November 30, 2021

Husky Innovate is organizing Innovation Week, a series of innovation-themed virtual events from Jan. 24-28, 2022, and would like to invite the campus community to participate.

Innovation Week celebrates entrepreneurship, new ventures and innovative projects on campus and within our extended Tech community. We provide opportunities for students, campus and community to meet and engage around the topic of innovation. We will host talks, showcase innovation and host the Bob Mark Business Model Pitch Competition on Jan. 27 from 5-7 p.m.

If you are interested in hosting a virtual innovation tour, being part of a panel discussion, sharing interesting research, leading a workshop or something else, please let us know.

Given the impact of COVID-19 on research, teaching and service, the Office of the Provost worked with the University Senate and Board of Trustees to modify the "exceptional extension" provision of the pre-tenure probationary period (see section 6.4 of the Board of Trustees Policy Manual) to allow for a maximum of two one-year extensions due to exceptional circumstances.

The relevant part of section 6.4 now states: "Under this policy, an individual's tenure probationary period at Michigan Technological University may be extended by one year per request, for not more than two years, total, for either extenuating circumstances or in the case of requests based on the birth or legal adoption of a child."

This language means that extensions can be granted for one year at a time for up to a maximum of two years due to exceptional circumstances (section 5.1.2 of Appendix I of the Faculty Handbook), which may include circumstances related to COVID. This is in addition to extensions granted because of birth or adoption of a child, which are also granted for one year at a time for up to a maximum of two years (section 5.1.1 of Appendix I of the Faculty Handbook).

Tenure clocks will not be automatically extended for all faculty due to COVID out of respect for the wishes of pre-tenure faculty who do not want an extension. Exceptional circumstance extensions must be accompanied by a recommendation from the faculty member’s chair (if applicable) and dean. Requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Committee on Academic Tenure, Promotion and Reappointment (CATPR), which will make a recommendation to the provost. Faculty will be notified in writing of the provost’s decision regarding a request for an extension due to exceptional circumstances.

This modification to Board of Trustees policy went into effect upon approval by the Board on Oct. 8. Board approval was preceded by a faculty referendum conducted by the University Senate, which approved this change on Sept. 17.

The U.S. Department of Labor recently implemented a requirement that all employees being compensated on federal contracts be paid a minimum wage of $15 per hour. This requirement applies to all employees, including student interns and part-time student workers as well as regular employees, and takes effect Jan. 30, 2022. The requirement applies to federally sponsored research contracts and does not apply to federally sponsored grants.

Additional information about the requirement can be found on the Department of Labor website.

If anyone has questions about the applicability of this requirement on existing federal contracts or upcoming proposals to U.S. federal agencies, please email spo-l@mtu.edu.

Join us Thursday (Dec. 2) from 7-8 p.m. for the COVID-19 Community Town Hall. Town Hall moderators Steven Elmer and Kelly Kamm (HRI/KIP) will be joined by several guests who will provide information on COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, vaccines and boosters, mental health and well-being, historical and future impacts, and general health recommendations.

Organized by the Health Research Institute at Michigan Tech, the 60-minute town hall broadcast can be heard live at 7 p.m. on local radio station 97.7 The Wolf (WOLV-FM) and viewed through a Zoom webinar and Facebook Live. The town hall can also be viewed on ABC 10 on Sunday (Dec. 5) at noon.

For more information, past broadcasts and webinar links, visit the COVID-19 Town Hall Series website.

Guests will include:

1. Dr. Timothy LaBonte, UP Health System-Portage
2. Jessica Bessner and Anna Kempke, Aspirus and UP Health System-Portage
3. Siddharth Chandra, Michigan State University
4. Dr. Jason Bombard, Aspirus
5. Elise Bur, Northern Michigan University Center for Rural Health

The Spanish conversation hour group La Peña will host its last meeting of the year today (Nov. 30).

You are cordially invited to join us today from 5-6 p.m. in the Humanities Digital Media Zone (HDMZ) in the Walker Arts and Humanities Center (Walker), Room 120C.

