Graduate School Newsblog

Graduate Students Lexi Tater and Aritra Chakrabarty Honored with World Social Science Association Award

Published
By

The Graduate School is pleased to announce the well-deserved recognition of two outstanding graduate students, Lexi Tater and Aritra Chakrabarty, by the World Social Science Association for winning the Student Paper Award. This prestigious award, presented during the 67th Annual World Social Science Conference in Seattle, Washington (April 2-6, 2025), specifically recognizes the high quality of Lexi’s and Aritra’s research. This notable award acknowledges the thoroughness of their research and its capacity to develop insightful and compelling analysis in these vital areas.

Lexi Tater presented her research titled “Climate Planning and Energy Sovereignty Among Michigan’s Tribal Nations”. The exceptional quality and impact of Lexi’s work in the Sustainable Communities program highlight their dedication to rigorous research and their ability to produce insightful and compelling analysis that makes a meaningful contribution to the understanding of climate planning and energy sovereignty among Michigan’s Tribal Nations. 

Aritra’s compelling article, “Gender Equity through Renewable Energy Transition: Case Study of a Community Solar Program, India,” was honored for its significant contributions to the field and thoughtful examination of the crucial intersection between renewable energy transitions and gender equity within the context of an Indian community solar program.

The Graduate School is delighted to acknowledge the success of both Lexi Tater and Aritra Chakrabarty, and commends their dedication to valuable scholarly research. These awards highlight the impactful work being undertaken by graduate students at Michigan Technological University, supported by our dedicated faculty and staff.

Continue Reading →

Celebrating Our Huskies: Graduate and Professional Student Appreciation Week

Published
By
Celebrating Our Graduate and Professional Student Appreciation Week

We’re excited to announce that Governor Whitmer has officially proclaimed April 7th through April 11th, 2025, as Graduate and Professional Student Appreciation Week in the state of Michigan. This significant recognition, championed by the Michigan Association of State Universities (MASU), shines a light on the crucial role and immense value that graduate and professional students bring to our universities and the entire state.

As we approach this special week, the Graduate School wants to take a moment to express our sincere pride in each and every one of our graduate and professional students. Their commitment to scholarship, tireless pursuit of knowledge through research, and dedication to mastering their chosen fields are truly commendable. We witness firsthand the late nights in the lab, the thoughtful discussions in seminars, and the innovative ideas our students bring to life. The accomplishments of graduate students, both big and small, contribute significantly to the vibrant intellectual environment of Michigan Tech and have a lasting impact.

Graduate and Professional Student Appreciation Week is a chance for the entire university community to acknowledge and celebrate the vital role that graduate students play in our community.

Read Gov. Whitmer’s full proclamation.

Continue Reading →

Nominations Sought for KCP Future Faculty Fellowships

Published
By

Applications are being accepted for the KCP Future Faculty Fellowship, a program funded by the State of Michigan.  The purpose of the King-Chávez-Parks Future Faculty Fellowship Program is to increase the pool of academically and economically disadvantaged candidates pursuing faculty teaching careers in post-secondary education.  

Funding may begin in fall of 2025. Applications are due no later than 4pm on April 28, 2025.

Applicants will complete the following steps:

KCP fellowships provide students up to $20,000 (MS students) or $35,000 (PhD students) to pursue their degrees.  Funds may be used to support students, including faculty and staff, pursuing degrees at Michigan Tech.  For Michigan Tech students, the Graduate School and nominating department must also contribute matching funds to help support the student.

Complete information about eligibility criteria and materials needed for an application is available on our web page. Please note that applications will be submitted through the MILogin Citizens Portal. Questions about eligibility or the application procedure can be directed to Dr. Debra Charlesworth.

Continue Reading →

Expand Your World: GLAS Student Presentations at the Portage Lake District Library!

