Pavlis Honors College Blog

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Dr. Laura Kasson Fiss Named President of the Midwest Victorian Studies Association

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Dr. Laura Kasson Fiss, Associate Teaching Professor and Assistant Director of the Pavlis Honors College and Associate Teaching Professor in Humanities, takes on the esteemed role of President of the Midwest Victorian Studies Association (MVSA), a position integral to steering the MVSA community of scholars and volunteers. The new role was made official during the 2024 MVSA conference, held at the University of Iowa campus in Iowa City from April 19 to April 21, 2024.

Laura Kasson Fiss (right) and past-president Christopher Ferguson (center) present outgoing MVSA president Andrea Kaston Tange (left) with a mid-Victorian cake serving set as a thank you.
Photo credit: Doreen Thierauf

Dr. Laura Kasson Fiss is a distinguished scholar with an interdisciplinary background in music, literary studies, and the history of the book. She brings with her a wealth of experience and a profound appreciation for the complexities of the Victorian era. Her journey into Victorian scholarship began early in her academic career and has been fueled by a fascination with the interplay between optimism and fear, progress and apprehension, that characterized the Victorian period.

Reflecting on her passion for the Victorian era, Fiss remarks, “The Victorian period is fascinating to me because there is this intense divide between optimism and fear of degeneration, between the marvels of technology and the menace of it, looking to the future and learning from the past. There is a lot of information out there about the Victorian period and it’s really easy to see the connection between it and what is happening now.  But also it’s different enough that it makes me continually stop and think: what was it like to be in a different time?”

With a keen appreciation for interdisciplinary scholarship, Fiss embraces the diverse facets of Victorian studies, including music—an aspect she values deeply within the MVSA community. Her previous role as Vice President of the association has provided her with invaluable insights into the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and inclusivity in fostering a thriving scholarly community.

Laura Kasson Fiss presenting her conference paper entitled “From ‘Lecture on Lecturing’ to ‘Humorous and Musical Recital’: Comic Solo Performance between Generations of George Grossmiths.”
Photo credit: Tom Prasch

Looking ahead, Fiss envisions a future for the MVSA that is characterized by inclusivity, collaboration, and impact. She emphasizes the importance of expanding the association’s reach and resources, stating, “MVSA is known as a welcoming community, and I’d like to continue and extend that. I would like to see people engaging with MVSA from a variety of fields and continue to provide a community that lets people know if they want to be involved in research, they can be.”

During her tenure as Vice President, Fiss prioritized initiatives aimed at supporting emerging scholars, notably chairing the Arnstein Prize committee—an essential recognition for dissertation research among graduate students engaged in Victorian studies.

Discussing the significance of the MVSA conference, Fiss underscores its role as a platform for networking, scholarly exchange, and mentorship, particularly for emerging scholars.

“I believe that the MVSA conference’s main purpose is all about networking. Engaging with other scholars, connecting on research, encouraging work, and encouraging emerging scholars.”

Dr. Laura Kasson Fiss
Laura Kasson Fiss displaying her book, “The Idler’s Club: Humour and Mass Readership from Jerome K. Jerome to P. G. Wodehouse.”

For those seeking to embark on their own journey into Victorian studies or engage with the MVSA community, Fiss offers practical advice: “Read. If you are someone who thinks you might be interested, read Victorian literature, listen to Victorian music, and take in Victorian art. Take a class.” If you’re already a researcher in the area, “Start with the MVSA seminars. They are friendly and a good place to begin your journey, show us what you are working on and see how we can help you.”

As Dr. Laura Kasson Fiss assumes the presidency of the Midwest Victorian Studies Association, she brings with her a vision of inclusivity, collaboration, and scholarly excellence that promises to shape the future of Victorian studies in the Midwest and beyond.

For more information about the Midwest Victorian Studies Association and its upcoming events and initiatives, please visit midwestvictorian.org.

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Advisor Appreciation Month: Recognizing Pavlis’ Outstanding Advisors

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April is Advisor Appreciation Month, and April 19th is Advisor Appreciation Day! In the Pavlis Honors College, we’re fortunate to have four exceptional component advisors, each contributing significantly to our program. As we honor Advisor Appreciation Month, let’s shine a spotlight on these remarkable individuals and acknowledge their invaluable contributions to our Pavlis community.

Image of a man wearing a ski helmet, ski goggles, and a balaclava.
Pavlis Leadership/Mentorship Advisor, Chris Hohnholt

Chris Hohnholt

Chris Hohnholt is currently the advisor for the Leadership/Mentorship component and oversees the Undergraduate Research and Scholarship Symposium. He also advises the Project Experience during the summer months. Chris Hohnholt has been working at Michigan Tech for 15 years.

