February 23, 2022

The boilers that heat Gates Tennis Center are no longer functioning. Our Facilities team has been working hard to keep our building warm for the time being with emergency space heaters. As of Tuesday (Feb. 22), two large temporary units are heating our building until a new boiler is delivered and installed. It will cause a little extra noise than we are used to at Gates.

Court 4, where the units will be housed, will be out of commission for the time being. It can still be used for pickleball with a reservation made a day in advance, giving time to prepare the space. As a reminder, the ball machine can now be used on any court because we have court divider nets. There are outlets on the wall behind each of the courts.

Unfortunately, this also means that we will not have any hot water at Gates Tennis Center until we have a new boiler installed. If you have a need for the showers, we can issue you access to the locker rooms at the SDC.

We apologize for the inconvenience over the course of the next couple of weeks. Please feel free to reach out to Kristin Yep at kvyep@mtu.edu with any questions or concerns you may have.

The Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (TIAA) financial consultants will be on campus in the Memorial Union Building for individual retirement counseling sessions on the following days:

• Tuesday, March 22
• Wednesday, March 23
• Thursday, March 24

To schedule an appointment, call 800-732-8353 or book an appointment online. (To see available appointment times on TIAA's website, click Schedule under the Your Employer category and select Michigan Tech from the dropdown menu.)

Please join the Great Lakes Research Center (GLRC) in congratulating the Fall 2021 GLRC Student Research and Travel Grant recipients.

The GLRC student grants are intended to provide undergraduate and graduate students, who have advisors that are GLRC members, an opportunity to gain experience in writing competitive grants, to perform research they would not be able to attempt due to funding limitations, or to travel to a professional conference to present a poster or paper about their research. Student grants also provide seed research data for advisors to use in pursuing externally funded research support and travel grants help amplify areas of research expertise at Michigan Tech. Funded students are expected to participate/volunteer for at least one GLRC activity during the grant period.

The fall 2021 GLRC student grant recipients are:

• Zachary Hough Solomon, master's student in environmental and energy policy — advised by Nancy Langston (SS).
  Research proposal: "Can forest carbon offsets help protect watershed values in the Keweenaw Peninsula?"
  
  
• Timothy Stone, master's student in industrial heritage and archaeology — advised by Donald Lafreniere (SS).
  Event attended: Social Sciences History Association Annual Conference.
  Presentation: "The Daily Spaces of Youth: Investigating the Importance of Built and Social Environments to Health in the Industrial City."
  
  
• Shardul Tiwari, Ph.D. student in environmental and energy policy — advised by Chelsea Schelly (SS).
  Event attended: United Nations Glasgow Climate Change Conference (COP26).
  Presentation: "Pumped Underground Storage Hydro (PUSH) in Abandoned Mines: A Key to Unlocking Goal of 100% Renewable Energy Transition."
  Event moderator: Youth Environment Alliance in Higher Education (YEAH).

GLRC Student Travel Grant applications are accepted anytime and will be reviewed on the last Friday of each month. Applications must be submitted at least two weeks in advance of travel.

GLRC Student Research Grant applications are accepted three times each year, on Nov. 1, March 1 and July 1.

Michigan Tech women's basketball is wrapping up their regular season on the road this week, traveling to Ferris State at 5:30 p.m. tomorrow (Feb. 24) and Lake Superior State at 1 p.m. Saturday (Feb. 26). 

Both road games can be heard on Mix 93.5 FM WKMJ.

Read more at the Michigan Tech Athletics website.

For the second time this season and fifth time in his career, Michigan Tech guard/forward Owen White has been named GLIAC North Division Player of the Week.

White totaled 39 points and 12 rebounds in two games last week to help the Huskies to nine straight victories. He also added three assists, three steals and two blocks. White shot 10-for-19 from the floor and 5-for-8 from beyond the arc. He was perfect at the free-throw line (6-6) and averaged 31.5 minutes. 

Read more at the Michigan Tech Athletics website.

Wednesday (Feb. 23)
• Rocket League B vs. Illinois Wesleyan, 7 p.m.
• Rocket League B vs. Rutgers, 7:45 p.m.
• Rocket League A vs. Embry-Riddle, 7 p.m.
• Rocket League A vs. University of New Haven, 7:45 p.m.

Thursday (Feb. 24)
• Overwatch vs. Butler, 6 p.m.
• Super Smash Bros vs. Davenport, 7 p.m.
• CSGO ESEA vs. Feels Muted Man, 10 p.m.

