Graduate School Newsblog

Portage Health Foundation Graduate Assistantship Fall 2019 Recipient – Srinivas Kannan

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Srinivas Kannan
Biomedical Engineering

I began my doctoral research in the Fall of 2016 in the Biomedical Microdevices lab under the guidance of Dr. Smitha Rao. My research is focused on breast cancer and understanding breast cancer cell metastasis using a microfluidic platform. The compromised metabolic processes in breast cancers impact the local tumor environment. This is supported by the enhanced uptake of fructose and expression of GLUT5 (fructose specific transporter membrane proteins) in breast cancer cells compared to healthy cells. The overall objective is to better understand the nutrient microenvironment and impact from the nutrients available in the body on breast cancer, to improve cancer detection and/or therapy. Towards this end, I have contributed by testing the GLUT5 specific fluorescent fructose mimics (ManCou probes) developed in Dr. Tanasova’s lab. My doctoral work also includes developing a three-dimensional in vitro model for understanding cancer microenvironment and metabolic differences, differential uptake of fructose among breast cancer phenotypes and develop a platform for cancer diagnostics.

I thank the Portage Health Foundation for awarding me the assistantship and the department of Biomedical engineering at Michigan tech for the financial support. I am grateful for the continued guidance from my advisor Dr. Smitha Rao and my co-advisor Dr. Marina Tanasova.

 

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GSG Professional Development Workshop – Publishing Your Research

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by Ami Kling, Professional Development Chair, Graduate Student Government

Join the Graduate Student Government for a professional development workshop designed to prepare you to navigate the publication process from 4 to 5:30 p.m. tomorrow (Nov. 20) in Admin 404. Many graduate students are unaware of the issues, complications, and amount of time involved in the publication process until they actually begin to prepare or submit a manuscript for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

GSG is continuing its 2019 professional development series with a professional development workshop entitled “Publishing Your Research.” This workshop will consist of an informal panel discussion with on-campus journal contributors and reviewers. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain useful tips and advice regarding manuscript preparation and submission, publication timelines, and addressing reviewer comments.

This event is open to all graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. Refreshments provided. Space is limited so be sure to register here for the event.

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Record Number of Fulbright Scholars at Tech

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Michigan Tech has a record number of Fulbright Scholars on our campus this year, with a total of 17 students – 14 master’s and three PhD students, studying in 10 different programs.

The students are from Afghanistan, Egypt, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Laos, Lesotho, Mauritius, Morocco, Pakistan, Russia, Serbia & Montenegro, Togo, and Ukraine. Such diversity in backgrounds and academic interests brings a richness to Tech and makes our Graduate School like no other. Here are two comments:

  • “I am studying Electrical Engineering with a specialization in Power Systems. I plan to focus on the production of energy through renewable energy sources. Togo is a small country in Africa and is only able to produce about 30% of its consumption of electricity. I became interested in this area because I suffered from this lack of electricity when I was in high school. I had to study for my high school degree using old-fashioned kerosene lamps and candles and that’s still the case for a lot of children living in the countryside. That’s why I am doing my best to help bring electricity to remote areas. And I hope my time at Michigan Tech will give me with skills to address this issue in a more effective way.” – Koami Hayibo, MS, Togo
  • “Kazakhstan is in the top 15 countries in terms of coal, oil and gas reserves. Exports of these commodities have been feeding Kazakhstan’s economy for almost thirty years. However excessive reliance on hydrocarbon exports has its economic, societal and environmental backlashes. With its existing infrastructure, Kazakhstan is the 19th largest source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the world despite having only 18 million population. Realizing this problem, the government began to develop measures to improve the situation. In this regard, I decided that studying Environmental and Energy Policy at Michigan Tech can greatly contribute to creating a more favorable environment for my home country.” -Azat Turegeldin, MS – Kazakhstan

The mission of the Fulbright Program is to increase international understanding and respond to critical global issues. It is funded and overseen by the State Department, with 155 countries participating in the Program. Fulbrighters exemplify the power of international academic exchange to transform lives, bridge geographic and cultural boundaries and promote a more peaceful and prosperous world.

