|
|
1. Technology Plans a New Robotics Program |
by John Gagnon, promotional writer
The School of Technology is partnering with industry to begin a new course in robotics and industrial automation that is intended to grow into both an industrial and University certification.
The initiative, says interim Dean Jim Frendewey, "will meet the needs of industry and strengthen the School’s academic program."
Overseeing the effort is Nasser Alaraje, assistant professor and head of the School's electrical engineering technology program. "This expertise and skill set," he says, "will be a great addition and will make students more marketable."
The School of Technology has purchased two robots from FANUC Robotics America, a Japanese firm with a strong presence in the US. The company, a leader in supporting robotics education, donated software and training. The market value of the package donated was $292,163. FANUC collaborates with higher education with an eye on streamlining its operations by reducing costs, improving quality and maximizing productivity.
Alaraje says the new course, which will be offered beginning in January, is not about building robots--rather programming and operating them. The students who take the course will have the option to sit for an industrial certificate exam, with no impact on the class grade. The goal is to also create a University certificate for both graduate and undergraduate students.
The course, Real-Time Robotics Systems 4144, will be open to students from other disciplines in other schools and colleges, although initially the enrollment will be limited to 12 or 15.
Beyond offering the course and establishing the certifications, the plans are ambitious:
* Train and certify industry professionals who would complete an online theoretical component over several months and a week of hands-on training on campus.
* Engage local middle school and high school teachers in robotics education.
* Offer professional development for additional in-house faculty who would be certified to instruct.
* Expand the program. (Organizers have submitted a request to the National Science Foundation for support to buy four more robots.)
For now, only Aleksandr Sergeyev, assistant professor in the electrical engineering technology program, can train and oversee the industrial certification.
This year, he spent months studying online and attended a week of training last summer at FANUC's Detroit-area facility--capped with a rigorous final exam. "It was very tough, very intensive," he says of the work, but worth it. "I believe there will be a high demand for this course," he says. "Robots are everywhere."
"These are very powerful machines and at the same time extremely precise machines," Sergeyev adds. "It's the same unit that industry uses, but smaller."
Each robot has six axes of motion, plus a vision system. The physics behind these educational robots is exactly the same as industrial robots that do a task repeatedly, with very high accuracy. Students will program and operate them just as is done in industry.
"If students can learn to operate this robot, they can operate and program nearly any robot," Sergeyev says. Safety is a key component of the program, he adds.
Other campus programs in robotics focus in part on design, engineering and fabrication. "We're not in the robot design or the robot building business," Frendewey says. "We're trying to turn out people who can implement this technology."
He says the school's industrial advisory board identified the need. Filling it will turn out not only better students but also more students. "This will help with recruitment," Frendewey concludes.
Should the graduate certificate materialize, it would join two others being developed: integrated geospatial technology and test engineering. |
|
|
2. Informational Sessions on Fringe Benefits are Going Well |
Renee Hiller, manager of Benefits Services, reports that the informational sessions being held on campus that began this week to address changes to medical coverage and retirement benefits are going well.
"Good attendance and good questions," she says.
The main focus of the sessions is the two new retirement plan options but is also detailing some changes to the two current health plans.
Employees will have the opportunity to choose their retirement plan and health-care options between Monday, Nov. 2, and Wednesday, Nov. 25.
Two campus-wide sessions on the matter have already been held. A revised schedule for the remainder follows:
**Tuesday, Oct. 27, 10 a.m. to noon, Memorial Union Ballroom A1 (for employee coverage only)
**Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2 to 4 p.m., Memorial Union Ballroom A2 (for two-person coverage)
Monday, Nov. 2, 2 to 4 p.m., Memorial Union Alumni Lounge (for family coverage)
Thursday, Nov. 5, 10 a.m. to noon, Memorial Union Ballroom A1 (for everyone)
Saturday, Nov. 7, 2 to 4 p.m., Location TBD
**Wednesday, Nov. 11, 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Ann Arbor (for MTRI)
**Thursday, Nov. 12, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Memorial Union Ballroom A2 (for everyone)
**Friday, Nov. 13, 10 a.m. to noon, Memorial Union Ballroom A2 (for everyone)
Monday, Nov. 16, 10 a.m. to noon, Memorial Union Ballroom B (for everyone)
Thursday, Nov. 19, 9 to 11 a.m., Memorial Union Ballroom B1 (for retirees)
Thursday, Nov. 19, 2 to 4 p.m., Memorial Union Ballroom A2 (for everyone)
Tuesday, Nov. 24, 10 a.m. to noon, Memorial Union Ballroom A2 (for everyone)
**Indicates that an Aetna representative will attend.
Employees can enroll online through Employee Self Service (ESS). For those who would like assistance with enrolling online, there will be labs at ME-EM 120 at the following times and days:
10 a.m. to noon, Monday, Nov. 2
10 a.m. to noon, Monday, Nov. 9
8 to 10 a.m., Monday, Nov. 16
Noon to 2 p.m., Monday, Nov. 23 |
|
|
3. SFI Event Recognizes Scholars and Students |
The Sustainable Futures Institute (SFI) held its fifth annual poster session and banquet in the Rozsa Lobby last Friday.
