IPEC Seed Research Grants

The Institute for Policy, Ethics, and Culture (IPEC) is inviting submissions for Seed Research Grants.

IPEC Seed Research Grants will be awarded to individuals and groups to conduct preliminary research that will lead to a larger external grant proposal. Proposals should be in the following research areas without any priority:

  1. Social Media and Society,
  2. Human Machine Culture,
  3. Justice and Security in Energy Transitions,
  4. Ethics in STEM, and
  5. Algorithmic Culture.

Evaluation criteria include:

  1. Potential for future/continuous external funding,
  2. Previous research experience and productivity,
  3. Scholarly merit of the proposed research project,
  4. Potential for extended/continuous research program, and
  5. Potential for future collaborative work.

Interested applicants shall submit the IPEC Seed Research Grant Application by Feb. 16, 2024. The maximum funding amount is $5,000 with an expected average of $2,500. All full-time faculty members are eligible to apply. Awardees are expected to submit a report upon completion of the project.

For further information, contact us at ipec@mtu.edu.

IPEC addresses the policy implications, ethical considerations and cultural significance of the massive changes and disruptive forces currently underway. By bringing policy, ethics and culture into the center of inquiry, IPEC creates collaborations on topics key to understanding technocultural change: issues such as algorithmic culture, medicine, biotechnology and ethics; technology and autonomy; surveillance and privacy; and reconfiguring human relationships in and with a changing environment.

IPEC brings together a diversity of knowledge holders — faculty, staff and community partners — to collaborate on and support research, policy, sharing and teaching that responds to the changing technological environment.

RSVP for Research Day 2024

Save the Date: Research Day 2024 will be held Jan. 4, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Memorial Union Building.

Everyone is invited to join us for a time of learning, inspiration, networking and celebration as we look toward the future of research at Michigan Tech. Our theme this year is Strategic Partnerships, and we are excited to announce Volker Sick from the University of Michigan as our keynote speaker.

Please RSVP to attend by Dec. 15.

We encourage participants to attend in person for the best experience, and we also plan to, where practical, provide hybrid options and virtual networking opportunities for anyone who needs to attend remotely. A full agenda with more details and a list of sessions with hybrid options will be coming soon for those who RSVP.

Any questions should be addressed to rd-l@mtu.edu.

Retirement Planning Phishing Alert

Please be aware that phishing attacks are circling that encourage Michigan Tech employees to reach out for retirement or pension planning to groups that are not affiliated with Michigan Tech.

Please be aware that as an active Michigan Tech employee, you will only be contacted directly by TIAA CREF, Fidelity, or MPSERS (Office of Retirement Services).

Our email system does attempt to identify spam emails and phishing attacks, and frequently isolates these emails — but some do get through. Please reach out to Benefits Services if you are questioning the validity of anyone contacting you for retirement planning.

WUPFSC Releases Fourth Annual Report Highlighting Western U.P. Food Connections

The Western Upper Peninsula Food Systems Collaborative (WUPFSC) has released their fourth annual report, which highlights a sampling of area projects taking place last calendar year in support of stronger and healthier local food systems.

Michigan Tech Department of Social Sciences students Maya Klanderman and Isabelle Cervantes coordinated the collection of the 2022 annual report stories and photographs as part of an undergraduate research assistantship under the supervision of Angie Carter (SS).

The report includes updates from Manoomin (Wild Rice) Camp, coordinated by Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, as well as a Fall Harvest Celebration, the Humongous Fungus Festival, and the Biblio Bistro series. These projects emphasize the breadth of knowledge, creativity, leadership and determination that enrich our communities across cultures and generations.

Readers will also learn more about the Portage Lake Seed Library, the Calumet Community Garden’s first season, regional farm-to-school efforts and the launch of a regional food systems survey combined partner collaboration and research to identify next steps in improving access to fresh, healthy foods.

Also in 2022:

  • Local farmers and partners kicked off the grassroots From the Ground Farmers Market Collaborative in an effort to better support local farmers and food access across our communities, including the acceptance of food assistance programs and debit/credit cards at partner farmers markets.
  • Food preservation classes at North Harvest CSA and farm stays and tours at Apple Acres Farm created new opportunities for community members to learn with and from local farmers.
  • The third season of Copper Shores Community Health Foundation’s Collective Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program provided a total of $7,200 worth of fresh produce from area farms to 12 participating families.