Friday (Feb. 25)
• CSGO (3) vs. Michigan State (2), 7 p.m.

Sunday (Feb. 26)
• Rocket league B vs. Unannounced, 7 p.m.
• Overwatch vs. Unannounced (two matches)

Playoff hockey returns to the John MacInnes Student Ice Arena on March 4-6 for the first time since 2017.

The Huskies clinched the No. 2 seed in the CCHA Mason Cup Tournament. A best-of-three quarterfinal series will be played March 4 at 7:07 p.m., March 5 at 6:07 p.m., and if necessary, March 5 at 5:07 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased in person at the Central Ticket Office located in the Student Development Complex, online at BuyHuskiesTickets.com, or via phone by calling 906-487-2073.

Michigan Tech students can enter the game at the Experience Tech entrance as usual for the quarterfinal round. To guarantee a student seat, stop by the SDC Ticket Office and purchase in advance for $5. A valid student ID must be presented.

Read more and see ticket prices at the Michigan Tech Athletics website.

Job Postings for Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2022

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. 

Postdoctoral Scholar – Regulation of Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Poplar, College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science. Apply online.

Professor of Practice, Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering (internal posting only). Apply online.

Visiting Assistant Professor, Mathematical Sciences. Apply online.

Director of Video Production and Operations, Athletics and Recreation. Apply online.

Office Assistant 6 (12 months/ 40 hours/ first shift) #21323RPRP, Institutional Equity (UAW posting Feb. 23 to March 1, 2022 — internal UAW applicants are given first consideration if they apply during the internal UAW posting dates). Apply online.

Administrative Aide 7 (12 months/ 40 hours/ first shift) #22045, Transportation Services (UAW posting Feb. 23 to March 1, 2022 — 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.

Jay Meldrum (KRC) was quoted by The Washington Post in a story on the electric future of snowmobiles. 

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Collaboration between Shiyue Fang (Chem) and bio-chem company BOC Sciences on sensitive DNA/RNA synthesis was mentioned in Digital Journal.

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Nancy Langston (SS) was interviewed by MLive about her recently published book, "Climate Ghosts: Migratory Species in the Anthropocene." 

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Michigan Tech's mushing club was the subject of a feature story by WJMN Local 3. Club member Suzie Harris was quoted in the story.

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The Michigan Tech College of Business was profiled by Study International.

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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Applications Open: Summer 2022 Finishing Fellowships

Applications for Summer 2022 Finishing Fellowships are being accepted and are due no later than 4 p.m. next Wednesday (March 2) to the Graduate School. 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 Ph.D. 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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Brown Bag Research Seminar Series

The campus community is invited to hear Manish Srivastava (COB) present "The Choice Between Alliances and Acquisitions: A Knowledge Recombination Perspective" as part of the College's Brown Bag Research Seminar Series from noon to 1 p.m. today (Feb. 23) in Academic Office Building Room 101.

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Alumni Panel: Working Together for Sustainability

Join a discussion with five distinguished alumni from 10-11 a.m. next Wednesday (March 2) on how Michigan Tech can work with industry and alumni for a more sustainable future. The virtual Zoom meeting is open to all. The alumni panelists are: 

Pamela Rogers Klyn '93
Senior VP - Communications, Public Affairs & Sustainability at Whirlpool Corporation

Brooke Routhier '93, '95
Water Services Superintendent at Eagle Mine

John Soyring '76, '06 (honorary)
Retired Vice President, IBM Corp., Global Industry Solutions; Owner, Sisukas Consulting, LLC

Ron Van Dell '79
President, Longbow Innovations, LLC

Matt Monte '93, '95
President, Monte Consulting Company

Introductory remarks will be presented by Alan Turnquist, director of sustainability and resilience at MTU.

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Research Presentations by Assistant Professor of Communication Candidates

You're invited to the two remaining research presentations by candidates for an assistant professor of communication position (HU) this week:

Joo-Wha Hong: 1-2:30 p.m. today (Feb. 23), Walker 120C, "Living With The Most Humanlike Nonhuman." 

Hong is a doctoral candidate at USC Annenberg. His research examines human-machine communication, mainly focusing on how people perceive AI agents and their performance. His work has been published in major journals such as New Media & Society, Computers in Human Behavior and International Journal of Communication.

