April 7, 2025

The Applied Chemical and Morphological Analysis Laboratory, known as ACMAL, is one of the most unique facilities at Michigan Tech. When the lab’s researchers went looking for a material that could demonstrate the capabilities of its scanning electron microscope, the natural choice was a one-of-a-kind resource that abundantly blankets campus every winter. The resulting snowflake imagery is an artful invitation to researchers on and off campus to discover the lab’s resources.

Home to highly specialized and cutting-edge microanalytical and X-ray instruments, ACMAL is managed within Michigan Tech’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE), but is designed to be shared by researchers from Tech and elsewhere.

Learn more about ACMAL’s snowflake experiment and all the state-of-the-art facility has to offer at the University's Unscripted Research Blog.

It’s a building year for Copper Country Coders, and the College of Computing students taking on stewardship of the group are definitely up to the task. They remember what it was like to be captivated by coding at a young age. They enjoy hanging out with fellow Huskies. And they love to teach.

K. Fresonke ‘28, who is majoring in software engineering and math education with a minor in physics, learned to code in fourth grade. “And that’s why I’m doing it now,” they said.

For computer science major Dominic Hann ’28, education runs in the family. “My mom was a teacher,” he said. “She was always helping out, teaching younger students how to code.”

Yasmin Fitzgerald ’26, a software engineering major with a minor in Enterprise, is also a coach at the College of Computing Learning Center and a computer science lab assistant. “Teaching is the best way to learn yourself,” she said.

“This is the real benefit for our students,” said Assistant Professor Leo Ureel (CS/PsyHF). “By engaging in Coders, they’re reinforcing their own computing skills and developing a true mastery of computer science. It’s no surprise that many of our top graduates were Coders during their time at Tech. Many of them continue to find opportunities to teach post-graduation.”

Find out more about Copper Country Coders, and how graduate and undergraduate students can be a part of it, at the Computing News Blog.

The Graduate School is excited to announce that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has officially proclaimed this week, April 7-11, as Graduate and Professional Student Appreciation Week in the state of Michigan. This significant recognition, championed by the Michigan Association of State Universities (MASU), shines a light on the crucial role and immense value that graduate and professional students bring to our universities and the entire state.

During this special week, the Graduate School wants to take a moment to express our sincere pride in each and every one of our graduate and professional students. Their commitment to scholarship, tireless pursuit of knowledge through research, and dedication to mastering their chosen fields are truly commendable.

We witness firsthand our students’ late nights in the lab, thoughtful discussions in seminars, and the innovative ideas they bring to life. The accomplishments of our graduate students, both big and small, contribute significantly to the vibrant intellectual environment of Michigan Tech and have a lasting impact.

Graduate and Professional Student Appreciation Week is a chance for the entire University community to acknowledge and celebrate the vital role that graduate students play in our community.

Read the Governor's Full Proclamation.

This is the second entry in an eight-part series celebrating the Enterprise Program's inaugural Enterprise Distinguished Service Awards.

Our second award profile highlights the contributions of Tony Rogers.

The Enterprise journey began in 1998 when Michigan Tech proposed and was awarded a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support a three-year pilot program. Rogers, now a professor emeritus in the Department of Chemical Engineering, worked on implementing that original NSF grant. And when the program launched in 2000, he began his tenure as faculty advisor for what is now the Consumer Product Manufacturing Enterprise (CPM).

“Kimberly Clark was our first sponsor in the fall of 2000,” Rogers recalls, “and we focused on disposable consumer products. After about four years, we became a general manufacturing Enterprise with a variety of sponsors and products.”

Read Rogers' full profile on the Enterprise Blog.

About the Awards
Created in celebration of the Enterprise Program's 25 years at Michigan Tech, the Enterprise Distinguished Service Awards recognize the dedication and exceptional contributions of advisors and champions who have played pivotal roles in shaping the program’s success.