As MTU students reflected on their experience facilitating a community-based research food stories project, these community-based efforts strengthen local foodways, or the intersections of local cultures, histories, traditions and futures.

Those interested can find downloadable versions of this year’s annual report, as well as those from past years, on the WUPFSC website.

Michigan Tech is a partner of the Western Upper Peninsula Food Systems Collaborative, a grassroots coalition of food growers and procurers, public health and civic partners, scientists, educators, land and water stewards, students and community members that works to strengthen our communities by identifying and supporting our food systems’ unique gifts, local needs and regional priorities. WUPFSC’s vision is to create a supportive, interconnected and equitable food system across our region through service and stewardship for the well-being of our earth, air and water, and all living beings.

This Week at the Rozsa

Orchestral Music (Sort Of) — Friday, Dec. 1, at 7:30 p.m.
Superior Wind Symphony 
McArdle Theatre
Presented by Michigan Tech Music

Joel Neves leads the Superior Wind Symphony in a concert entirely of band arrangements of orchestral music.

The delightful evening of seven orchestral pieces arranged for band include the "William Tell Overture" by Rossini, "Orpheus in the Underworld Overture" by Offenbach, and "Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2" by Liszt. 

Tickets:
Faculty, Staff and General Public: Get your tickets online, at 906-487-1906 or at the Rozsa Box Office from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Students: Reserve your tickets (included with your Experience Tech fee) online and bring your HuskyCard to use your student tickets or tap in for Student Rush.
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Art-O-Rama — Friday to Wednesday, Dec. 1-5
Rozsa Art Galleries
Presented by Michigan Tech Art

A showcase of student artworks from the fall 2023 Art + Design and Art & Ecology classes. A variety of media is represented, including painting, sculpture, installation, drawing and mixed media. There is a reception with light refreshments from 5-7 p.m. on Friday (Dec. 1). 

This showcase includes artwork by Alex Coryell, Hannah Crigger, Lindsay Donajkowski, Nikki Donley, Kekoa Dowell, Sommerdai Kier, Avery Lawrence, Allison Lewis, Mackenzie Miller, Hannah Moody, Andrew Niemi, Patrick Payne, Molly Pelkey, Miranda Rich, Serenity Snyder, Shep Thieme, Frida Visser, Allen Wadeen, Cait Warner and Griffin Wick.

This event is free and open to all.
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Jingle Bell Pop with the Detroit Youth Choir — Saturday, Dec. 2, at 7:30 p.m.
Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts
Presented by the Rozsa Presenting Series

Celebrate the holidays with your loved ones and the world-famous "America's Got Talent" finalists, the Detroit Youth Choir! 

Not familiar with the DYC? Watch the double Golden Buzzer winners Simon Cowell called "absolutely brilliant" perform on "America's Got Talent All Stars" earlier this year.

Tickets:
Faculty, Staff and General Public: Get your tickets online, at 906-487-1906, or at the Rozsa Box Office from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Students: Reserve your tickets (included with your Experience Tech fee) online and bring your HuskyCard to use your student tickets or tap in for Student Rush.
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TubaChristmas 2023 — Sunday, Dec. 3, at 7 p.m.
Rozsa Lobby
Presented by TubaChristmas

This annual December event occurs around the world in honor of the first truly great tuba virtuoso, William "Bill" Bell, who was born on Christmas Day. Tubists gather yearly in mass numbers around the globe to play songs of the season in performances free to the public. TubaChristmas concerts are presented with permission from the Harvey Phillips Foundation.

This event is free and open to all.
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Coming Soon!

Seeing As Creative Act: An Artist Talk — Wednesday, Dec. 6
Studio Here Now in Wadsworth Hall
Presented by Michigan Tech Art

Bon Voyage, New Zealand — Friday, Dec. 8
Michigan Tech Choirs
Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts
Presented by Michigan Tech Music

Enigma Variations — Saturday, Dec. 9
Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra
Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts
Presented by Michigan Tech Music

MS Defense: M A Aziz Jahan, ECE

M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering candidate M A Aziz Jahan will present his master's defense on Thursday (Nov. 30) at 3 p.m. in person in EERC 122 and virtually via Zoom.