When asked about the Leadership/Mentorship component, Chris shares “It’s an opportunity for students to give back while learning that things don’t always go as planned.”

One of Chris’ favorite Michigan Tech opportunities is the CFRES Earn and Learn Assistantships. He is also very passionate about human development.

Fun Fact! Chris enjoys the serenity of beekeeping.

Image of a woman wearing a black floral dress, holding a songbook.
Pavlis Project Experience
Advisor, Laura Fiss

Dr. Laura Kasson Fiss

Laura Fiss currently advises for the Project Experience component. She has been working at Michigan Tech for ten years. When asked why she thinks the Project Experience component is valuable to students, Laura says “Students work on a project and tell its story. The project doesn’t have to be finished at the end of the component experience. The value usually comes in the things the students learn about themselves and about the process of working on a project – things like communication with stakeholders, how to define the scope of a project, how to modify goals and expectations, and how to work with other people on a team.”

Laura’s favorite Tech Tradition is the snow statues. She is also very passionate about Victorian literature, musical theater, and Victorian musical theater. 

Fun Fact! Laura is currently teaching herself how to play guitar!

“Time is an illusion. Lunchtime doubly so.” – Douglas Adams

Picture of a woman sitting in a canoe.
Dean of the Pavlis Honors College and
Academic Enhancement
Advisor, Marika Seigel

Dr. Marika Seigel

Marika Seigel currently advises the Academic Enhancement component and is the Dean of the Pavlis Honors College. She has been working at Michigan Tech for 19 years. Before becoming the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education, she was a faculty member in the Humanities department, teaching writing and rhetoric courses.

Marika advises the Academic Enhancement component. When describing her component, she states “The Academic Enhancement component encourages you to explore an area of interest outside your major: this could be a professional interest or personal interest. The purpose of the component is to encourage you to explore areas that you are curious about, that intrigue you, and that help you to become more well-rounded. You could take a minor for this component, or you could take a cluster of related courses (for example, language or art courses). You can also use it to explore opportunities to educate yourself outside of coursework; for example, doing EMT training or taking cooking classes.”

Marika’s favorite Tech Tradition is Winter Carnival. She is also very passionate about making sure that every student feels welcome in the Pavlis Honors College and at Michigan Tech. 

Fun Fact! Marika once attended “Elf School” in Reykjavik, Iceland. She recommends their pancakes.

“Nobody puts Baby is a corner.” – Johnny Castle

Picture of a woman in a blue tracksuit, smiling at the camera with both hands lifted to the face.
Pavlis Immersion Experience Advisor, Darnisha Morris

Dr. Darnishia Morris

Darnishia Morris currently advises the Immersion Experience component and oversees the Global and Community Engagement Conference. She has been working at Michigan Tech since 2005 and was a student here between 1992 and 1998.

When explaining the importance of her component, she says “The most valuable aspect of the Immersion Component is the opportunity to ‘test drive’ or prototype ANY aspect of your life or future you’d like to explore.”

Dar’s favorite Tech Tradition is the Parade of Nations – “Hands down.” Dar is passionate about serving others, especially Tweens. 

Fun Fact! Dar is a hardcore foodie, Bruno Mars fan, and New Edition fan.

“Speak without being offensive. Listen without being defensive. And always leave your opponent with their dignity.” – Andrew Young

As we celebrate Advisor Appreciation Month, let’s take a moment to reflect on the profound impact our advisors have on our college experience. They are not only here to guide us through component selections and academic challenges but also to offer invaluable advice, support, and encouragement as we navigate the complexities of college life. Whether it’s helping us discover our passions, providing career guidance, or simply lending a compassionate ear, our advisors play a crucial role in our journey toward personal and academic fulfillment. So, to all the college students out there, remember to take advantage of their wisdom, seek their guidance, and don’t forget to express your gratitude for their unwavering dedication to your success. After all, having a supportive advisor by your side can truly make all the difference in your college experience.

Thank you, Advisors!

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Empowering Entrepreneurs: Join Founder’s Friday for Collaboration, Inspiration, and Resources

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Are you an entrepreneur looking for advice to launch your startup? Look no further than Founder’s Friday, a weekly meetup where aspiring entrepreneurs can come together to collaborate, founded and hosted by Jordan Craven, a current Pavlis Honors College student.

