April 14, 2025

Students in Michigan Tech’s College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science are tapping into seasonal experiences found in thousands of acres of University-owned forests and coming out with delicious memories — and maple syrup!

Forest health expert Tara Bal (CFRES) began teaching her Maple Syrup Management and Culture class in 2015 at the Ford Center and Forest. Students collected sap from the Ford Research Forest and the village of Alberta, where Bal’s class used both a wood-fire evaporator and the traditional Native American method: bringing sap to a boil with fire-heated rocks in a hollowed-out maple log. The class started as an independent study with 19 students its first year and has been full with 40 students every year it has been held since then.

“That’s a lot of people to manage in the sugarbush!” said Bal. “I’ve had students from every college and department on campus in the class. It’s great that so many are excited about taking it. It fills up rapidly, within just a few days of registration opening every year.”

Check out what may be our sweetest story ever at Stories from Husky Nation.

This February, Michigan Tech faculty traveled to Suriname to build connections and help educate the next generation of scientists and researchers. Their trip was phase two of a U.S. Embassy-funded grant project focused on fostering sustainable development and promoting ethical research practices in the country.

Located in the northern region of mainland South America, Suriname has 93% forest coverage and zero net carbon emissions. Its rich biodiversity, unique forest ecosystems, and local scientists and experts present excellent opportunities for partnership and learning.

It was the third trip to Suriname for Parth Bhatt (CFRES), who attended and led workshops and demonstrated the use of drones to gather geospatial data from the richly biodiverse landscape.

“A major challenge the country faces is a shortage of highly trained professionals to help manage and preserve these resources effectively,” said Bhatt. “Strengthening educational and research collaborations can help bridge this gap by providing expertise in conservation, remote sensing, and sustainable resource management.”

Read more about the project's MTU and Surinamese collaborators at the College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science blog.

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

Our seventh award profile highlights the contributions of L. Brad King.

King, the Richard and Elizabeth Henes Endowed Professor of Space Systems in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, joined the Michigan Tech faculty in 2000, when the Enterprise Program was in its infancy. Not long after King’s arrival on campus, a group of students familiar with his space-related research approached him with an idea.

“They said there are a bunch of students at Michigan Tech who want to learn how to build satellites,” King remembers. “Not only did they want to build satellites, they had the idea to turn their projects into an Enterprise, and they asked me if I would advise them. I’ve been with the group since its founding, but the original idea was theirs. Aerospace Enterprise was truly started by students.”

Read more 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.

Michigan Tech’s Center for Educational Outreach is home to Upward Bound, a federally funded college access program that supports local high school students who are low-income and/or the first in their family to pursue college. Each summer, we host a five-week live-in Summer Program right here on campus for about 25 students in grades 9-12.

We’re currently looking for guest instructors and facilitators to lead engaging, hands-on sessions — think short workshops, activities or guest lectures. Sessions can range from one to three hours long, and you can join us once or weekly, depending on your schedule.

If you’re passionate about your field and excited to help students explore new ideas and careers, we’d love to have you be part of their journey.

Interested? Fill out our Guest Instructor/Facilitator Interest Form.

Let’s spark curiosity and build opportunity — together.

Human Resources will not have a regular on-site presence in the Memorial Union Building from May 5 through Aug. 8.

During this period, Human Resources will be available by appointment only on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Please reach out to hr-help@mtu.edu to schedule an appointment.

HR will resume regular full-day hours on Wednesdays and Thursdays in the MUB on Aug. 11.

Starting May 5, off-campus access to the campus Linux remote servers (Guardian and Colossus) will require a VPN connection.

These systems are also commonly known as:

• joshua.csl.mtu.edu, login.mtu.edu, or sftp.mtu.edu (guardian.it.mtu.edu)

• wopr.csl.mtu.edu (colossus.it.mtu.edu)

For help connecting remotely, please see the “Connecting to a campus Linux computer” Knowledge Base article.

If you have any questions about these changes, we can help. Email IT at it-help@mtu.edu or call 906-487-1111.

The art installation "Magdalena" by Associate Professor Lisa Gordillo (VPA) will open on Friday, April 18, at Trinity Episcopal Church in Houghton. The large-scale work of art was conceived as a place for grief, hope, comfort and care, and was inspired by the question: "How do we hold grief and hope together in our lives, honoring and making space for both?"

Gordillo created the works of art displayed in the space from research on sacred texts, ancient views of the cosmos and the idea that making space to sit with loss and with joy is powerful, tender and necessary.

The exhibit is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, with a noon liturgical service. During the installation, Gordillo will stitch the text of the ancient love poem, “Song of Songs,” across a linen cloth, and visitors are welcome to assist her.

