Category: News

Unscripted Geoheritage: More than a Boulder

Geoheritage BoulderThe rocks of the Keweenaw Peninsula are ancient and full of history. Most are more than one billion years old and hold one of the world’s few native copper deposits. In their guest blog, part of a series on local geoheritage, Erika Vye and Bill Rose explain the importance of a single Copper Country boulder.

The North Houghton County Sewage Authority hit a boulder during work south of Calumet. The boulder is large—nearly seven feet across—but that’s not what makes it unusual. The rock type is a rare sight at the surface and is chock full of copper. The rock is part of the Calumet and Hecla Conglomerate, a formation considered the mother lode of the Keweenaw Peninsula, and represents an important part of the region’s history.

Read more at Unscripted: Science and Research by Bill Rose and Erika Vye.

CareerFEST Robotics and Control Day is September 14, 2016

Robotics Day

VIEW THE PHOTO GALLERY

Robotics and Controls Day— 11 a.m Wednesday (Sept. 14).  Robotics and controls are everywhere—manufacturing, engines, medicines and more. Students will learn how these marvels make everything work and speak with industry reps about their companies and job opportunities. Located in the CareerFEST Tent. Participating companies include Kimberly-Clark, Plexus, Georgia-Pacific, Miller Welders, Whirlpool, Leidos and Industrial Control.

From Tech Today, by Career Services.

EPA Taps Tech as Home of Regional Environmental Infrastructure Center

The EPA named Michigan Tech the new home of its Region 5 environmental finance center, a recognition that comes with a six-year grant of up to $5.6 million.  EPA Region 5 covers Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio.

An EPA team will be at Tech to conduct a site visit on Sept. 13-14, 2016.

Engineering, Business Resources

“The depth of engineering resources that we have, our business school’s involvement and the fact that a multidisciplinary approach is the norm here all made our application stand out,” says Tim Colling. The principal investigator on the EPA center, Colling also directs Tech’s Center for Technology and Training (CTT), part of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE). There are several co-PIs from various University departments, centers and institutes, including CEE, the Sustainable Futures Institute, Michigan Tech Transportation Institute (MTTI) and the School of Business and Economics.

Read more at Michigan Tech News, by Jennifer Donovan.

CareerFEST Energy Day is September 16, 2016

Energy Day— 11 a.m. Friday (Sept. 16). Students will learn about the diverse aspects of the energy industry, including oil and gas, electric and alternative energies. Company reps will be there to tell you about their industry, company and job opportunities. Campus Mall and CareerFEST Tent. Participating companies include Marathon, DTE Energy, Wolverine Power Cooperative, WEC Energy Group, ITC, MISO, ATC, MacLean-Fogg, Systems Control, Detroit Stoker Company, Flint Hills Resources, HDR Inc., and Mortenson Construction.

From Tech Today, by Career Services.

Presenters Needed for Water Festival

World Water DayPresenters are sought for a water festival for students in grades four through eight. The festival takes place on Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, at Michigan Tech’s Great Lakes Research Center.

Consider being a presenter and sharing your expertise and passion for the Great Lakes and STEM careers.

A total of 20 presenters are needed for the 8:45 to 11:35 a.m. Morning Session and 20 presenters for the Afternoon Session, noon to 2:55 p.m. Those interested can present at either or both sessions.

If interested in presenting, reply at your earliest convenience via email to Joan Chadde or call the office at 7-3341.

Tell us your topic, a short description (2-3 sentences) and if you’re available morning, afternoon or both.

Read more at Tech Today, by Joan Chadde.

Enrollment Up for Engineering

EngineeringMichigan Tech submitted its official fall enrollment figures to the state last night.

Undergraduate enrollment totaled 5,827. New first-year undergraduate enrollment rose 8 percent over last year with 1,580 students starting classes last week, 119 more than last year. This is the largest incoming undergraduate first-year class since 1983.

Majors in computer science, general engineering, environmental engineering, mechanical engineering technology and forestry saw some of the biggest gains. The academic profile of the entering class has never been higher, with an average ACT composite score of 27.2, compared to 26.8 last year. And Michigan Tech has never had a more domestically diverse undergraduate entering class, with 9 percent of this year’s entering class composed of underrepresented populations.

Read more at Michigan Tech News, by Jennifer Donovan.

STEM Outreach Influences Engineers

MySanAntonio, a web site featuring news about San Antonio, Texas, people, published an article about Melanie McCoy, an engineer and the only female power and water supervisor in Texas. McCoy mentioned Michigan Tech’s Summer Youth Program and its influence on young people going into STEM fields. Read the article here.

From Tech Today.

Sebewaing supervisor is only woman to hold such position in state

“Back then, and even now, there are very few female engineers. That is a shame — it’s an open field (for jobs) for everyone,” she said. “The focus now is to get more girls and woman interested in STEM academics and in engineering jobs.”

An education in STEM classes can go for engineering, manufacturing, agriculture, chemical fields, among others.

“Engineering has some of the best jobs in the world. I love it,” McCoy said.

“Each summer, Michigan Tech (college) hosts a program on STEM for juniors and sophomore students,” said McCoy. “About 65 percent of those to attend the program go on to college.”

Read more at MySanAntonio, by Mary Drier.