January 23, 2024

Michigan Tech is updating our Hazard Mitigation Plan, which will identify and mitigate the risks of natural and human-caused hazards that may impact people, buildings, infrastructure and research at the University.

Input from students, faculty, staff and the surrounding community is important for plan development. Please take the Hazard Mitigation Public Survey and help us understand your perceptions of hazards and the potential impact of climate change on them. It's confidential and voluntary, and will only take a few minutes.

Take the Survey.

For more information about Hazard Mitigation Planning at Michigan Tech, visit our Hazard Mitigation Planning webpage.

The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Working Group was established by the provost to identify ways to incorporate AI into Michigan Tech’s curricula and into the student academic experience. One of the group’s charges is to organize listening events to hear from the campus community about opportunities and concerns related to the ever-increasing availability of generative AI tools.

Members of the AI Working Group are eager to speak with members of your department or unit! Please submit our meeting request form to invite members of the AI Working Group to meet with your department or campus unit during the spring semester. We will follow up with the primary contact for each request to confirm a meeting time.

Today (Jan. 23) is Student Leadership and Involvement’s annual Spring Involvement Fair, and you’re invited to make it blossom! With a garden full of over a hundred registered student organizations at this year's event, there is bound to be something that sparks your interest.

The entire campus community is invited to join us in the MUB Alumni Lounge, MUB Ballroom and MUB 106 from 4-7 p.m. to cultivate connections, sow the seeds of community and let the spirit of engagement bloom in full swing.

We hope to see you there to “Clear the Gloom and Find Your Bloom!”

Guiliang Tang will present as part of the Department of Biological Sciences (BioSci) Seminar Series on Thursday (Jan. 25) from 3-4 p.m. in GLRC 202.

Tang's presentation is titled "STTM to 'two-hit' amiRNAs: Targeting RNAs From Short to Long for Effective Gene Silencing in Plant Genomics."

From the abstract:
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNA molecules (21-23nt) crucial for controlling plant development by negatively regulating gene expression. To understand the in vivo functions of individual miRNAs, an effective method to block their production or activity is essential. Traditional approaches face challenges in targeting miRNAs due to their small size and the existence of multiple members with potentially overlapping functions within miRNA families. Our team has pioneered a highly effective technology known as short tandem target mimic (STTM), designed to target and block the functions of multiple miRNAs. STTM marks a significant advancement in fine-tuning gene regulation and serves as a potent tool for functional genomics of miRNAs (STTM: Plant Cell, 2012; PNAS, 2017; Molecular Plant, 2018).

Furthermore, we have developed an artificial miRNA gene silencing technology aimed at blocking coding genes. Termed "two-hit" artificial miRNAs (amiRNAs), the tandem artificial miRNA duplexes mimic the structure of miRNAs and can silence multiple target genes across different plant pathways (“two-hit” amiRNAs: Plant Biotechnology Journal, 2023). These technologies provide versatility and precision in plant genomics, offering powerful tools to enhance agricultural practices and crop yield. We have also created a web-based amiRNA designer for easy design and widespread application in plants and even animals. Over 157 related gene constructs are available at Addgene.

Antonio Levy from Howard University will present at this week's Physics Colloquium.

The seminar will be presented in person at 4 p.m. Thursday (Jan. 25) in Fisher 139.

Read the abstract and speaker bio at the University Events Calendar.

Kathryn Newton, an assistant professor from the Chemistry Department at Northern Michigan University, will be presenting at this week's Chemistry Seminar. The seminar will be held in person at 3 p.m. Friday (Jan. 26) in Chem Sci 101.

Newton’s presentation is titled "Microwave-Assisted Synthesis and Ligand Exchange of Ge and Ge-Alloy Nanocrystals."

From the abstract:
The band gap of germanium nanocrystals (Ge NCs) is tunable over a wide range of particle sizes due to germanium’s large excitonic Bohr radius. Use of Ge NCs in photovoltaic applications, however, has been limited by germanium being an indirect band gap absorber. Incorporation of 6-11% Sn content in germanium-tin alloy nanomaterials has been predicted to cause an indirect-to-direct band gap crossover. While photoluminescent Ge1-xSnx alloy nanoparticles have been demonstrated by co-reductive methods, using convection and microwave-assisted procedures, crossover has not been observed. For Ge NCs, exchanging the oleylamine surface ligand for dodecanethiol has been shown to increase band gap energy for a given particle size and to reduce surface defects. Additional studies in which temperature, time, and precursor concentration are systematically varied are necessary to fully understand the effects of microwave-assisted synthesis conditions on NC size, composition, structure, and surface functionalization. The presented work examines the effects of reaction temperature on the particles size, composition, and structure of Ge1-xSnx NCs synthesized by microwave-assisted heating methods. A hydrazine-assisted ligand exchange method to achieve thiol-passivation of Ge1-xSnx NCs will also be presented.

