February 21, 2024

The College of Engineering Search Committee has invited three semifinalists for on-campus interviews. Interviews will take place:

• Monday and Tuesday, March 4-5
• Thursday and Friday, March 7-8
• Monday and Tuesday, March 18-19

For information on candidates, interview dates and open forums, visit the Dean Search website. An ISO login is required to view resumes and provide comment. The open forums will be recorded on video and can be viewed later on the website.

The COE Dean search committee encourages the campus community to interact with each candidate during the interviews and to complete the anonymous feedback form, available on the Dean Search website until 72 hours following the last candidate's interview.

Are you moving to a new office or campus location? Michigan Tech IT wants to make sure the transition goes as smoothly as possible.

Please contact us at least two weeks in advance of your move date and we will arrange to transfer your phone and computer, ensuring they are connected properly in your new space.

For questions about office and equipment moves, we can help. Contact us at it-help@mtu.edu or call 906-487-1111.

The Center for Diversity and Inclusion office and building (Hamar House) will be closed on Friday (Feb. 23) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for a departmental staff retreat.

We are very sorry for any inconveniences this could create. CDI will reopen on Monday (Feb. 26) at 8 a.m.

Although move-in to the H-STEM Complex will begin today (Feb. 22), the official date the H-STEM Complex will be open to the public is March 11.

In the meantime, we ask that you please refrain from wandering into the building, even if barriers get taken down.

The Graduate School is proud to announce that Michigan Tech has renewed its agreement with the Peace Corps for the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program.

Since 2013, the program at Michigan Tech has provided graduate scholarships to returned Peace Corps volunteers pursuing master’s degrees in several science, engineering and policy fields. Returned volunteers who have satisfactorily completed their Peace Corps training and service overseas are eligible for the program. All Fellows complete internships in underserved communities in the United States while they complete their studies, allowing them to bring home and expand upon the skills they learned as volunteers abroad.

First established in 1985 at Columbia University, the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program now includes more than 120 higher education partners in 38 states and the District of Columbia, offering returned volunteers the opportunity to pursue over 300 graduate and post-graduate degrees. At Michigan Tech, a total of 15 Coverdell Fellows degree programs are administered by the College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science and the departments of Biological Sciences; Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering; Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences; and Social Sciences.

For more information visit the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program website.

The electronic Form 1095-Cs are now available on Banweb for all employees who have consented to an electronic copy. Paper copies of the Form 1095-Cs will be mailed out Wednesday, Feb. 28.

Form 1095-C is an annual reporting form of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that provides information about the health coverage offered by your employer.

If you would like to receive an electronic copy of your 1095-C, it's not too late:

• Log in to Banweb.
• Select "Employees".
• Select "Tax Forms".
• Select "Electronic Consent (W-2 and 1095-C)".
• Click both check boxes. 
• Click "Submit".

Winter Carnival 2024 was a success! To get an insider look at the festivities, including the Broomball All-Star games, tune in to our second Lode TV episode of the semester.

Want even more news? Visit every main building on campus or the residence halls to pick up a physical paper, published weekly on Tuesdays. You can also view our articles online at mtulode.com.

If your department wishes to have physical papers delivered each Tuesday, please email mtulode@mtu.edu.

The Ecosystem Science Center's (ESC) Student Research Forum will be held tomorrow (Feb. 22) in the Rozsa Center lobby from 1-3 p.m. The forum is open to the public.

Graduate and undergraduate students will present posters on research related to ecology and the environment. This is the 19th year of the event, which provides students an opportunity to showcase their research and practice for poster sessions at regional or national meetings.

The next Department of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics (ME-EM) Graduate Seminar speaker will present at 4 p.m. tomorrow (Feb. 22) in MEEM 112.

Jeff Hylok will present “After Oppenheimer: The Los Alamos Mission in the Modern Day.”

Hylok is the Principal Engineer for the W93/Mk7 program at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). Jeff has over 20 years’ experience at LANL in various engineering roles.

