November 30, 2022

Lei Pan, associate professor of chemical engineering at Michigan Tech, is the principal investigator of two projects that recently received major funding from the federal government.

On Nov. 16, the Biden Administration announced a $74 million funding package to advance domestic battery recycling and reuse that will strengthen the nation’s battery supply chain. Michigan Tech and Eagle Mine are co-recipients of $8.1 million of this funding, which will be used to prove new research technologies that develop sustainable processes to supply critical minerals for electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing.

An additional $2.5 million from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Project Agency-Energy grant program was also awarded to Michigan Tech and Eagle Mine, which will enable the University to study carbon dioxide mineralization opportunities and to develop new technologies that promote accelerated carbon mineralization using minerals from Eagle Mine's tailings facility.

“The state of Michigan is the home to the automotive industry, nickel mining industry and future lithium-ion battery industry in this nation,” said Pan. “Addressing both the supply of critical minerals and reprocessing and reuse of mine tailings is critical to advance sustainability in the mining industry.”

Read the full press release at Michigan Tech News.

Join Dan Trepal (SS) tomorrow (Dec. 1) from 4-5 p.m. in the Academic Office Building, AOB 209, for an information session discussing our upcoming summer 2023 Study Away in England.

This four-week Michigan Tech faculty-led summer program takes place in Carlisle, England, at the University of Cumbria from July to August. Students and staff explore northern England and southern Scotland through a mix of course options, field trips and site visits.

Stop by and check out this exciting program!

Earn your American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification in a three-day intensive training course coming to the Michigan Tech SDC Pool on Jan. 6-8.

The certification includes Lifeguard/First Aid/CPR/AED certifications and all training materials. All participants must be 15 years of age or older by Jan. 6 (documentation required). Required water skills include the ability to swim 300 yards continuously, tread water for two minutes and complete a timed event in which participants retrieve a 10-pound brick from a depth of 7-10 feet and swim 20 yards with the object.

Online training prerequisites must be completed by the first day of classroom instruction. The instructor will contact class participants with online course information and directions. Class size is limited. Registration opens today (Nov. 30) at 8:30 a.m. and closes Dec. 29 at 11:59 p.m. Cost is $200 per participant.

For more information, visit Michigan Tech Recreation's Lifeguard Certification page.

Looking for a Christmas Tree? Want to support a local organization? The MTU Forestry Club Christmas Tree Sale will be Tuesday (Dec. 6) from 5-8 p.m. in Lot 14 (near the Walker Arts and Humanities Center).

The sale ends when we run out of trees!

The holidays are quickly approaching and it's once again time for the Michigan Tech Campus Store and University Images Customer Appreciation Sale.

Visit us in person or online Friday (Dec. 2). All Michigan Tech branded apparel and souvenirs will be 25% off, as well as our local and regional items.

Curbside pickup is available at University Images. When ordering online, choose in-store pickup at checkout, and we’ll contact you when your order is ready! Please allow one to two business days for order processing.

The Campus Store and University Images are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Stop in Friday for the Campus Store and University Images Customer Appreciation Sale. We'll see you soon!

Today (Nov. 30) is WIBIT Wednesday at the SDC Pool!

MTU students and SDC Access Pass holders (minimum one month), come make a splash with our new inflatable pool obstacle course called the WIBIT!

At WIBIT events being held this fall, you can test your individual skills on the course or challenge your friend to a race across the obstacles. The course is set up in the deep water and requires users to be able to pass our swim test. (Please see the WIBIT rules and swim test requirements at our website.)

The WIBIT has many different pieces and each event will have a featured combination. Potential featured pieces include:

• The Step — This piece allows users to climb up onto the course.
• The Base — Users must make their way across a horizontal surface. Be careful how fast you move, as it can get slippery!
• The Cliff — Users must navigate either side of a slope using the handles and their balancing skills.
• V-Connect — Users must use limited footing space to navigate across the horizontal structure.
• The Bridge — Users must navigate up and over an arched structure without falling through.
• The Slope — Users must climb up a six-foot wall that leads to a slide into the pool water below!