Image of a person holding three awards in front of a room with theater seating.
Founder’s Friday creator, Jordan Craven, celebrating after the 2023 Bob Mark Business Model Pitch Competition

Jordan has been part of the Honors College since she was a first-year at Michigan Tech, even receiving a scholarship from Pavlis after pitching through Husky Innovate when she was in high school. Jordan is studying Management and Information Systems with a minor in Computer Science. “All of the components of Pavlis that I’ve done have been building up my company and have gotten me prepared to launch. It’s been really cool to now look at graduating with honors having accomplished things I didn’t know I was going to do in college. Instead of just preparing to launch, I realized that I was able to actually launch my business while I was still here. It was crazy to do that,” said Craven.

Craven’s business is called Sizeologic; a technology company that helps online clothing retailers with issues such as returns, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. Right now, Craven is working on creating a 3D fitting room, so that shoppers can see how clothes will fit online before purchasing them. “There’s a lot of waste from online returns. I would buy three pairs of pants then return two of them, and there’s a two-thirds chance they’re burned or landfilled when they go back, so it’s just really environmentally not cool. I’d like to help solve that as well, with my company.” 

In her experience with the Pavlis Honors College and Husky Innovate, Jordan has traveled to many pitch competitions throughout the state, including the Experience Innovation: Detroit trip this past fall. “I noticed that we didn’t really have a space where students can go to work together with other innovators. I saw all of that downstate and recognized that there wasn’t a big community like that at Tech, and so I wanted to start something.”

That’s where Founder’s Friday comes in.

Coworking space with table, couch and window.
An example of a flexible coworking space from TechTown Detroit.

Founder’s Friday offers up-and-coming innovators and entrepreneurs the opportunity to network, collaborate, and brainstorm with other like-minded individuals. When asked about the inspiration for Founder’s Friday, Jordan stated “I know personally, by coworking, and being connected with other entrepreneurs and business professionals, that it helps inspire me, and I’ve been told by a lot of other people that it also inspires them, and I want to continue to build that, and build more of a consistent community.”

Craven has dedicated 15 hours a week to working on her company. “I was thinking, what if there was a place – I’m already actively engaged in this work for five hours – where other people can come and cowork with me. Or, if they want assistance, I have a lot of connections downstate. I want to connect people to the resources they need, and I’m trying to build up the innovator community at Tech.” Founder’s Friday focuses heavily on resource sharing, for all entrepreneurs, regardless of where they are in their journey. “It’s not super easy to figure out what the entrepreneurial steps are, and so pulling in all the resources from each stage of startups, bringing them together, sharing them with people, and showing others the steps I’ve been taking can be very helpful. My goal is to connect everyone so we can build each other up.” 

“My goal is to connect everyone so we can build each other up.”

Jordan Craven, Pavlis Honors College student and Founder’s Friday creator

If you’re interested in connecting with other aspiring entrepreneurs, be sure to stop by Founder’s Friday happening every Friday from 12-5pm in the Minerals and Materials Engineering building (M&M) in room 718A, down the hall from the Pavlis Honors College. It takes place both in person and on Zoom and everyone is welcome. “Founder’s Friday is a resource that is consistent, whether it’s five minutes or two hours, or the whole five, whatever that person needs and wants.”

Written by: Frankie Straubel for the Pavlis Honors College

Husky Innovate is a collaboration between the Pavlis Honors College, the College of Business, and the Office of Innovation and Commercialization.

If you are interested in more information, please feel free to reach out to honors@mtu.edu.

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Husky Innovate Announces Fall 2023 Schedule of Events

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Husky Innovate, a collaboration between the Pavlis Honors College, the Office of Innovation and Commercialization, and the College of Business, has a goal to provide the tools and knowledge to cultivate Michigan Tech’s innovative, creative, and entrepreneurial spirit across all disciplines offered on campus. To accomplish that goal, Husky Innovate provides valuable innovation and entrepreneurial education programs to students, staff, and faculty at Michigan Tech and this fall’s schedule is no exception!

This semester we have an outstanding lineup of workshops and speakers – check out the schedule of events for fall 2023 below. For more information on our Husky Innovate events, please visit:  http://www.mtu.edu/husky-innovate

Husky Innovate Fall 2023 Semester Calendar of Events
Husky Innovate Fall 2023 Schedule of Events

Looking for ways to get involved? Sign up for our mailing list and get information sent directly to your inbox about upcoming innovation workshops, speakers, or other ways to excel your career. 

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Congratulations, graduates!

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The Pavlis Honors College would like to celebrate the accomplishments of graduating seniors, who chose to take advantage of all that Michigan Tech has to offer and challenge themselves inside and outside the classroom.  These students reflect our core values by being authentic, building relationships with each other, and being open to learning through new experiences. All of their hard work and commitment to the ideals of the Pavlis Honors College and Michigan Technological University has paid off!