Assistant professor Ishi Keenum, Department of Biological Sciences (BioSci), Michigan Technological University, will present as part of the BioSci Seminar Series tomorrow (Feb. 22) from 3-4 p.m. in GLRC 202.

Keenum's presentation is titled "Environmental Biotechnology & Monitoring: Monitoring and Assessing Removal of Antibiotic Resistance in Wastewater Systems."

From the abstract:

Utilizing reclaimed wastewater (RWW) is necessary to alleviate water stress and promote sustainability. RWW use is widely implemented globally in water stressed states for irrigation of recreational and agricultural fields. Water reuse is expanding in the U.S., but no federal guidelines yet exist. Contaminants of emerging concern; including trace organics, flame retardants, pharmaceuticals, and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), have continued to capture attention in the context of water reuse. ARGs are of particular concern because wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) directly receive inputs from a variety of different sources (e.g., hospital, industrial and residential sewage) that contain, antibiotics, and antibiotic resistant bacteria and antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Notably, ARGs can be transferred between bacteria via horizontal gene transfer and may also be present in bacteria that are not readily cultured, emphasizing the importance of focusing monitoring and mitigation efforts directly on ARGs. In the first part of this seminar, I present the results of a study that comprehensively monitored and compared both culture-based profiling of antibiotic-resistant pathogens and shot-gun metagenomic profiling of ARGs through two distinct water reclamation and reuse facilities. However, metagenomic profiling is incredibly expensive and not yet fully quantitative. In order to identify key ARGs for monitoring via less expensive methods, a systematic review was conducted to understand what the variables in ARG monitoring in the environment and for wastewater surveillance and how can they be better standardized.

The Great Lakes Research Center is thrilled to sponsor a talk by Michigan Tech alumna Miriam Rios-Sanchez '11 (Ph.D. geological engineering) in celebration of World Water Day 2024.

The talk will take place at 3 p.m. on March 22 in the Memorial Union Building (MUB) Alumni Lounge. 

Rios-Sanchez is originally from Colombia, has a bachelor’s degree in Geology from the University of Caldas in Colombia and a master’s degree in Hydrology and Water Resources from the IHE-UNESCO Water Institute in The Netherlands, and a Ph.D. in Geological Engineering (focused on Hydrogeology) from Michigan Tech. Since 2013, Rios-Sanchez has been a faculty member at the Center for Sustainability Studies, which houses the Geology Department at Bemidji State University. She is a strong advocate for finding opportunities to serve underrepresented students and has a passion for mentoring, having been an academic mentor and advisor to the Trio/McNair Scholar Program and the site coordinator of the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (Louis Stokes North Star STEM Alliance in Minnesota).

Rios-Sanchez’s research interests include applications of remote sensing and digital elevation modeling techniques for geological sciences, regional groundwater exploration, aquifer evaluation and management (geological mapping, tectonics, flow system delineation, assessment of subsidence and other impacts) and natural hazards. She has a particular interest in the influence of groundwater in natural hazards such as flooding, landslides and volcanic activity.

Other 2024 World Water Day events include:

• Going Circular, a film presented as part of the Sustainability Film & Discussion Series, coordinated by the Michigan Tech Office of Sustainability & Resilience, at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 21 in Fisher 138. Everyone is welcome to attend. The film is free. A suggested $5 donation is appreciated. The film and refreshments are provided by the Great Lakes Research Center.
• Undergraduate poster sessions from noon to 1:30 p.m. and 2:30-4 p.m. on March 22 in the Rozsa Center lobby, in collaboration with Pavlis Honors College for the Undergraduate Research and Scholarship Symposium.
• Graduate poster session from 5-8 p.m. on March 26 in the Rozsa Center lobby, in collaboration with the Graduate Student Government for the Graduate Research Colloquium.