Featured Combination:

• Wednesday, Nov. 30 — Step/Bridge/Cliff/Slope

Times:

• 5-7 p.m. — Current SDC Access Pass holders (minimum one month)
• 7:30-9:30 p.m. — Current MTU students

Come visit us at the pool to try out your skills!

This week, the Film Board is presenting "Everything Everywhere All At Once," which is rated R.

Summary: When an interdimensional rupture unravels reality, an unlikely hero must channel her newfound powers to fight bizarre and bewildering dangers from the multiverse as the fate of the world hangs in the balance.

Showings:

• Friday, Dec. 2 — 5:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 11:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Dec. 3 — 5:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 11:30 p.m.

Located on Michigan Tech's campus in Fisher 135.

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

Michigan Tech Physics Associate Professor Jae Yong Suh will be presenting at the next Physics Colloquium.

The seminar will be presented in person at 4 p.m. tomorrow (Dec. 1) in Fisher 139.

Suh's presentation is titled "Time-resolved Photoluminescence Spectroscopy on Perovskite Quantum Dots."

Read the abstract on the University Events Calendar.

Dalton Norris will present as part of the Department of Biological Sciences (BioSci) Seminar Series from 2-3 p.m. tomorrow (Dec. 1) at the Great Lakes Research Center, GLRC 202, and virtually via Zoom. 

Norris's presentation is titled "Trophic ecology and mercury bioaccumulation among Lake Superior Lake Trout ecotypes."

From the abstract:
The Lake Superior lake trout population consists of siscowet, lean, humper and redfin ecological morphotypes or ‘ecotypes’. In addition to morphological differences, these ecotypes occupy different habitats in Lake Superior and partition various invertebrate and fish prey resources. In this study, I measured the stable isotopes of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) and mercury concentrations among these ecotypes collected from Lake Superior waters surrounding Isle Royale. Average mercury concentrations were highest for redfins (1389 ng/g dry wt) followed by siscowets (823 ng/g), humpers (799 ng/g) and leans (519 ng/g). Relationships between Hg concentrations and fish lengths differed significantly among ecotypes and were concluded to reflect the extent to which insect or fish prey dominate ecotype diets. Stable isotopes demonstrated that siscowets occupy the largest niche in Isle Royale waters with humpers occupying the smallest. This study emphasizes the role of ecology in regulating mercury bioaccumulation among these sympatric lake trout.

The next Department of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics (ME-EM) Graduate Seminar Speaker will present at 4 p.m. tomorrow (Dec. 1) in MEEM 112.

Shannon Fitzpatrick will present “NASA Heliophysics, It’s Not Just About the Sun; From the Sun and Moon to Mars and Beyond.”

Fitzpatrick is a NASA program executive within the Science Mission Directorate/Heliophysics Division. As a program executive, she serves as the programmatic and technical expert in the management and administration of complex NASA aerospace programs.

The Michigan Tech hockey team is ranked No. 18 in this week's USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine poll and No. 19 in the DCU/USCHO Top 20 poll.

The Huskies are 9-3-3 overall and sit atop the CCHA standings with a 5-2-3 mark.

Tech earned 4-of-6 CCHA points against currently ranked No. 11 Minnesota State over the weekend at the MacInnes Student Ice Arena. Tech won 3-2 Friday and the teams tied 2-2 Saturday, with the Mavericks winning the shootout.

Logan Ganie, Kyle Kukkonen, Kash Rasmussen, David Jankowski, and Tristan Ashbrook scored for the Huskies, and Blake Pietila made 76 saves in the series.

Read more at the Michigan Tech Athletics website.

Michigan Tech men's basketball hopes to turn their road fortunes around with conference matchups at Wisconsin-Parkside tomorrow (Dec. 1) and Purdue Northwest on Saturday (Dec. 3).

