Graduate School Newsblog

Category: News

Interesting stories about and for our students.

Michigan Celebrates Graduate and Professional Student Appreciation Week

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Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has officially declared April 6–10, 2026, as Graduate and Professional Student Appreciation Week.

This week is dedicated to celebrating more than 80,000 graduate and professional students across Michigan’s universities and recognizes the important role they play in advancing research, innovation, and economic growth.

Why We are Celebrating:

  • Economic Drivers: Graduate students play a direct role in strengthening Michigan’s economy through research, development, and collaboration with industry partners that drive innovation and progress.
  • Future Leaders: Today’s graduate and professional students are tomorrow’s leaders, contributing across fields such as healthcare, education, engineering, business, public service, and beyond.
  • Community Impact: Their work and dedication influence communities across Michigan and beyond, creating lasting impact in many areas of society.

Join us this week in recognizing and celebrating the contributions of our graduate and professional students.

To our graduate and professional students, thank you.
Your dedication to solving complex challenges, advancing knowledge, and striving for excellence makes a lasting impact on Michigan and beyond.

“Graduate and professional students are the future teaching professionals, researchers, and leaders of the state, the nation, and the world.” – Governor Gretchen Whitmer

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Jester Itliong Represents Michigan Tech as MAGS 3MT Finalist

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Michigan Tech physics PhD candidate Jester Itliong recently proved the importance of clear communication and high impact research on a regional stage. Competing at the Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools (MAGS) Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 27, 2026, Itliong advanced to the final round, placing him among the top researchers in the Midwest.

The 3MT competition challenges graduate students to explain years of complex research in a three minute presentation suitable for a general audience using only one static PowerPoint slide. Itliong earned his spot as Michigan Tech’s sole representative after winning first place at the university’s local 3MT competition in December 2025.

Molecular Choreography

Among the competitors from major institutions across the region, Itliong stood out with his presentation, Molecular Choreography: The Physics of Flow in Ionic Polymers. Advised by Issei Nakamura, associate professor of physics, Itliong’s research focuses on soft condensed matter.

Using coarse grained molecular dynamics simulations, he investigates how molecular features like size, charge, and polarity govern viscosity and ion transport in ionic liquids. These materials are essential for next generation batteries and ion conducting membranes because they allow for charge transport without the need for volatile solvents. By bridging the gap between molecular design and macroscopic behavior, his work provides the insights needed to tailor these materials for better performance in clean energy and electronics.

A Passion for Communication

Reaching the MAGS finals is a significant milestone. Out of the dozens of university winners who presented in the preliminary heats, only 10 were selected to move on to the final stage. Itliong’s ability to translate the abstract physics of polymer flow into an engaging narrative highlighted the caliber of research being conducted in the Michigan Tech Department of Physics.

While he values the analytical rigor of his simulations, Itliong is especially passionate about communicating science. He has presented his work at the APS March Meeting annually since 2023 and now entering the final stage of his doctoral program.

The Graduate School and the Graduate Student Government (GSG) congratulate Jester on his success at MAGS. His achievement underscores the importance of the 3MT mission: helping graduate students develop the skills to communicate the value of their work to the public, policymakers, and industry leaders.

Jester wishes to thank the Graduate Dean Awards Advisory Panel, the Department of Physics, and Dr. Nakamura for their continued support.

To learn more about graduate research opportunities and upcoming competitions, visit the Michigan Tech Graduate School Fellowships Page.

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Good News From The Graduate School – April 2026

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Good NewLetter from the Graduate School Header Image

All of us in the Graduate School are excited to assist you and help you succeed. Please check your email regularly for updates from the Graduate School. Be sure to visit the Graduate School Blog for updates, news, and funding opportunities.

Michigan Tech Experience

As the semester is quickly coming to a close, we encourage you 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). It provides a helpful list of resources to support you as you complete your graduate degree.

My Graduate Degree MTU Experience Card Image

Additional Resources

April Important Deadlines:

Deadline Date Description
April 13, 2026 – Last day to submit committee-approved post-defense dissertation, thesis, or report to the Graduate School for spring completion of degree.
April 13, 2026 – Submit all other degree completion paperwork (including applicable certificate degree schedules) to Graduate School—check your
 Degree Progress Checklist for items needed.
– Submit petition to enter candidacy to be eligible for candidacy for the next semester.
April 20, 2026 Deadline for KCP Future Faculty Fellowship applications.
April 29, 2026 Grace period for deadline for thesis, dissertation, or report.