We will chat and play board games in Spanish. All levels of Spanish speakers are welcome. Please pass the information along, and bring someone as well!

For any questions regarding La Peña conversation hours, please contact Leyre Alegre at lalegref@mtu.edu.

Menu for Thursday (Dec. 2)

• Chicken Korma (Gluten Free)
• Vegetable Korma (Gluten Free, Vegan)
• Basmati Rice (Gluten Free, Vegan)
• Flat Bread (Vegetarian)
• Roasted Masala Cauliflower (Gluten Free, Vegan)
• Cabbage Raita (Gluten Free, Vegetarian)

Dining Services presents this week's C-Cubed Luncheon being held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday (Dec. 2) 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.

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering candidate Noah Squires (ME-EM) will present his master's defense at 2 p.m. tomorrow (Dec. 1) in the R. L. Smith Building (MEEM), Room 1021. Virtual attendance is also invited via Zoom.

Squires' defense is titled "Design and Implementation of an Oxidation Catalyst for a Spark Ignited Two Stroke Engine."

M.S. candidate Collin Diedrich (BioSci) will present his master's defense at 3 p.m. Thursday (Dec. 2) in the Dow Environmental Sciences and Engineering Building (Dow), Room 743. Virtual attendance is also invited via Zoom. 

Diedrich's defense is titled "Spatial and Temporal Comparison of Persistent Organic Pollutants in the Boardman River."

From the abstract:
Dam removal is a critical part of river and stream remediation projects around the world. Frequently dams are associated with impoundment ponds containing sediments that can act as a sink of various persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that can pose risks for human and aquatic wildlife. In this study, we deployed semi-permeable membrane devices (SPMDs) at multiple locations along a 25-mile stretch of the Boardman River in Traverse City, Michigan to passively sample POP concentrations in this area that has recently undergone dam and impoundment pond sediment removal. 

Please join Eric Arundel, MTU clinical counselor, next Tuesday (Dec. 7) from noon to 1 p.m. in the MUB Ballroom, Room B3, as he presents a Lunch and Learn on stress and coping.

Stress is the body's natural response to certain events that can cause you to feel overwhelmed and unable to cope. Everyone feels it at different times and to varying degrees. For many people, everyday stress builds to a level that seems too hard to handle. We can't control stress, but Arundel will delve deeper into what stress is and explore tools to help us handle it in a better and healthier way.

This Lunch and Learn can be counted under Option No. 2 for your Husky Health checklist.

Michigan Tech President Rick Koubek will be a featured panelist at the Global Youth Environmental Alliance in Higher Education (YEAH) Youth Summit on Glasgow COP26 tomorrow (Dec. 1) from 4-8 p.m.

This summit will support and enable youth in higher education across the world to:

1. Engage with leaders in government, industry and research;
2. Understand and discuss the outcomes of COP26 via global dialogue; and
3. Present their own research and co-developed briefings on climate action to global leaders and peers, to create momentum for change. 

Climate leaders from the Michigan Tech delegation to COP26 will participate, along with other student members of YEAH from Colorado State University, Monash University, Vanderbilt University and others.

Other featured panelists include:

• Scott Ferraro, Net Zero director, Monash University
• Diana H. Wall, director of the School of Global Environmental Sustainability, Colorado State University
• Brandon Jones, program director, Geosciences and Education Divisions, U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)
• Jeanne Beacham, president and CEO of Delphon Industries
• Terence Jeyaretnam, partner at EY, Climate Change and Sustainability Services Australia
• U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse (D-Lafayette), 2nd Congressional District of Colorado

Please register to receive the Zoom link.

Michigan Tech women's basketball notched two nonconference wins in the Dakotah Bank Classic, hosted by Northern State University at Wachs Arena on Nov. 26 and 27.

Friday (Nov. 26), Katelyn Meister posted 17 points and Sloane Zenner made a trio of 3-pointers at timely moments in MTU's victory over Minnesota State University Moorhead. The Huskies won 65-53, shooting 51% from the field and holding the lead for the duration of the second half.

