October 14, 2021

Editor's note: This series of Unscripted guest blogs highlights the pandemic's impact on campus community members.

The pandemic’s impacts on our campus research ecosystem are many and varied. In this guest blog, building mechanic Tom Polkinghorn shares how Facilities kept the doors open, making it possible for research, scholarship, teaching and creative practices to continue.

"I am one of the many Facilities building mechanics here on campus," writes Polkinghorn. "Like many other staff positions, our duties and responsibilities changed with the onset of COVID-19. Work this position from home? Right."  

"Building systems and equipment require constant, daily attention for effective operation," he continues. "There are a number of things that could go wrong with the building's HVAC, lavatory plumbing, entrance doors, roofs, windows, lighting, etc., and while prompt reactions save time and money, they also provide safety to the campus community."

Read Polkinghorn's guest blog on Unscripted, the University's research blog — and remember to send non-emergency Facilities work orders through Maintenance Direct.

More than 800 players (50-plus in the NHL), 13 NCAA tournaments and three national championships. The winningest coach in collegiate hockey history, a magic-dust-scattering announcer, the loudest pep band in the nation and more superfans than you can shake a (hockey) stick at.

Cue the "Blue Skirt Waltz" and take a skate down memory rink as we celebrate 100 years of Husky Hockey.

Read more (and enjoy our 360-degree interactive photo essay) in the new issue of Michigan Tech Magazine.

The Graduate Student Government (GSG) is pleased to announce that we will be launching a 60-day pilot program for the premium EDU membership of the cross-platform cloud-based writing assistant application Grammarly.

This pilot will allow Michigan Tech students, faculty and staff to use the premium features of Grammarly @EDU for free for 60 days using the Michigan Tech SSO. This premium membership upgrades the service from basic spelling and punctuation checking to a complete writing assistant experience, including tone checks, ease of reading detection and a plagiarism check.

The pilot will start Oct. 25 and will last until Dec. 24. During and after the pilot, we will send out a survey to determine the use and the need for this service for our campus.

GSG would like to thank Undergraduate Student Government (USG) for supporting this initiative. Also, we would like to thank IT for providing the necessary technical support for the successful execution of this pilot.

GSG encourages everyone to use Grammarly as much as they can in different capacities. It can assist students with writing manuscripts, efficient emails to peers and supervisors, and regular assignments. For faculty and staff, it can assist with day-to-day email communications, proposal writing and plagiarism detection. More information on Grammarly features can be found at the Graduate Student Government website.

If you have any questions, comments or feedback, please feel free to reach out to Ranit Karmakar at gsg-vp@mtu.edu. 

A new feature-length documentary film, "The Lake at the Bottom of the World," premiers on Saturday (Oct. 16) at 5 p.m. in the 14th annual Imagine Science Film Festival.

The documentary is an epic story of the search for life in the lakes beneath Antarctica, and includes work and commentary by Trista Vick-Majors (BioSci).

The film is free to watch at the time of the premiere, or can be streamed later for $10. You must RSVP for the virtual film screening (you will need to create an account).

A post-screening livestream discussion with the film crew and scientists will follow the film's premiere.

The Imagine Science Film Festival is being held virtually Oct. 15-22 on Labocine. The festival is an experimental, interdisciplinary, weeklong series of events to open new dialogues between scientists, filmmakers and artists.

This year’s theme of RESISTANCE will highlight the act of swimming against the current — not for futile reasons, but to spark change and awareness — and will explore the act of resisting from the micro to the macro level: 

• What does it mean to withstand opposing forces that sometimes feel overwhelming?
• How does resistance measure a material’s ability to resist the flow of electrons through it?
• How do organisms resist harmful influences such as disease, toxic agents or infection?

A reception for artist Cori Champagne and her installation "Apparel for the Anthropocene" will be held today (Oct. 14) from 4:30-6:30 p.m. in the Forestry Building's Lower Atrium.

"Apparel for the Anthropocene" is presented by the Institute for Policy, Ethics and Culture at Michigan Tech. It is on display now until Oct. 31 in the Upper Atrium of the U. J. Noblet Forestry Building.

Family Fun Day 2021 will be held Nov. 20, and planning is underway. The event will features food and activities for the whole family, including use of the SDC swimming pool, ice rink (new this year: skate rental), Esports, Gates Tennis Center, and more!