The installation will change position between Friday night and Sunday, April 20, with visiting hours to continue on Wednesdays from 12-5 p.m., from April 23 through May 21.

Everyone is welcome.

The Modern Languages program is happy to host a celebration of our minor students, especially those graduating this spring 2025 with a minor in French, German or Spanish. We will gather today, April 14, from 6-7.30 p.m. in Walker 134.

Mingle with us, play games, meet people and have fun! Taste a snippet of our foods.

The Campus Store and University Images invite you to our annual Customer Appreciation Sale!

Today, April 14: Shop online at bookstore.mtu.edu and enjoy 25% off almost everything.

Wednesday, April 16: Stop by in person from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at both store locations to save in-store. (Union members receive an extra 5% off in-store.)

Whether you're picking up a grad gift, a diploma frame or something just for you, don’t miss these savings.

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

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. This free one-night-only exhibit is open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided.

Studio Here Now serves as a professional research lab and art studio for resident artists and Professor Anne Beffel. Artists are invited to give talks, host creative groups to gather and share work, hold weekly open studio hours and give critiques. The studio also serves as an alternative learning space for special projects by selected classes.

“Visitors will see a variety of works, from oceanic, gestural, colorful large-scale paintings to cozy and whimsical textile-inspired images; from floral art or works made of ink created from flowers to color studies as portraits of beloved family members; art about feathered and four-legged beings to fondly remembered or imagined places, memories of songs, and so much more,” said Beffel.

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.

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Concert: “State of Imagination” – Superior Wind Symphony & Campus Concert Band
Friday, April 18 | 7:30 p.m.
Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts
Michigan Tech Music Series

The Superior Wind Symphony and Campus Concert Band combine for their popular end-of-year concert, featuring imaginative masterpieces from the wind band literature.

The Superior Wind Symphony, conducted by Joel Neves, is the premier wind ensemble at Michigan Tech. Superior Winds is an auditioned ensemble of winds and percussion that performs the music of composers spanning five centuries, living and not, from all genders, ethnicities and genres. Their concerts offer symphonic thrills, innovative programming, fruitful collaborations and exciting premieres.

The Campus Concert Band, conducted by Jana Meckler, plays a variety of traditional and contemporary concert band literature as well as popular works. It shares concerts with the Superior Wind Symphony on the Rozsa stage and also performs at venues around the community.

Don’t miss this opportunity to catch them both live this Friday.

Get Tickets to “State of Imagination” — Pay As You’re Able Tickets are still available.

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Concert: “Considering Matthew Shepard” – Choirs of Michigan Tech
Saturday, April 19 | 7:30 p.m.
Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts
Michigan Tech Music Series

The public is invited to an evening of choral music with a combined performance by the Michigan Tech Concert Choir and conScience: Michigan Tech Chamber Singers. “Considering Matthew Shepard” is conducted by Jared Anderson with music by Craig Hella Johnson and texts by Michael Dennis Browne, Lesléa Newman and Craig Hella Johnson. The Grammy-nominated work is a powerful and compassionate response to the murder of Matthew Shepard 27 years ago.

Shepard, a gay college student at the University of Wyoming, was kidnapped, beaten, tied to a fence and left to die on the high plains on Oct. 6, 1998. “Considering Matthew Shepard” is a musical depiction of Shepard's life and the true events surrounding the circumstances of his murder, which led to the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, signed into federal law in 2009. The work invites performers and audiences to risk opening up to a story in which we must recognize the presence of the divine in everyone.

“Considering Matthew Shepard” was inspired and developed from “October Mourning: A Song for Matthew Shepard,” a book of poems written by Newman. Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event.

Get Tickets to “Considering Matthew Shepard” — Pay As You’re Able Tickets are available.

Content Guidance: This work includes references to homophobia, strong language, violence and death.

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 17:

• Chicken Tikka Masala (AG) (PR)
• Potato, Garbanzo and Pea Coconut Curry (VG) (AG)
• Basmati Rice (VG) (AG)
• Garam Cauliflower and Chickpea (VG) (AG) (CF)
• Garlic Naan (V) (PR)
• Kachumber Salad (VG) (AG)

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.

Thanks to all who have attended the Essential Education Workshops No. 1 and No. 2 during the spring 2025 semester. The Essential Education Implementation Leadership Team's goal is for these workshops to prepare those teaching Essential Ed courses for the full launch of the program in fall 2025, outlining the simple elements that will be integrated into your courses.