Upcoming Events

Undergraduate Research & Scholarship Symposium
The Undergraduate Research & Scholarship Symposium will take place on Friday, March 27, 2026, from 1-3:30 p.m. in the Rozsa Center. This event showcases student-led research across disciplines and offers a great opportunity to explore innovative projects and engage with presenters. Graduate students are encouraged to attend to connect with undergraduate researchers in their areas of interest. Registration information will be available soon.

Let’s Talk with Student Mental Health and Well-Being
Stop by on Monday, April 6, 2026, from 1–3 p.m. in the Academic Office Building, Room 101 for a free, informal, and confidential conversation with an MTU counselor. This is a great opportunity to talk through any concerns, get support, or learn more about available mental health resources. All students are welcome.

Math Sciences Seminar Series – Brian Hopkins
Join the Math Sciences Seminar Series featuring Brian Hopkins on Friday, April 10, 2026, from 1-2 p.m. in Fisher Hall, Room 133. This seminar offers an opportunity to explore current topics and research in mathematics. All are welcome to attend.

Graduate Student Commencement Rehearsal
Graduating students are encouraged to attend the commencement rehearsal on Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 1–2 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room of the Student Development Complex (SDC). Please plan to arrive by 12:45 p.m. to prepare for the ceremony.

Graduate Student Commencement Ceremony The graduate student commencement ceremony is on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. in the John J. MacInnes Student Ice Arena of the Student Development Complex (SDC). Live streaming is available beginning on the morning of the ceremony.

Local Events

For ideas on how to spend your free time, be sure to check out the Local Area Events Calendar, there’s something for everyone. Check out the Rozsa website for on-campus events. To explore additional seminars, workshops, and Graduate School sponsored events, visit the MTU Events Calendar. This calendar highlights upcoming opportunities across campus, making it easy to stay informed and engaged throughout the semester!

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.

Stay Informed 

 Keep up with campus updates all semester: 

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DeVlieg Graduate Summer 2026 Research Recipient – Zaid Bakri

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Zaid Bakri, PhD in Atmospheric Sciences, 2026

I am a fifth-year PhD candidate in Atmospheric Sciences, originally from Amman, Jordan, where I earned my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Physics from the University of Jordan. Growing up in a region characterized by low precipitation and highly inconsistent rainfall patterns sparked my curiosity about how rain forms and why it varies so much. This early interest motivated me to pursue research that contributes to a deeper understanding of our planet.

I have always been fascinated by how weather evolves over time, but it was during my research at Michigan Tech that I began to appreciate the complex role clouds play in shaping weather and climate. My work focuses on developing an imaging system capable of retrieving the size distribution of cloud droplets generated in a controlled laboratory environment. This allows us to study how cloud droplets grow in response to different atmospheric processes and conditions.

Throughout my PhD, alongside coursework and seminars, I have gained a deeper understanding of atmospheric science and cloud physics, thanks to the guidance of outstanding researchers in the field, especially my advisor, Claudio Mazzoleni. I am grateful to be part of a program that has allowed me to collaborate with the team behind the Pi Cloud Chamber at Michigan Tech, where cutting-edge research is being conducted.

I deeply appreciate the supportive and inclusive environment within the Atmospheric Sciences program and the Physics Department. I am especially thankful to work with an advisor who is consistently encouraging, supportive, and approachable, which has made my PhD journey a smooth and rewarding experience.

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DeVlieg Foundation Fellowship Winner Summer 2026

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The Graduate School is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2026 DeVlieg Foundation Fellowship. This competitive award recognizes outstanding graduate student demonstrating significant potential and pursuing research in engineering, wildlife, biology, and related fields critical to innovation.

We are proud to congratulate this year’s fellow for exceptional academic achievements and research proposals:

  • Zaid Bakri – Department of Physics

This vital fellowship support is made possible through a valued partnership with The DeVlieg Foundation. Established by Charles B. DeVlieg with deep roots in Michigan’s industrial heritage, the Foundation is dedicated to fostering excellence and advancing innovation.

