February 7, 2022

At nearly 7,000 undergraduate and graduate students, enrollment remains strong at Michigan Tech. A sizable number of those students are pursuing degree programs in the College of Computing, which grew by more than 10% in fall 2021.

“This growth reflects the excitement surrounding computing and the job opportunities for our graduates,” says Dennis Livesay, the Dave House Dean of Computing. “The College of Computing was created to ensure that Michigan Tech will meet the needs of the region’s growing tech ecosystem, and we’re working to make that happen.”

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, the second-largest academic major at Michigan Tech, accounts for slightly more than half of the college’s total enrollment. And programs in the new Department of Applied Computing, established in fall 2020, have grown substantially, including the B.S. programs in mechatronics and cybersecurity and the M.S. programs in health informatics and mechatronics.

“Put simply, our goal is to be the premier provider of computing talent to the state of Michigan, and beyond,” Livesay notes. “And the growth that we see now, and anticipate coming over the next few years, shows that we’re on the right path.”

Part II continues on the College of Computing website. Read more about what’s happening in the College of Computing today!

The 10th annual Undergraduate Research Symposium (URS) will take place March 25 in the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts lobby. We need faculty, staff and community members to serve as distinguished judges.

Judging entails reviewing the posters and accompanying poster presentations of up to five undergraduate researchers on the day of the symposium in the Rozsa Center lobby. We will match faculty with a mixture of posters, some from their home department and others from departments across campus. If you would like to serve as a judge for the symposium, please submit our judge registration form.

About URS
The symposium will highlight the cutting-edge research conducted on Michigan Tech’s campus by some of our best and brightest undergraduates. The students represent a wide array of scientific and engineering disciplines from across campus and highlight the diversity of research areas being explored.

The symposium coincides with Tech's Preview Day and is a great way to share the exciting research projects going on across campus with high school students considering attending Michigan Tech. We encourage all faculty, staff and students to attend and support our excellent undergraduate researchers.

Visit the URS website for more information. Questions can be directed to honors@mtu.edu.

Applications are being accepted for the King-Chávez-Parks (KCP) Future Faculty Fellowship, a program funded by the state of Michigan. The purpose of the KCP Future Faculty Fellowship program is to increase the pool of academically and economically disadvantaged candidates pursuing faculty teaching careers in postsecondary education.

Funding may begin in summer or fall of 2022. Complete applications received by 4 p.m. Feb. 24 will receive priority for consideration. Pending availability of funds, applications received through 4 p.m. April 12 will be considered on a rolling basis.

Applicants will complete the following steps:

• Review the eligibility criteria to ensure eligibility (see step 1)
• Gather the materials needed for an application (see step 2)
• Create an account on the MiLogin for Citizens portal (see step 3)
• Submit an application on the MiLogin portal (see step 4)

Changes for this cycle of competition are as follows:

• Michigan Tech is requiring use of a standardized budget template for the budget summary requested in the application.
• As proof of U.S. citizenship at the time of application, one of the following must be provided to the Graduate School prior to an award being made:
• U.S. passport, birth certificate, consular report of birth abroad of a citizen of the U.S., certification of report of birth, or certificate of citizenship issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

KCP fellowships provide students up to $20,000 (M.S. students) or $35,000 (Ph.D. students) to pursue their degrees. Funds may be used to support students, including faculty and staff, pursuing degrees at Michigan Tech. For Michigan Tech students, the Graduate School and nominating department must also contribute matching funds to help support the student.

Complete information about eligibility criteria and materials needed for an application is available on our webpage. Please note that applications will be submitted through the MILogin for Citizens Portal. Questions about eligibility or the application procedure can be directed to Debra Charlesworth at ddc@mtu.edu.

On Feb. 28, Michigan Tech IT will remove all Mac computers from the network that are not running macOS Catalina (10.15.7) or higher. Apple is no longer supporting operating systems older than 10.15.7, making those computers vulnerable to security threats and posing a risk to our network.

If your Mac falls in this category, you will need to upgrade your operating system. If your computer is unable to meet the hardware requirements for the upgrade, our IT procurement staff can help you explore other options.

For more information, please review our KB article on the minimum supported version of macOS. If you have any questions, we can help. Contact us at it-help@mtu.edu or call 906-487-1111.

Please join us for an hour of laid-back Francophone setting with French natives and other Francophiles. All levels welcome.

Café Français meets tomorrow (Feb. 8) in the Walker Arts and Humanities Center (Walker 120C) from 5-6 p.m.

Future dates (every second Tuesday): Feb. 22, March 15, April 12.

