Month: June 2013

Advisory Board Member: Nick Rosencrans

Nick RosencransNick Rosencrans is a usability consultant for the Office of Information Technology at the University of Minnesota. Nick studied communication and computer science while at Michigan Tech. His graduate work at the University of Minnesota focused on scientific and technical communication as well as human factors. Now he puts his skills to use by helping designers identify issues that affect people and their experience with products.

Emily Wolbeck wins Global Literacy Award

Emily Wolbeck is a Senior Materials Science Major at MTU

Global literacy is one of Michigan Tech’s eight student learning goals that were put in place in order to strengthen innovative student-centered programs and activities. Specifically, global literacy is the idea that students should be able to interact in meaningful ways with people of different cultures. In order to accomplish this goal, students are encouraged to strengthen their global knowledge and tolerance through the study of language and cultures.

This year, the Global Literacy Award was given to Material Science major, Emily Wolbeck. Emily will be a Senior in Fall working towards graduating in the Spring of 2014 with a Bachelors degree in Material Science along with an International French minor. She is also enrolled in the Pavlis Institute for Global Technological Leadership certificate program as well as active with IGTAAP – a program involved in aiding international teaching assistants in English skills and presentation strategies.

The money that Emily won will be used for her trip to study in Malta this summer. While abroad, Emily will lead a project with Mind Trekkers as well as student involvement in the Maltese Aviation Museum to help the museum portray American participation in the Air Battle of Malta during World War II.

Last summer, Emily studied art and photography in Paris where she was very comfortable conversing because of her French minor. However, she is looking forward to visiting a country where she doesn’t know the language because it gives her experiences to bring back to her IGTAAP students. “I think that working in a country where I cannot speak the language will give me good experience that I can share with my students” said Wolbeck. “We can compare notes with eachother.”

After graduation, Emily hopes to end up in Minnesota working in the Green Sector, still involved with her favorite hobby – photography, and making use of her experiences abroad.

Nate Anderson, Class of 2013


Nate Anderson
Nate Anderson is a recent graduate of Michigan Tech's STC program

Hello, my name is Nathan Anderson, and I just graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Scientific and Technical Communication (STC). Since the STC program covers so much material, there were many areas I could focus on while at Michigan Tech. My portfolio highlights more of the graphic design and web design side of the program, though I have learned much about writing and rhetoric—two elements that are often very foundational to effective communication.

Beyond the classroom, I have been involved heavily in Cru, formerly Campus Crusade for Christ. Through this organization, beyond learning many leadership skills, I have also been able to practice what I have learned in the classroom in “real-life” situations. As shown in my portfolio, I have made the website for Cru and designed many publications such as table tents, posters, fliers, logos, and more.

Although my current job as a direct care staff at a Christian therapeutic boarding school doesn’t appear to be the best fit for my degree, there are plenty of opportunities for writing technical documentation and I hope to teach some of the teens in my care how to do some web design. I am open to wherever God leads me and I know that what I have learned at MTU has prepared me to face the many challenges that will come in my future.

Melissa Wilber, Class of 2013

Melissa Wilber
Melissa Wilber is a recent graduate of Michigan Tech's STC program.

I graduated from Michigan Tech with a Bachelor of Science degree in Scientific and Technical Communication (STC).  My portfolio demonstrates some of the skills and knowledge that I gained through academic, internship, and personal experiences by highlighting some of the work I completed while attending Michigan Tech.

Beginning with the Digital Imaging course, I was able to learn about DSLR photography and photo editing.  Following the course, I started my own photography business and now I work as a professional wedding and portrait photographer in my spare time.

I also focused on technical writing, from rhetoric, to white papers, and even documentation design.  Usability and instructions writing were two of my favorite components of the STC program and I hope to continue developing these skills throughout my professional journey.

During my last year at Tech, I worked as a marketing and communications intern for Horner Flooring, in Dollar Bay, Michigan.  There, I wrote white papers used as marketing collateral, created renderings of floor designs, and enhanced the overall communication of the company.

I am currently working in the Technical Communications department at Kohler Company in Wisconsin.  I could not be more excited to continue building upon the skills that I learned at Michigan Tech and I am looking forward to my future as a technical communicator.