The DeVlieg Foundation Fellowship provides crucial financial assistance, enabling this promising scholar to dedicate himself more fully to research endeavors, develop novel solutions, and contribute to the advancement of technology.

Michigan Tech extends its sincere gratitude to The DeVlieg Foundation for its sustained generosity and commitment to nurturing the next generation of engineering leaders and researchers. We look forward to the impactful contributions this fellow will undoubtedly make.

Discover more about The DeVlieg Foundation Fellowship.

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Good News From The Graduate School – March 2026

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Good NewLetter from the Graduate School Header Image

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.

My Graduate Degree MTU Experience Card Image

Additional Resources

Current Month Important Deadlines:

Deadline Date Description
March 10, 2026 – Last day to register for the Graduate Research Colloquium
March 29, 2026 – Fall Registration Ends

Upcoming Events

Attend the Ecosystem Science Center Student Research Forum on Thursday, March 12 from 1–3 p.m. in the Rozsa Center Atrium to explore student-led research in ecology and environmental science. This poster session offers graduate and undergraduate students the opportunity to showcase their work and connect with peers across disciplines.

The Graduate Student Government (GSG) is once again hosting this year’s Graduate Research Colloquium (GRC), taking place on Wednesday, March 18. The GRC offers a unique opportunity for graduate students to showcase their research across the campus-wide community while developing their presentation skills for upcoming conferences. Register by March 10. Oral presentations will take place from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the MUB Alumni Lounge, with poster presentations following from 5 – 8 p.m. in the Rozsa Lobby, and faculty members are encouraged to volunteer as judges by completing the GRC 2026 Judges Registration Form.

Next Month Important Deadlines:

Local Events

For ideas on how to spend your free time, be sure to check out the Local Area Events Calendar, there’s something for everyone. Check out the Rozsa website for on-campus events. To explore additional seminars, workshops, and Graduate School sponsored events, visit the MTU Events Calendar. This calendar highlights upcoming opportunities across campus, making it easy to stay informed and engaged throughout the semester!

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.

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Outstanding Awards – Spring 2026 Recipients

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The Graduate School announces the recipients of the Dean’s Award for Outstanding Scholarship and the Outstanding Graduate Student Teaching Award. Congratulations to all recipients.

Dean’s Award for Outstanding Scholarship

The following recipients of the Dean’s Award for Outstanding Scholarship have demonstrated academic or professional qualities that set them apart within their academic program.

  • Biological Sciences – Vaishali Sharma
  • Biomedical Engineering – Jacob Jackson
  • Chemical Engineering – Kobina Akyea Ofori
  • Chemistry – Adenike Olowolagba
  • Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering – Meng Wu
  • College of Business – Eli Johnson
  • College of Business – Leon Sell
  • College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science – Md Khairul Islam
  • Electrical and Computer Engineering – Scott Cho
  • Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences – Helen Foldenauer
  • Mathematical Sciences – Suwash Silwal
  • Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering – Kaushik Kannan
  • Physics – Hamed Fahandezh Sadi

Outstanding Graduate Student Teaching Award

The following recipients of the Outstanding Graduate Student Teaching Award are recognized for their excellence in teaching. 

  • Biomedical Engineering – Majid Rostami
  • Chemical Engineering – Reeba Reji
  • Chemistry – Dananjaya Naveen Tharaka Rathnayaka Mudiyanselage
  • College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science – Judy Long
  • Electrical and Computer Engineering – Dhanush Narsipur Harshavardhana
  • Electrical and Computer Engineering – Md Akhtaruzzaman
  • Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences – Sam Jensen
  • Mathematical Sciences – Sontosh Kumar Sahani
  • Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering – Gabby DuCheny
  • Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering – Justin Kurncz
  • Physics – James Simmons
  • Physics – Shikha Rani
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Caleb Swain – MAGS Excellence in Teaching Award (Nominee representing Michigan Tech)

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Caleb Swain, PhD in Computer Science, 2026

I am a PhD student in the Department of Computer Science under the advisement of Dr. Soner Onder. My primary research focuses on microarchitectural memory optimization techniques and, more broadly, computer architecture. In addition to my research, I have had numerous opportunities to teach courses within the Computer Science Department, including Introduction to Programming and Systems Programming. These experiences have helped me grow not only as an instructor, but also as a researcher.