Joanna Walitalo, Ph.D. student in the College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science (CFRES) and author of “J. Walitalo Woodburnings,” will have a book signing Thursday (Feb. 10) in the Noblet Atrium from noon to 5 p.m.

Learn about the process of utilizing scrap lumber for the creation of artwork. The event will include a behind-the-scenes presentation about woodburning in Noblet G002 from 3-4 p.m. It is open to the public, and a limited number of books will be available for purchase.

Read more on the University Events Calendar.

“Woodburnings” has been named a 2022 U.P. Notable Book and featured on the Michigan in Books blog. 

The 2022 Sustainability Film Series continues with a discussion of the film "Fauci" from 7-8 p.m. Feb. 17. Participation is free and open to all faculty, staff, students and community members. A suggested donation of $5 per film to support the film series is appreciated. Make your donation online.

Participants need to register to receive links to the film and Zoom discussion. The film is 104 minutes long and will be available for one week prior to the discussion. Contact Joan Chadde at jchadde@mtu.edu with questions.

Film Description
The National Geographic documentary "Fauci" chronicles the life of Dr. Anthony Fauci, world-renowned infectious disease specialist and the longest-serving public health leader in Washington, D.C. Fauci was appointed director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) in 1984. He oversees an extensive portfolio of basic and applied research to prevent, diagnose and treat established infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, respiratory infections, diarrheal diseases, tuberculosis and malaria, as well as emerging diseases such as ebola and zika. NIAID also supports research on transplantation and immune-related illnesses, including autoimmune disorders, asthma and allergies. The NIAID budget for fiscal year 2021 was an estimated $6.1 billion. Fauci has overseen the U.S. response to 50 years of outbreaks from HIV/AIDS, to SARS and Ebola, and advised seven presidents on domestic and global health issues.

Discussion Facilitator
Dr. Terry Kinzel specializes in geriatrics and internal medicine. Kinzel graduated from University of Michigan Medical School in 1975.

Film Series
The Sustainability Film Series and Facilitated Discussions are cosponsored by MTU's Sustainability Demonstration House, College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science, Department of Social Sciences Sustainability Sciences Program, Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering, Students for Sustainability, and Tech Forward Initiative on Sustainability and Resilience. Cosponsors outside MTU include the Friends of the Land of Keweenaw, Lake Superior Stewardship Initiative, Keweenaw Land Trust, Keweenaw Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, and Refill U.P.

See the film schedule for February and March 2022.

On Feb. 24 at noon, Chelsea Schelly (SS), 2022 Fulbright Research Chair in Science and Society, will present a virtual talk hosted by the University of Ottawa's Institute for Science, Society and Policy (ISSP) to discuss the social aspects of socio-technological systems transitions.

In this talk, Schelly will summarize some of her research that examines socio-technological systems transitions (STST). Schelly will present lessons from this work, including barriers and opportunities for effective engagement with STST research. These issues tie directly to the urgency of addressing climate change and how to meaningfully engage communities in research.

Register to attend.

The Canvas Quiz assessment tool is changing. New Quizzes will eventually be the only option for creating quizzes in Canvas, and the Jackson Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) is hosting technical workshops where you can learn more about them.

Topics will include:

• How to enable New Quizzes in your Canvas courses.
• How to differentiate between New and Classic Quizzes.
• How to begin building New Quizzes.
• The new question types available, such as categorization, ordering, hot spot and a new option called stimulus where content can be provided for a group of questions.
• Some powerful new features for student moderation and accommodations.

Register to attend one of these CTL technical workshops and learn more about New Quizzes:

• Wednesday, Feb. 16 — 2-3 p.m.
  Register for this workshop.
  
  
• Tuesday, Feb. 22 — 2-3 p.m.
  Register for this workshop.

University Professor Robert Nemiroff (Physics) will be featured at the Michigan Tech Research Forum (MTRF) on Feb. 17. The event will be held in the Memorial Union Ballroom A, with a Zoom option available for those who wish to attend virtually. The lecture will begin at 4:30 p.m., with 30 minutes before and after the lecture for in-person attendees to network.

Nemiroff’s presentation is titled "Faster than Light: What Can Do It and What Can't." Additional details can be found on the MTRF website.

The MTRF is presented by the Office of the Provost with support from the Office of the Vice President for Research. The forum showcases and celebrates the work of Michigan Tech researchers and aims to strengthen discussions in our community. All are welcome, including the general public.

The Applied Cognitive Science and Human Factors (ACSHF) Forum will be held from 2-3 p.m. today (Feb. 7) virtually via Zoom. There will be two speakers: Anne Linja and Lauren Monroe, both ACSHF graduate students.

