College of Business Welcomes New Faculty Members


The Michigan Tech College of Business is pleased to introduce its new faculty members: Giridhar Reddy Bojja, assistant professor of information systems and analytics, and Steven Holloway, assistant teaching professor of economics. Both bring a wealth of research and teaching experience to the college.

Giridhar Reddy Bojja, Assistant Professor of Information Systems and Analytics

Giridhar Reddy Bojja, Assistant Professor of Information Systems and Analytics

Giridhar Reddy Bojja brings academic expertise in management information systems, analytics, and computer science, as well as industry experience as a data scientist and engineer.

Bojja started his career as a business intelligence developer at Sanford Health, where he was drawn to the vastness of the healthcare sector, which eventually became his primary research stream. He also worked as a data engineer at Johnson & Johnson and Sharecare and as an engineer for Amazon Business Upstream Analytics.

In his health information technology research, Bojja investigates IT capabilities and outcomes and design science research to build IT artifacts. In his data science research, he explores social network analysis and predictive analytics.

Read more about Giridhar Reddy Bojja.

Steven Holloway, Assistant Teaching Professor of Economics

Steven Holloway, Assistant Teaching Professor of Economics

Steven Holloway’s primary research investigates intertemporal choice through a behavioral economics lens, an interest that stems from his fascination with the human mind. “I love developing models that attempt to approximate the complex processes our brains use to make decisions,” Holloway explains.

Holloway’s teaching philosophy is based in his desire for inclusion and equity in his field, and helping students find their passion is one of teaching’s biggest rewards. “I feel very privileged to be able to impart knowledge to students, knowing that some lesson of mine may be the spark that shapes the path of someone’s academic and professional career,” Holloway says. “It’s an added bonus when I get to see that passion firsthand.”

Read more about Steven Holloway.

Jaxon Verhoff and Samantha Ludwik of Dow to Present Sales and Marketing Talk

Jaxon Verhoff ’22 and Samantha Ludwick ’24, both with Dow, will present a sales and marketing talk, “Navigating the B2B Landscape: Dow’s Approach to Sales and Marketing,” on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at 2 pm via Zoom online meeting. All College of Business students are invited to attend.

The lecture is presented as part of a Sales and Sales Technology class (MKT 4100) instructed by Junhong Min, Associate Professor of Marketing and the Richard and Joyce Ten Haken Faculty Fellow in Business.

Join the Zoom meeting.


Jaxon Verhoff, a senior marketing specialist, started at Dow two years ago as an intern on the digital experience team, where he focused on digital marketing and search engine optimization. In summer 2023, he joined the marketing function at Dow through the Marketing Development Program (MDP). During the first eight months in the MDP, Verhoff focused on aircraft deicing fluid, building a market guidance dashboard in Power BI for Dow Industrial Solutions (DIS), piloting the digital improvement team for Dow’s Crop Solver tool, and leading the market segmentation effort within our sustainability decarbonization team.

Verhoff is now a senior marketing specialist at Dow with market management responsibilities within oil and gas in North America with various global responsibilities. He graduated from Michigan Tech in December 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from the College of Business. During his time at Tech, Verhoff enjoyed exploring the Keweenaw, participating in the American Marketing Association (AMA) club and competitions, and spending time tossing around a football on Walker Lawn.

Samantha Ludwick

Samantha Ludwick graduated from Michigan Tech in 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. Upon graduation, she joined Dow with the Commercial Development Program (CDP) as a sales specialist. Through the CDP program, Ludwick is gaining state of the art sales training and the networking and project management experience required to become a successful sales professional.

Ludwick’s background is largely technical. At Michigan Tech, she worked with the Tanasova Research Lab conducting undergraduate research in novel organic compounds, specifically with novel anti-tumor drug candidates. In the Department of Chemistry, she coached students in general, organic, and physical chemistry in the Chemistry Learning Center. Ludwick gained professional experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing through internships at Pfizer.
She is passionate about giving back to the Husky community and is excited to provide insight into sales at Dow, a leading innovator in material science.