Published
By
GLAS Teaching Practices Spring 2025 - March 10th at Portage District Library 5:15pm until 7:00pm
Interested in Graduate Language Assessment and Support (GLAS) and how to get involved? Read more on out GLAS webpage.

Are you curious about the world beyond Houghton? Do you want to connect with the diverse international community at Michigan Tech? Mark your calendars for an enriching experience at the Portage Lake District Library on March 10th, from 5:15 PM to 7:00 PM! The Graduate Language Assessment and Support (GLAS) program is thrilled to present an evening of student presentations that promise to broaden your horizons and spark new connections.

A Window to the World:

This isn’t your typical lecture. Our GLAS students, hailing from diverse corners of the globe, will share personal stories, cultural insights, and glimpses into their academic pursuits and passions. Imagine hearing firsthand accounts of traditions you’ve only read about, discovering unique perspectives on global issues, and learning about the fascinating research happening right here at Michigan Tech. This is a chance to experience the world without leaving Houghton!

Why You Should Be There:

This event is perfect for:

  • Michigan Tech Students: Connect with fellow students from around the world, learn about different cultures, and expand your network. It’s a fantastic opportunity to build friendships and find study partners with diverse perspectives.
  • Michigan Tech Faculty: Gain valuable insights into the experiences of international students at MTU and discover new ways to foster global understanding in the classroom.
  • Houghton Community Members: Engage with the vibrant international community that enriches our town. Learn about different cultures and build connections with your neighbors.
  • Anyone with a Curious Mind: If you’re interested in learning about different cultures, hearing inspiring stories, and expanding your understanding of the world, this event is for you!

What to Expect:

The GLAS Student Presentations will be a dynamic and engaging event. Expect:

  • Fascinating Stories: Hear firsthand accounts from GLAS students about their home cultures, academic journeys, and personal passions.
  • Cultural Exploration: Immerse yourself in different cultures and perspectives through the stories and experiences shared by our students.
  • Community Building: Connect with GLAS students, faculty, and fellow community members, fostering understanding and appreciation for global community.
  • Thought-Provoking Discussions: Engage in conversations about cultural exchange, global citizenship, and the importance of cross-cultural perspectives.

Event Details:

  • Date: March 10th
  • Time: 5:15 PM – 7:00 PM
  • Location: Portage Lake District Library
  • Registration: No registration required! Just come and enjoy!

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with the global community at Michigan Tech! Mark your calendars and invite your friends, family, classmates, and neighbors. Let’s celebrate diversity and learn from each other!

We can’t wait to see you there!

Continue Reading →

Seth Kriz Represents MTU for MAGS Excellence in Teaching Award!

Published
By

We are pleased to announce that Seth Kriz has been selected to represent Michigan Technological University for the Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools (MAGS) Excellence in Teaching Award! Congratulations to Seth on this significant achievement!

Seth’s journey is a testament to his dedication to both research and teaching. He shares a powerful anecdote about his early college experience that ignited his passion for engineering and ultimately led him to Michigan Tech. A pivotal moment involved his engineering physics professor, Professor Joe, who spent two hours helping him debug a program. This experience instilled in Seth a deep appreciation for the impact of dedicated teaching.

Inspired by Professor Joe and other mentors, Seth pursued his own passion for education. He began as a writing center coach and later became the student coordinator of the chemical engineering learning center at Michigan Tech. His graduate advisor, Dr. Caryn Heldt provided him with the opportunity to teach a senior-level bioprocessing elective during the challenging lockdown period. This marked the beginning of his formal teaching career. Since then, Seth has served as instructor of record for four upper-level courses.

Seth’s philosophy of teaching strives to inspire his students, just as he was inspired, while also recognizing the valuable contributions they bring to the learning process. He believes that:

  • Effective teaching is student-centered.
  • Effective teaching is inspirational and empowering.
  • Effective teaching is a symbiotic relationship between an instructor and students.

We wish him the best of luck in the competition! His words resonate with the core values of education, highlighting the importance of mentorship, inspiration, and the dynamic exchange of knowledge.