From the organizers of World Water Day:
Be part of the global campaign on ‘Water for Peace.’ We need everyone — from individuals and families to companies and governments — to do what they can to cooperate on water and pave the way for a more harmonious society. Download resources to get involved this World Water Day and find out more about the connection between water and peace.

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) is hosting a seminar presented by Sophia Brylinski tomorrow (Feb. 22) from 1:25-1:45 p.m. in M&M 610.

The seminar is titled "Cathodes for Thermionic Emission in an Oxygen-Rich Environment."

From the abstract:
This seminar discusses the different types of cathodes used for thermionic emission, such as dispenser and LaB6 cathodes. Typically, these cathodes operate in an inert environment. However, challenges arise when using these cathodes in an oxygen-rich environment, such as oxygen adsorbs to the surface of the cathode. Oxygen adsorption causes an increase in work function, which decreases the material’s ability to emit electrons. The goal of this project is to optimize a cathode material that will be able to emit electrons in an oxygen-rich environment, allowing for these cathodes to be used in a Hall-thruster that uses oxygen as a propellant gas.

Speaker bio:
Sophia Brylinski is pursuing an M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering under the advisement of Dr. Paul Sanders. She graduated with her B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering from Michigan Tech in 2023.

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) is hosting a seminar presented by Mieka Clark tomorrow (Feb. 22) from 1-1:20 p.m. in M&M 610.

The seminar is titled "Failure Analysis and Mitigation of AA3003 Return Bends."

From the abstract:
AA3003 is an aluminum alloy commonly used for tubing in heat transfer components due to its desirable extrudability and corrosion resistance. To produce return bends, AA3003 tubing is extruded and bent into a “U,” imparting significant deformation into the tubing as it is formed. The return bends are then connected to the internal tubing of the system via brazing, a process similar to soldering and welding. Return bends used in the as-extruded condition fail during operation due to a network of intergranular cracks, which connect to form leak pathways. The purpose of this research is to determine the cause of intergranular voids, then mitigate them.

Speaker bio:
Mieka Clark graduated in spring 2023 with a B.S. in Materials Science and a minor in physics, returning to the department in fall 2023 to join the accelerated master’s program. Clark enjoys board games, broomball, playing bass guitar and watching hockey. 

Vollwerth's is teaming up with Michigan Tech for Vollwerth's Family Day on Saturday, March 2, at the SDC.

With every purchase of a Family 4-Pack of tickets (two adult, two youth) for either the basketball doubleheader against Grand Valley State University (1 and 3 p.m.) or hockey versus St. Thomas (6:07 p.m.), fans will receive vouchers for four Vollwerth's hot dogs and four sodas from the concession stands.

Basketball Family Pack:  $26

Two adult, two youth tickets
Four Vollwerth's hot dogs
Four sodas

Hockey Family Pack:  $60

Two adult, two youth tickets
Four Vollwerth's hot dogs
Four sodas

Purchase your Family 4-Packs for Saturday's Vollwerth's Family Day at the SDC Central Ticket Office or by calling 906-487-2073.

Rolf Peterson (CFRES) was interviewed by Michigan Public on the Feb. 20 “Stateside” radio show, discussing Michigan Tech’s Isle Royale winter study and the impacts of ice melt on the island's wolves and moose.

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Keweenaw Report covered Michigan Tech men’s basketball guard Marcus Tomashek being named the GLIAC Offensive Player of the Week.

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myScience and the University of Michigan mentioned Michigan Tech in a story announcing $1.7M in funding awarded by Michigan Sea Grant to six research projects. Trista Vick-Majors (BioSci) is the principal investigator on a project titled “An Ecosystem-Scale Approach to Understanding Changing Winters in the Great Lakes.”

Angie Carter (SS) was recently awarded two funded writing residencies for work on her book manuscript.

The first, at PLAYA: A Place for the Intersection of Art and Science in Summer Lake, Oregon, took place in February. The second, an AgArts Residency, will take place at Whiterock Conservancy in Coon Rapids, Iowa, this April.