Their current trip wraps up seven games in a row away from Houghton, which has included a pair of losses to top 25 nationally ranked opponents.

Fans can listen to the action on Mix 93.5 FM WKMJ or online at Pasty.net.

Read the preview at the Michigan Tech Athletics website.

Wednesday (Nov. 30)
• Valorant vs Ole Miss 8:30 p.m. NACE Starleague. Watch the Twitch stream.
• League of Legends vs Florida Tech 7 p.m. NECC.

Times are subject to change. Check Twitter @MTUEsports for updates.

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Esports News
Read more in the MTU Esports weekly update.

Job Postings for Wednesday, Nov. 30, 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.

Assistant Teaching Professor, Kinesiology and Integrated Physiology. Apply online.

Building Mechanic I to BMII Training (12 months/ 40 hours/ first shift) #22317, Facilities (AFSCME posting dates Nov. 30 to Dec. 6, 2022 — external applicants are encouraged to apply; however, internal AFSCME applicants are given first consideration if they apply during the internal AFSCME posting dates). Apply online.

Events and Concessions Supervisor, Dining Services. Apply online.

Dining Services Assistant Manager, Associate Manager or Manager, Dining Services. Apply online.

Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer that provides equal opportunity for all, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Accommodations are available. If you require any auxiliary aids, services, or other accommodations to apply for employment, or for an interview, at Michigan Technological University, please notify the Human Resources office at 906-487-2280 or mtujobs@mtu.edu.

Robert Handler and David Shonnard (ChE) are co-principal investigators on a project funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF award no. 2218298).

The project, titled "CAS-Climate: Direct Methane Capture in Air by Aerobic Methanotrophs," focuses on creation and evaluation of technology to remove methane from the air over sites with relatively higher concentrations, such as many landfills, sewage treatment plants, coal mines, oil and gas wells, feedlots and hydroelectric dams using methane-consuming bacteria (methanotrophs).

Michigan Tech is a subawardee to the prime awardee, University of Washington (UW), and has been awarded funding to perform life cycle assessments and techno economic analyses.

Mary Lidstrom of UW is the principal investigator on this three-year, $499,999 project.

The Daily Mining Gazette published a guest editorial co-authored by Sigrid Resh (CFRES/ESC) and undergraduate Liam Oliver on the many reasons to avoid planting Japanese barberry — a spiny ornamental shrub that's invasive in the Keweenaw.

The piece is part of a series of guest editorials submitted by the Keweenaw Invasive Species Management Area (KISMA), and was preceded by an article on European frog-bit and phragmites co-authored by Resh and undergraduate Erin Mauk (wildlife ecology and conservation), and an article on invasive knotweed written by Resh and undergraduates Rachel Douglas (wildlife ecology and conservation) and K. Douglas.

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Worcester Polytechnic Institute Today mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about a $1.1 million project based at WIP to develop a system that would use drones, radar and artificial intelligence to create soil moisture maps allowing farmers to irrigate more efficiently.

Researchers at Michigan Tech and the Michigan Tech Research Institute (MTRI) are collaborators on the project.

University Holiday Luncheon

This year’s University Holiday Luncheon will be presented from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Monday (Dec. 5) in the Memorial Union Isle Royale Ballroom. All faculty and staff are welcome.

The University will cover the cost of the tickets this year, but guests will be asked to show their paper or e-ticket to attend. Tickets may be reserved online, in person or by phone (7-2073) through the SDC Ticket Office. Ticket reservations end at 5 p.m. next Wednesday (Nov. 30). We encourage you to secure your tickets early, as seating is limited.

Holiday Luncheon Menu:

• Hand Carved Roasted Turkey
• Hand Carved Roasted Cauliflower Steaks
• Italian Sausage Stuffing
• Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
• Glazed Carrots
• Green Beans Almondine
• Cranberry Sauce
• Apple Pie
• Pumpkin Pie

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TRIP Deadline for the Spring 2023 Academic Semester

The deadline to submit TRIP (Tuition Reduction Incentive Program) forms for the spring 2023 academic semester is tomorrow (Dec. 1).

