|
|
1. MEEM Adopts Industrial-Strength Safety Progam |
Michigan Tech has long been educating engineers with skills that propel them straight from the commencement podium to the workplace. Now, graduates of the Department of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics are entering industry as well-versed in safety as they are in computer-aided design.
Department Chair William Predebon instituted the effort several years ago, when he asked members of the Industrial Advisory Board (now the External Advisory Board) to visit the department's labs. Then, he invited safety experts from General Motors to review the labs and procedures and to make recommendations.
Those recommendations were taken to heart, and the department developed, staffed and began implementing a full-fledged, industry-standard safety program that extends from professors with million-dollar labs to every undergraduate who turns on a lathe or picks up a set of welding torches.
Thus, starting this fall, all MEEM faculty, graduate students and staff are required to watch a 45-minute general safety video available from the department website. Asking nicely is usually enough to assure compliance, but, if necessary, Predebon does more than ask nicely. "If graduate teaching assistants don't go through the safety orientation, they lose their GTA support," he said. "If graduate research assistants, staff and faculty don't complete safety training, they will be locked out of their labs."
"Safety is important to all of us, and we need to take it seriously," Predebon said.
In addition to completing (and documenting) the general training, faculty and staff responsible for any of the department's 30-plus labs are required to develop a safety manual and train anyone using the facility. The training applies to undergraduates as well; all seniors work in a lab as part of their Senior Design requirement.
Predebon leads a tour of several MEEM labs, showing some recent safety improvements. Undergrads test noise, vibration and harshness principles in a lab stocked with Kenmore washers. Recently, the department ran new wiring and plumbing to each machine from directly beneath the floor. The improvement virtually eliminates the risk of trips and falls. Students provide their own safety glasses, but spares are available in the labs, along with ear protection.
Professor Craig Friedrich, who directs the safety program while Associate Professor Tammy Haut Donahue is on sabbatical, reaches for a white binder stashed by the doorway. In addition to general safety information, it includes an MSDS, or material safety data sheet, tailored to that lab. It lists any substances in the room that could pose a safety threat, along with proper procedures for handling them and what to do in an emergency.
In other labs, fuels are stored in special cabinets that prevent sparks, which can set off accidental explosions. A crane system in an engine lab can lift up to 500 pounds and help prevent back injuries.
Industry experts identified some safety shortfalls had been hiding in plain sight. "We did a lot of labeling," says Jerry Dion, manager of laboratory facilities. For example, identifying signs are now posted next to alarms. Thus, if they go off, passersby can tell if they should respond to, for example, a fire or the release of carbon monoxide.
Doors in the sub-basement link a network of rooms and corridors, and now many are labeled "Not an Exit." In an emergency, Friedrich explains, it's easy to lose your head and, instead of escaping outside, rush farther into the building, straight into deep trouble.
Conversely, other doors are topped with glow-in-the-dark exit signs, just in case the power goes out.
Jonathan Stone, the University's occupational safety and health specialist, gives the department high marks. "Our office is ecstatic that a department would go out into industry for advice on building a safety program," he said. "It's important that our students be trained in their field, but it's just as important that they understand safety. Safety is part of making them great engineers and scientists."
Editor's note: The MEEM department has a new power tool that could save thousands of dollars and a few fingers. The story appears later this week. |
|
|
2. Semifinalist Candidates for SBE Dean Announced |
The School of Business and Economics Dean Search Committee is pleased to announce the semifinalists. Details on each candidate can be found at http://deansearch.sbe.mtu.edu/ . The semifinalists and the dates of their campus interviews follow:
Anthony F. Chelte, PhD
Dean, Dillard College of Business Administration
Rodriguez Distinguished Professor of Management
Midwestern State University, Wichita Falls, Texas
Dec. 6-7
Douglas A. Hensler, PhD, PE
Dean and Sid Craig Endowed Dean’s Chair
Craig School of Business
California State University, Fresno
Dec. 10-11
James E. Payne, PhD
Chair, Department of Economics
Illinois State University
Dec. 17-18
There are several ways you can provide feedback to the committee. The comment form is available at the website and offers an anonymous method for providing your input. You may also provide your input and comments to any of the committee members whose names are also listed on the dean search website. The role of the committee is to provide recommendations to the provost regarding the candidates. You can learn more about the candidates by
*attending the open forum sessions
*watching streaming video of the open forums on the webpage if you are unable to attend
*reviewing information about the candidates now on the website
Any questions about the search can be directed to Dana Johnson, SBE Dean Search Committee chair, at dana@mtu.edu . |
|
|
3. Celebrate International Education Week Nov. 12-16 |
Michigan Tech will celebrate International Education Week, a national initiative launched by former President Bill Clinton, Nov. 12-16. The 2007 International Education Week’s theme is “Fostering Global Citizenship and Respect,” announced by US Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings.