Pavlis Honors College graduates – Spring 2023
  • J.T. Boudreau
    • Major: Wildlife Ecology & Conservation  
    • What’s next: J.T. will be starting a job with the U.S. Geological Survey, a division of the U.S. Department of the Interior
  • James Brouckman    
    • Major: Computer Engineering  
    • James is looking forward to moving out to San Fransisco shortly after graduation to start his new full-time job in software engineering.
  • Jerod Busch    
    • Major: Computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering  
    • Jerod is looking forward to starting his full-time position as a controls engineer in Ithaca NY.
  • Nolan Davis
    • Major: Mechanical Engineering 
    • Minor: Manufacturing 
    • Concentration:  Engineering Enterprise
    • Nolan will be working full-time at The Hill Group and is looking forward to starting his first job, growing professionally with this experience, and having more fun times with my family and friends.
  • Tanner Duncan
    • Major: Mechanical Engineering 
    • Minor: Manufacturing and Aerospace Engineering    Concentration: Engineering Enterprise   
    • What’s Next: Tanner has accepted a position with BOSS Snowplow and will be moving to the Iron Mountain area.
  • Ben Houck
    • Major: Mechanical Engineering
    • Concentration: Engineering Enterprise
    • What’s Next: Ben will be pursuing an internship in Engineering at Stellantis, and will continue at MTU for a 1 year accelerated MBA next year.
  • Andrew Kleehammer
    • Major: Engineering Management
    • Minor: Enterprise   
    • What’s Next: Andrew is about halfway through a Master’s in Engineering Management and also works in project management at FORTNA.
  • Megan Lee
    • Major: Environmental Engineering
    • Minor: Spanish
    • What’s Next: Megan will be working for Arcadis, an Environmental Consulting firm, out of Novi, Michigan on environmental remediation projects.
  • Mandy Lepak
    • Major: Mechanical Engineering
    • Minor: Manufacturing 
    • What’s Next: This summer Mandy will be working for Gentex Corporation in Zeeland, Michigan as a Production Support Engineer and is looking forward to another big change in her life that will help me continue growing myself as an individual.
  • Fable-Viktor Moore
    • Major: Psychology
    • Concentration: Clinical/Counseling Psychology
    • What’s Next: Research Job and Graduate School
  • Anderson Piercey
    • Major: Management
    • Minor: Psychology 
    • What’s Next: Anderson will be living in the Lansing area with his significant other and pursuing employment as a Project Manager.
  • Jonathan Rabideau
    • Major: Computer Science
    • What’s next:  Jonathan will be starting his career and is considering a Master’s degree
  • Mady Sherman
    • Major: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology-Chemistry focus  
    • What’s Next: Mady will be working as a Research Technician for Neogen Corporation in Lansing Michigan
  • Colton Sitts
    • Major: STC
    • Minor: Computer Science
    • What’s next: Colton will be working as a quality manager at Epic Systems in Madison, WI. designing and testing software for healthcare facilities all over the country.
  • Nick Stankovich
    • Major: Management   
    • What’s next: Nick is looking forward to pursuing a Master’s here at MTU and an internship with General Motors.
  • Maddie  Thompson
    • Major: Mechanical Engineering
    • Minor: Business
    • What’s next: Maddie will travel to Europe for a month after graduation to learn more about different cultures and experience new places! Upon her return, she will start her full-time job with General Motors as a TRACK Hardware engineer in their rotational program!
  • Libby  Umlor
    • Major: Chemical Engineering
    • What’s next: Libby will be returning to Michigan Tech to complete an accelerated master’s in Chemical Engineering.
  • Zachary Vatter
    • Major: Biomedical Engineering and Human Biology   Concentration: Pre-Health Professions
    • What’s next: Zachary will return to Michigan Tech to pursue a Master’s in biological sciences.
  • John Waller
    • Major: Mechanical Engineering Tech
    • What’s next: After graduating John is moving to Kalamazoo, MI, and getting married in June.

To our graduates – we are so proud of you!  Take a moment to soak in this feeling of accomplishment and success and know that this is only the beginning as you go on to make your difference in the world. Congratulations!

Education is not the filling of a pot but the lighting of a fire.

W.B. Yeats
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Learn More About Undergraduate Research – Attend This Year’s Undergraduate Research & Scholarship Symposium 

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Are you interested in exploring what research undergraduate students have been participating in? Join us on March 24th for the 2023 Undergraduate Research & Scholarship Symposium held in the Rozsa Center Lobby. The Symposium will highlight the exceptional undergraduate research being conducted and represents a wide array of scientific and engineering disciplines from Michigan Technological University and the Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College.   

A 2019 Undergraduate Research & Scholarship Symposium participant describes their research to Dr. Koubek.