Alumni Jon Dowling Retires from City of Jackson After 31 Years

Jon Dowling poses for a photo in his office on Sept. 3, 2024 in Jackson, Michigan. After more than 30 years serving as city engineer, Dowling is set to retire on Sept. 6. (Mitchell Kukulka | MLive.com) Mitchell Kukulka | Mkukulka@mlive.com

Michigan Tech alumnus Jon Dowling ’80 BS in Civil Engineering and ’82 Master of Business Administration, has retired from the city of Jackson, Michigan, after a more than 31-year career with the city, and as city engineer since 1999. During his service to the city, Dowling managed numerous significant construction and infrastructure improvement projects.

Retiring city engineer has spent 3 decades designing Jackson’s future

From mLive; by By Mitchell Kukulka; published September 3, 2024

JACKSON, MI – Jon H. Dowling is set to end his career with the city of Jackson on Friday, Sept. 6, after more than 31 years of service reshaping the city and its future.

Dowling, 66, was born and raised in Jackson, initially working for the city as a civil engineer beginning in December 1981. He worked in this position for about six years before leaving to work in the private sector, also serving a stint as assistant city engineer for the city of Lansing.

Dowling returned to Jackson in 1999 to take over as city engineer, and has had the title for the last 25 years. Now a few short months shy of turning 67, Dowling said the time is right to move on to the next phase of his life. “I’m old enough – it’s time to hang it up,” Dowling said, with a
laugh.

Across his three decades of service to the city, Dowling has managed numerous significant construction and infrastructure improvement projects, Mayor Daniel Mahoney said during the August Jackson City Council meeting.

“The city has benefitted greatly from Mr. Dowling’s service here with his expansive knowledge of the workings of this city’s government,” Mahoney said. “Whether in his area of engineering expertise, in budgeting and fiscal knowledge or his unmatched knowledge of City Hall and Jackson community historical information, (Dowling) will be sorely missed.”

Among the major projects spearheaded by Dowling were renovations to Jackson City Hall; implementing two-way conversions on several city streets; further development of city trail, sewer and water systems; several multi-million dollar contracts with the Michigan Department of Transportation. Mahoney joked that Dowling’s middle initial “H” stood for
“Helping this city.”

In addition to overseeing several projects that have improved traffic and parking availability in Jackson, Dowling lists the removal of the Grand River cap in 2000 – which got rid of a box culvert along the Grand River blamed for several drowning deaths and the expansion of Consumers Energy’s downtown campus among his proudest accomplishments.

Dowling attended Jackson Public Schools before earning an associate’s degree from Jackson College. He earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a later a master’s degree in business administration from Michigan Technological University. Troy White, current assistant city engineer, will take over Dowling’s role in September. White, a graduate of Jackson High School and Michigan Tech, has worked for Jackson’s engineering department since 2005.

“(White) understands both sides of dealing with businesses, and how design works for both small and large projects,” Dowling said. “He’s going to fit in real well.”

Dowling said he plans to spend a “fair amount” of his postretirement travelling. A lifelong lover of nature, Dowling is looking forward to visiting as many of the country’s national parks as he can.

During the first week of his retirement, Dowling said he’s leaving on a long vacation with his wife to see the sights of the Pacific Northwest.

Huskies on the Rise: Michigan Tech Welcomes a Thriving Pack

The Michigan Tech waterfront campus

Michigan Technological University continues to build momentum, welcoming its largest student body in decades. This fall, Michigan Tech opened its doors to 7,430 students, marking another year of enrollment growth and reflecting the growing demand for a Michigan Tech education.

This year, Michigan Tech’s overall enrollment has increased by 110 students, bringing the total to 7,430 — a 1.5% rise from last year. This continues Tech’s steady trend of growing enrollment, marking the largest student body on campus since 1982. Undergraduate enrollment has seen a significant boost, up by over 2%. The University also achieved its highest-ever retention rate at 88.7%, reflecting its commitment to student success.

Graduates are also seeing significant returns on their investment, with a median early career salary of $80,300. This strong earning potential contributes to Michigan Tech’s rankings by The Wall Street Journal as No. 3 for Best Salaries among public colleges in the U.S. and No. 15 among all colleges.

“I am enthusiastic about Michigan Tech’s continued growth,” said University President Rick Koubek. “It’s a testament to the value our students place on a degree from Tech, which was recently affirmed by our ranking as Michigan’s No. 1 public university for salary impact, according to The Wall Street Journal.”