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MSGC Funding Opportunities

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There’s still time to apply for Michigan Space Grant Consortium (MSGC) funding. The internal Michigan Tech deadline is noon on Wednesday, Nov. 6. MSGC offers funding opportunities in the following categories: Undergraduate fellowship, Graduate fellowship, Pre-college education, Public outreach, Teacher training and research seed grant.

Last year, 11 out of 12 graduate students who applied for MSGC grants received funding.

Only U.S. citizens are eligible to apply for fellowship grants. Visit our MSGC page for instructions detailing proposal submission procedures and requirements.. If you have further questions, contact Paige Hackney in the Pavlis Honors College in M&M 722 or at phackney@mtu.edu. Proposals must be submitted electronically after being approved by the Office of Sponsored Programs.

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Homeland Security Graduate Research Opportunity – Accepting Applications

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Now accepting applications for:

Homeland Security Explosives Detection Research Opportunity

Explosives Detection Research Opportunity with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Transportation Security Laboratory.

We have a unique research opportunity for graduating students and post graduates with magnetic resonance spectroscopy experience. Selected applicants will have the opportunity to be part of an exclusive group of scientists to determine the feasibility of using nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) for fielded detection and for supporting test and evaluation of commercially developed NQR-based explosives detection systems.

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Nominations open for 2020 MAGS Excellence in Teaching Awards

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Nominations are now open for the Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools (MAGS) Excellence in Teaching Awards.  Michigan Tech may nominate one student at the MS and PhD level. Each graduate program may nominate one student at the MS and PhD level. Nominations are due to the Graduate School no later than 4pm, January 9, 2020.

Eligible students

  • will have been enrolled at Michigan Tech during the 2019-20 calendar year and have a teaching appointment
  • will have earned the Michigan Tech Outstanding Graduate Student Teaching Award
  • will have an excellent teaching portfolio and student evaluations

See the application page for complete details on what is required for a nomination.

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Portage Health Foundation Graduate Assistantship Fall 2019 Recipient – Christina Welch

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Christina Welch
Chemistry

In 2015, I joined Dr. Tarun Dam’s lab where the research is centered around Glycobiology. This field of study highlights the importance of glycoproteins in human health. Currently, we are focused on the discovery and characterization of a plant-derived bioactive molecule that has the potential to target pathogenic cells. This molecule can also help in drug delivery processes. In addition, we are studying the biological functions of a prominent heart failure and cancer biomarker.

My experience in Dr. Dam’s lab has been exceptional and I am truly grateful for all of the guidance and growth I’ve received over the years. I would also like to thank the Chemistry department and the graduate school for their never-ending support. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the Portage Health Foundation, with their help I am able to continue my research with the hope of concluding my research projects soon.

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Formatting Workshops for Fall 2019

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Are you working on formatting corrections for your dissertation, thesis, or report? Do you need help? Are you unsure where to submit your dissertation, thesis, or report?

Join the Graduate School (gradschool@mtu.edu) for group work hours. These workshops are provided at no charge to students working on a dissertation, thesis, or report. Staff will be able to help with the changes required by the Graduate School for these documents in MS Office. Assistance will also be available for converting documents to PDF from Word and how to make simple corrections and check your document in Adobe Acrobat. The workshops will be in rooms with PCs with University software, or you may bring your own laptop. Distance students may contact gradschool@mtu.edu about remote assistance during these times via web conferencing.  If you need additional help outside of these times, please contact the Graduate School.  On a limited basis, one-on-one assistance may be available.

Last day to submit a post-defense document to successfully complete your degree in fall is December 9, 2019 by 4pm EST!

All workshops will be held on the following dates at the mentioned time:

  • Monday, November 11, 2019 | 12:05pm – 01:55pm  | Library 0242
  • Monday, December 02, 2019] | 12:05pm – 01:55pm  | Library 0242
  • Friday , December 06, 2019 | 10:05am – 11:55am  | Library 0242
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