The day starts with the Undergraduate Research & Scholarship Panel at 11:00 am which will feature experienced current and former graduate students and provide a chance for discussion about how undergraduate research creates opportunities. They will share their experiences and discuss the value that they have found by participating in research as an undergraduate.  

Our guest panelists include Brennan Vogl, a current Ph.D. student in the Biomedical Engineering department at MTU. Brennan graduated from MTU with a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering and a minor in Electrical Engineering in 2020. During his time as an undergraduate, Brennan was heavily involved in undergraduate research where he worked on projects investigating cancer metastasis in response to fructose. Another of the panelists, Dr. Len Switzer, is currently the Associate Director of Industrial Relations for the Enterprise Program at Michigan Tech. Prior to joining the Enterprise staff, Len spent over 20 years working in various industrial roles. About half of this time involved applied research and development in high-temperature processing (e.g., glass melting, steel making, cement, heat treating, etc.) and with a startup company working on new types of oil exploration. The final panelist, Kath Higdon, received her undergraduate degree from Michigan Technological University in Applied Ecology. Upon graduation, she went directly into the Ph.D. program in Forest Science at MTU. She worked as a research assistant during her first year as an undergrad looking at experimental Nitrogen deposition in Northern Hardwood Forests.

Students and attendees at the Undergraduate Research & Scholarship Symposium in 2019.

The panel is followed by two poster sessions (12:30-2:00 pm & 2:30-4:00 pm). The participants have been working hard to model out their research on poster boards, and the Symposium will provide the students with a chance to demonstrate their knowledge and skills. Attendees will be given the opportunity to speak with the students conducting research, ask them questions about their projects, and learn more about undergraduate research and scholarship. 

The Symposium wraps up with a networking event at 4:00 pm for the participants to speak further with the judges and mentors. During this networking session, outstanding posters will be announced and awarded for their proficiency based on multiple criteria. 

The Undergraduate Research & Scholarship Symposium is a great way to share the exciting research projects going on in our region and highlight the diversity of research areas being explored.  Be sure to mark your calendars and join us in the Rozsa Lobby for this incredible event!

Written by: Emily Bishop, Pavlis Honors College Marketing Intern

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Winners Announced: 2023 Bob Mark Business Model Pitch Competition

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Child Protection, Fashion and Safe Water Technologies Win Big at the Bob Mark Pitch Competition – Pictured: Winners Asia Motte, Bayle Golden, and Jordan Craven

It was a night of fierce and calculated competition as MTU students across disciplines pitched innovative business ideas and solutions to help shape the world.

This Husky Innovate event is a tribute to the late Professor of Practice, Bob Mark, within the College of Business, and a recognition of students’ entrepreneurial spirit. In its 16th year, the event, which took place on Thursday, January 19, at the MUB Ballroom, is also a highlight of Michigan Tech’s 2023 Innovation Week activities.

In all, eleven students pitched their ideas to judges, comprised of professors and renowned business professionals, and a lively audience. After an extremely interesting presentation session, Bayle Golden with her idea titled SafeROW, emerged as the winner. Taking a cash prize of $2,000 home, Ms. Golden’s start-up will help curtail the issue of child abduction in the country. This idea also won the Social Impact Award ($1000) which is sponsored by Dr. Elham Asgari, from the College of Business.

With a new innovation in finding the right fit when shopping for clothing online, Jordan Craven received the second prize with Tall and Small Designs. She received a cash prize of  $1,000 and another $250 in addition to being voted the Audience Favorite.  It did not end there for Ms. Craven as she also won the Breakout Innovation Award which is sponsored by the MTEC SmartZone and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. That also came with a $1000 cash prize.

The third prize worth $500 was taken by Asia Motta with the Droplet. Miss Motta’s idea previously won the overall at the Idea Pitch competition in the Fall of last year. For millennial plant parents, Asia’s idea is going to help save your plants from dying.

Safe water is an essential part of everyday living and public health. However, for people who manage their water at home, we are always not sure whether it has been contaminated in the wells or not. Here’s where Rehab (Ruby) Alhajjar’s Water Solution idea comes in. Winning the Honorable Mention ($250) category, Ms. Ruby’s innovation will help us detect any contamination in time.

Other ideas in health, education, and sustainable power generation also competed at the event.  With Michigan Tech’s commitment to preparing students for the future, the Bob Mark Business Model Pitch Competition has become an exceptional avenue to expose students to the business, entrepreneur, and academic community.

Congrats to all the contestants who took a big step forward with their entrepreneurship goals when they pitched their business models.  Special congratulations to our award winners:

Business Model Category

Presented by the College of Business with thanks to sponsors Rick and Jo Berquist, and Dan and Jane Green for sponsoring the Audience Favorite award. Student pitches were judged by how well the solution addressed the customers’ needs, the path to revenue, and the overall presentation.