This initiative started in 2000 to recognize the significance of international students, curricula and programming in US higher education. The Office of International Programs and Services (IPS), in partnership with the International Club, the Memorial Union and different units of the university, will be offering a series of educational and cultural events during the week.
The kick-off event will be the Brown Bag Lunch highlighting “Africa and Globalization,” a discussion led by Professors Blair Orr (SFRES), Visiting Assistant Professor Keri Henquinet (Social Sciences) and Carl Blair, study abroad coordinator, from noon to 1 p.m., on Monday, Nov. 12, in the Red Metal Room of the Memorial Union.
On Wednesday, Nov. 14, the World Forum will feature "Peace Corps and Service Learning: What is It and Why Should You do It?” a discussion led by Michigan Tech faculty and students who participated in the Peace Corps program. The World Forum will be held 3:30-4:30 p.m. in the West Lounge of McNair Hall.
Also on Wednesday, the International Club is sponsoring an International Food Festival, which will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the Memorial Union Ballroom. The dinner will feature a variety of international dishes. People can also enjoy a cultural fashion show and listen to perspectives about global diversity in the United States. International Programs and Services offered students the opportunity to enter the International Education Week reflection-paper contest and the Study Abroad photo contest, and the winners will be awarded at the event. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased at the Fisher Hall lobby, the Memorial Union Commons or by contacting Donisha Das at dadas@mtu.edu .
Throughout the week, a display of international flags in the Memorial Union and different international cuisines every day at lunch time will recognize the fact that Michigan Tech is emerging as a global university. This trend will also be demonstrated by international students wearing their cultural attire and Michigan Tech administration and staff wearing international ties and scarves to celebrate internationalization at Michigan Tech.
The Office of International Programs and Services is planning to offer more and diverse events during next year's International Education Week. Michigan Tech community members are urged to send their ideas about programming (focusing on global understanding) to ssuleman@mtu.edu . |
|
|
4. "Beyond Therapy" Opens Nov. 8 in McArdle Theatre |
Michigan Tech’s production of “Beyond Therapy,” Christopher Durang’s satirical comedy, opens Thursday, Nov. 8, for six performances in McArdle Theatre (Walker Arts and Humanities Center). A Broadway hit and a perennial favorite in regional and university theaters, “Beyond Therapy” is a non-stop farce that critics call “one of the funniest plays I’ve seen in years,” “guaranteed hilarious,” and written by “one of the most original playwrights at work today.”
In “Beyond Therapy,” Prudence and Bruce meet on a blind date after they answer each other’s personal ads. Each is looking for a stable romantic relationship, getting advice from an eccentric psychotherapist as well as interference from family and friends. The first date ends in disaster, but they meet again when Prudence answers another personal ad. In a whirl of absurdity and complications, is a real relationship possible? Going beyond satire, Durang has interesting things to say on that subject.
Director Trish Helsel, who joined Michigan Tech's faculty in August, chose “Beyond Therapy” as her first Michigan Tech production. The play stars Michael McKellar (Visual and Performing Arts) and Laura Crimmins (GMES) as Bruce and Prudence, Adam Sommerfield (Sciences and Arts) and Gretchen Lange (MSE) as the therapists Stuart and Charlotte, with Scott Grajeda (SBE) and Dieter Rudolph (SFRES) in the roles of Bob and Andrew.
The play features a unique set in McArdle Theatre, a flexible, open, 260-seat space. Design and construction of lights, set, sound effects and costumes were carried out by students in Michigan Tech's audio design and theater production programs under the guidance of faculty advisers.
“Beyond Therapy” will be performed Thursday, Nov. 8, through Saturday, Nov. 10, and Tuesday, Nov. 13, through Thursday, Nov. 15, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available from university box offices (487-3200, tickets.mtu.edu) and at the door for $12 (general) and $6 (students). For more information, contact the Visual and Performing Arts office at 487-3094 or fineart@mtu.edu . |
|
|
5. MSE Seminar Friday |
Professor Carl J. Boehlert, from the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science at Michigan State University, will present "In-Situ Tensile-Creep Testing of Advanced Structural Alloys" Friday, Nov. 9, 3-4 p.m. in M & M 610 as part of the John and Virginia Towers Distinguished Lecture Series.
