Category: Announcements

Items that are time sensitive and require action

Three Huskies Honored with the NSF Graduate Research Fellowships

Michigan Tech Graduate School excited to see three of our students’ hard work recognized on a national stage, being awarded the National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship (GRFP).

The GRFP is one of the most competitive honors in the country, designed to support students who have the potential to become lifelong leaders in STEM. For our winners, this means more than just a prestigious title. It provides three years of funding to dive deep into the research the winners are passionate about.

Fall 2026 Fellowship Winners

Molly Vander Werp

Josh Dafoe

Lenka Doskocil

Behind every great researcher is a team of supportive mentors. We want to extend a huge “thank you” and congratulations to Dr. Kristin Brzeski, Dr. Sarah Hoy, Dr. Bo Chen, and Dr. Rodney Chimner. Applying for the GRFP is an incredibly intense process, often requiring months of drafting, revising, and late nights. The dedication these advisors show in helping their students navigate this path is what makes Michigan Tech such a special place to pursue a graduate degree. With their mentorship these students are able turn ambitious ideas into award-winning research.

Molly, Josh, and Lenka, Congratulations! This award is a direct result of your late nights, your persistence through difficult data, and your vision for the future of science. We can’t wait to see the impact your work will have in the coming years.


Interested in applying for the NSF GRFP next cycle? The Graduate School offers workshops and peer-review sessions every year to help you put your best foot forward. Keep an eye on our Funding Opportunities page for upcoming dates!

Submission and Formatting 101: Master the Dissertation, Thesis, and Report Process

Students who are completing a dissertation, thesis, or report are invited to join the Graduate School to learn about the resources available to them to assist in scheduling their defense, formatting their documents, and submitting their documents.  In one afternoon, you can learn everything you need to be successful and complete your degree in a timely fashion!  Faculty and staff who assist students with submissions are also welcome to attend.  Attend the entire event, or stop in for the seminar that interests you.

  • When: Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 2 – 4pm (see detailed schedule below)
  • Who: Students completing a dissertation, thesis or report; faculty and staff who assist students with submission
  • Where:Virtual and in-person (Admin 404 – limit for room is 30); (register to attend online and receive participation instructions)
  • Registration: Please register to receive handouts via email or attend online. The seminar will be available online as well as on campus.

If you are unable to join us, the event will be taped and available online after the event. The previous semester’s seminars are always available online.

Information on submitting, formatting, and more can be found online for dissertations and theses or reports.

Detailed schedule

  • 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. – Submission 101
    Learn what is required to submit your document to the Graduate School and the deadlines for the upcoming semester.  Best for students who are completing their degree this semester or next semester.
  • 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. – Formatting 101-103
    Learn about templates, checking your document with Adobe Acrobat, and how to use copyrighted materials. You’ll also learn where resources are on the web page so you can learn more about the topics that interest you.
  • 4:00 – 4:30 p.m. – Questions
    Have a question that hasn’t been answered yet? We’ll be available to answer any additional questions you have

Fall 2026 Finishing Fellowship Nominations Open

Applications for Fall 2026 finishing fellowships are being accepted and are due no later than 4 p.m. on June 10, 2026 to the Graduate School. 

Instructions on the application and evaluation process are found online. Please note that instructions for advisor recommendation letters have changed for the Fall 2026 application period. Students are eligible if all of the following criteria are met:

  1. Must be a PhD student.
  2. Must expect to finish during the semester supported as a finishing fellow.
  3. Must have submitted no more than one previous application for a finishing fellowship.
  4. Must be eligible for candidacy (tuition charged at Research Mode rate) at the time of application.
  5. Must not hold a final oral examination (“defense”) prior to the start of the award semester.

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. 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.

Michigan Space Grant Consortium (MSGC) Fellowships Awarded to Six Michigan Tech Graduate Students

The Graduate School is pleased to announce the recipients of the Michigan Space Grant Consortium (MSGC) Graduate Fellowships. Sponsored by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), these fellowships are awarded to students who are pursuing research in fields aligned with NASA’s strategic interests, including STEM education and space-related science and technology.

This year, six exceptional graduate students from Michigan Tech have been selected for this honor. Their diverse research projects span from atmospheric physics to advanced mechanical engineering, highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of space-related research on our campus.

MSGC Fellowship Winners

The MSGC fellowship program aims to foster awareness of and education in space-related science and technology while supporting the next generation of researchers. Each fellowship provides funding to support the students’ research expenses and stipends, allowing them to focus on innovative projects that contribute to our understanding of the Earth and the universe beyond.

We are incredibly proud of these students for their hard work and dedication to their respective fields. Receiving an MSGC fellowship is a testament to the high caliber of research being conducted by our graduate students and their potential to make significant contributions to the scientific community and NASA’s mission.

The Graduate School congratulates Gabby, Nicholas, Sam, Mari, Samantha, and Dayana on this prestigious achievement and looks forward to seeing the results of their funded research.

For more information on the Michigan Space Grant Consortium and future funding opportunities, please visit the MSGC website or the Graduate School’s funding page.

Nominations Sought for KCP Future Faculty Fellowships

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 2026. Applications are due no later than 4pm on April 20, 2026.

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. Applicants may work with Lea Marlor to prepare their educational and career goal statement.

Submission and Formatting 101: Master the Dissertation, Thesis, and Report Process

Students who are completing a dissertation, thesis, or report are invited to join the Graduate School to learn about the resources available to them to assist in scheduling their defense, formatting their documents, and submitting their documents.  In one afternoon, you can learn everything you need to be successful and complete your degree in a timely fashion!  Faculty and staff who assist students with submissions are also welcome to attend.  Attend the entire event, or stop in for the seminar that interests you.