The inaugural recipients are Brett Hamlin (EF), Glen Archer (ECE), Rick Berkey (MTGC), Jason Blough (MAE), Brad King (MAE), Robert Pastel (CS/PsyHF), Tony Rogers (ChE) and Christopher “Kit” Cischke (ECE).

Each of the award winners has more than 15 years of service within Enterprise, dedicating their time and expertise to guide teams, ensure student success and advance the program’s discovery-based learning mission, as well as foster industry collaborations and strengthen the bridge between academia and industry.

“Sweeney Todd” – Michigan Tech Theatre and the Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra
Thursday-Saturday, April 10-12 | 7:30 p.m. nightly
Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts
Michigan Tech Theatre Series

Don’t miss the highly anticipated and final Michigan Tech Theatre Series performance of this season, “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.” This dark, witty and Tony Award-winning tale of love, murder and revenge is set against the backdrop of 19th century London. The musical tells the tale of a barber driven to madness by injustice. It’s filled with unforgettable songs and shocking twists.

Accompanied by the Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Joel Neves, the production features a talented cast of community members and Michigan Tech faculty, staff and students. Director Nich Radcliffe has directed over 50 plays, operas and musicals in Chicago and across the United States. “Sweeney Todd” will be his first musical production at Michigan Tech.

“I think anyone who has seen the show before will have a terrific time with the unique elements in our production. And anyone who hasn’t seen the show before will have a wonderful first experience with this legendary piece from the musical theatre canon,” said Radcliffe.

Be sure to catch this tasty, thrilling, theatrical treat that has simultaneously shocked, awed and delighted audiences around the world!

Get Tickets for “Sweeney Todd”

Content Guidance: This dark musical thriller includes coarse language, sexual assault, murder, suggested nudity, smoking and other substances, cannibalism, flashing and strobing lights.

SWEENEY TODD is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All Authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
http://www.mtishows.com

*****

Artist Reception: “Odyssey” – Student Art Showcase
Friday, April 11 | 5-7 p.m.
Rozsa Art Galleries
Michigan Tech Art Series

Join student artists for an artist reception for an exhibition of art created throughout the semester. “Odyssey” is an artistic journey into the heart of ART2170 Fiber Arts students' studio art practice. The exhibit presents student artworks made during the spring 2025 semester at MTU. Featuring various techniques like crochet, felting, stitching, embroidery and mixed media, this show promises to be eclectic as the viewer is shown the world through the eyes of participating students. See spectacular art, meet the artists in a relaxed environment and hear about their vision and inspiration, and enjoy refreshments. 

Content Guidance: Student artwork may explore mature themes.

*****

Student Art Exhibit at Studio Here Now
Monday, April 14 | 6 p.m.
Studio Here Now in Wads Studio G04W
Michigan Tech Art Series

Studio Here Now serves as a professional research lab and art studio for resident artists and Professor Anne Beffel. It invites artists to give talks, hosts creative groups to gather and share work, offers weekly open studio hours, gives critiques and serves as an alternative learning space for special projects by selected classes. Join students from across campus at the exhibition of their artworks. See photographs made from a contemplative point of view in nature spaces. Explore paintings informed by the study of color, mindfulness and human perception. Light refreshments provided.

Directions to Studio Here Now: The studio is located in Wadsworth Hall in Wads Studio G04W. Enter the front doors of Wadsworth Hall (on the south side of U.S. Highway 41). Take the stairs or elevator down one level to the basement. The studio is located between the WMTU broadcast studio and the music practice room down the hallway.

Content Guidance: This exhibition reception includes student artwork that may explore mature subject matter.

Carved and Crafted Catering at Michigan Technological University invites faculty, staff, and their guests to the C-Cubed Luncheon, held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. every Thursday in the Memorial Union Alumni Lounge (MUB 107).