Michigan Tech’s steady enrollment growth is a result of the Campus Master Plan, which sets a deliberate course of expansion that ensures the University continues to offer a high-quality education while strategically enhancing its campus and resources. By focusing on purposeful growth, MTU is drawing talented students from across the nation and around the world, while maintaining the close-knit community and personalized educational experience the University is known for.

Innovation in Education and Research

Michigan Tech’s commitment to advancing education and research is exemplified by the recent opening of the H-STEM Engineering and Health Technology Complex (H-STEM Complex) in April 2024. The H-STEM Complex serves as a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration, offering students hands-on research opportunities in cutting-edge fields such as biomedical engineering, kinesiology and integrative physiology.

The addition of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program has further boosted enrollment in health disciplines, signifying the University’s strategic response to the growing demand for health care professionals. As health care continues to evolve, Michigan Tech remains at the forefront, preparing students to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

“Our new academic programs are playing a key role in driving steady enrollment growth, particularly in fields like health and technology. The H-STEM Complex and the College of Computing exemplify how Michigan Tech is advancing interdisciplinary education and research, offering students hands-on opportunities that prepare them for the demands of tomorrow’s industries,” said Andrew Storer, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “These initiatives not only attract a diverse group of students but also ensure they graduate ready to make a significant impact in their careers. We continue to work to make sure all of our academic programs are of outstanding quality and at the forefront within the discipline areas that they represent.”

The emphasis on hands-on, student-led research continues to be a major draw for students, with Michigan Tech positioned to address global challenges through innovative research in areas such as sustainable technologies, advanced computing and cybersecurity. Students are not just participating in these efforts — they are leaders, contributing to projects with real-world impact.

Enhancing the Student Experience

In alignment with the Campus Master Plan, Michigan Tech is committed to enhancing the student experience through significant campus developments. The construction of a new residence hall, designed to accommodate the growing student body, is underway, offering modern and collaborative living spaces that foster a strong sense of community. This new residence hall is part of the University’s broader vision to create a vibrant, inclusive campus environment that supports student success both in and out of the classroom.

Following the completion of the new residence hall, the University intends to construct a Center for Convergence and Innovation to further elevate Michigan Tech as a leader in interdisciplinary research and industry collaboration. This facility will be a central component of Tech’s efforts to integrate education, research and industry, providing students in both the College of Computing and the College of Business with unparalleled opportunities to engage in collaborative real-world problem-solving.

“It’s important that our physical facilities properly reflect the excellence that resides in our students, faculty and staff, which is why we will continue to prioritize investments in our campus infrastructure,” said Koubek.

Campus Enhancements in Progress

In alignment with the Campus Master Plan, Michigan Tech is transforming its campus with several key construction projects:

  • East Hall Construction: New residence hall for over 500 students, completion expected in fall 2025.
  • Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts Bathroom Remodel: Adding public restrooms and wellness rooms, completed in August 2024.
  • Daniell Heights Renovations: Upgraded student housing, completed in August 2024.
  • McNair Dining Hall Remodel: Overhauled dining and kitchen areas, completed in August 2024.
  • John MacInnes Student Ice Arena Upgrades: Improved air handling and dehumidification systems, completed in August 2024.
  • These projects reflect Michigan Tech’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art facilities that support both academic excellence and student well-being.

Expanding Research Impact and Scope

With over $100 million in research expenditures last year, Michigan Tech is solidifying its place among the nation’s top research universities. The University continues to expand its research footprint in the Lower Peninsula and beyond, enhancing its capabilities across multiple key research centers. MTU’s Translational Health Engineering Research Center (THERC) is set to become a nationally recognized hub for collaboration between industry, researchers and clinicians, driving health research innovation. Additionally, the Michigan Tech Research Institute (MTRI) continues to excel in many research disciplines, including remote sensing and environmental monitoring. Coupled with strategic partnerships at the American Center for Mobility, these initiatives highlight Michigan Tech’s commitment to addressing global challenges.

“As we continue to expand our impact in lower Michigan, we can look forward to more success from new additions THERC and ACM, and continued growth from MTRI,” said Barnard. “The research success of the University depends on the dedicated students, staff and faculty whose ideas move from ideas to basic and applied research, and eventually transition to products and services that impact people and communities around the world.”