  • When: Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 2 – 4pm (see detailed schedule below)
  • Who: Students completing a dissertation, thesis or report; faculty and staff who assist students with submission
  • Where:Virtual and in-person (Admin 404 – limit for room is 30); (register to attend online and receive participation instructions)
  • Registration: Please register to receive handouts via email or attend online. The seminar will be available online as well as on campus.

If you are unable to join us, the event will be taped and available online after the event. The previous semester’s seminars are always available online.

Information on submitting, formatting, and more can be found online for dissertations and theses or reports.

Detailed schedule

  • 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. – Submission 101
    Learn what is required to submit your document to the Graduate School and the deadlines for the upcoming semester.  Best for students who are completing their degree this semester or next semester.
  • 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. – Formatting 101-103
    Learn about templates, checking your document with Adobe Acrobat, and how to use copyrighted materials. You’ll also learn where resources are on the web page so you can learn more about the topics that interest you.
  • 4:00 – 4:30 p.m. – Questions Have a question that hasn’t been answered yet? We’ll be available to answer any additional questions you have.

Summer 2026 Finishing Fellowship Nominations Open

Applications for Summer 2026 finishing fellowships are being accepted and are due no later than 4 p.m. on February 24, 2026 to the Graduate School. Please email applications to gradschool@mtu.edu.

Instructions on the application and evaluation process are found online. Students are eligible if all of the following criteria are met:

  1. Must be a PhD student.
  2. Must expect to finish during the semester supported as a finishing fellow.
  3. Must have submitted no more than one previous application for a finishing fellowship.
  4. Must be eligible for candidacy (tuition charged at Research Mode rate) at the time of application.
  5. Must not hold a final oral examination (“defense”) prior to the start of the award semester.

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. 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.

Summer 2026 CSCHF Graduate Assistantship Nominations Open

Proposals for Summer 2026 CSCHF Graduate Assistantships are being accepted and are due no later than 4pm, February 23, 2026 to the Graduate School. Instructions on the application and evaluation process are found online. Students are eligible if all of the following criteria are met:

  1. Must be a PhD student conducting a research or outreach project that will promote and/or improve the overall health of Houghton, Keweenaw, Baraga, and Ontonagon communities.
  2. Must be 2 years after starting the graduate program at the time of application.
  3. Must not be a prior recipient of a PHF or CSCHF Graduate Assistantship.
  4. Preference will be given to applicants with long-standing local connections to Houghton, Keweenaw, Baraga, or Ontonagon county.

Previous recipients of a CSCHF Graduate Assistantship are not eligible to reapply.

Priority will be given to students originally from Houghton, Keweenaw, Baraga, or Ontonagon counties. Non-resident students and international students are encouraged to apply if their health research is applicable to health needs and job shortages of our local community (obesity research, rural health, medical informatics, drug delivery and lab testing, physical therapy, etc.).

These assistantships are available through the generosity of the Copper Shores Community Health Foundation. They are intended to recognize outstanding PhD talent in health-oriented research areas. Applicants should be a catalyst for promoting and improving the overall health of Houghton, Keweenaw, Baraga, and Ontonagon communities through one of the following:

  • health research and technology development
  • health education or preventive and wellness initiatives
  • rural healthcare access, informatics, and assessment of care

Students who receive full support through a CSCHF Graduate Assistantship may not accept any other employment, except for employment required from the matching funds provided by the University.

Nominations open for summer 2026 fellowships from The DeVlieg Foundation

Due to the generous support of The DeVlieg Foundation, the Graduate School is happy to accept nominations for 2026 summer fellowships.

Each department, college, or interdisciplinary PhD program may nominate one eligible student. The recipient will  receive a $11,000 stipend for summer 2026 plus tuition support for  three research credits. The DeVlieg funds ($10,000) will be used to cover the cost of tuition, and partial stipend. The graduate program, department, or PI must commit to supplementing these funds to ensure a total stipend of $11,000.

Eligible students will meet all of the following criteria:

  1. Must be conducting research in engineering; projects at the intersection of engineering, wildlife, and/or biology are particularly encouraged
  2. Must be a US citizen or permanent resident.
  3. Must be enrolled in a doctoral program.
  4. Must be a doctoral candidate, or eligible for candidacy at the time of application.
  5. Must be nominated by the student’s graduate program.  Each department, college, or interdisciplinary PhD program may nominate one eligible student.
  6. 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 January 21, 2026 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.

Spring 2026 Graduate Orientation

The Graduate School is excited to welcome our new students to campus. A summary of upcoming events is below.

  • The Graduate School Welcome session is on Friday, January 2, 2026, beginning at 2pm in the MUB Ballroom. A presentation is planned for 2-2:30pm, and a reception will begin at 2:30pm. The presentation will be recorded for those unable to attend in person.
  • Orientation to Graduate Studies and Research, our online Basic RCR Training, will begin on December 22 for registered students. It must be completed by February 19, 2026 to avoid a registration hold.
  • Other orientation events, including a tour by the Library and welcome reception by the Graduate School, are described and summarized on our website.
  • We will remind students to register and confirm their enrollment by January 2nd.
  • Steps after admission are summarized on our website.
  • Resources applicable to new students are summarized on our website.

We look forward to working with you to welcome our new and returning students to the 2025-26 academic year!