Cognitive and Learning Sciences News

Tag: KBIC

Indigenous Peoples Day Drum Social

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The American Indian Science and Engineering Society at Michigan Tech invites you to the Indigenous Peoples Day Drum Social.

When: October 9th, 2023 at 3:00p.m.
Where: The Center for Diversity and Inclusion, Hamar House.

Indigenous Peoples Day is a federal holiday in the United States that celebrates and honors Indigenous American Peoples and commemorates their histories and cultures. Celebrations will be at the CDI with a local Ojibwe drum group named Four Thunders from Keweenaw Bay Indian Community. Stop by and have a listen!

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Jenna Messer receives the William and Josephine Balconi Community Service Award

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Jenna Messer

Outstanding students, staff and alumni were honored Friday, April 14, during Michigan Tech’s 29th annual Student Leadership Awards Ceremony in the Memorial Union Building Ballroom. Among those recognized was Jenna Messer, Social Sciences major pursuing a degree in Policy, Law and Society and a minor in Psychology. Jenna was selected for the William and Josephine Balconi Community Service Award.

The award is presented each year to a student who demonstrates community service with lasting and meaningful impact during their time at Michigan Tech. Dr. David and Marie Blum initiated this endowment in memory of Marie’s parents, Josephine and William Balconi, remembered as “always involved in helping others.”

Community Service with Lasting and Meaningful Impact

Jenna is part of Michigan Tech’s research team “Bridging Knowledge Systems and Expertise for Understanding the Dynamics of a Contaminated Tribal Landscape System (TLS). The project brings natural and social sciences researchers together with tribal community partners in the Upper Peninsula (U.P.) of Michigan to better understand toxic contamination and climate-related changes across the water-rich landscape. The team will map the extent of the region’s mercury and PCBs contamination in inland lakes, and concurrently, map tribal harvesting practices, valued resources, and climate-related changes across the landscape to categorize lakes as low, moderate or high risk. This research also aims to explore specific management and outreach decisions to minimize contamination risk and support human-environment relationships that promote the health and wellbeing of the U.P. environment and its communities.

Funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and in collaboration with the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, and Michigan Tech’s Great Lakes Research Center.

For more information on the project: https://www.mtu.edu/tribal-landscape/

Congratulations to Jenna and all recipients of the 2023 Student Leadership Awards!

Psychology plays a significant role in most aspects of our lives, including our choices, relationships, and how we work and learn. This makes our psychology minor a great compliment for many different majors. Having insight into people’s thoughts and behavior will give you an edge in almost any career—not to mention your personal life.

For more information: https://www.mtu.edu/cls/undergraduate/minors/

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Robin Chosa appointed to Michigan Board of Counseling

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Photo of Robin Chosa

Michigan Tech alumnus Robin Chosa has been appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to the Michigan Board of Counseling.

Chosa earned the degree Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Michigan Technological University in 2015 and is the operations manager for the Ford Center in Alberta. He is also chairman of the Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College Board of Regents and the owner of Rez Robbins LLC. The Baraga-based business operates as a food vendor providing catering for local festivals and pow wows on the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community.

Susie Amato-Henderson, associate professor and former CLS chair gave input on the nomination process. “They were hoping to find a candidate from the UP with strong community ties, ideally from a traditionally underrepresented community. Robin instantly came to mind as his tie to the whole community, and especially to the Ojibwa community, are strong. I knew that he had spoken out previously, following some tragic losses in the community, regarding the need for mental health treatment services. He will bring a much needed underrepresented perspective to the board.

Robin will serve as a strong advocate for the needs of rural communities, and also for the needs of indigenous communities and people. I know he will be a fantastic addition to the board!

Susie Amato-Henderson, CLS associate professor

If approved by the state senate, Chosa will represent the general public on the board, which oversees licensing of counselors and counseling practices.

The Department of Cognitive and Learning Sciences congratulates Robin on being appointed to this key post in the governor’s office.

Michigan Tech’s Department of Cognitive and Learning Sciences offers bachelor of science degrees in Psychology and Human Factors, along with a Minor in Psychology. We also offer an Accelerated Masters degree in Applied Cognitive Science and Human Factors (ACSHF), which typically requires only one additional year of course work. Our graduate program includes masters and doctoral degrees in Applied Cognitive Science and Human Factors (ACSHF).

Questions? Contact us at cls@mtu.edu. And follow us @clsmtu on Instagram and Facebook for the latest happenings.

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