Menu for Thursday, April 10:

• Barbecue Beef Brisket
• Chimichurri Charred Cauliflower (VG) (AG)
• Macaroni & Cheese (V) (PR)
• Coleslaw (V) (AG)
• Cookie Platter (V)

The C-Cubed lunch buffet menus are created and prepared by Chef Luis Delgado and his culinary team. As the name suggests, the meals are meant to foster conversation, community and collegiality. Attendees may bring their lunch instead of purchasing the buffet. Fruit-infused water, coffee and tea are available free to all attendees. All vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free items on the buffet are labeled for easy identification. Meals are for dine-in only, and personal containers and to-go meals are not permitted.

The buffet lunch is $15.50 per person. Cash, credit cards and gift cards are accepted. Gift cards can be purchased in the Memorial Union Office (MUB 101).

You can submit C-Cubed feedback using C-Cubed Survey/Comments form. To join the C-Cubed Luncheon Email List and receive weekly menus, please complete the sign-up form.

Job Posting for Monday, April 7, 2025

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.

Business Intelligence Analyst, Information Technology. 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.

NASA mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about its University Student Research Challenge, highlighting several projects selected for the challenge. The story featured “AeroFeathers,” a project led by Michigan Tech students that was selected for funding in 2023. The project focused on developing propeller blades and fixed-wing design concepts inspired by owl feathers.

*****

KOAM News Now of Pittsburg, Kansas, mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about a deep mapping project documenting the history of Picher, Oklahoma. The project will include a two-week session at Michigan Tech in July to enhance geospatial skills.

IPEC Funding: Small Grants for Faculty and Graduate Students

Michigan Tech's Institute for Policy, Ethics, and Culture (IPEC) is offering Faculty Seed Grants and Graduate Student Small Grants. The application deadline is Friday, April 11.

Application Forms:

• Graduate Student Small Grants: 
  IPEC Research Grant Application for Graduate Students

• Faculty Seed Grants: 
  IPEC Faculty Seed Research Grant Application

*****

ATM Colloquium: Grad Student Presentations

The following Atmospheric Sciences (ATM) graduate students will be presenting their research progress at an ATM Colloquium:

• Sabrina Li (advised by Xin Xi)

• Geeta Nain (advised by Pengfei Xue)

This will be an in-person event. The students will give their talks at 4 p.m. today, April 7, in Fisher 125.

Read the students’ presentation titles and abstracts at the University Events Calendar.

*****

Project Management Presentation with Gabrielle B. Haskins

Gabrielle B. Haskins, PMP, will discuss her career as a project manager today, April 7, from 11 a.m. to noon in AOB 101.

Haskins’ presentation is titled “My Project Management Journey.”

Haskins has worked in a variety of industries with both multinational companies and as a professional consultant. Currently she is president and CEO of Project Executive LLC. She has also served as the PMP mentor for College of Business Advanced Project Management teams for seven years.

Haskins holds her project management professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute, and is also a certified Kubernetes security specialist (CKS), an ICAgile certified professional (ICP), and a certified portfolio management professional (PfMP).

She has a decade of expertise in training and creating specialized curriculums in project management, and holds a B.S. in Food Science and Technology from McGill University and a master's certificates in project management and information technology project management from George Washington University.

*****

College of Sciences and Arts Entomologist Celebrates Release of Third Volume on Fruit Flies

What do super-rare fruit flies, more than four years of research and a children’s bedtime story have in common? They are all ingredients in The Encyclopedia of North American Drosophilids Volume 3: Drosophilids of the Northwest, authored by Thomas Werner (BioSci).

Werner, a North American fruit fly expert, entomologist and professor of genetics and developmental biology at MTU, is celebrating the release of the third volume in his encyclopedia series documenting fruit flies across the continent — and Huskies are invited. The Michigan Tech release party is planned from 3-5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9, in Library 243 and 244.

“The book is not so much about new discoveries, but instead is a comprehensive field guide to all drosophilid species inhabiting the Northwest of the U.S. mainland,” said Werner.

He will be joined by his two co-authors, Tessa Steenwinkel and John Jaenike, and illustrator Natalia Werner at the event.

Come pick up an autographed bookmark! Printed copies of Volume 3 will be available for guests to peruse. Refreshments will be served.