Learn more about the MAGS awards and Mentoring resources to help you succeed.

Continue Reading →

Nominations open for summer 2025 fellowships from The DeVlieg Foundation

Published
By

Due to the generous support of The DeVlieg Foundation, the Graduate School is happy to accept nominations for 2025 summer fellowships.

All graduate programs may nominate one eligible PhD student per program.  The recipient will  receive a stipend for summer 2025 plus tuition support (one credit or three research credits for PhD candidates).  Eligible students will meet all of the following criteria:

  1. Must be a graduate student in the field supported by the DeVlieg Foundation:
    • Engineering
  2. Must be a US citizen or permanent resident.
  3. Must be enrolled in a PhD program.
  4. Must be nominated by student’s graduate program.  Each PhD program may nominate one student if the research conducted is related to the field(s) supported by The DeVlieg Foundation.
  5. Must not be supported by another funding mechanism while supported by The DeVlieg Foundation (part-time job, fellowship, GTA, GRA, etc.).

Nominations are due no later than 4pm on March 4, 2025 to the Graduate School. Graduate programs will upload their nominee’s application as a single PDF file.

Please see our web page for details on the application procedure and materials needed.  Each program may determine its own internal selection procedure.

Please contact the Graduate School with any questions.

Continue Reading →

Spring 2025 Finishing Fellowship Winners

Published
By

The Graduate School is thrilled to announce the winners of the Spring 2025 Finishing Fellowship! This prestigious award recognizes the hard work and dedication of doctoral students in the final stages of their research. By providing financial support and valuable mentorship, the Finishing Fellowship empowers these exceptional scholars to complete their dissertations and make significant contributions to their fields of study. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and excited to see the impact of their research.

The following students have been selected to receive the 2025 Spring Fellowship:

  • Oluwatosin Ayo
  • Kendall Belopavlovich
  • Xinqian Chen
  • Alex Czarniecki
  • Yifu Deng
  • Steven Ding
  • Larissa Juip
  • Kazeem Kareem
  • Akash Kumar
  • Jessica LaReaux
  • Seth Nelson
  • Elizabeth Novotny
  • Kyle Parker-Mcglynn
  • Eileen Reeves
  • Abel Reyes Angulo
  • Ryne Rutherford
  • Rhiannon Turner
  • Brennan Vogl
  • Yogita Warkhade
  • Karlee Westrem
  • Junyao Yang
  • Meiling Zhou

Learn more about the students listed above on our blog under Spring 2025 Finishing Fellowships.

Finishing Fellowships provide support to PhD candidates who are close to completing their degrees. These fellowships are available through the generosity of alumni and friends of the University. They are intended to recognize outstanding PhD candidates who are in need of financial support to finish their degrees and are also contributing to the attainment of goals outlined in The Michigan Tech Plan. The Graduate School anticipates funding up to ten fellowships with support ranging from $2000 to full support (stipend + tuition). Students who receive full support through a Finishing Fellowship may not accept any other employment. For example, students cannot be fully supported by a Finishing Fellowship and accept support as a GTA or GRA.

Congratulations to all the Spring 2025 Finishing Fellowship winners! We are excited to see what you accomplish in the coming months and years.

Find out more about the Finishing Fellowship and other awards available for graduate students at Michigan Technological University. You can also find additional funding information on our financial information webpage.

Continue Reading →

Finishing Fellowship- Spring 2025- Elizabeth Novotny

Published
By
Elizabeth Novotny, PhD in Rhetoric, Theory, and Culture

I began my PhD in Fall 2020 in the Department of Humanities interdisciplinary Rhetoric, Theory, and Culture program. Through my position as a Graduate Teaching Instructor, I quickly discovered my passion for teaching. At Michigan Tech, I have taught First-Year Composition and other writing courses, such as Advanced Composition and Technical and Professional Communication. I have also served as Assistant Director of our Composition Program.