"I was really proud of how our team fought tonight," said head coach Sam Clayton. "We had to play tough against a bigger team inside but everyone did their part to limit them inside. I thought Kate was really a spark for us again on offense. She is really making good reads inside and finishing well. Alex (Rondorf) also made a big impact with her post presence and hustle plays. It was a great team win."

Saturday (Nov. 27), five Huskies made it to double figures and Michigan Tech shot over 55% to snap Northern State's four-game win streak with an 81-69 victory. Daisy Ansel posted 11 points, eight rebounds and five assists to lead the way for the Huskies. Ellie Mackay, Rondorf, Meister and Clara Johnson also contributed to MTU's highest point total so far this season.

"I was really happy with our overall performance tonight, especially our transition offense," commented Clayton. "Any time you can get five players 10 or more points is a good thing. I thought Daisy stepped up for us in all aspects of the game. She really scored it efficiently, rebounded well and distributed the ball to her teammates."

Read more at the Michigan Tech Athletics website.

Michigan Tech's hockey team swept Ferris State last weekend to earn its first CCHA sweep of the season.

MTU came from behind to win 6-4 over Ferris State on Friday (Nov. 26). The Huskies were down 3-1 but scored five straight goals to steal the win.

"It was a hard game like we expected," Tech coach Joe Shawhan said. "Obviously we weren't happy with the start. The Bliss, Halonen, Parrottino line was good all night and provided leadership by example."

Of the Bulldogs, he said: "They are a tremendously coached team. I'm glad that we had enough time to come back from that two-goal deficit."

The Huskies overwhelmed Ferris State 6-1 on Saturday (Nov. 27). They have now won four of their last five, and improve to 8-5 overall and 5-3 in the CCHA.

"I thought our guys learned a lesson from last night and came ready to play," Shawhan said. "We were able to roll four lines all night and got scoring from every line. I'm very proud of the effort of the entire team tonight. We weren't focusing on the score, we were focusing on winning shifts."

Read more and see game highlights at the Michigan Tech Athletics website.

Michigan Tech men's basketball was knocked down by Minnesota Duluth on Saturday (Nov. 27) but recovered to earn a victory against St. Cloud State University on Sunday (Nov. 28) in nonconference action. 

The Huskies fell 76-42 to the Bulldogs Saturday at the SDC Gym. It was the team's first loss by 25 points or more since Feb. 16, 2019.

"All the credit to them. I didn't think we would have the issues we did scoring," said head coach Josh Buettner. "They doubled Owen (White) and didn't allow him to get into a rhythm. We didn't do a good enough job getting spaced and getting our shooters good looks. Then when we did, shots didn't fall."

"As a team, we have to decide what kind of team are we going to be when we aren't making those outside shots," Buettner continued. "That is something we have to figure out. Tomorrow we have to get back and build up a wall against a St. Cloud team that is super-athletic and can go up and down the court."

Tech bounced back quickly Sunday, staging a second-half comeback to win 90-76 over St. Cloud State at the SDC. Trent Bell notched a double-double and White scored 25 points. With the victory, the Huskies move to 3-2 in nonconference play. 

"I know the character of this team and I knew we were going to bring energy and bounce back after yesterday," said Buettner. "They (St. Cloud State) were making shots early and that put us back on our heels, but then the second half was just a tremendous effort. To hold them to 30 points is a testament to our guys digging in. Good defense is one of our staples."

Read more and see game highlights at the Michigan Tech Athletics website.

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

Thursday (Dec. 2)
• Volleyball vs. Wayne State in NCAA Regional in Big Rapids, Noon

Friday (Dec. 3)
• Volleyball at NCAA Regional Semifinal in Big Rapids, 5 p.m.
• Hockey at Minnesota State, 8:07 p.m. on Mix 93 WKMJ

Saturday (Dec. 4)
• Nordic Skiing at Duluth SuperTour (Skate sprint)
• Women's Basketball at Northwood, 1 p.m. on Mix 93 WKMJ
• Men's Basketball at Northwood, 3 p.m. on Mix 93 WKMJ
• Volleyball at NCAA Regional Championship in Big Rapids, 5 p.m.
• Hockey at Minnesota State, 7:07 p.m. on Mix 93 WKMJ

Sunday (Dec. 5)
• Nordic Skiing at Duluth SuperTour (Skate)

Job Postings for Tuesday, Nov. 30, 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. 