"The event offered SFI students, staff and faculty an opportunity to review some of the many successes throughout the year," reports Denise Heikinen.
Professor Alex Mayer (GMES) and Professor Michael Mullins (Chemical Engineering) were recognized as 2009 distinguished fellows for their long-term leadership, scholarship and support in areas central to sustainability and to SFI.
Mayer, director of SFI's Center for Water and Society, was honored for his passion and commitment to sustainability and water issues. Mullins, director of SFI's Center for Fundamental and Applied Research into Nanostructured and Lightweight Materials, was recognized for his contributions to energy and human health.
The keynote speaker was Charles Kerfoot, professor in Biological Sciences and director of Lake Superior Ecosystem Research Center, who spoke about the new Great Lakes Research facility and how it will facilitate research and education about pressing issues in the Upper Great Lakes.
Seventeen graduate students and postdocs were inducted into the SFI's Scholar Program. They are: Zeyad Ahmed, Felix Adom, Brandon Ellefson, Akhilesh Reddy Endurthy, Rabi Gyawali, Jiqing Fan, Robert Handler, Christopher Hohnholt, Meral Jackson, Azad Henareh Khalyani, Jennifer Lind, Jifei Liu, Xuhong Liu, Jarod Maggio, Jacob Midkiff, Ali Mirchi, and Fengli Zhang.
The Graduate Student Council announced the People's Choice First Place Poster Award of $150. Actually there was a tie and two awards were made. One went to four physics graduate students for a poster, "Miniature Energy Sources: Biofuel Cells Based on Carbon Nanotube Arrays," designed by Archana Pandey, Abhishek Prasad, Jason Moscatello and Abhay P. Singh. Their advisor is Associate Professor Yoke Khin Yap. The other award went to Craig Gossen and Stefan Marek (mechanical engineering), Ashley Thode (civil engineering), and Kim Landick, Krissy Guzak, and Cara Hanson (environmental engineering), for "Improving Airflow in Ventilated Improved Pit Toilets." Their advisors are Assistant Professor Kurt Paterson and Associate Professor David Watkins (both CEE) and Associate Professor and Assistant Provost Donna Michalek (ME-EM).
SFI's operations manager, Richard Donovan, awarded the Inaugural Operations Manager Award of $200 to the Efficiency Through Engineering and Construction Enterprise. Members are: Ashley Brown, Dianna Cacko, Stephen Chartier, Patrick Green, Jordan Huffman, Eric Kinonen, Markus Manderfield, Andrew Manty, Michael D. Powers, and Tyler Sutkowi. The ETEC team submitted three posters: "Lake Superior & Ishpeming Railroad"; "Habitat for Humanity"; and "Generations of Energy." For some of their work, these students collaborated with Melissa Davis, an SFI staff member and director of a local nonprofit called New Power Tour. Davis also was recognized as a scholar of SFI. The advisor for ETEC is Lynn Artman of the School of Technology.
In keeping with the spirit of the event, sustainability, Chef Eric Karvonen prepared a dinner of fresh roasted trout from Lake Superior, vegetables from Chip Ransom’s organic farm on the Houghton Canal, grass-fed bison from northern Wisconsin and wild blueberries from Gay. Pictures of the event are available at the following URLs: http://www.doe.mtu.edu/news/2009/sfi_october2009/index.html .
http://www.doe.mtu.edu/news/2009/sfi_october2009/posters.html . |
|
|
4. HuskyMail System Maintenance on Oct. 25 |
submitted by Information Technology Services and Security
The email system will be unavailable for up to two hours starting at 6 a.m., on Sunday, Oct. 25. This period will be used for network changes.
Affected systems include:
* All Huskymail and email systems including Outlook, Thunderbird and
other mail programs which use the IMAP server, "email.mtu.edu ."
* Blackberry Enterprise Server (BES) and the Tech List server, http://lists.mtu.edu .
All incoming email during the maintenance window will be queued and delivered after work is complete.
