Day: September 10, 2025

Good News From The Graduate School

All of us in the Graduate School are excited to see you and help you succeed. Make sure to check your email frequently for any updates from the Graduate School. New this year, check the Graduate School Blog for updates, news, and funding opportunities!

Michigan Tech Experience


Take a moment to explore and bookmark the Experience page and make sure to save the “My Graduate Degree” card to your homepage (shown at right) for easy access and the “Dissertations, Theses or Report” card if you’re completing a research-based degree.

Things you will find on Experience:

  • Registration and Class Details
  • Forms and Deadlines
  • Academic Audit
  • Hold Information
  • Billing Information
  • Payroll and Direct Deposit Information

Make sure to bookmark your Degree Progress Checklist (or use the My Graduate Degree card in Experience to find it!) as it offers a list of resources to help you succeed in your graduate degree.

Additional Resources

Current Month Important Deadlines:

Deadline Date Description
September 25, 2025 – Spring 2026 Finishing Fellowship Applications Due

Next Month Important Deadlines:

  • October 17th – 19th – Recess
  • October 19th – Spring and Summer 2026 Registration Begins
  • October 20th – Classes Resume
  • October 31st – Last Day to Drop Full Semester Courses With a Grade of ‘W’

Fall Colors and Local Events

As September arrives, so do the breathtaking fall colors of the Upper Peninsula! While the foliage is truly a sight to behold right here on campus, a short trip can take you to some of the best viewing spots.

If you’re looking for a unique way to enjoy the scenery later in the season, consider a chairlift ride at a local ski resort. It’s a great way to get a bird’s-eye view of the stunning landscape, and no prior skiing experience is needed. We recommend checking out Mt. Ripley in Hancock or Mt. Bohemia in Lac La Belle.

For more ideas on how to spend your free time this fall, be sure to check out the Local Area Events Calendar and MTU Events Calendar. There’s something for everyone!

Beyond the Classroom

The Graduate Student Government (GSG) is your key to connecting with the grad student community. They organize tons of activities, from professional development workshops and the Graduate Research Colloquium to social events and mixers. Getting involved with the GSG is a fantastic way to meet people from different departments, share your ideas, and help shape a fun and supportive campus environment. To find out about upcoming events or to learn how you can participate, check out their website.

Have any questions? Please reach out to the Graduate School anytime via email: gradschool@mtu.edu, phone: (906) 487-2327, or visit us in the Admin Building on the 4th floor.

Finishing Fellowship Award – Fall 2025 – Shaoqin Chen

Shaoqin Chen, PhD in Material Science and Engineering, 2025

“I am truly honored to receive the Finishing Fellowship. I would like to sincerely thank the Graduate School and the Graduate Dean Awards Advisory Panel for this recognition and support as I complete my Ph.D. studies.

I am a fourth-year Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Materials Science. My research focuses on advancing environmental chemistry through innovative approaches to greenhouse gas utilization, plastics recycling, photocatalysis, supercapacitors, and carbon materials. I am passionate about developing solutions to some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.

During my doctoral studies, I have published ten peer-reviewed papers, nine of which I authored as first author. These publications reflect my commitment to conducting independent, high-quality research and contributing valuable insights to the scientific community. My work is characterized by creativity, technical rigor, and a strong emphasis on sustainability.

Beyond research, I take pride in fostering collaboration and mentorship within my lab. I have enjoyed working closely with interdisciplinary teams and guiding younger students as they begin their own research journeys. Balancing mentorship with my own projects has been a rewarding part of my graduate experience.

Looking ahead, I am committed to pursuing a career in academia. My goal is to become a professor at a leading university, where I can continue my research in environmental chemistry and help train the next generation of scientists. With a solid research foundation and a vision for addressing critical environmental issues, I am excited to contribute to the field as both a researcher and an educator.”