The title of the defense is "Wavelet-Based Real-Time Harmonic Phasor Estimation in Signals with Harmonics, Interharmonics and Transient Events."

Jahan is advised by Flavio Bezerra Costa.

KIP Seminar with Tan Chen

Please join the Department of Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology (KIP) on Friday (Dec. 1) from 3-4 p.m. in ATDC 101 for a KIP Seminar with Tan Chen from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at MTU.

This seminar is titled "Control, Robustness, and Contact-based Mechanics in Biped Locomotion."

To learn more about the guest presenter and his research, please to go the KIP Newsblog.

Environmental Engineering Graduate Seminar

The next Environmental Engineering Graduate Seminar will take place at 3 p.m. today (Nov. 27) in GLRC 202.

Mark Rowe, research physical scientist, NOAA, will present "Biophysical Modeling for Understanding, Prediction, and Stewardship of Great Lakes Ecosystems."

Lauren Fry, physical scientist, NOAA, will present "Hydroclimate Information to Support Great Lakes Adaptive Water Management and Coastal Resiliency."

Read the abstracts on the University Events Calendar.

Workshop: 'Guidance for (Land) Acknowledgements Within Ojibwa Homelands'

Join the Institute for Policy, Ethics, and Culture (IPEC) on Thursday (Nov. 30) from 5-6:30 p.m. in Walker 120A for a new workshop: "Guidance for (Land) Acknowledgements within Ojibwa Homelands."

Honoring land and life within Ojibwa homelands is the shared responsibility of all peoples, including Michigan Tech community members. In this November’s national celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Heritage Month, we center the spotlight on the Keweenaw’s history and landscape to learn more about the original stewards, the Anishinaabe Ojibwa, and their long-held and contemporary practices, as they have done since time immemorial.

In this workshop, we will engage participants in ways Michigan Tech community members can be active in our responsibilities to honor land and life. Specifically, we will share information and resources on local history and tribal nation communities, as well as how to practice acknowledging our place within the Keweenaw as informed and respectful community members. We’ll also hear from students, staff and faculty about their experiences in practices of acknowledging, share stories of personal growth, and provide space to address participant thoughts and questions in a good way.

All are welcome to join this timely dialogue in celebration of Indigenous heritages and our shared commitment to Keweenaw lands and livelihoods.

Refreshments will be provided!

Sponsored by IPEC, the Great Lakes Research Center, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, and the Van Pelt and Opie Library.

Contact Kendall Belopavlovich at kybelopa@mtu.edu for more information.

Reminders

Unit Operations Lab Offering Wednesday Tours

Have you heard about or seen the best Unit Operations (UO) Lab in the United States? It's right here, at Michigan Tech.

If you've stopped by the UO Lab's window on the first floor of the Chem Sci building and are waiting to get in there, or would like an opportunity to learn more about what chemical engineers do, please sign up for one of our tours:

  • Wednesday, Nov. 29, from 1-2 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Dec. 6, from 1-2 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Dec. 13, from 1-2 p.m.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required and will be provided once you arrive for a tour.

Each tour is limited to the first 5-6 students to sign up, preferably a week in advance. You'll be included on a calendar invitation once the tour date you've requested is approved, and the invitation will include the tour location. Please decline the invitation if your plans change so others can attend in your place.

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PhD Defense: Ann Varghese, Chem

Department of Chemistry (Chem) Ph.D. student Ann Varghese will present their defense tomorrow (Nov. 28) at 10:30 a.m. in person in MEEM 0111.

Varghese's defense is titled "Multilevel Computational Investigation into the Catalytic Mechanisms of Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 and Fat Mass and Obesity-Associated Enzyme."

Varghese's advisor is Tatyana Karabencheva-Christova.

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CoE Dean Search Committee Meeting

The College of Engineering (CoE) Dean Search Committee will be meeting tomorrow (Nov. 28) at 8 a.m. in the MUB Superior Room.