Registration for the event will be available soon.

We will not have a giveaway table this year; however, we are seeking donations for prizes. If your department has items that can be used as prizes (coffee mugs, gift certificates, etc.) or if you would like to make a personal donation, contact Staff Council member Heather Sander at hesander@mtu.edu or 906-487-2153.

Donated items can be sent via campus mail to:
Attn: Mechelle Normand, University Marketing and Communications, Admin G20.

Please mark items as "Family Fun Day Donation."

 

The next Graduate Seminar Speaker will be Hossein Sojoudi, an associate professor in the Department of Mechanical, Industrial, and Manufacturing Engineering at the University of Toledo.

Sojoudi will present “Snow Mitigation in Transportation Industry: From Prediction/Detection to Prevention of Accumulation” at 4 p.m. today (Oct. 14) in Fisher Hall, Room 135.

The Department of Chemistry is holding a virtual seminar tomorrow (Oct. 15) at 3 p.m. via Zoom.

The speaker will be Jahan Dawlaty, whose seminar is titled "Application of Vibrational Stark Shift Spectroscopy to Interfacial and Electrochemical Phenomena."

Kimberly Zimmer, P.E. and associate region engineer for Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Operations, Bay Region Office, will present as part of the Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering (CEGE) Alumni Speaker Series.

Zimmer's virtual presentation is titled "MDOT Bay Region’s Emergency Response Efforts to Mid-Michigan Flooding & Dam Breaches & Michigan DOT’s Virtual Public Involvement Efforts." 

Read the abstract at the University Events Calendar.

Join the presentation via Zoom at 1 p.m. next Thursday (Oct. 21).

Are you interested in using Google Suite tools such as Google Docs, Google Sheets or Google Slides, but don’t know where to start? Need some tips and tricks on how best to utilize Gmail, Google Drive or Google Calendar?

This session walks through the basics of using these Google Suite tools and covers some best-known tips and tricks for how to manage your email, use shared drives and organize your calendar.

Join us Wednesday (Oct. 20) at 11 a.m. in the Library, Room 242.

Library workshops are available to faculty, staff and students. Please register to attend!

The Michigan Tech soccer team will travel downstate this weekend for games at Northwood and Davenport.

The Huskies will take on Northwood tomorrow (Oct. 15) at 2:30 p.m.

MTU will visit Davenport on Sunday (Oct. 17) with an 11 a.m. morning start. 

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

Michigan Tech football is aiming for its 11th straight Miner's Cup victory Saturday (Oct. 16) against Northern Michigan (3-3, 1-1).

The game begins at noon at the Superior Dome in Marquette. It will be the 94th meeting between the two rivals in games dating back to 1920.

The game can be heard locally on Mix 93.5 WKMJ with Josh Ylitalo (play-by-play) and will air on WLUC TV6 television with Dave Ellis.

Read more at the Michigan Tech Athletics website.

 

Job Postings for Thursday, Oct. 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. 

Assistant Professor, Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering. Apply online.

Assistant Sponsored Program Accountant, Sponsored Programs Accounting. Apply online.

Department Chair, Computer Science. Apply online.

Assistant, Associate or Full Professor, College of Computing. Apply online.

Administrative Aide 7, Sponsored Programs Accounting (UAW posting Oct. 14 to Oct. 20, 2021 — internal UAW applicants are given first consideration if they apply during the internal 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.

University Archivist Lindsay Hiltunen recently presented during a lightning round at the Oral History Association's Annual Meeting, held virtually Oct. 9-14.

Hiltunen joined fellow oral history practitioners across the state to present "'Flipping' Oral History in Michigan." The session offered a preview of the Michigan Oral History Conference, which will be held online Oct. 15-16 with Hiltunen as the conference chair.

Face Coverings Required in Classrooms, Labs, Library

Michigan Tech remains at Health and Safety Level Two. Face coverings are required in certain locations — classrooms and laboratories during classes and lab courses, and in the library — and may also be required during instructors' office hours. In all other settings, face coverings are encouraged but not required. 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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Applications Due Soon: Spring 2022 Finishing Fellowships

Applications for Spring 2022 Finishing Fellowships are due to the Graduate School no later than 4 p.m. next Thursday (Oct. 21). Please email applications to gradschool@mtu.edu.