For more information or an abstract, contact Margaret Rothenberger at mproth@mtu.edu . |
|
|
6. In Print |
|
Assistant Professor Haiying Liu (Chemistry), graduate students Babasaheb Sankapal and Kristina Setyowati (University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee) and Assistant Professor Jian Chen (University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee) published "Electrical Properties of Air-Stable, Iodine-Doped Carbon-Nanotube–Polymer Composites," in the Virtual Journal of Nanoscale Science and Technology, Volume 16, Issue 9, Nov. 5, 2007. |
|
|
7. Sports in Brief |
What’s Happening This Week
Wednesday, Nov. 7
Huskies Drive Time, 7:30-8 a.m., live on 93.5 FM
Men’s Basketball at Michigan State, 7 p.m., live radio (93.5 FM) and live TV (Big Ten Network)
Volleyball at #8 Grand Valley State, 7 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 9
Blue Line Club Luncheon, noon, Grant Hockey Educational Center
#13 Hockey hosts St. Cloud State, 7:07 p.m., live on 93.5 FM
Saturday, Nov. 10
Football hosts Findlay, 1 p.m., live on 93.5 FM
#13 Hockey hosts St. Cloud State, 7:07 p.m., live on 93.5 FM
Last Week’s Results
Hockey (5-3-0, 4-2-0 WCHA)
Nov. 2: #13 Michigan Tech 4, at #9 Wisconsin 2
Nov. 3: at #9 Wisconsin 4, #13 Michigan Tech 2
Football (5-5, 5-4 GLIAC)
Did not compete
Volleyball (9-16, 7-11 GLIAC)
Oct. 31: at Michigan Tech 3, Northern Michigan 2
Nov. 2: at Michigan Tech 3, Lake Superior State 0
Cross Country
Nov. 3: Men 14th of 22 teams, Women 17th of 22 teams at NCAA Great Lakes Regional in Edwardsville, Ill.
Women’s Basketball (0-0, 0-0 GLIAC)
Nov. 2: at DePaul 100, Michigan Tech 68 (exhibition)
Top News of the Week
Hockey Splits at Wisconsin; Still Atop WCHA Standings
The Michigan Tech hockey team earned a split with Wisconsin during its first road trip of the season last weekend (Nov. 2-3). The Huskies won Friday night 4-2 before falling 4-2 on Saturday. Junior Michael-Lee Teslak earned the start both nights, finishing the weekend with a 2.53 goals against average and a .923 save percentage. Jimmy Kerr and Tyler Shelast each scored two goals on the weekend, while Drew Dobson added three assists. Tech remains atop the WCHA league standings with eight points.
Men's Hoops Ready for Trip to East Lansing
The Michigan Tech men’s basketball team will take on NCAA Division I Michigan State Wednesday, Nov. 7, in a preseason contest at the Breslin Center. The game, which will be broadcast live on the Big Ten Network, will be the Huskies’ fourth preseason game against a Big Ten opponent in the last five years (Tech faced Michigan in 2003, 2004 and 2006). The Huskies are led by preseason All-Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference selection Tim Strom.
Volleyball Earns Spot in Postseason
The Huskies posted a pair of wins this past week to claim a spot in the GLIAC Tournament. The team avenged an earlier-season loss to Northern Michigan with a 3-2 win over the Wildcats at the SDC gym Wednesday, Oct. 31. Michigan Tech then completed the season sweep of Lake Superior State with a 3-0 win Friday, Nov. 2. Veronica Armstrong led the Huskies with 35 kills and 25 digs on the week, while Kali Jeter, playing in her final two matches at the SDC gym, recorded 28 kills and 39 digs. Jen Jung dominated play at the net with 20 blocks, and Kelsey Skoog added 110 assists. Tech will travel to face #8-ranked Grand Valley State Wednesday, Nov. 7, in a GLIAC Tournament Quarterfinal match.
Football Finale on Tap for Saturday
Michigan Tech will host Findlay on Saturday, Nov. 10, at Sherman Field to wrap up its 2007 season. The Huskies (5-5 overall, 5-4 GLIAC) can clinch their fourth consecutive season with a winning record with a win in the game. Tech also has the possibility of finishing as high as fourth place in the rugged GLIAC. |
|
|