Preparing for the Future

As Michigan Tech continues to grow, MTU graduates remain highly sought after by employers. With strong programs in mechanical, chemical and aerospace engineering, as well as a growing focus on emerging fields, the University’s industry connections ensure students receive the hands-on experience they need to excel in their careers.

“MTU students are in high demand, and it’s easy to see why,” said Michelle Scherer, dean of the College of Engineering. “The hands-on experiences they gain, like working in our chemical engineering facility and participating in student-led Enterprises, are remarkable. Our students, including those designing nanosatellites for NASA, handle real projects from start to finish. It’s no wonder employers are eager to hire them.”

The demand for Michigan Tech graduates remains strong, with a 93% five-year average placement rate. The upcoming fall Career Fair, set for Sept. 24, is expected to be one of the largest in the University’s history, with 385 companies recruiting on campus.

Looking forward, Michigan Tech’s focus remains on strategic growth that aligns with the evolving needs of students and the demands of industry. This year’s overall enrollment is not just a reflection of past success, but a promise of what’s to come — a future where Michigan Tech continues to lead in innovation, collaboration and real-world impact.

Michigan Technological University is a public research university founded in 1885 in Houghton, Michigan, and is home to more than 7,000 students from 55 countries around the world. Consistently ranked among the best universities in the country for return on investment, Michigan’s flagship technological university offers more than 120 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science and technology, engineering, computing, forestry, business and economics, health professions, humanities, mathematics, social sciences, and the arts. The rural campus is situated just miles from Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, offering year-round opportunities for outdoor adventure.

Houghton-based startup wins ‘Most Investable Company’ at Demo Days in Detroit

The start up company Integrated Molecular Innovations (imi) has been awarded the People’s Choice Award and judged the Most Investable Company at a Demo Days competition in Detroit this month.

Owned by Michigan Tech biomedical engineering major Rourke Sylvain, imi is a biosensing venture that empowers individuals to take control of their health through innovative, non-invasive, and continuous monitoring technology.

Sylvain is active in the Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization (CEO), a student organization supported by the MTU College of Business. In recent CEO-affiliated pitch competitions, including the Rice Business Plan Competition and Central Michigan University’s New Venture Challenge, imi was awarded thousands of dollars.

Sylvain’s awards were the subject of a recent A TV6 News story, which appears below.

Houghton-based startup wins ‘Most Investable Company’ at Demo Days in Detroit

From TV6 News; by Audrey Stetson; published: Aug. 29, 2024
Read the original story.

UPPER MICHIGAN (WLUC) – A Houghton-based startup has big plans to revolutionize health care.

Integrated Molecular Innovations just won two awards. IMI is designing a bio-wearable device that could predict health problems before they happen.

IMI Founder Rourke Sylvain says the quality of peoples’ lives could be drastically impacted by this new technology.

“This health care system that we’re in right now is these reactive diagnostics,” Sylvain said. “We wait to get sick and then we go figure out why we get sick. It’s really critical that we have these technologies that can provide us this information before we even get sick.”

He compares it to the Apple Watch but with better technology for providing users with more precise insights to their health. The device continuously monitors molecular information in sweat.

“Now, our early products will be glucose and lactate sensors,” Sylvain said. “We’ll be targeting endurance athletes that need to monitor their energy levels and their exercise intensity. As the technology advances, we’ll disseminate the product to the masses.”

The MTEC SmartZone hosted its first ever 16-week Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Program Accelerator over the summer. Five groups, including IMI, learned about the early stages of business.

It culminated in a Demo Days competition in Detroit. There, the audience voted for IMI to win the People’s Choice Award and a panel judged the startup as Most Investable Company, based on a variety of factors.

“What does the growth look like for this?” AMMP Accelerator Co-Director Katie Kirsch asked. “How big is the market size? Does the team actually have a very logical and coherent plan in order to meet those milestones with whatever money they would receive?”

IMI will reinvest the $5,000 it won into product development. Kirsch says it was exciting to showcase what innovative technologies can come out of the Keweenaw Peninsula.

This innovation may someday improve our health.