The agenda includes introducing Alex Collias, Human Resources recruiter; building a rubric and developing the candidate pool; and developing a set of confidential Zoom questions.

The meeting is open to the public.

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Forestry Club Christmas Tree Sale

The Forestry Club Christmas Tree Sale will take place next Tuesday (Dec. 5) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Hamar House parking lot (Lot 14).

Please fill out the preorder form, which is linked through the QR code on the Christmas Tree Sale poster. The deadline for preorders is Friday (Dec. 1).

Please email John Siskaninetz at jmsiskan@mtu.edu for questions.

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Sponsored Programs Proposal Submissions During University Holiday Recess

Accounting for the University holiday schedule, Sponsored Programs will be closed Dec. 23 to Jan. 2. Proposals with sponsor due dates falling between these dates will need to be submitted to the sponsor by Dec. 22. The two-tier internal proposal deadlines will be adjusted accordingly.

For proposals due between Jan. 3 and Jan. 9, the first internal deadline for proposal paperwork will be adjusted to the week of Dec. 18.

Please work with your assigned Sponsored Programs analyst for specific internal paperwork due dates.

If you have any questions, please contact Sponsored Programs at 906-487-2226 or spo-l@mtu.edu.

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Toys for Tots Donations Now Being Accepted

The Registrar's Office is again participating in the annual Toys for Tots Campaign.

While you are out shopping for the holidays, consider purchasing a toy that will benefit a local child. Donations will be accepted until 5 p.m. Dec. 15.

The program will accept new, unwrapped items for children up to age 16. The donation box is located on the first floor of the Administration Building, across from the elevators. If you have any questions about the program, contact Rodney Loonsfoot at 906-201-0064 or visit the Toys for Tots website.

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University Holiday Luncheon

This year’s University Holiday Luncheon will be presented from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. next Monday (Dec. 4) 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 via phone (7-2073) through the SDC Ticket Office. Ticket reservations end at 5 p.m. on Wednesday (Nov. 29). We encourage you to secure your tickets early, as seating is limited.

The Holiday Luncheon Menu:

  • Slow Roasted Turkey
  • Garden Salad
  • Mashed Potatoes and Fresh Herb Gravy
  • Italian Sausage Stuffing
  • Glazed Carrots
  • Caramelized Cauliflower
  • Cranberry Sauce
  • Dinner Rolls
  • Apple Pie
  • Pumpkin Pie

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PhD Defense: Zhiyuan Lu, CS

Ph.D. in Computer Science candidate Zhiyuan Lu will present their final oral examination (defense) tomorrow (Nov. 28) from 8:30-10 a.m. in Rekhi 101 and via Zoom webinar.

The title of the defense is “Memory Optimizations for High-Throughput Computer Systems.”

Lu is advised by Assistant Professor Jianhui Yue (CS).

Join the Zoom webinar.

Read the defense abstract on the Computing News Blog.

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Register by Friday for VA S.A.V.E. Training

The Institute for Policy, Ethics, and Culture (IPEC) and the Center for Student Mental Health and Well-being (CSMHW) have partnered with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and are pleased to offer the VA S.A.V.E. training for faculty and staff on Dec. 11 from 12-1 p.m. in the MUB Alumni Lounge (lunch will be provided).

The VA S.A.V.E. Training will help you act with care and compassion if you encounter a veteran who is in crisis or experiencing suicidal thoughts.

The training is open to up to 20 participants. If you are interested in attending, please complete the VA S.A.V.E. Sign-Up Form by Friday (Dec. 1).

For more information, see the event flyer and the VA S.A.V.E. Training informational handout.

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Art in Silico Open for Submissions

Art in Silico is back for its second year, and the submission window is open from now until March 4, 2024!

This computational art exhibition is situated at the intersection of contemporary art and computing. Submissions may take the form of (but are not limited to) digital art, AI art, robotics, video, audio, interactive artworks, coding, performance and/or traditional media. As long as the artwork addresses some aspect of computing — that’s what this show is all about.

Submissions are open for anyone: We encourage submission from community members and Michigan Tech students, staff and faculty alike.

Submit your art at the Art in Silico webpage (details on the schedule will soon be posted on that page as well).