Read more about Volume 3 at the College of Sciences and Arts Newsblog.

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

PhD Defense: Seth Nelson

Monday, April 7, 10–11 a.m. | J. Robert Van Pelt and John and Ruanne Opie Library, 242

Applied Physics Advisor: Miguel Levy INTERACTIONS AND APPLICATIONS OF OPTICAL ANGULAR MOMENTUM IN MAGNETO-OPTICAL MATERIAL

*****

My Project Management Journey Presentation

Monday, April 7, 11–12 a.m. | Academic Office Building (AOB), 101

Gabrielle B Haskins, Project Management Professional (PMP®), will discuss her career as a project manager on Monday, April 7th from 11am-noon in Academic Office Building room...

*****

PhD Defense: Brilynn Janckila

Monday, April 7, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Rhetoric, Theory and Culture Co-advisors: Sarah Bell and Patricia Sotirin Barbie as Teen Girl Influencer for Little Girls Attend Virtually:...

*****

Master's Defense: Tyler White

Monday, April 7, 12–1 p.m. | Advanced Power Systems Research Center, Conference Room

Mechanical Engineering Advisor: Jeffrey Naber Development and Evaluation of a Monofueled Compression Ignition, Direct Injection, Natural Gas Heavy Duty Research Engine ...

*****

Master's Defense: Moses Tangwam

Monday, April 7, 1–2 p.m.

Geographic Information Science Co-advisors: Mickey Jarvi and Parth Parimalbhai Bhatt Evaluating Challenges and Solutions for Buckthorn Classification in Shadowed...

*****

Master's Defense: Elizabeth Ring

Monday, April 7, 1:30–2:30 p.m. | U. J. Noblet Forestry Building, 108

Forest Ecology and Management Advisor: Steven Voelker Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) Tree-Ring Growth and Carbon Stable Isotope Responses to Nitrogen and Climate

*****

Hot Cocoa Handout

Monday, April 7, 2–4 p.m. | Husky Statue

We offer free Hot Chocolate to all students from2 to 4pm near the Husky Statue every Monday!

*****

Master's Defense: Elochukwu Okoye

Monday, April 7, 2–3 p.m. | Memorial Union Building (MUB), 107A

Chemical Engineering Advisor: Robert Handler LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT OF RENEWABLE HYDROCARBON FUELS PRODUCED BY THE NEW COOL GAS TO LIQUID (COOL GTL) PROCESS

*****

Integrated modelling of the Earth and human systems: progress, challenges, and outlook

Monday, April 7, 3 p.m.

Environmental Engineering Graduate Seminar Dr. Claudia Tebaldi, Joint Global Change Research Institute (PNNL) Integrated modelling of the Earth and human systems: progress,...

*****

ATM Colloquium - Graduate Student Presentations (Li, Nain)

Monday, April 7, 4–5 p.m. | Fisher Hall, 125

Please join ATM graduate students, Sabrina Li and Geeta Nain for their presentations on Monday, April 7 at 4 PM - Fisher Hall 125. Sabrina Li (Advisor: Xin Xi) Understanding...

*****

Spring 2025: Girls' Basketball Little Huskies

Monday, April 7, 4–6 p.m. | Student Development Complex (SDC), Multipurpose Room, Varsity Gym

This camp is open to girls in grades 2 through 5. Learning skills, working in a team, and having fun: that’s Michigan Tech’s Little Huskies girls’ basketball camp. It’s a...

*****

Campus Policy Changes Q&A

Monday, April 7, 7–9 p.m. | Fisher Hall - Room 135

Ask Questions and Learn About the Latest Policies at MTU: - What recent federal policy changes mean for students and campus support - How services and program are...

*****

Psalm Bible Study

Monday, April 7, 7–8 p.m. | Wads Cafe

Want to see how the bible handles emotions? How it instructs us in righteousness? Eat cafe food, talk through the psalms, learn and grow with Pastor Brandon Charbonneau.