Director of Student Financial Services, Financial Aid Administration. Apply online.

Research Engineer / Scientist I – Applied Mathematician, Michigan Tech Research Institute. Apply online.

Research Engineer I – Software Developer, Michigan Tech Research Institute. Apply online.

Administrative Aide 7 (12 months/ 40 hours/ first shift) #21323, Institutional Equity (UAW posting Nov. 30 to Dec. 6, 2021 — internal UAW applicants are given first consideration if they apply during the internal UAW posting dates). Apply online.

Groundsperson (12 months/ 40 hours/ first shift) #21218RP, Facilities (AFSCME posting Nov. 30 to Dec. 6, 2021 — internal AFSCME applicants are given first consideration if they apply during the internal AFSCME 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.

Pradeep Agrawal (ChE) was among leaders presenting for a virtual knowledge-sharing session on “Lessons learnt from Effectively Managing Projects and Teams during a Global Pandemic,” sponsored by the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) Management Division.

Agrawal presented “Navigating the COVID-19 Pandemic at Michigan Technological University,” co-authored by Jeanna Collins, Kurt Rickard and Tony Rogers (ChE).

The presentation took place Nov. 16 during the 2021 AIChE Annual Meeting.

The session was chaired by Dhaval Bhandari of ExxonMobil Research and Engineering. According to Bhandari: “It was humbling to listen to how each organization/team presented with unique circumstances developed their own unique solutions often not knowing what tomorrow will bring.”

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Professor emerita Mary Durfee (SS) gave a paper, titled "The Who in US-Canada Treaties," at the annual meeting of the Northwest Political Science Association in November in Portland, Oregon.

Michigan Tech research into the effects of warmer summers on tick infestations in moose populations was covered in an AP news article picked up by national and international outlets. Sarah Hoy and John Vucetich (CFRES) were interviewed.

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 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

Testing closure: The testing clinic will be closed today (Nov. 30). Regular hours will resume on Thursday (Dec. 2).

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. Regular testing hours are 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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Submit Your Proof of COVID Vaccination by Jan. 4

Michigan Tech continues to validate COVID vaccinations and has a secure and confidential process for fully vaccinated employees to show proof of vaccination in compliance with the federal vaccination/exception mandate.

The mandate affects all University employees who work in the United States, even if they work remotely. At Michigan Tech, this mandate will go into effect Jan. 4, 2022. It will apply to full-time, part-time, temporary and student employees.

Fully vaccinated employees may submit proof using one of the following methods:

• In Person — MUB Alumni Lounge A
  You may submit your proof of vaccination in person. Human Resources will verify vaccination at the MUB Alumni Lounge A at the times listed below. Please note: You will need to provide identification in addition to the proof of vaccination.
  
  
  • Tuesday, Nov. 30 — 3-5 p.m.
  • Monday, Dec. 6 — 2-4 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Dec. 15 — 1-3 p.m.
  • Monday, Dec. 20 — noon to 2 p.m.
    
    
• Online — MTU Flex Portal
  You may submit a picture of your vaccination card or other valid proof of vaccination using the vaccination upload form. The form is available on the MTU Flex Portal. Please follow the upload instructions.
  
  
• In Person — Human Resources Office
  Employees are also welcome to stop in at the Human Resources Office on the second floor of the Lakeshore Center, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., to show identification and proof of vaccination. Please bring a photo ID and the original vaccination document.

If you intend to apply for a medical or religious exception, please refer to the Vaccination for Federal Contractors page on the MTU Flex website for information on how to do so. Applications for exceptions will not be collected through the MTU Flex Portal, MUB Alumni Lounge or the Human Resources Office.

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MS Defense: Chaitanya Inamdar, ECE

M.S. in Electrical Engineering candidate Chaitanya Inamdar (ECE) will present their master's defense tomorrow (Dec. 1) at 9 a.m. in the R. L. Smith Building (MEEM), Room 405.