The TRIP application and guidelines can be found on the Human Resources website in the dropdown menu underneath "Education Benefits."

Please contact Benefits Services at benefits@mtu.edu or 906-487-2517 with any questions.

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MS Defense: Greg Miodonski, KIP

M.S. in Kinesiology candidate Greg Miodonski will defend his thesis today (Nov. 30) at 5 p.m. in ATDC 101 and virtually via Zoom.

The title of Miodonski's defense is "Effect of Exercise on Hypothalamic Paraventricular Nucleus SK Channel Function in Normal and High Salt Conditions."

His advisor is Qinghui Chen.

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MS Defense: Ben Caithamer, ChE

M.S. in Chemical Engineering candidate Ben Caithamer will present their master's thesis at 11 a.m. today (Nov. 30). This will be a virtual presentation. Attendance is invited via Zoom.

Caithamer's thesis is titled "A Novel Pulsed-Plasma Catalytic Reactor for Dry Reforming of Methane."

From the abstract:
... We have developed a non-thermal, pulsed-plasma catalytic DRM reactor which operates at ambient temperatures and pressures. When combined with an integral monolithic catalyst bed this reactor demonstrated high conversions (60 to 80%) of both methane and carbon dioxide with high yields of hydrogen and carbon monoxide (30 to 80%). To achieve this, a novel solid-state, MOSFET-based HV pulse generator was developed with controllable rise times (4-20 ns), pulse duration (0.1 to 10 ms), pulse shape, and frequency (100 -10,000 Hz). This solid-state circuit provides improved operational flexibility and higher energy efficiency. The reactor incorporates a point-to-plane electrode arrangement with an integral monolithic catalyst cell which effectively places the catalyst in direct contact with the excited state plasma. ... Based on the observed kinetics and emission spectroscopy results, we propose a surface moderated reaction model which explains the high reactant conversions and product yields observed. Estimates of the energy efficiency of the bench-scale process, and rate of reaction indicate the potential of this novel reactor for practical applications.

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Chemistry Seminar with Kathryn Perrine

Kathryn Perrine (Chem) will present her seminar on "Surface Chemistry and Corrosion at Complex Interfaces: Addressing Environmental Challenges with Heterogeneous Catalysis" as part of the Chemistry Seminar Series.

The seminar will take place at 3 p.m. today (Nov. 30) in M&M 610.

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MS Defense: Siyu Wang, Math

M.S. in Mathematical Sciences candidate Siyu Wang will present her defense virtually at 1 p.m. today (Nov. 30) via Zoom.

Wang's research focuses on adapting multiple testing correction methods in genome-wide association studies to the time series rolling window setting.

Wang is advised by Yeonwoo Rho.

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Safety Education: MIOSHA Consultation and Training Visit

Michigan Tech will host a two-day Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) Safety Education and Training event today (Nov. 30) and tomorrow (Dec. 1), featuring Senior Occupational Safety Consultant John Bodnar.

Bodnar is very familiar with the unique challenges to health and safety in the Upper Peninsula. He served as the U.P. senior safety officer in the MIOSHA Enforcement division for many years before transferring to the educational arm of the agency. His background spans over 25 years in occupational safety, health and emergency services and operations in both the private and public sectors.

During each day of the event, Bodnar will educate MTU employees on how to identify and correct safety and health hazards, explain how MIOSHA standards and policies apply to campus and provide training education on select topics.

These events are open to all MTU employees, and will be held in the MUB Ballroom and remotely (Zoom details can be found on the EHS webpage):

• Coffee with John — Wednesday, Nov. 30, 9-10 a.m.
  An informal opportunity for employees to stop by and ask questions, obtain information on MIOSHA program services and resources, and get to meet a MIOSHA consultant in person.
  
