Michigan Tech College of Engineering

The coolest place in Michigan, literally! ?? On January 21, 2025, temperatures at Michigan Tech’s Ford Center and Forest in Alberta, Michigan, dropped to -32°F, making it the coldest official temperature in the state this winter. But the Ford Center is more than just a 2025 cold-weather record holder — it’s a hub for research, education, and industry collaboration. Since 1957, it has provided valuable weather data to NOAA: National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration while also supporting year-round research, technical training, business workshops and lodging in the historic Alberta Village, built by Henry Ford. With 3,700 acres of diverse forestland, the Ford Center and Forest offers a dynamic space for learning, innovation, and discovery. Explore what the Ford Center has to offer: https://lnkd.in/gs9gqnXV

Three MAE PhD students—Will Johnston, Janith Godakawela, and Kara Hardy—recently visited NASA Langley Research Center to present their project AeroFeathers at the NASA Acoustics Technical Working Group Meeting. AeroFeathers, funded by the NASA University Student Research Challenge, uses 3D printing to create bio-inspired, quieter propeller blades modeled after the silent flight of owls for aerospace applications. At the meeting, the team engaged with leading acoustics experts from industry, academia, and government, receiving valuable feedback on acoustic characterization methods and expanding their professional network. Learn more about their AeroFeathers project: https://ow.ly/o6Il50VnCxa

Had a great time this morning hearing about some of the amazing work Tech students are doing. Congratulations to Ian Mattson, Kadja Flore GALI, and Jacob Chizek for presenting at the Graduate Research Colloquium about your work on indoor air quality, atmospheric particle deposition, and autonomous vehicles. And thanks to the Graduate Student Government of Michigan Technological University for organizing such a wonderful event.

This week in College of Engineering news: ??? NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Earth Observatory quoted Simon Carn (GMES) in a story about satellite observations of volcanic activity in the South Sandwich Islands. Carn explained the impact of volcanic emissions on cloud patterns, particularly noting the enhanced levels of sulfur dioxide observed from Mount Michael. Read more: https://ow.ly/fR5O50VnEi7 ?? Omnexus mentioned Fei Long and Ezra Bar-Ziv (MAE) in a story about their involvement in a project to improve the clarity of recycled plastics using a new solvent-based technique. Read more: https://ow.ly/c6Ix50VnEi3 ?? Michigan Tech alum John Scott '10 (B.S. Mechanical Engineering) was a guest on the March 17 episode of the Wild on 7th podcast, titled “John Scott, St. Patrick’s Day and Dropping Gloves.” In the episode, Scott discussed his NHL career, time with the Minnesota Wild, and his Michigan Tech degree. Listen here: https://ow.ly/bNx950VnEi4 ? The Institute for Printed Circuits mentioned Michigan Tech undergraduate Emily Daley (electrical engineering) in a story about her election as a new student board member for the IPC Board of Directors. Read more: https://ow.ly/Tm2h50VnEi6 ?? The Keweenaw Report and K-Bear 102 WHKB-FM mentioned Michigan Tech alumni Austin Gongos ’18 and Nathan Ackerman ’18 (both B.S. Mechanical Engineering) in stories about their company, Chicken Tramper Ultralight Gear, and its growth in the outdoor recreation industry with support from a MEDC Industry 4.0 Technology grant. Read more: https://ow.ly/ZUuq50VnEmZ

This past Friday, March 21, the Undergraduate Research & Scholarship Symposium (URSS) brought together some of Michigan Tech’s most talented undergraduate researchers to showcase their groundbreaking work. From sustainable virus inactivation to economic development in the Western U.P., this year’s projects highlighted the depth and diversity of student-led research happening across campus. These students are pushing boundaries, solving real-world problems, and shaping the future of research. Read more about their incredible projects in our latest blog post! ?? ?? https://lnkd.in/e3MnCr73 A huge thank you to our faculty mentors, judges, and everyone who attended URSS 2025. Your support helps foster the next generation of innovators and scholars. We can’t wait to see what next year brings! ?? #MichiganTech #UndergraduateResearch #URSS2025 #Innovation #HuskyResearch #PavlisHonorsCollege

Becoming a judge for Design Expo is the best way to witness the tenacity and ingenuity of Tech students first-hand! Enterprise Program - Michigan Technological University is looking for industry professionals, alumni, and faculty to serve as judges of this year's expo, celebrating 25 years of Enterprise at Michigan Tech! See below for more details on how to sign up!

Our researchers are exploring the Great Lakes both above and below the surface. ?? This #WorldWaterDay, we’re highlighting the Great Lakes Research Center at Michigan Tech's cutting-edge fleet that's advancing freshwater research from the surface to the depths. ?? Surface Fleet: RV Agassiz, RV Soliton, BathyBoat and the Environmental Monitoring Buoy network (UGLOS) ?? Subsurface Fleet: Outland Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), VideoRay ROV and the IVER 3 Fully Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) With this technology, our researchers are tackling critical water challenges and protecting the Great Lakes for future generations. Dive deeper: https://lnkd.in/geY79WKN

Spring is (technically) here!?? There might still be some snow on campus (and in the forecast), but there are sunny days and blue skies to come! Tell us what you love about spring on campus! #MichiganTech

Michigan Tech mechanical engineering alumnus Ronald Johnston Pearce '51 had a lifelong connection to the Soo Locks and the St. Marys River in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, starting as a child and spanning a 35-year career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Now, the USACE is honoring his legacy, expertise, and impact on the region with the deployment of the R.J. Pearce—a 76-foot tugboat with a 28-foot beam—that will be commissioned in Sault Ste. Marie this fall. ?? Read more at Alumni and Friends Stories: https://lnkd.in/e_F7-qPB

This week in College of Engineering news: ?? Helen Foldenauer, a first-year geology graduate student, was named this year’s recipient of the Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences (GMES) Outstanding Teaching Assistant award for her exceptional work in the mineral science course. Read more in the GMES blog: https://ow.ly/XCJk50Vj3rP ?? Michigan Tech alum Paul Rogers '88 '04 (B.S., Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering) was mentioned by the Traverse City Record-Eagle in a story about his keynote address at the inaugural Northern Michigan Defense Conference. Read more: https://ow.ly/XCMT50Vj3J8 ?? Gresham Smith mentioned Michigan Tech in a press release about the appointment of Becky Higgins ‘11 (B.S. Civil Engineering) as a senior engineer in their Water & Environment market. Read more: https://ow.ly/ewfi50Vj3J7 ?? Jung Yun Bae (MAE) was quoted by UPword in a story about her work developing a robotic system for lavender harvesting. Bae’s research aims to help small flower farms streamline their harvesting process by addressing labor shortages with robotic technology, with pilot testing scheduled for this spring at Lucky Clover Farm in Gaylord. Read more: https://ow.ly/fY0q50Vj3Ol ?? The National Academy of Engineering mentioned Ishi Keenum (CEGE) in a story about her research on antibiotic-resistant bacteria in wastewater. Keenum presented at the 2025 NAE National meeting, highlighting her work to improve wastewater treatment and address public health concerns related to water reuse. Read more: https://ow.ly/aTtO50Vj3T7