The title of Inamdar's defense is "Dynamic Characteristics of DC-DC Converters With Coupled and Nonlinear Magnetics."

Inamdar is advised by Wayne Weaver and Michael Roggemann.

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Holiday Joy at the Rozsa

The rest of the semester is filled with holiday joy at the Rozsa! Put these celebrations of the most wonderful time of the year on your calendar:

• "The Nutcracker" — Dec. 3-5
  Embrace the timeless holiday magic of "The Nutcracker" with your whole family this holiday season. Set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, the tale of Clara and her Nutcracker prince is filled with mischievous mice, twirling treats, and shimmering snowflakes. The Minnesota Ballet's new production of "The Nutcracker" ballet with the Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra promises special Christmas memories and features local dancers from the Superior School of Dance.
  • Seating: Reserved seating will be utilized for all performances. The Rozsa tier and all wheelchair-accessible seats will be socially distanced, pod-style seating.
  • Tickets: $28 for adults and $12 for youth. Michigan Tech students can attend for free and bring a friend with the Experience Tech Fee. 
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• I Have Had Singing — Dec. 10, 7:30 p.m.
  A concert celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Michigan Tech Concert Choir and the legacy of choral singing at Michigan Tech. Performances by the conScience: Michigan Tech Chamber Singers and the Michigan Tech Concert Choir under the direction of Jared Anderson. Can't physically make it to the performance? Watch it stream live on YouTube.
  • Seating: General admission.
  • Tickets: $15 for adults and $5 for youth. Michigan Tech students can attend for free and bring a friend with the Experience Tech Fee.
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• Kaleidoscope — Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m.
  Conductor Joel Neves leads the Superior Wind Symphony in a kaleidoscopic program of colorful band favorites. Can't physically make it to the performance? Watch it stream live on YouTube.
  • Seating: General admission.
  • Tickets: $15 for adults and $5 for youth. Michigan Tech students can attend for free and bring a friend with the Experience Tech Fee. 

Tickets for these events are available by phone at 906-487-2858 or online. The Rozsa Box Office will also be open for ticket purchases prior to performances. 

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

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

Michigan Tech Research Forum: Dr. Zhanping You

Tuesday, November 30, 12:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. | Memorial Union Building (MUB), Ballroom

Please join us as Distinguished Professor Dr. Zhanging You from Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering shares his knowledge and research on "Engineering Waste Tires...

Master's Defense: Domenicca Mileth Guillen Pachacama

Tuesday, November 30, 9–10 a.m. | Dow Environmental Sciences and Engineering Building, 633

Geology Advisor: Chad Deering Soil CO2 Diffuse Degassing at Chachimbiro Volcano, Ecuador Attend Virtually: https://michigantech.zoom.us/j/84005259284

Lunch and Learn: Holiday Health Hacks

Tuesday, November 30, 12 p.m.–1 p.m. | Memorial Union Building (MUB), Alumni Lounge 107C

Join Anna Mooi, Dietician from Aspirus Hospital, on Tuesday, November 30 from 12:00PM to 1:00PM in the MUB Alumni Lounger 107C as she discusses Holiday Health Hacks. In the...

Lunch and Learn: Holiday Healthy Hacks

Tuesday, November 30, 12 p.m.–1 p.m. | Memorial Union Building, Alumni Lounge 107C, 1400 Townsend Dr, Houghton, MI 49931, USA

Join Anna Mooi, Dietician from Aspirus Hospital, on Tuesday, November 30 from 12:00PM to 1:00PM in the MUB Alumni Lounger 107C as she discusses Holiday Health Hacks. In the...

Master's Defense: Ryan Klida

Tuesday, November 30, 12:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m. | Dow Environmental Sciences and Engineering Building, 633

Geological Engineering Advisor: Thomas Oommen Pre-Failure Persistent Scatters Interferometry (PSI) and Soil Moisture Index (SMI) Analysis of the Edenville Dam in Midland,...

Open Rock Climbing

Tuesday, November 30, 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...