Instructions on the application and evaluation process are found online. Students are eligible if all of the following criteria are met:

1. Must be a PhD student.
2. Must expect to finish during the semester supported as a finishing fellow.
3. Must have submitted no more than one previous application for a finishing fellowship.
4. Must be eligible for candidacy (tuition charged at Research Mode rate) at the time of application.
5. Must not hold a final oral examination ("defense") prior to the start of the award semester.

Finishing Fellowships provide support to Ph.D. candidates who are close to completing their degrees. These fellowships are available through the generosity of alumni and friends of the University. They are intended to recognize outstanding Ph.D. candidates who are in need of financial support to finish their degrees and are also contributing to the attainment of goals outlined in the Michigan Tech Strategic Plan.

The Graduate School anticipates funding up to 10 fellowships with support ranging from $2,000 to full support (stipend plus tuition). Students who receive full support through a Finishing Fellowship may not accept any other employment. For example, students cannot be fully supported by a Finishing Fellowship and accept support as a GTA or GRA.

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CTL Instructional Award: Andrew Galerneau and Teresa Woods

The Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) recognizes, from those nominated via the Deans’ Teaching Showcase, instructors who make contributions in large class teaching, out-of-class or innovative teaching, and curriculum development or assessment.

On Tuesday (Oct. 19) at 3:45 p.m., the CTL will present the Instructional Awards for Large Class Teaching to Andrew Galerneau and Teresa Woods. 

Please register in advance for the event.

Teresa Woods
Woods' award presentation is titled "Tend to the Basics, and Find Your Own Shtick!"

From the abstract:
Whether you are cooking, playing basketball, teaching, or doing countless other activities, careful execution of the basic skills often leads to success. When I reflect on my own teaching, I don’t see a lot of razzle dazzle, but rather a fierce commitment to aligning learning objectives, learning activities, and assessment (the basics of good teaching). In this presentation, I will outline my course design and planning routine to illustrate how I accomplish this alignment for a large section linear algebra course. I’ll also share how over the years I’ve grown confident being myself in the classroom, rather than trying to imitate others who have inspired or impressed me.

Andrew Galerneau
Galerneau's award presentation is titled "Using Gamification for Teaching Difficult Topics."

From the abstract:
As students, we have all had that one class, the “why am I here, and do I really have to do this?” class. Fast forward a few years later, and some of us are lucky enough to teach one of these classes. When I first started teaching organic chemistry, I endeavored to not repeat the mistakes I perceived of my professors when I was an undergraduate student. Drawing from personal experiences and information learned from CTL workshops, I utilized Just-in-Time Teaching (JiTT) and small group work to facilitate learning and engagement with the curriculum during my first teaching assignment. Despite any success I had in the first year, I believed that entire experience could still be more engaging. Based upon lessons learned from modern video games, I gamified my organic curriculum the following summer. The level of engagement and attitudes of my students shifted dramatically, and I have since fully committed to this course structure to date. I look forward to sharing my gamified curriculum design, and the lessons that I have learned in the previous decade.

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Perceptive Content System Maintenance

On Sunday (Oct. 17) from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., Perceptive Content will be unavailable due to maintenance.

After this maintenance is complete, Webnow, the web-based version of Perceptive Content, will no longer be available. To continue using Perceptive Content, please contact IT to have the Perceptive Content client installed on your computer.

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

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POW/MIA 5K Bridge Run

Michigan Tech's TSgt. Robert E. LaMotte Squadron of the Arnold Air Society presents the annual 5K POW/MIA Bridge Run, being held Saturday (Oct. 16) at 11 a.m.

The run honors POW/MIA individuals and raises money for the Hubbell VFW. All proceeds support veterans in the area.

The registration fee for this event is $20. Participants can register in advance or in person the morning of the run. Electronic payments can be made via Venmo to our financial management officer, @Samuel-Russ-51, or you may bring a check or cash the day of the event.

Check-in and registration will take place Saturday at the ROTC Building (next to the R. L. Smith Building, aka the MEEM) on Michigan Tech's campus starting at 9:30 a.m.

The first 50 registrants receive a free T-shirt. Pre-register now!

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Tonight at the Library: Hockey Research Talk

The Van Pelt and Opie Library will be hosting a special hockey research talk by local researcher John Haeussler in the East Reading Room today (Oct. 14) at 6 p.m.