These experiences led me to specialize in writing studies and my research focuses on the needs of student writers. My dissertation is a classroom research project that investigates how students conceptualize their agency as writers and how this impacts their writing practice. I designed lessons that introduced students to ways of thinking about agency and collected student work throughout a semester, which I analyze through holistic and longitudinal coding to determine the changes in student conceptions of their agency and the effect this has on their writing.

I am very grateful to receive this Doctoral Finishing Fellowship and extend my thanks to the Graduate School and the donors who make this fellowship possible. The time to focus on my research will be invaluable. I also want to thank my advisor, Oren Abeles, and committee members Holly Hassel and Jennifer Nish for consistently going above and beyond to support me and my work.

Continue Reading →

Finishing Fellowship- Spring 2025- Brennan Vogl

Published
By
Brennan Vogl, PhD in Biomedical Engineering

My journey at Michigan Technological University (MTU) began in 2015 when I attended the Summer Youth Programs Engineering Scholars Program. This transformative experience introduced me to the many engineering disciplines available at MTU and started my fascination with Biomedical Engineering. I vividly recall how excited I was to learn about the many ways biomedical engineers can make a meaningful impact in the world.

In 2016, I officially joined MTU as an undergraduate student in the Biomedical Engineering department. During my first year, I became a research assistant in Dr. Smitha Rao-Hatti’s lab, a role I held until my graduation in 2020. This early start in research motivated my passion for discovery and inspired me to pursue a Ph.D. in 2021 in the lab of Dr. Hoda Hatoum.

My doctoral research focuses on in vitro and in silico assessments of cardiovascular fluid dynamics, with the goal of understanding how cardiovascular diseases start and progress, and how effective some therapies are from a flow dynamics perspective. My work has primarily examined the performance of bioprosthetic aortic valves under various blood pressure states and the effects of atrial fibrillation and its treatments on left atrial flow dynamics. These experiences, especially leveraging a continuous interaction with collaborating cardiologists from all over the world, have solidified my commitment to advancing cardiovascular health through innovative engineering solutions.

I sincerely thank the Graduate School and the Graduate Dean Awards Advisory Panel for awarding me the Doctoral Finishing Fellowship. I am also deeply grateful to my advisor, Dr. Hoda Hatoum, for her guidance and support, which helped me grow as a researcher. I would also like to thank my lab members, collaborators, and the faculty and staff of the Biomedical Engineering Department for their continued support during my Ph.D. With this fellowship, I look forward to advancing my work and making a positive impact in the healthcare field.

Continue Reading →

Finishing Fellowship- Spring 2025- Steven Ding

Published
By
Steven Ding, PhD in Computer Science

I began my Ph.D. journey at Michigan Technological University in Fall 2018, joining the Department of Computer Science under the guidance of Dr. Scott Kuhl. Over the years, my research has spanned diverse fields, including computer graphics, human perception, and augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR). My dissertation, in particular, focuses on developing innovative interaction techniques for AR systems.

In this work, previously supported by funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF), I explore the use of acoustic sensors to transform everyday surfaces into intuitive interactive interfaces. By detecting and localizing taps on surfaces through advanced signal processing and algorithms, my system offers a natural, portable, and seamless way to interact with AR technologies. This approach addresses the limitations of traditional input methods in immersive environments, integrating AR more effectively into daily life and making it more accessible.

I am deeply grateful to Michigan Tech’s Graduate School and the Graduate Dean Awards Advisory Panel for awarding me the Finishing Fellowship, which enables me to focus on completing my research. I extend heartfelt thanks to Dr. Scott Kuhl and Dr. Keith Vertanen for their invaluable mentorship, which has been pivotal in navigating the challenges of interdisciplinary research.

Looking ahead, I am excited to share my findings with the academic and professional community, contributing to advancements in AR technology and enhancing how humans connect with the digital world.

Continue Reading →