We recognize that some faculty and instructors may have found the workshop dates and times inconvenient. For those who were not able to attend one or both sessions, we have added additional sessions on April 29, the Tuesday after final exam week.

• Workshop No. 1
  Tuesday, April 29, from 10-11 a.m.
  MUB Alumni Lounge A and B
  This workshop will provide a brief overview of Essential Ed, walk you through how to complete the Essential Ed Course Planning Tool and connect courses to the Essential Ed framework, and help you align your course with the Essential Abilities.

• Workshop No. 2
  Tuesday, April 29, from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
  MUB Alumni Lounge A and B
  In this workshop, you will learn about Husky Folio and walk through the process of students uploading an assignment and reflection to Husky Folio. It also covers continuous improvement for Essential Abilities, and how to complete instructor Essential Ability reporting.

If you are interested in one or both of these workshops, please fill out the Essential Education April 29 Workshop sign-up form.

Again, we thank all the instructors who have attended the workshops so far. We greatly appreciate your questions and feedback, allowing us to address the needs of the many course curriculums across campus that Essential Education elements will be integrated into.

Please send any questions you may have regarding Essential Education Workshops to essential-ed-l@mtu.edu.

Two speakers will present at the next Environmental Engineering Graduate Seminar, which will take place at 3 p.m. today, April 14, in GLRC 202.

Presentation 1:
Xiusen Yang, Ph.D. student in environmental engineering, Michigan Tech, will present "From Review to Application: Using Silicone Wristbands for Personal Exposure Assessment in the REJuST Project."

Presentation 2:
Wesley Beck, environmental engineering Ph.D. student, Michigan Tech, will present "Determining Wildfire Risk in the Western Upper Peninsula using Four Fire Indices."

Read Yang's and Beck's abstracts and bios at the University Events Calendar.

Job Postings for Monday, April 14, 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.

Department Coordinator, Advanced Power Systems Research Center. Apply online.

Procurement Specialist, Advanced Power Systems Research Center. 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.

M. Bartley Seigel (HU) was a guest on the April 11 episode of Michigan Public’s “Stateside” radio show. Seigel discussed his recently published poetry collection, “In The Bone-Cracking Cold.”

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Robert Handler (ChE/CEGE/SS) and Adjunct Professor Joshua Pearce (MSE) were mentioned by Farm Progress in a story discussing the use of sheep to manage vegetation at solar farms. Their research highlighted sheep as an eco-friendly solution for vegetation control, making them ideal for agrivoltaic projects.

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The University of Wisconsin-Superior mentioned Distinguished Professor Emerita Nancy Langston (SS) in a story about her upcoming presentation on “Sustaining Lake Superior.” Langston will discuss sustaining the lake amidst political and environmental challenges on April 24.

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Great Lakes Now quoted Jared Wolfe (CFRES) in a story about the importance of forest management in supporting food security and biodiversity, particularly for rural and Indigenous communities. The story was picked up from Great Lakes Echo.

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WLUC TV6 covered a garbage truck fire that temporarily closed Cliff Drive on Michigan Tech’s campus on April 10. The fire, which was located near the Rozsa Center and Douglass Houghton Hall, was extinguished without injuries.

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13 WREX in Rockford, Illinois, mentioned Michigan Tech in coverage of the National Fluid Power Association’s Fluid Power Vehicle Challenge. The competition brought together students from nine universities, including MTU, to compete in speed, endurance and hydraulics challenges using human-powered and fluid-powered technology.

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Lake Superior Magazine mentioned Michigan Tech in a roundup of upcoming events, highlighting the Eastern Great Lakes ASCE Student Symposium hosted by MTU from April 10-12.

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USA Hockey mentioned former Michigan Tech hockey player Steve Jensen in a story about the camaraderie among adult hockey players. 

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All Together, the official blog of the Society of Women Engineers,  featured Michigan Tech alum Romana Carden ’19 (B.S. Engineering Management) in a story about her journey into engineering. Carden discussed how her passion for FIRST Robotics, her determination to overcome challenges in math and science, and her experience as a components development engineer have shaped her journey to success in engineering.

Third Thursday Info Session Highlighting Online MS in Civil Engineering

It's the end of the term, but the Michigan Tech Global Campus team invites you to take time from your busy day to join us virtually on Thursday, April 17, at 11:30 a.m. to learn about Tech's online Master of Science in Civil Engineering.

This will be the second virtual information session in Global Campus' Third Thursday Series. Please consider joining us and representatives from the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering.

You’ll learn about the online M.S. in Civil Engineering program’s three focus areas and its stackable certificates — some of which, like Timber Building Design, are unique to MTU. You’ll also discover how to integrate an in-demand Asset Management Certification into your degree.