  
• Lunch and Learn: Hazard Communications — Wednesday, Nov. 30, 12-1 p.m.
  John will educate all participants in the basics of hazard communications and how it relates to the wide variety of University occupations.
  
  
• Coffee with John — Thursday, Dec. 1, 9-10 a.m.
  A continuation of the previous day’s event — stop on in!
  
  
• Lunch and Learn: Lock Out Tag Out — Thursday, Dec. 1, 12-1 p.m.
  John will unravel the many layers of MIOSHA’s LOTO standards and how they apply to the safe operation of equipment and experimentation in a university setting.

Please mark your calendars and join us in person or remotely for these safety events!

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

Huskies Group Swim Lessons and Huskies Swim Clinic

Wednesday, November 30, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. | Student Development Complex (SDC), Pool

Come make a splash with us! Registration for the following Spring 2023 Session 1 programs opens Wednesday, December 7th at 8:00am! American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim...

Session 1 Spring 2023 Huskies Swim Clinic and Huskies Learn to Swim

Wednesday, November 30, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. | Student Development Complex (SDC), Pool

Come make a splash with us! Registration for the following Spring 2023 Session 1 programs opens Wednesday, December 7th at 8:00am! American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim...

Master's Defense: Benjamin Caithamer

Wednesday, November 30, 11 a.m.–12 p.m.

Chemical Engineering Advisor: Michael Mullins A Novel Pulsed-Plasma Catalytic Reactor for Dry Reforming of Methane Attend Virtually:...

PhD Defense: Ikechukwu Emmanuel Okoh

Wednesday, November 30, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. | R. L. Smith Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics Building (MEEM), 208

Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics Advisor: Sajjad Bigham Advanced Thin-Film Sorption Thermal Energy Storage Systems for Thermal Load Shedding/Shifting Attend...

Master's Defense: Siyu Wang

Wednesday, November 30, 1 p.m.–2 p.m.

Statistics Advisor: Yeonwoo Rho Multiple Testing Correction in Time Series Rolling Window Analysis with Application of GWAS Methods Attend Virtually:...

CDI x Library Study Hours

Wednesday, November 30, 2 p.m.–5 p.m. | J. Robert Van Pelt and John and Ruanne Opie Library, Library 244

The Center for Diversity and Inclusion has teamed up with the Van Pelt and Opie Library every other Tuesday and Wednesday from 2-5 PM for Study Hours. Librarians will be...

Master's Defense: Gregory Miodonski

Wednesday, November 30, 5 p.m.–6 p.m. | Advanced Technology Development Complex (ATDC), 101

Kinesiology Advisor: Qinghui Chen Effect of Exercise on Hypothalamic Paraventricular SK Channel Function in Normal and High Salt Conditions Attend Virtually:...

National Novel Writing Month Writing Space

Wednesday, November 30, 5:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m. | Portage Lake District Library , Michigan Room

November is National Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)! Join the Portage Lake District Library and the Van Pelt and Opie Library all month on Wednesdays from 5:00-7:30 pm in PLDL’s...

Students For Life General Meeting

Wednesday, November 30, 5 p.m.–6 p.m. | Fisher 132

Students For Life General Meeting

WIBIT Wednesday

Wednesday, November 30, 5:00 p.m.–9:30 p.m. | Student Development Complex (SDC), Pool

MTU Students and SDC Access Pass Holders (minimum 1-month), come make a splash with our new inflatable pool obstacle course called the WIBIT! Events will be held this fall...

SAE Aero Design Weekly Meeting

Wednesday, November 30, 6 p.m.–8 p.m. | SAE Aero Lab, MEEM 703

SAE Aero Design aims to offer valuable experience to Michigan Tech students of all majors interested in an extracurricular engineering & design opportunity. Come join our...

Open Enrollment Period for MTU Faculty/Staff

November 30, all day