Unscripted: Science and Engineering Research–

October 20, 2021

Guest Blog: Turning a Layoff into Creativity

Going with the flow is part of the daily work coordinating student accommodations to build inclusive research and scholarship spaces.

The pandemic’s impacts on our campus research ecosystem are many and varied. In her guest blog, disability services coordinator Christy Oslund shares how getting laid off and returning part-time opened creative opportunities. . . Read More

October 14, 2021

Guest Blog: Why We Built a Bug Robot That Can Surf

Hassan Masoud and his team, including doctoral student Mitchel Timm, built a robot that can manipulate surface tension to propel itself across the liquid surface with great speed and maneuverability. Image Credit: Mitchel Timm

In their guest blog, mechanical engineering professor Hassan Masoud and doctoral student Mitch Timm share how they built a tiny, self-powered robot inspired by water-skimming insects. . . Read More

October 14, 2021

Guest Blog: Building Mechanics Can't Work from Home

The pandemic hallways were quieter than campus at night â€” but the building mechanics still couldnâ€™t listen for problems from home.

The pandemic’s impacts on our campus research ecosystem are many and varied. In his guest blog, building mechanic Tom Polkinghorn shares how Facilities kept the doors open during the pandemic. . . Read More

October 12, 2021

Be Brief: Glider

Camaro the wave glider spent 25 days in Lake Superior on a primary productivity data-collecting mission for NOAA. Michigan Techâ€™s Great Lakes Research Center launched the glider and relayed commands to the vehicle during its deployment.

An autonomous voyage in the rough waters of Lake Superior is no sweat for a wave glider. . . Read More

October 05, 2021

Guest Blog: Faculty Witness COVID-19 Chain Reactions

Much like flood recovery, some faculty experienced lasting pandemic damage that needs to be dealt with in order for research to resume and some people experienced no effect at all.

The pandemic’s impacts on our campus research ecosystem are many and varied. In her guest blog, chemical engineer Rebecca Ong shares how cascading impacts pile up. . . Read More

September 23, 2021

Guest Blog: Researchers Break Digital Barriers

The pandemic was isolating for many, especially if they did not have the technical skills to navigate digital interactions. The Illuminated Devices project wants to help.

The pandemic’s impacts on our campus research ecosystem are many and varied. In his guest blog, computer scientist Charles Wallace shares how not meeting in person illuminated a new opportunity. . . . Read More

September 22, 2021

REVolution: Cleaner, Powerful Engines When They Can’t Be Electric

The REVolution engine uses a rotary exhaust valve (REV) to control emissions in a two-stroke engine while a supercharger ensures power and performance. Credit: Virginia Kamenitzer Ramsdell

Mobility is changing — it’s electrifying. But not every vehicle is suited for electric propulsion and heavy battery systems. That’s where the rotary exhaust valve (REV) is revolutionary. . . . Read More

September 14, 2021

How Has the Pandemic Impacted MTU Research So Far?

Water is beautiful, dangerous, always changing and teaches us a lot about how to go with the flow.

For some, the pandemic’s early days were an inconvenience. For many, jobs, projects, methodologies and support systems remain uncertain. But solutions, creativity and hope vary, too. . . Read More

August 31, 2021

Virus Hunters of the Upper Peninsula

Prior to using the KingFisher, lab staff had to manually pipette samples to extract RNA, which requires dexterity, precision, concentration and that most precious of resources: time.

At nearly 35,000 samples processed and counting, Michigan Tech’s COVID-19 Testing Laboratory is a lean needle-in-a-haystack hunting operation. . . Read More

August 26, 2021

Guest Blog: Learning Centers Help Students Get Comfortable with Discomfort

Michigan Techâ€™s learning centers offer coaching, peer-to-peer learning and support, which are all crucial during the pandemic.

For every hour in class, students are expected to put in three outside the lecture hall and lab. Learning centers are an important part of that time investment. . . Read More

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