In his presentation, "Irish by Invironment*," Haeussler will share his research on and photographs of local hockey players who made it big with Notre Dame in the early 1900s.

When Notre Dame played its first informal hockey game in 1912, a student from Calumet was one of the stars. When the Irish began intercollegiate play in 1921, their roster featured three more Calumet High School alums. Notre Dame’s first intercollegiate game was at the Amphidrome in Houghton and its first intercollegiate win at the Colosseum in Calumet.

In this 100th anniversary year, the presentation highlights the Copper Country’s contributions to Notre Dame Hockey’s formative years. This presentation comes a night before the Michigan Tech Huskies host Notre Dame at their hockey home opener tomorrow (Oct. 15).

Haeussler has authored one book on Hancock history and co-authored another. His current project is a biography of Bill Gray, the first Calumet High School alumnus to star at Notre Dame.

This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. For more information, please contact University Archivist Lindsay Hiltunen at 906-487-3209 or lehalkol@mtu.edu.

* The University of Notre Dame Football Review 1921, quoting legendary ND coach Knute Rockne, had this to say about Calumet’s Hunk Anderson and Ojay Larson: “Neither is of Celtic origin but as Rockne puts it, ‘they are Irish by invironment.’”

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Tonight at the Rozsa

Shockingly Good Music — Oct. 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Conductor Joel Neves leads the Superior Wind Symphony in a shockingly good program of eclectic band favorites, including dramatic opera music, toe-tapping marches, a Mexican danzón and "Gandalf" from Lord of the Rings.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for youth. Michigan Tech students can attend for free and bring a friend with the Experience Tech Fee.

Note: Face coverings are required for volunteers, staff and audience members at this event. Please visit the Rozsa COVID-19 Policies for the most up-to-date information.

Tickets are available by phone at 906-487-2073, online and in person at the Central Ticketing Office in the Student Development Complex. The Rozsa Box Office will also be open for ticket purchases two hours prior to the performance. 

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This Week's C-Cubed Luncheon Menu

Dining Services presents this week's C-Cubed Luncheon, being held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. today (Oct. 14) in the Memorial Union Alumni Lounge, Room 107. 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 (Oct. 14):

Homemade Chili Bar
Texas Chili (Gluten Free) 
Pumpkin Quinoa Chili (Gluten Free, Vegan)
New Mexico Chili Verde aka Green Chili (Gluten Free)

Fresh Toppings 
Chopped Onion
Chopped Cilantro
Sour Cream
Tortilla Strips
Shredded Pepper Jack

Steak Fries (Gluten Free, Vegan)
White Rice (Gluten Free, Vegan)

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Volunteer Event: Plant Trees on the Tolkien Trails!

Come join students and community volunteers to plant trees along some of Houghton’s finest recreational trails this weekend.

The invasive emerald ash borer has caused extensive damage to the ash tree population on the Tech Trails. A lot of work has been done to remove the dead trees so they do not fall on trail users, but their removal has left gaps that are being filled in with invasive plants.

Now, there's a great opportunity for volunteers to help plant trees along the Tolkien Trails. Small trees will be planted to help improve the safety, beauty and ecology of the trails. Young trees will help reestablish the forest in areas once dominated by ash and help preserve the beauty of the Tech Trails for future users.

Dates and times for tree planting:

• Friday, Oct. 15 — 1-4 p.m. 
• Sunday, Oct. 17 — 9 a.m. to noon 
• Sunday, Oct. 17 — 1-4 p.m.

Volunteers can meet at the Tolkien Trails parking lot on Pilgrim Road. We will have a sign with our location for that particular day. Gloves and tools will be provided. All are welcome! 

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Make a Difference Day: Volunteer Registration Now Open

It’s almost time to Make a Difference!

Make a Difference Day is coming up on Oct. 23 and we are seeking support from across the University for the largest national day of service! Many wonderful organizations have already requested our support, including the Copper Country Humane Society, The Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter Home, The Keweenaw Land Trust, and Copper Country Habitat for Humanity.

If you are a community member who could use assistance or know of someone who could, you may request Husky Help by filling out our Google form.

Our entire community — faculty, staff and students — are invited to volunteer! Volunteering projects vary based on community needs, but you may find yourself raking, cleaning, organizing, painting or weeding.