Members of the Global Campus team will also be on hand to answer questions about accelerated options and the admissions process.

Attend for yourself or for a friend. Everyone is welcome!

Register for the Third Thursday Info Session.

If you have any questions about the online civil engineering master's degree, please email Qingli (Barbara) Dai at qingdai@mtu.edu. Need info about the online session? Contact Amanda Irwin at globalcampus@mtu.edu.

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ATM Colloquium: Grad Student Presentations

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

• Zaid Bakri (advised by Claudio Mazzoleni)

• Swafuva Varappillikudy Sulaiman (advised by Will Cantrell)

This will be an in-person event. The students will give their talks at 4 p.m. today, April 14, in Fisher 125.

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

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ACSHF Forum: Grad Student Presentations

The Department of Psychology and Human Factors will host two speakers at the next Applied Cognitive Science and Human Factors (ACSHF) Forum: Jennifer Drewyor and Brandon Woolman, both ACSHF Ph.D. students. Their presentations will be from 2-3 p.m. today, April 14, in M&M 610.

Drewyor will present "Scaffolding Computational Thinking Through Visual Programming: An Exploratory Pre-Post Study of Knowledge Transfer."

Woolman will present "A Robotic Object Hit and Avoid Task is Sensitive to Executive Dysfunction in Older Adults with Signs of Dementia."

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

Master's Defense: Daniel Masker

Monday, April 14, 8–9 a.m. | Rekhi Hall, 101

Computer Science Advisor: Leo Ureel Finding Antipatterns Across Languages With Abstract Syntax Trees Attend Virtually: https://michigantech.zoom.us/j/88458804858

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Odyssey - Spring Student Art Showcase - Michigan Tech Art

Monday, April 14, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. | Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts, Rozsa Art Galleries

MICHIGAN TECH ART SERIES EVENT The Odyssey is an artistic journey into the heart of one class' studio art practice- Fiber Arts 2170- as they present artworks made during the...

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Foundations and Other Funding

Monday, April 14, 12–1 p.m.

Join us for a session on strategically approaching foundations and other sponsors. During this session, we will explore the key differences between these funding sources and...

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ACSHF Forum: Jennifer Drewyor, ACSHF PhD Student, & Brandon Woolman, ACSHF PhD Student

Monday, April 14, 2–3 p.m. | Minerals and Materials Engineering Building (M&M), 610

The Department of Psychology and Human Factors will host two speakers at the next Applied Cognitive Science and Human Factors forum on Monday, April 14, 2025. Jennifer...

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Hot Cocoa Handout

Monday, April 14, 2–4 p.m. | Husky Statue

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

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Environmental Engineering Graduate Seminar

Monday, April 14, 3 p.m. | Great Lakes Research Center (GLRC), 202

Xiusen Yang, Ph.D. student in Environmental Engineering, Michigan Technological University From Review to Application: Using Silicone Wristbands for Personal Exposure...

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ATM Colloquium - Graduate Student Presentations (Bakri, Sulaiman)

Monday, April 14, 4–5 p.m. | Fisher Hall, 125

Please join ATM graduate students, Zaid Bakri and Swafuva Varappillikudy Sulaiman for their presentations on Monday, April 14 at 4 PM - Fisher Hall 125. Zaid Bakri (Advisor:...

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Spring 2025: Boys' Basketball Little Huskies

Monday, April 14, 4–6 p.m. | Student Development Complex (SDC), Varsity Gym

Learning skills, working as a team, and having fun: that’s Michigan Tech’s Little Huskies boys’ basketball camp. It’s about the best introduction to basketball you can...

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Modern Languages Cultural Celebration

Monday, April 14, 6:00–7:30 p.m. | Walker Arts and Humanities Center, 134

Modern Languages & Cultures is happy to host a celebration of our Minor students, especially those graduating this Spring 2025 with a minor in French, German or Spanish. We...

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Student Exhibit - Studio Here Now

Monday, April 14, 6 p.m. | Wadsworth Hall, Studio G04W

MICHIGAN TECH ART SERIES EVENT Join students from across campus at the exhibition of their art works. See photographs made from a contemplative point of view in nature...

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April General Meeting

Monday, April 14, 7–8 p.m. | Fisher 101

Ruben Pena of Ensco will give an in-person presentation, Subway will be provided.

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April Meeting

Monday, April 14, 7–8 p.m. | Fisher 101

Ruben Pena of ENSCO presenting in person, Subway will be provided.

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Psalm Bible Study

Monday, April 14, 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.