Michigan Tech hockey's Isaac Gordon is the CCHA Rookie of the Week. It's the second time this season he's received the honor.

Gordon had a goal and an assist on the weekend, as the Huskies took 4-of-6 CCHA points against Bemidji State. The first-year forward tied the game in the second period on Friday (Jan. 19) with his team-leading 12th goal of the season in a 2-1 win. Gordon then had the primary assist on Matthew Campbell's game-tying power-play goal with 4.9 seconds left on Saturday (Jan. 20).

Read more at Michigan Tech Athletics.

The Michigan Tech Nordic ski team had a successful weekend in Coleraine, Minnesota, at the Coleraine CXC Cup. The Huskies women's squad earned their first CCSA team win of the season by a single point, and Colin Freed took the top stoop in the men's freestyle interval start.

"We had just an outstanding Saturday with six women in the top 10, which is probably the deepest top 10 we've had in a very long time," said head coach Tom Monahan Smith. "It was a really fun race weekend. The courses were different, with a short 1.6km loop that was fast and furious, which made for a super-tactical race in the classic and a grind in the skate race on Saturday. Shoutout to Colin Freed for taking his first CCSA Invite win in the skate race with a super-commanding last two laps."

Monahan Smith also called out standout performances by the Huskies' Jasper Johnston, Synne Herheim, Anabel Needham, Olivia Laven and Wes Campbell.

Read more about the team's performances at Michigan Tech Athletics.

Michigan Tech men's basketball cruised to victory at Parkside and were outlasted by a tough Purdue Northwest team to begin their long road trip.

Guards Marcus Tomashek and Dan Gherezgher scored 37 of Michigan Tech's 44 second-half points, leading the Huskies' to a 78-71 victory over the Rangers at the De Simone Arena on Thursday (Jan. 18).

"I was really proud with how we came out in the second half," head coach Josh Buettner said. "Parkside came out on fire and it was 9-0 before I think we even knew we were in a basketball game. But, we kept battling, and it felt like they shot the lights out in the first half, but it was one of those situations where if you keep steady and solid, they are bound to miss. We just kept playing and doing Michigan Tech stuff and got some separation, and obviously we got some tough baskets, but I thought our defense was pretty solid to hold them to 71."

The Huskies fell to the Pride 79-70 at the Kube Sports Complex on Saturday (Jan. 20). Tech played even with Purdue Northwest for most of the game, trailing by three points with over 10 minutes to play in the second half. But MTU couldn't catch the Pride.

"I don't know that we played our best, and there were a few scout mistakes," Buettner said. "But, I saw some fight in our guys. They let a lot of physical play go, so to only turn it over nine times in a game like that is something to be proud of. We were pretty reliant on Marcus offensively, and we didn't really have that opportunity today, but we did some good things. Some guys stepped up, but it just wasn't enough to get it done."

Read more at Michigan Tech Athletics.

The Michigan Tech women's basketball team recorded a lackluster loss to Parkside, but stepped up to earn a win against Purdue Northwest on the road.

The Huskies struggled offensively in the second half against Parkside, falling 81-40 to the Rangers inside the De Simone Arena on Thursday (Jan. 18).

"We competed in the first quarter. Shots didn't fall and we quit executing on both sides of the ball," head coach Sam Clayton said. "We need to be better on Saturday."

Tech saw three players in double-figure scoring as the Huskies bested Purdue Northwest, 63-51, inside the Kube Sports Complex on Saturday (Jan. 20). Alyssa Wypych led MTU, scoring 17 points.

"I liked how we played today," Clayton said. "Defensively, I thought we had some urgency and we game-planned pretty well. Their top two players still scored in double-digits — both had 21 points — but we still did a good job on the defensive end. Our leaders stepped up again and it was good to see Alyssa playing with confidence — and Alex (Rondorf) didn't score a ton, but she still did a lot for us with hustle plays and got 10 rebounds. Lydia (Schaible) was a great spark for us offensively in the second quarter and Emma (Anderson) hit some shots and defended hard. Everyone stepped up in different ways to contribute to the win."