Linja will present "Examining Explicit Rule Learning in Cognitive Tutorials: Training learners to predict machine classification."

Monroe will present "Don't throw a tempo tantrum: the effects of varying music tempo on vigilance performance and affective state."

Michigan Tech women's basketball fell short at Purdue Northwest, losing 93-89 in overtime Thursday (Feb. 3) at John Friend Court. The Huskies led by as many as 11 at times in the game.

Ellie Mackay scored 27 points and Isabella Lenz marked a career-high 17 points in the loss. The Huskies fall to 12-7 (7-4 GLIAC).

Read more at the Michigan Tech Athletics website.

Stout defense contributed the most in the Michigan Tech men's basketball team's 65-44 win over Purdue Northwest Thursday (Feb. 3) at John Friend Court.

The Huskies contested jumpers all night and contained the Pride to 26% shooting on their home court. It was the fourth straight win for Tech, and the Huskies improved to 14-5 (10-3 GLIAC).

"The one number that matters to me in this one is 44 points against," said head coach Josh Buettner. "We came in and executed our defensive game plan perfectly. Purdue Northwest is a team that I feel is much better than their record has shown and we did a heck of a job guarding them."

Read more at the Michigan Tech Athletics website.

Justin Misiak has skated in more Michigan Tech hockey games than any other Husky.

Misiak skated in his 166th career game in a Michigan Tech uniform to break the program record Jan. 28 during the Huskies' match against Bemidji State. Misiak was tied with Richard Novak (1984-89) entering the game.

"It was a big night for Justin Misiak," said Tech coach Joe Shawhan. "It's been a thrill to watch every single one of his games, and the guys made it a special night for him."

Watch a video feature on Misiak's MTU hockey career at the Michigan Tech Athletics website.

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 make choices to protect themselves, such as getting vaccinated, wearing high-filtration face coverings, and practicing enhanced sanitation and physical distancing where possible — especially in light of the increased transmissibility of the COVID-19 omicron 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 spring 2022 semester.

Testing is available every week in the Rozsa Center basement Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. There is no cost to be tested, and no appointment is needed. 

The consent form is now online and can be completed anytime between 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. on the day of your visit.

More COVID-19 Testing Information for the Michigan Tech community is available on the MTU Flex website.

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VPR Research Series: Science Visualization and Graphic Design Skills

Have you wondered how to make your research proposals look and feel more professional? Have you struggled with how to communicate complex data succinctly and effectively? Are you looking for ways to engage the public with your work quickly and in a user-friendly manner?

Join us on Zoom tomorrow (Feb. 8) from 11 a.m. to noon for a virtual session examining the art and science of science visualization from a variety of perspectives and in a variety of applications (e.g., scientific research proposals, publications, outreach, teaching). Resources, ideas and partnerships will be explored to give you ideas for how to take your research communication to the next level.

We will welcome Jessica Brassard of the University of Michigan as a guest speaker in this VPR Research Series event.

Any questions can be directed to rd-l@mtu.edu.

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ICC Sponsored Lecture

Michael Sacks of the University of Texas will present a lecture today (Feb. 7) at noon in Rekhi G005. The lecture can also be attended virtually via Zoom.

Sacks is a world authority on cardiovascular modeling and simulation, particularly on developing patient-specific, simulation-based approaches for the understanding and treatment of heart and heart valve diseases.

At the University of Texas, he is a professor of biomedical engineering; the W. A. “Tex” Moncrief, Jr. Endowment in Simulation-Based Engineering and Sciences Endowed Chair No. 1; and the director of the Willerson Center for Cardiovascular Modeling and Simulation. His research area is computational medicine.

The lecture is sponsored by the Michigan Tech Institute of Computing and Cybersystems (ICC). Read more on the ICC Blog. 

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Youth Dialogue on National Climate Assessment

The Youth Environmental Alliance in Higher Education (YEAH) is hosting a Youth Dialogue on the National Climate Assessment. University and high school students are invited to provide input to this major U.S. government climate report next Tuesday (Feb. 15) from 7-9 p.m. ET.

The Fifth National Climate Assessment (NCA5) will report on how climate change affects people and places in the United States. Attendees will have the chance to hear from authors of the assessment and discuss together how the report can learn from and reflect the concerns of young people in the U.S.

Michigan Tech is a YEAH participating institution. Find more information and a registration link at YEAH-net.org.

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Environmental Engineering Graduate Seminar

The next Environmental Engineering Graduate Seminar will take place at 3 p.m. today (Feb. 7) in the Great Lakes Research Center, GLRC 202.

Matthew Berens, postdoctoral associate at the Natural Resources Research Institute, University of Minnesota Duluth, will present "Application of compound specific isotope analysis (CSIA) for monitoring the reduction of 2,4-dinitroanisole(DNAN)."