  • First prize – Bayle Golden with SafeROW ($2,000)
  • Second prize – Jordan Craven with Tall and Small Designs ($1,000)
  • Third prize –  Asia Motta with The Droplet ($500)
  • Honorable Mention – Rehab (Ruby) Alhajjar with the Water Solution ($250) 
  • Audience Favorite –  Jordan Craven with Tall and Small Designs ($250) 

Social Impact Award Category

Sponsored and presented by Gates Professor Dr. Elham Asgari, College of Business. The social impact category examined the significance of the social problem and how well the solution addressed it.

  • Bayle Golden with SafeROW ($1,000)

Breakout Innovation Award

Presented by Patrick Visser, Chief Commercial Officer, MTEC SmartZone, and sponsored by the MTEC SmartZone and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. The breakout innovation award considered the solution’s novelty, ease of implementation, and time to implementation.

  • Jordan Craven with Tall and Small Designs ($1,000)
Emcee Rourke Sylvain, First Place Winner Bayle Golden, and Host Jim Baker
Jordan Craven shows off their awards – Second Prize, Breakout Innovation, and Audience Favorite

Husky Innovate extends a special thanks to those who provided their time and resources to make the competition a success.

Our Sponsors

  • Dean Johnson, dean, College of Business
  • Elham Asgari, Gates Professor, College of Business
  • Rick and Jo Berquist
  • Dan and Jane Green
  • MTEC SmartZone and the MEDC

Our Judges

  • Jay Meldrum, executive director, Keweenaw Research Center; MTU liaison to the Grand Traverse Area
  • Eric Roberts, MTU alumnus; executive director, 20Fathoms
  • Elham Asgari, Gates Professor, College of Business
  • Dan Green, MTU alumnus and entrepreneur; principal, BlackFin Group
  • Adrienne Minerick, professor of chemical engineering; affiliated professor of biomedical engineering; president, American Society for Engineering Education
  • Patrick Visser, chief commercialization officer, MTEC SmartZone
  • Michael J. Cleveland, P.E. and MTU alumnus; mentor in residence at Michigan Tech
  • Lawrence W. Staley, MTU alumnus; director of engineering (retired 2019), Parker Hannifin Corporation

Our Host

  • Jim Baker, associate vice president for research administration; executive council advisor, Husky Innovate, Office of Innovation and Commercialization

Our Emcee

  • Rourke Sylvain, MS student, Biomedical Engineering, New Venture Challenge pitch winner ‘22, President of the Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization, and Founder and CEO at Integrated Molecular Innovations

Our Marketing and Support Team

  • Jessie Stapleton, marketing and communications specialist, Office of the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education
  • Eugene Agyei, Ph.D. student, College of Sciences and Arts; Husky Innovate intern
  • April DePaulis, Pavlis Honors College administrator

Our Production Team

  • Sound and Lighting Service’s Elijah Nation and the SLS team
  • Dining and Catering Services for their support. 

Thanks to all who attended! We look forward to next year’s event!

If you are interested in additional opportunities, check out our Husky Innovate Events Page.  Please feel free to reach out to huskyinnovate@mtu.edu for more information.

Written by: Eugene Brown Agyei for Husky Innovate

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Winners Announced: 2022 Bob Mark Business Model Pitch Competition

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Social Impact Award Winner – Bayle Golden with STEMPOWER

Congratulations and thank you to Husky Innovate’s Bob Mark Business Model Pitch Competition contestants and winners! On January 27th, 16 Michigan Tech students, representing diverse majors, participated in the competition either virtually over Zoom or in-person, and pitched their business models to a panel of judges and to a live audience. Each contestant was provided 4 minutes to pitch key components of their business models, including the value proposition and customer segment.

A highlight of Michigan Tech’s Innovation Week, this legacy event celebrates entrepreneurship and is a tribute to the late College of Business Professor of Practice Bob Mark. There were three categories of prizes: business model, social impact, and breakout innovation. The business model category looked at how well the solution addresses the customers’ needs, the path to revenue, and the overall presentation. The social impact category examined the significance of the social problem and how well the solution addressed it. The breakout innovation award considered the solution’s novelty, ease of implementation, and time to implementation.  

Congrats to all the contestants who took a big step forward with their entrepreneurship goals when they pitched their business models. Special congratulations to our award winners:

Business Model Category 

Presented by College of Business, thank you to sponsors Rick and Jo Berquist, and Dan and Jane Green for sponsoring the Audience Favorite award.