Read more at Michigan Tech Athletics.

Michigan Tech hockey split their home CCHA series with Bemidji State in comeback fashion, overcoming deficits to earn a win and a tie.

The Huskies defeated the Beavers 2-1 on Friday (Jan. 19) at the John MacInnes Student Ice Arena. Bemidji scored first to take the lead in the second period, but Isaac Gordon and Matthew Campbell answered to give MTU the comeback victory. Blake Pietila made 23 saves in the win.

"Happy to win tonight, and the crowd was outstanding and provided us with a lot of energy," Tech coach Joe Shawhan said. "Bemidji played a good hockey game. We had a really good second (period), but got away from it in the last 10 minutes of the game. We have a long way to go, and we'll look to get better one guy at a time."

Tech came back from a 2-0 third-period deficit to tie Bemidji State 2-2 on Saturday (Jan. 2). The Beavers earned the extra CCHA point with a 2-1 win in the shootout.

"I'm really proud of the effort. We battled back and stole a point tonight," Shawhan said. "Anytime you can come back from a two-goal deficit against a good defensive team is huge. Every point in this league matters and will be important at the end of the season."

Read more at Michigan Tech Athletics.

Tuesday (Jan. 23)
• Huskies Drive Time, 7:30-8 a.m. on Mix 93 WKMJ

Friday (Jan. 26)
• Hockey at Lake Superior State, 7:07 p.m. on Mix 93 WKMJ & FloHockey

Saturday (Jan. 27)
• Nordic Skiing at Ariens CCSA Invite (Brillion, Wisconsin)
• Women's Basketball at Northern Michigan, 1 p.m. on Mix 93 WKMJ, TV6 & FloHoops
• Men's Basketball at Northern Michigan, 3 p.m. on Mix 93 WKMJ, TV6 & FloHoops
• Hockey at Lake Superior State, 6:07 p.m. on Mix 93 WKMJ & FloHockey

Sunday (Jan. 28)
• Nordic Skiing at Ariens CCSA Invite (Brillion, Wisconsin)

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Athletics News
Read more in the MTU Athletics weekly update.

Job Postings for Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024

Staff and faculty job descriptions are available on the Human Resources website. For more information regarding staff positions, call 906-487-2280 or email humanresources@mtu.edu. For more information regarding faculty positions, contact the academic department in which the position is posted.

Building Mechanic II (12 months/ 40 hours/ first shift) #24021, Facilities Management (AFSCME posting dates Jan. 23 to Jan. 29, 2024 — 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.

Custodian (12 months/ 40 hours/ first shift) #24023, Facilities Management (AFSCME posting dates Jan. 23 to Jan. 29, 2024 — 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.

Building Mechanic II (12 months/ 40 hours/ first shift) #24018, Facilities Management (AFSCME posting dates Jan. 23 to Jan. 29, 2024 — 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.

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 humanresources@mtu.edu.

Sarah Hoy (CFRES) was quoted by WLUC TV6 in a story about a MTU-led study linking periodontitis to severe forms of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis in moose. Michigan Tech’s Unscripted Research Blog published a post on the study earlier this month.

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The Daily Mining Gazette published an article written by Tara Bal, Sigrid Resh and Emily Klawiter (all CFRES) explaining why winter is the best time to prune oak trees to prevent oak wilt. The article also provided information about the oak wilt disease.

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MLive included a ski report from Mont Ripley in a story sharing skiing conditions at some of the most well-known ski spots around Michigan.

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Lake Superior Magazine mentioned Winter Carnival as one of the region’s classic winter events benefited by the recent substantial snowfall. According to the story, the Keweenaw Peninsula saw 53 inches of snow since Jan. 11.

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The Daily Mining Gazette mentioned the Michigan Tech Sledheads student organization in a story about a trio of vintage snowmobile rides being held Feb. 29, March 1 and March 2.

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The Iron Mountain Daily News listed Michigan Tech among 19 other colleges and universities awarded a total $2.6 million by the state to support improved graduation rates and paths to K-12 teaching opportunities for academically or economically disadvantaged students. MTU’s share of the funding was listed at $94,322.51.