I would like to thank the Computer Science Department for the many teaching opportunities provided over the years. I am also grateful to everyone who has contributed to my development as an instructor, including my advisor, fellow PhD colleagues, and of course the many students I have had in my classes. Finally, I would like to thank the Department and Michigan Tech for the opportunity to represent the university in the MAGS competition.

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Tucker D. Nielsen Represents MTU for MAGS Distinguished Thesis Award!

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Tucker D. Nielsen, MS in Rhetoric, Theory and Culture, 2026

I’m fascinated by how we communicate ideas, narratives, and discourse. While I started my undergraduate in Computer Engineering and Computer Sciences, I eventually switched to English in 2020 to better study written and spoken communications. After graduating, I decided to pursue a master’s in Rhetoric, Theory and Culture to research writing center and composition pedagogy, as these are vital spots where students learn to articulate their work and themselves. My undergraduate work in the Writing Center and seeing students complain about first-year composition inspired me to research methods to make the class more relatable to STEM students and those with visual/tactile learning methods.

“Four Lessons to Build Upon” introduces tactile learning methods amongst the abstract concepts of first-year university composition courses. Students in the course I taught used LEGO bricks paired up with the four core assignments to reinforce the communicated abstract concepts. The study aimed to improve students’ understanding of rhetorical concepts used throughout their lives, such as critical thinking, analysis, and visualization. I hope this research is used as a starting ground for college instructors and professors to adopt similar methods for connecting students to rhetorical concepts.

I continue studying rhetoric in my second master’s degree in Industrial Heritage and Archaeology, and my research focus has shifted to authorized heritage narratives within West Lake Superior tourism. My current research involves how people communicate their stories and the agencies at work to utilize these stories across West Lake Superior. My full-time position as the Thompson Scholar Program Coordinator also requires me to engage with rhetoric in assisting students with program requirements, establishing community through public service, and creating programs/recruitment materials.

I’m thankful to the Humanities Graduate Department for nominating me and the Graduate Deans Award Advisory Panel for selecting me to represent Michigan Technological University. I felt the Humanities Department’s support through both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. I especially want to thank my advisor Dr. Holly Hassel for her insight into composition pedagogy studies and thorough experience in pedagogical research; she assisted me greatly from the initial research design to the final defense. My committee of Dr. Jennifer Nish, Dr. Mark Rouleau, and M. Bartley Seigel also helped through the defense process and provided their industry insight for my work. I finally thank all the students, faculty, staff, and alumni of Michigan Tech who I’ve worked with for their guidance and support.

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Copper Shores Community Health Foundation Graduate Assistantship – Spring 2026 – Brandon Woolman

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Brandon Woolman, PhD in Applied Cognitive Science and Human Factors, 2026

I joined the Applied Cognitive Science and Human Factors department at Michigan Tech in Fall 2021. With a background in cognitive neuroscience, I was interested in joining the Aging, Cognition, and Action lab. After some training I was onboarded for a project, funded by the National Institute of Health, investigating early-stage Alzheimer’s Disease and long-term retention in two types of movement adaptation: visuomotor rotation and force-field adaptation. The ultimate goal of this work was to identify behavioral markers of cognitive impairment in pre-clinical stages of Alzheimer’s disease that could facilitate earlier diagnosis. This work helped me not only learn valuable research skills but fueled my passion for research.

I have spent my years at Tech investigating the impacts of aging and cognitive decline on motor learning. My dissertation seeks to distinguish the overlapping- and unique- neural networks involved in motor sequence learning and movement adaptation. We plan to measure changes in oxygenated hemoglobin in the pre-frontal cortex using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). We expect this region to be of importance to the explicit memory systems involved in motor learning. This work will contribute to our understanding of how healthy aging impacts motor learning, and how this knowledge may help us improve cognitive assessment and neuropsychological evaluations in neurodegenerative diseases in later adulthood.

I am grateful for the support from the Copper Shores Community Health Foundation for helping fund my final semester at Michigan Tech. I would also like to thank my advisor, Dr. Kevin Trewartha, for his support and guidance throughout my graduate school journey. I am excited to complete my PhD and continue my passion for health-related research.

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