Questions can be directed to silico-art-l@mtu.edu.

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Mineral Museum Holiday Sale 2023

The A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum’s annual 15% Off* Holiday Sale begins today (Nov. 27) and will continue through Dec. 23. The museum gift shop includes many beautiful and unique gifts, such as a wide variety of minerals, mineral lamps, agate bookends, locally handmade jewelry and much more!

The museum gallery and gift shop are open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission to the museum for Michigan Tech students, staff and faculty is waived with a Tech ID.

* Select jewelry excluded. Cannot be combined with other discounts.

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Customer Appreciation Sale

The Campus Store and University Images would like to thank you for being loyal Huskies fans, and our Customer Appreciation Days are here! Shop online today (Nov. 27) or visit us in person on Friday (Dec. 1), and receive 20% off almost everything!

With a variety of Michigan Tech branded apparel and souvenirs, plus Upper Peninsula and Michigan themed items, you're sure to find special goodies for your Husky pack — and maybe a little something for yourself.

If you are ordering online and selecting in-store pickup at checkout, we will contact you when your order is ready!

The Campus Store will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and University Images will be open from 8 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. on Friday.

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PhD Defense: Mehnaz Tabassum, ECE

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering candidate Mehnaz Tabassum will defend her doctoral dissertation today (Nov. 27) at 10 a.m. in person in EERC 501 and virtually via Zoom.

The title of the dissertation is "Advancing Vehicular Communication Systems: An Evolution From DSRC to 5G NR C-V2X Technology For Enhanced Safety, Reliability, and Efficiency In Intelligent Transportation Systems."

Tabassum is advised by Aurenice Oliveira.

Today's Campus Events

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

Master's Defense: Shahriar Alam

Mechanical Engineering Advisor: Jeffrey Allen Capturing microstructural heterogeneity and predicting local transport phenomena in PEMFC catalyst layer: a comprehensive...

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PhD Defense: Mehnaz Tabassum

Electrical Engineering Advisor: Aurenice Oliveira ADVANCING VEHICULAR COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS: AN EVOLUTION FROM DSRC TO 5G NR C-V2X TECHNOLOGY FOR ENHANCED SAFETY,...

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PhD Defense: Divya Kamlesh Pandya

Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics Advisor: Amitabh Narain Stable energy-efficient macro-scale partial flow-boiling operations using microstructured surfaces and...

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MATLAB Workshop

Free MATLAB Workshop! Women in Physics is hosting a MATLAB workshop that is available to anyone who is interested. It is a 7 week course that will begin with the basic...

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Master's Defense: Madeline DiLisi

Environmental & Energy Policy Co-advisors: Angela Carter and Adam Wellstead The Hidden Role of the "Co-" Paradigm in the Conceptualization and Application of Living Labs ...

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NOAA Scientist and CEGE Alumni ENVE Seminar

Environmental Engineering Graduate Seminar Mark Rowe, Research Physical Scientist, NOAA Biophysical Modeling for Understanding, Prediction, and Stewardship of Great Lakes...

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Master's Defense: Jacob Novitch

Environmental Engineering Advisor: Jennifer Becker Development of a BioWin-based Model of a Small Lagoon Wastewater Treatment System Attend Virtually:...

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Huskies Group Swim Lessons - Parent & Child Aquatics Fall 2023 Session 2

Ages 6 months to 3 years. Come make a splash in Huskies Group Swim Lessons! American Red Cross Parent and Child Aquatics levels are being offered at the SDC Pool for ages 6...

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Huskies Group Swim Lessons - Preschool Aquatics Fall 2023 Session 2

Ages 4-5 years. Come make a splash in Huskies Group Swim Lessons! American Red Cross Preschool Aquatics levels are being offered at the SDC Pool for ages 4 to 5 years old....

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REDx: Ideas No One Wants To Hear

REDx is KS@MTU's semi-annual PowerPoint/Presentation night, filled with tons of hee-hee's, a few ha-ha's, and arguably some informative content! Each person is able to submit...

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Campus Barbershop

Sign up for an appointment today: https://getsquire.com/booking/book/the-good-life-barber-lounge-marquette