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The Magnolia Reporter in Magnolia, Arkansas, mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about the Arkansas 4-H Foundation’s creation of the Bragg Family Memorial Scholarship Fund. The fund honors Bragg family members Hope ’95 (B.S. Forestry) and Don ’92 ’95 (B.S. M.S. Forestry) and their children Kenny — a senior majoring in anthropology at Tech — and Elizabeth. All four died in a house explosion Dec. 30 in downstate Michigan.

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The Traverse City Record-Eagle mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about swim safety measures enacted by Frankfort, Michigan, a Benzie County town on the shore of Lake Michigan. Frankfort was the first town to install the SwimSmart safety warning system, developed at Michigan Tech. SwimSmart was the subject of a 2021 Michigan Tech News story.

Submission and Formatting 101: Master the Dissertation, Thesis and Report Process

Students who are completing a dissertation, thesis or report are invited to join the Graduate School to learn about the resources available to them to assist in scheduling their defense, formatting their documents and submitting their documents. In one afternoon, you can learn everything you need to be successful and complete your degree in a timely fashion! Faculty and staff who assist students with submissions are also welcome to attend. Attend the entire event, or stop in for the seminar that interests you.

• When: Wednesday, Jan. 24, from 2-4 p.m. (see a detailed schedule on our blog)
• Who: Students completing a dissertation, thesis or report; faculty and staff who assist students with submission.
• Where: Virtually via Zoom (please register to attend online and receive participation instructions) and in person in Admin 404 (room capacity is 35).
• Registration: Please register to receive handouts via email or attend online. The seminar will be available online as well as on campus.

If you are unable to join us, the event will be taped and available online after the event. The previous semester’s seminars are always available online.

Information on submitting, formatting and more can be found online for dissertations and theses or reports.

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CTL Lunch and Learn: EdTech Tools for Student Group Engagement, Formative Feedback and More!

Make plans to attend the next William G. Jackson Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) Lunch and Learn next Tuesday (Jan. 30) from noon to 1 p.m. We’ll explore innovative tools and strategies to support student group engagement and provide formative feedback.

Learn about the new iClicker Cloud groups feature, which enhances group learning by efficiently enabling student groups and fostering enhanced collaboration and consensus building. We’ll also review strategies to provide your students with formative feedback of their learning through the use of Panopto video quizzes and quick knowledge checks in Canvas content pages with Design Plus tools. This session is an opportunity for instructors to gain insights into these technologies, share experiences and discuss best practices in enhancing student learning.

Please register to attend. Lunch will be provided to those who register by noon on Thursday (Jan. 25).

The event will be held in the MUB Alumni Lounge (MUB 107A and 107B).

To request accommodations or for any questions, please contact the CTL at ctl@mtu.edu or 906-487-3000.

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

Innovation Week: Reverse Pitch Presentation

Tuesday, January 23, 12–1 p.m.

Nate Yenor, Director of Tech Business Incubation with the Office of Innovation and Commercialization at Michigan Tech, will report top teams poised to launch their innovations...

Spring Involvement Fair

Tuesday, January 23, 4–7 p.m. | Memorial Union Building

Looking for a way to get involved? The Spring Involvement Fair takes place each January, allowing new and returning students to explore more options for their...

Adult Huskies Swim Lessons Spring 2024 Session 1

Tuesday, January 23, 5–6 p.m. | Student Development Complex (SDC), Pool

Adult Huskies Swim Lessons provides aquatic education for the beginner to the intermediate swimmer who is looking to become more comfortable in the water and learn the...

Adult Huskies Swim Training Spring 2024 Session 1

Tuesday, January 23, 5–6 p.m. | Student Development Complex (SDC), Pool

Adult Huskies Swim Training provides additional attention and competitive guidance to swimmers ages 18 and older who are looking to improve their swimming skills and fitness...

Dodgeball

Tuesday, January 23, 6–8 p.m. | SDC Multi-Purpose Courts

Join the brothers of Tau Kappa Epsilon for this fantastic event. Stop by to learn more about how we can help you create lifelong relationships that enhance educational,...

Keweenaw Accessibility and Advocacy General Meeting

Tuesday, January 23, 6–7 p.m. | Wadsworth Hall (room G17)

KAA is regularly scheduled to meet every Tuesday at 6 pm, we will meet in G17 of Wadsworth Hall (our usual room). New members are welcome, spread the word if you know people...

NCSA General Meeting

Tuesday, January 23, 6–7 p.m. | Chem-Sci 101

Join NCSA in their weekly meeting, where we talk about news from the Tech industry, give updates on team projects, and have guest speakers from industry talk about what they...