Jason Archer: 1-2:30 p.m. Friday (Feb. 25), Walker 120C, "The Engineer, the Robot, and the Surgeon: Centering Touch in Human-Machine Communication."

Archer, who earned his Ph.D. in Communication from the University of Illinois at Chicago, focuses on human-machine communication, human augmentics and haptics. The recipient of a National Science Foundation IGERT fellowship in electronic privacy and security, Archer is published in New Media & Society, proceedings of CHI and the forthcoming Sage Handbook on Human-Machine Communication.

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Notice of Life Insurance Premium Calculation Error

Due to a system error caught by HRIS, the life insurance premium deduction on the Jan. 28, 2022, paycheck calculated incorrectly for employees with life insurance over $50,000. This error has been corrected and employees who were overcharged for their life Insurance premium will see a reimbursement of their overcharge on their Feb. 25, 2022, paycheck. Employees with life insurance coverage of four times their annual salary will see a one-time additional charge for the undercharged life insurance premium on their Feb. 25 paycheck.

Please contact Benefit Services at benefits@mtu.edu or 7-2517 if you have any questions.

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Webinar: Building Community in the Online Classroom (Part Two)

The Educational Technology Organization of Michigan (ETOM) will offer the live Zoom webinar "Building Community in the Online Classroom (Part Two)" to its member institutions tomorrow (Feb. 24) from 12-12:45 p.m.

Michigan Tech is a member of ETOM and the MTU community is invited to attend.

Research shows that a student’s sense of belonging is a key factor in educational success. In this second session, ETOM will continue the conversation on how to cultivate student belonging by establishing and promoting classroom community, and examine how to help students build relationships that support one another.

Read more about the series and register for the part two webinar on the ETOM website.

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

Free Eweek Cake!!!

Wednesday, February 23, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. | Grover C. Dillman Hall, Room 112

Join us to celebrate National Engineers Week! Delicious cake from Roy’s Bakery (shaped like the letter E) hosted by the Department of Engineering Fundamentals, it’s a...

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Brown Bag Research Seminar

Wednesday, February 23, 12 p.m.–1 p.m. | Michigan Technological University Academic Office Building, AOB 101

The campus community is invited to hear Manish Srivastava, associate professor of strategy and innovation in the Michigan Tech College of Business, present "The Choice Between...

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De-Stressing

Wednesday, February 23, 1 p.m.–2 p.m.

Are you having a hard time handling day-to-day stresses that leave you overwhelmed, stressed, and struggling to keep up with life's demands? This workshop focuses on giving...

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Youth Indoor Rock Climbing Spring 2022 Session 2

Wednesday, February 23, 4:00 p.m.–4:50 p.m. | Student Development Complex (SDC), Climbing Wall

Is your child looking for a new challenge? Sign up now for the OAP Youth Indoor Rock Climbing Class and let them climb our wall! We try to meet each participant at their level...

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Alumni Pasty Social - Scottsdale, AZ

Wednesday, February 23, 5 p.m.–7 p.m. | Cornish Pasty Co.

Missing the Flavor of the UP? Join your fellow Michigan Tech alumni, friends, and family from the Scottsdale, AZ area for an alumni social featuring a classic taste of the...

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Eweek Spaghetti Towers

Wednesday, February 23, 5 p.m.–6 p.m. | Fisher Hall, 129

Happy Eweek, otherwise known as National Engineers Week! Test your engineering skills with SSC and Built World Enterprise: Who can build the tallest spaghetti and marshmallow...

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Interview Prep Virtual Session

Wednesday, February 23, 5:00 p.m.–5:45 p.m.

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Monthly General Meeting _ Spring 2022

Wednesday, February 23, 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...

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Open Rock Climbing

Wednesday, February 23, 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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College of Engineering Hangout

Wednesday, February 23, 7 p.m.–8 p.m.

Michigan Tech's College of Engineering is excited to meet you! Join us (virtually) to hear faculty share more about the various departments, the majors offered, and answer any...

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USG Weekly Meeting

Wednesday, February 23, 7 p.m.–9 p.m. | MUB Alumni Lounge - 107 B&C

This meeting includes weekly updates from all representatives, liaison positions, and committees. Official business carried out by USG is conducted throughout old and new...

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Cricket Tournament Spring 2022

Wednesday, February 23, 10–12 a.m. | SDC Multipurpose Room

Cricket Club MTU in partnership with Indian Students Association (ISA) has organized Tennis Ball Cricket Tournament for boys. DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION: Sunday January 30,...