  • First prize – Akhil Kurup with Sense ($2,000)
  • Second prize – Maggie Zimmermann  with Famealia ($1,000)
  • Third prize – Jakob Christiansen with ProBoard ($500)
  • Honorable Mention – Nick Peterson with NOMAD ($250) 
  • Audience Favorite – Maggie Zimmermann with Famealia ($250) 

Social Impact Award Category

Sponsored and presented by Dr. Elham Asgari, Gates Professor College of Business, with a $1,000 matching contribution from Arick Davis and Jake Northey of Creative Mines.

  • Bayle Golden with STEMPOWER ($2,000)

Breakout Innovation Award

Presented by Patrick Visser, Chief Commercial Officer, MTEC SmartZone, sponsored by the MTEC SmartZone and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

  • Akhil Kurup with Sense ($1,000)

First Place and Breakout Innovation Award – Akhil Kurup with Sense

Second Place and Audience Favorite – Maggie Zimmermann with Famealia

Third Place – Jakob Christiansen with ProBoard

Honorable Mention – Nick Peterson with NOMAD

Social Impact Award – Bayle Golden with STEMPOWE

Husky Innovate extends a special thanks to those who provided their time and resources to make the competition a success.

Our Sponsors

  • Dean Johnson, Dean, College of Business
  • Elham Asgari, Gates Professor, College of Business
  • Rick and Jo Berquist
  • Dan and Jane Green
  • Arick Davis and Jake Northey, Creative Mines
  • MTEC SmartZone and the MEDC

Our Judges 

  • Jim Baker, Associate VP Research Administration, Co-Director Husky Innovate 
  • Michelle Jarvie-Eggart, Assistant Professor Engineering Fundamentals
  • Eric Roberts, Executive Director 20Fathoms 
  • David Shull, Senior Director Skills Partnerships, Handshake
  • Elham Asgari, Gates Professor, College of Business
  • Dan Green, Entrepreneur, and Principal at BlackFin Group, MTU Alumnus
  • Arick Davis, Entrepreneur, Co-founder Last Mile Cafe, Creative Mines, MTU Alumnus 
Competition Judges

Our Emcee

Gary Tropp, Computer Network and System Administration, Pavlis Honors College Student, University Innovation Fellow, and Husky Innovate Pitch winner ‘18, ‘19.

Our Marketing Team

Vienna Leonarduzzi, Marketing and Communications Director, Pavlis Honors College, and Laura Vidal Chiesa, Michigan Tech Ph.D. Student, College of Sciences and Arts and Husky Innovate Intern.  

Our Production Team

Special thanks to Stefan Hurthibise and the Michigan Tech IT team, Sound and Lighting Services’ James Langsford, Elijah Nation, Luke Schloemp, and the rest of the team, and Photo Services provided by Alok Shelar of University Marketing and Communications, and Dining and Catering Services for their support. 

A special thank you to the Office of Advancement and Alumni Engagement for inviting all Bob Mark pitch contestants to watch the January 29th Michigan Tech Hockey game from the Presidential Skybox.

Thanks to all who attended! We look forward to next year’s event!

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Congratulations, graduates!

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The class of 2021 had their “embrace ambiguity” skills tested during their final year. Even with this unexpected twist, our newest honors students made their mark in labs and Enterprise spaces, in bowling alleys and roller derby arenas, everywhere from Houghton to Peru. Congratulations, graduates.

Ben Neely

During his time at Tech, Ben served as vice president of Phi Kappa Tau, spent part of his research pathway studying grade estimation using dynamic anisotropy interpolation, and is graduating with a degree in mining engineering. Ben’s headed to Lexington, Kentucky after graduation, where he’ll work for RESPEC Engineering.

Brandon Howard

A mechanical engineer on the New Venture pathway, Brandon’s senior design team won first place in this year’s Design Expo, designing an N95-rated filtration system to be used with Stryker’s existing Flyte helmet and hood in order to protect surgeons against COVID-19 and other airborne viruses. Brandon also served as advertising chair for Film Board, and headed several student committees. Brandon is staying at Michigan Tech to work on a master’s degree in mechanical engineering, with a focus on sustainable design and manufacturing.

Chiarra Elkort-Wickboldt

Chiarra graduated with a degree in environmental engineering. During her community engagement pathway, she earned a Peace Corps Prep certificate, mentored in the Young Women’s Leadership Program, worked with the Canterbury House Food Pantry and served as a learning facilitator for HON 1150. After graduation, Chiarra’s going to stay at Michigan Tech for a while longer to finish an accelerated master’s degree in environmental engineering.