Interested in volunteering for this important event? Register on GivePulse, our community service website. If you would like to register to volunteer with other members of a group, please enter the group name when signing up. The final deadline to register is Monday (Oct. 18) at 10 a.m. Every registered volunteer will receive a free Make a Difference Day T-shirt!

Check-in for volunteers will begin in the MUB Ballroom at 9 a.m., where information will be distributed before groups travel to their service locations. Some locations may require your group to drive.

Want to learn more about the event? Check out our Make a Difference Day website, which shows some stats on past participants. Have questions? Contact us at huskyhelpers@mtu.edu or by calling 906-487-1963.

We can’t wait to see how much of a difference we can make this year! We hope you will join us in reclaiming the Husky community spirit!

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Film Board Presenting 'In The Heights'

This week, in collaboration with SHPE!, the Film Board presents "In The Heights," rated PG-13 for some language and suggestive references.

Showings:

• Friday, Oct. 15 — 5:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 11:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct 16 — 5:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 11:30 p.m.

Located on Michigan Tech's campus in Fisher Hall, Room 135.

Tickets are $3 and concessions are $1. We hope to see you at the movie this weekend — and have a great day.

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

Hyperconnection: A New Series by Tiffany Lange

Thursday, October 14, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. | Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts, Gallery: A-Space

Tiffany Lange’s newest series “Hyperconnection”, examines overstimulation and anxiousness through abstraction. After a year of increased screen time during quarantine and...

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Cori Champagne: "Apparel for the Anthropocene"

Thursday, October 14, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. | U. J. Noblet Forestry Building, Upper Atrium

Apparel for the Anthropocene is presented by the Institute for Policy, Ethics and Culture at Michigan Technological University from October 10-31 in the Upper Atrium of the...

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

Thursday, October 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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UP & Moving Aerobic Exercise, Agility, and Balance Workout

Thursday, October 14, 9:30–10:15 a.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...

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Copyright Workshop for Graduate Students

Thursday, October 14, 12 p.m.–1 p.m. | J. Robert Van Pelt and John and Ruanne Opie Library, 244

Learn the role that copyright and licensing plays in writing and publishing your master's report, thesis, or dissertation. We will explore the legal use of copyrighted...

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Building Resilience Workshop

Thursday, October 14, 1 p.m.–2 p.m.

When faced with difficulty and challenges in life, how do you cope, adapt, and bounce back? This workshop focuses on the concept of resilience and how to build these skills...

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Search Smarter Not Harder

Thursday, October 14, 2:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m. | Administration and Student Services Building, 220 Career Services

Attend this presentation to learn where 80 percent of the job market is and the most effective way to access it.

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CTL Coffee Chat: Planning for Regular and Substantive Interaction in All Classes

Thursday, October 14, 3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m.

Thursday October 14, 2021 at 3:30 PM https://mtu.libcal.com/event/8256708

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HuskyLead: Be Well - Navigating School/Life Balance

Thursday, October 14, 4 p.m.–5 p.m. | MUB Ballroom A1

Thursday, October 14 - "Be Well: Navigating School/Life Balance" - Are you over-committed? Do you struggle with managing your schedule? Do you take time for self-care? Do...

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Snow Mitigation in Transportation Industry: From Prediction/Detection to Prevention of Accumulation

Thursday, October 14, 4 p.m. | Fisher Hall, 135

ME-EM Graduate Seminar Speaker Series proudly presents Hossein Sojoudi, PhD University of Toledo Abstract Snow accumulation pose major safety concerns in transportation...

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Update and open forum on sustainability planning in the H-STEM building

Thursday, October 14, 4:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m. | Memorial Union Building (MUB), Alumni Lounge

Join architects and engineers from HED to learn about the proposed sustainability features of the future H-STEM building, and get a chance to ask questions and add your ideas.

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Open Rock Climbing

Thursday, October 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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Range Day

Thursday, October 14, 7 p.m.–9 p.m. | SDC Shooting Range

Students are allowed to come down to the range to either use their own firearms or the firearms provided by the club.

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Shockingly Good Music

Thursday, October 14, 7:30 p.m. | Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts

View the digital program here. Conductor Joel Neves leads the Superior Wind Symphony in a shockingly good program of eclectic band favorites, including dramatic opera music,...