such as the humanities or social sciences, are likewise encouraged to apply.

Fellowship recipients are awarded $5,000. To be eligible, applicants must be U.S. nationals, have a good academic record and be in good academic standing. Women, underrepresented minorities and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Students currently receiving MSGC fellowships are eligible to reapply.

Workshop information:

• Overview and Tips from an MSGC Fellowship Reviewer 
  Friday (Sept. 17), 11-11:50 a.m. — Admin 404
  Presented by Will Cantrell, associate provost and dean of the Graduate School. Hosted by Sarah Isaacson, GLAS program director, sisaacso@mtu.edu.  
  Register online in advance.
  A recording of the workshop will be available beginning Sept. 21.

Deadlines:

• Nov. 3 at noon — Internal deadline for undergraduate and graduate fellowship proposals
  Nov. 10 at 5 p.m. — Final materials, after review and approval by SPO, must be uploaded to MSGC by the applicant

For more information and specific application instructions, visit the MSGC website and the MTU Graduate School’s Resources for the Michigan Space Grant Consortium web page.

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Creative Commons Licenses: A New Option for Graduate Students

Beginning in fall 2021, graduate students who choose to publish their master’s report, master’s thesis or dissertation as an Open Access work on Digital Commons @ Michigan Tech will have the option to apply a Creative Commons (CC) license to their work. These free, standardized licenses allow authors to explicitly state how and under what conditions their copyright-protected works may or may not be used by others.

Works with a CC license are still protected by U.S. copyright laws and authors retain their copyright. The addition of the Creative Commons license option provides graduate student authors with a simple way to control the reuse of their work. Additionally, all six CC licenses require attribution to the original author, ensuring ethical standards in publishing are maintained.

View the six CC licenses available to Michigan Tech graduate students online. For more information on copyright and licensing in relation to master’s reports, master’s theses and dissertations, see the Van Pelt and Opie Library’s guide.

Students, faculty and other members of the campus community with questions about this new option are welcome to contact the Van Pelt and Opie Library at library@mtu.edu or the Graduate School at gradschool@mtu.edu.

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New Approval Process for Dissertations, Theses and Reports

Beginning in fall 2021, faculty advisors will be invited to review their student’s dissertation, thesis or report on the Digital Commons platform (the University’s institutional repository). This online review will replace the Approval of a Dissertation, Thesis, or Report form. Advisors will be able to review the document to ensure that all changes required by the committee have been completed and that the access and Creative Commons license selected by the student are appropriate.

The review process is illustrated in our blog post and will be presented at the Submission and Formatting 101 seminar on Wednesday (Sept. 15) at 2 p.m. Faculty and staff who assist students are encouraged to attend to learn about the new process and ask any questions they may have.

The Graduate School is also happy to answer any questions you may have. Email us at gradschool@mtu.edu.

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This Week in The Lode

Featured this week in the Michigan Tech Lode:

Pulse: 
K-Day’s triumphant return!
MTU’s learning centers provide help to students of all disciplines

Opinion: 
Michigan Tech community makes strides in diversity, but there’s still room for improvement
Language ≥ Math

Tech: 
What can history and science reveal about Isle Royale’s ongoing Horne Fire?

Read more at the Michigan Tech Lode website.

P.S. — Do you enjoy writing, editing, photography or graphic design? We are currently in need of new individuals to join our staff! For more information, attend our general meeting (Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. in Fisher 126) or email us at lodesubmit@mtu.edu. 

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

Poster Sale hosted by MUB Board

Tuesday, September 14, 9–10 a.m. | MUB Superior Room

Are the walls in your room bare? We can help!!! Come to our Poster Sale! You will find a huge selection of the bestselling and most popular college posters. Stop by between...

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

Tuesday, September 14, 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...

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Faculty, Staff, Graduate Student Portrait Session (by appointment)

Tuesday, September 14, 12:30 p.m.–2:00 p.m. | Outdoors, West Side of Library

Faculty, staff and graduate students can have their complimentary professional portrait taken by University Marketing and Communications. An appointment is required and can...

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Resume and interview blitz with corporate recruiters

Tuesday, September 14, 3 p.m.–5 p.m. | J. Robert Van Pelt and John and Ruanne Opie Library, East Reading Room

Attend this event to meet with corporate recruiters. They can review your resume or conduct a mock interview with you.

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Engineering Explorations: Chemical Engineering

Tuesday, September 14, 4 p.m.–6 p.m. | Chemical Sciences and Engineering Building, 310

Open House Explore Your Future Possibilities Join us for tours of our Unit Operations lab, tour the facilities, and talk to current students about their co-op and internship...

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Virtual Study Abroad Fair: Go Somewhere Different with USAC

Tuesday, September 14, 4 p.m.–5 p.m.

Go off the beaten path with University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC). Choose from 50 unique locations throughout the world where you can immerse yourself in a new language,...

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Virtual Study Abroad Fair: Japanese Language and Culture with JCMU

Tuesday, September 14, 4 p.m.–5 p.m.

Are you interested in Japanese language and culture? JCMU offers intensive Japanese language programs for all levels. Learn how you can live in Japan and earn HASS credits. ...

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Virtual Study Abroad Fair: Michigan Tech Peace Corps Prep

Tuesday, September 14, 4 p.m.–5 p.m.

Prepare to serve in the US Peace Corps by earning a Peace Corps Prep certificate at Michigan Tech! Peace Corps volunteers commit to living for two years in an underserved...

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Biomedical Robotics General Meeting

Tuesday, September 14, 6 p.m.–7 p.m. | Fisher 133

Welcome new members! It was nice seeing you all at K-Day! Our first general meeting will be on Tuesday, September 14th at 6 PM in Fisher 133. We will be introducing our...

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Cookie & Cupcake Decorating

Tuesday, September 14, 6 p.m.–8 p.m. | Walker Lawn

Grab your friends and decorate some delicious cookies and cupcakes with us on Walker Lawn! *Rain Location: MUB Commons

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Game Night

Tuesday, September 14, 6 p.m.–8 p.m. | DHH Ballroom

Join BetSigs in the DHH Ballroom for video games and board games!

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Open Rock Climbing

Tuesday, September 14, 6 p.m.–8 p.m. | Student Development Complex (SDC), Multipurpose Room Climbing Wall

All ages (we can allow all ages to climb as long as we have the proper fitting equipment). No need to sign up, just stop by the Climbing Wall between 6 and 8 pm Monday through...

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NCSA First General Meeting of 2021

Tuesday, September 14, 7 p.m.–8 p.m. | EERC 330

Come drop in to hear about our opportunities and what we are up to this semester! We offer in person or remote for whatever best suites your needs :) Remote Meeting...

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NCSA First General Meeting of 2021

Tuesday, September 14, 7 p.m.–8 p.m. | EERC 330

Come drop in to hear about our opportunities and what we are up to this semester! We offer in person or remote for whatever best suites your needs :) Remote Meeting...

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TKE - Rubber Band Wars

Tuesday, September 14, 7 p.m.–9 p.m. | TKE House

Join the brothers of Tau Kappa Epsilon for this awesome event. Stop by to learn more about how we can help you create lifelong relationships that enhance educational,...