Scholarships Available

Sons and Daughters Scholarships
A reminder that Michigan Tech Employee Sons and Daughters Scholarship applications, valued at $100 each, are available for the 2024-25 academic year. Applicants must be children of Michigan Tech employees. Applications must be submitted by next Wednesday (Feb. 28) and are available online.

LeAnn Becia Family/AFSCME Scholarships
Two $250 LeAnn Becia Family/AFSCME Scholarships are available for 2024-25. Applicants must be the son, daughter or spouse of a current AFSCME Local 1166 member. Applications, which must be submitted by next Wednesday (Feb. 28), are available online.

Both scholarships require applicants be full-time Michigan Tech undergraduates in their first four years of study or high school students planning to be enrolled for fall 2024.

For more information, contact the Financial Aid Office at 7-2622 or scholarships@mtu.edu.

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Michigan Tech Recreation Indoor Triathlon: Register Today!

You don't have to win, you just have to TRI! Michigan Tech Recreation is hosting an indoor triathlon for MTU students and SDC Access Pass Holders (minimum one-month). Unlike a traditional triathlon, which covers fixed distances of swimming, biking, and running, indoor triathlons challenge competitors to race the greatest distance within a fixed time frame. Beginners and seasoned athletes are welcome to participate in the 10-minute swim, 15-minute bike and 10-minute run! Transition time is provided between events. Event capacity is limited.

The indoor triathlon will take place April 3 at 7 p.m. at the SDC. Open to MTU students and SDC Access Pass Holders (minimum one-month) with a valid MTU student ID or SDC Access Pass. Must be 16 years of age or older to participate.

Registration Details:

• Cost: It's free! (But you must register to participate!)
• Registration Opens: Wednesday, Feb. 21, at 8 a.m.
• Registration Closes: Tuesday, March 26, at 11:59 p.m.

Learn more and find the registration link on the Michigan Tech Rec Indoor Triathlon page.

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AI, Dine & Dialogue: Graduate Student Roundtable on Artificial Intelligence Policy

"Embark on a journey of intellect as we gather for an evening of thought-provoking conversations and delectable delights. Join fellow graduate students in shaping the future of our academic landscape by sharing your insights on AI policies," says Chat GPT.

What do you think? Share your thoughts on AI policies for Michigan Tech at the Graduate Student Roundtable on Artificial Intelligence Policy.

Date: Wednesday, Feb. 21
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Venue: MUB Ballroom A

All graduate students are welcome. Dinner will be served!

Please register in advance. 

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

Simple Machines: Poetry, Letterpress, and the Art of the Little Magazine Presented by Michigan Tech Art

Wednesday, February 21, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. | Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts, Rozsa Galleries

Simple Machines is a two-edition, international, letterpress poetry magazine founded and edited by Michigan Tech’s M. Bartley Seigel, funded through a Research Excellence...

Engineering Biomimetic Materials: Modulating the Immune System for Enhanced Tissue Regeneration

Wednesday, February 21, 10 a.m. | Minerals and Materials Engineering Building (M&M), 610

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Candidate Seminar Ni Su, PhD Stanford University School of Medicine Abstract The healing process after tissue injury is accompanied by a...

Lunch & Learn: Student Hiring Process

Wednesday, February 21, 12–1 p.m. | Memorial Union Building (MUB), Ballroom B

Human Resources will be hosting a Lunch & Learn regarding the new, upcoming changes to the student hiring process. These updates will take effect on Monday, March 4,...

Students For Life General Meeting

Wednesday, February 21, 5–6 p.m. | Fisher 230

Students For Life general meeting

General Meeting 2/21

Wednesday, February 21, 6–7 p.m. | MEEM 405

At this meeting will be prototyping a robot for a mock Design Competition! Come and compete in teams to create the best prototype that will move on in the design...

Experiential Learning Information Session

Wednesday, February 21, 7–8 p.m.

Find out ways Michigan Tech students get experience in research and design.