Read the abstract on the University Events Calendar.

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ChE Faculty Candidate Seminar Rescheduled

The Department of Chemical Engineering (ChE) faculty candidate seminar originally scheduled for Friday (Feb. 4) has been rescheduled.

The seminar, given by assistant professor candidate Whitney Blocher McTigue on "Toward Biomolecule Stabilization and Understanding Depolymerization," will now take place from 10-11 a.m. today (Feb. 7) in Chem Sci 201.

The seminar can be attended in person with limited capacity or remotely via Zoom. After the seminar, a recording will be available upon request.

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Husky Connect Looking for Student Mentors!

Do you know a current student who'd be great at helping new incoming students adjust to new environments and achieve their goals?

The Husky Connect Mentorship Program is looking for Huskies willing to give new students the value of their experiences. Each mentor is assigned one or two first-year students to meet with during the summer before they begin their first fall semester. Husky Connect mentors receive compensation for the time they spend with their mentees.

Students can learn more about this peer-to-peer program and apply to be a Husky Connect mentor on our website. Applications close Feb. 18 at 5 p.m.

For more information, please contact Mayra Morgan at msmorgan@mtu.edu.

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John Scott '10 and Joe Berger '04 Signed Jersey Raffle

Enter the Department of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics (ME-EM) Jersey Raffle to win a Michigan Tech hockey jersey signed by mechanical engineering graduate John Scott '10 or a Michigan Tech football jersey signed by mechanical engineering graduate Joe Berger '04.

Tickets are $50 each and proceeds will go to the ME-EM department.

Buy your raffle tickets now. Winners will be drawn during Michigan Tech's Winter Carnival hockey game Saturday (Feb. 12). You need not be present to win (the ME-EM department will notify you).

Be sure to purchase tickets before noon Friday (Feb. 11) for your chance to win!

Published under state of Michigan raffle license # X05892.

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

Application of compound specific isotope analysis (CSIA) for monitoring the reduction of 2,4-dinitroanisole(DNAN)

Monday, February 7, 12 a.m. | Great Lakes Research Center (GLRC), 202

Environmental Engineering Graduate Seminar Matthew Berens, Postdoctoral Associate, Natural Resources Research Institute, University of Minnesota Duluth Bio: My research...

Don't Plant That, Plant This: A Guide to Choosing Better Garden Plants and Avoiding the Troublemakers

Monday, February 7, 12 a.m.

Nominations for USG E-board and At-Large Representatives

Monday, February 7, 8–8 a.m. | Online

Do you or someone you know want to run as an At-Large representative or a member of USG's executive board? Nominations are now open for the election which begins February...

Toward Biomolecule Stabilization and Understanding Depolymerization

Monday, February 7, 10 a.m. | Chemical Sciences and Engineering Building, 201

Chemical Engineering Seminar proudly presents Dr. Whitney Blocher McTigue University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Faculty Candidate Research Abstract Polymer physics...

ICC Lecture: Dr. Michael Sacks, University of Texas, February 7

Monday, February 7, 12 p.m. | Rekhi Hall, 214

Dr. Michael Sacks, University of Texas, will present a lecture on Monday, February 7, 2022, at 12:00 pm, in Rekhi Hall Room G005. The lecture can also be attended virtually...

Resume Review with Corporate Recruiters

Monday, February 7, 3 p.m.–5 p.m. | Administration and Student Services Building, 220 Career Services

Transcontinental Packaging Info Session

Monday, February 7, 5:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m. | Memorial Union Building (MUB), Alumni Lounge C

Come learn more about Transcontinental Packaging opportunities

Bite-Sized Satellites Changing the World!

Monday, February 7, 6 p.m.

Husky Bites presents Special Guest L. Brad King Richard and Elizabeth Henes Endowed Professor (Space Systems), Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics Director, Space...

Monthly General Meeting _ Spring 2022

Monday, February 7, 6 p.m.–7 p.m. | Chem Sci. 211

Hi folks, This mail serves to notify us that we will be having our monthly general meeting on the last Wednesday of the month 6 - 7 PM at Chem Sci. 211 or via Zoom. Feel...

Open Rock Climbing

Monday, February 7, 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...

Sidock Group Info Session

Monday, February 7, 6 p.m.–7 p.m. | Grover C. Dillman Hall, 320

Winter as a Husky

Monday, February 7, 7 p.m.–8 p.m.

Are you interested in learning more about what winter as a Michigan Tech Husky looks like? Join us for a student panel to learn more about Mont Ripley, the Tech Trails, hockey...