Deanna Springgay

Deanna Springgay’s (center-right, kneeling in a purple jersey) roller derby team

A statistics major, Deanna used her custom pathway to improve one of her favorite off-campus activities: she created a recording system for Keweenaw Roller Derby’s internal team development. She also served on the Pavlis Honors College’s undergraduate student advisory board and volunteered as a Pavlis peer mentor. After graduation, she’ll start working for Epic Software as a technical solutions engineer.

Harley Merkaj

Harley graduated with a computer science major and a mathematics minor. As part of his leadership pathway, Harley created a ticketing portal for USG. The website gives all registered student organizations on campus a way to efficiently file forms with USG. He also served on the Diversity Council, the Networking and Computing Student Association, and on the Honors Ambassador team. Harley was also nominated for exceptional leadership in student governance. Harley plans to move to California after graduation.

Joseph Van Linn

Joseph graduated with a mechanical engineering major and a Spanish minor. On his research pathway, he’s done everything from presenting his research at the American Society of Mechanical Engineers International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition virtually in November of 2020 to fighting forest fires in Oregon to a Study Abroad in Spain to giving back to Pavlis as one of our first peer mentors. After graduation, Josephy plans to go back to Oregon for another season of firefighting, and will then go to graduate school in the Netherlands.

Kaylee Meyers

A biomedical engineering major, Goldwater Scholar, and winner of the 2019-2020 Provost’s Award, Kaylee is also a co-director and tutor for Tech Tutors (a free and virtual tutoring program developed in response to schools moving online due to COVID-19). On her research pathway, Kaylee studied ultrasound and tendon wound healing. After graduation, she’s headed to graduate school to work on translating biosensor medical research and technology to clinical settings.

Kenneth Shivers

Kenneth earned dual degrees in computer and electrical engineering. On his enhanced Enterprise pathway, Kenneth served as a project manager for the Wireless Communication Enterprise and the Michigan Tech fall Hackathon. After graduation, Kenneth’s hoping to find a job as an embedded engineer in southeast Michigan.

Jake Grund

Jake Grund (back row, third from the left)

Mechanical engineering technology major Jake Grund is one of Pavlis’ first ETS-IMPRESS graduates. He’s also a fantastic bowler, and used his pathway to teach others the game through a coaching clinic and outreach to middle and high schoolers. After graduation, Jake plans to move closer to his hometown, volunteer, and continue bowling.

Lydia Savatsky

Lydia Savatsky majored in mathematics, minored in global community development partnerships, earned a Peace Corps Prep certificate, received the Dean of Students’ Award for Service (2020-2021), and completed a community engagement pathway for her honors program. On her pathway, Lydia did data analysis with the Appalachia Service Project, and mentored a young women’s leadership program. Lydia is off to the University of Minnesota to work towards a master’s degree in business analytics.

Lexi Steve

Lexi Steve graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering and a minor in Spanish. Lexi was a member of the Green Campus Enterprise, a founding member of Students for Sustainability, a resident of the Sustainability House, a University Innovation Fellow, a learning facilitator for HON 2150, and interned for Husky Innovate and IDEAhub. On her global and community engagement pathway, Lexi piloted a community project in Peru, hosting design workshops for afterschool teachers, community parents, and a local volunteer organization. What’s next for Lexi? “A few main options: convert a travel van, become a co-world renowned chef, mentor some kiddos in California, or build a greenhouse–nothing is set in stone, but the world is full of opportunities!”

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Darnishia Slade appointed to Michigan Community Service Commission

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Darnishia L. Slade has been appointed to a three-year term with the Michigan Community Service Commission, representing fellow experts in the delivery of human, educational, environmental, or public safety services to communities and individuals.

The Michigan Community Service Commission strives to build a culture of service by providing vision and resources to strengthen communities through volunteerism. The Commission develops a three-year comprehensive national and community service plan for the state that shall be updated annually, oversees and submits the state’s applications to the Corporation for National and Community Service and other public and private funding sources, establishes policies and procedures for the use of federal funds, and develops initiatives to promote community service in coordination with existing programs.

Dar Slade

“I am honored to receive this appointment from Governor Whitmer!” said Slade. “I am ready to roll my sleeves up and do the work of continuing to make Michigan one of the nation’s leading state service commissions and a model state for volunteerism. I believe that through volunteerism lives are enriched, cultural understanding is exchanged, and lasting partnerships are established.”

Lorelle Meadows, dean of the Pavlis Honors College, says “Dar is an excellent individual to serve the State of Michigan in this way.  She has the depth of knowledge, experience, and passion to make an impact on community service outcomes so important to our state at this time.”

Slade is an instructor, advisor, and the manager of global engagement programs for Pavlis Honors College. She is a member of the IDEAhub Leadership Team and an organization advisor for the Society of Intellectual Sisters and Canterbury House.

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