Information about Tech email is available at, http://emailinfo.mtu.edu . |
|
|
5. Tech is Seeking a Sign Language Interpreter |
Michigan Tech is seeking a qualified sign language interpreter to perform translating and interpreting services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students in a postsecondary technological learning environment. This is a part-time, temporary position working with one student for the remainder of the academic school year. The scheduled hours and days of work will vary according to the student's schedule.
Qualifications include any combination equivalent to: graduation from an Interpreter Training Program (ITP) or equivalent; or Associate of Arts Degree in American Sign Language, Interpreting, or a related field, and one academic year of paid experience interpreting, utilizing both receptive and expressive interpreting.
Send letter of application and resume to:
Human Resources
Michigan Technological University
1400 Townsend Drive
Houghton, MI 49931
Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer |
|
|
6. Reminder: Human Resources will be Closed at Noon |
|
Human Resources will be closing at noon today. The department will be closed all day Monday, Oct. 25, and Tuesday morning, Oct. 27, and will be open again at noon. These times will be used to move offices from the Administration Building to the Michigan Tech Lakeshore Center (formerly the UPPCO building). If you need immediate assistance during this time, call Human Resources at 487-2280. |
|
|
7. Retirement Party for John Lowther at the Rozsa |
The Department of Computer Science invites all faculty, staff and students to a retirement party for John Lowther from 4 to 5:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 30, in the Rozsa Lobby. Lowther's 35-year career with Michigan Tech began in 1974 when he was
hired as the first faculty member with an appointment in computer science. Complimentary beverages, wine and hors d'oeuvres will be available. |
|
|
8. Reminder: Spirit of the Harvest Powwow Saturday |
Michigan Tech's 14th annual Spirit of the Harvest Powwow begins at noon, Saturday, Oct. 24, with a Grand Entry into the Multipurpose Room at the SDC.
Featured performers will be Lawrence Williams, head male dancer; Linda Cohen, head female dancer; Robert Voakes, head youth male; Jade Chauder, head youth female; Robert Rajacic, arena director; Four Thunders, host drum; Loon Travelers, invited drums; Donald Chosa, head veteran; the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Honor Guard; and master of ceremonies Stanley Spruce.
Championship dancer Lowery Begay will give a hoop dance and flute exhibition at 1:30 p.m. Begay contributed art used on the powwow posters, and T-shirts with his artwork will be for sale at the powwow.
The pink shawl presentation will be held at 4:30 p.m.
Native food, art and crafts will be available.
The Spirit of the Harvest Powwow is free and open to the public and hosted by Michigan Tech and the American Indian Science and Engineering Society. Sponsors include Michigan College/University Partnership, Multicultural Affairs, Student Life, and Institutional Diversity.
For more information, contact Lori Muhlig 487-2920 or muhlig@mtu.edu . |
|
|
9. Diwali Night Recap |
Diwali, the festival of lights, was celebrated on Saturday, Oct. 17, by residents of Daniell Heights. Diwali marks the victory of good over evil, and light over darkness for the Indian people. The evening began with children and adults illuminating the dark with sparklers in a variety of colors. A brief history of Diwali was presented by Daniell Heights Resident Council President Jodhbir Singh, followed by authentic Indian food and sweets. The event attracted nearly 100 people from different cultures and nations. It was a new experience for some of the Daniell Heights residents, one which they hope will be repeated in years to come.
If you have questions or comments, contact Archana Pandey at arpandey@mtu.edu .
|
|
|
10. Fall Events at the Portage Library |
The Portage Lake District Library will be hosting two fun fall events.
Michigan Tech head gardener Lynn Watson will present, "Art in the Falling of Leaves," at 6:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 26.
She will describe how leaves grow, why they change from shades of green to the rich colors of autumn, explain why they fall and the benefits to nature that fallen leaves bring. She will also explain how people have used leaves historically and their place in artistic expressions. Watson will present examples of leaf projects and participants will take home recipe cards of how to make them.
The Michigan award-winning documentary, "Where do the Children Play?" will be shown at 6:30 p.m., Monday, Nov. 2. The film addresses the decline of unstructured play by children-- especially in nature-- and its potential consequences.
There will be a community discussion immediately following the screening.
This program is sponsored by Tech's Western Upper Peninsula Center for Science, Mathematics and Environmental Education; the Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education; Get Outdoors Michigan!; the Western UP Summit Planning Committee; and the Lake Superior Stewardship Initiative.
Library programs are free and everyone is invited to attend. For more information, call the library at 482-4570 or visit www.pldl.org . |
|
|
11. Reminder: Research Office Offers Training on Export Compliance Issues |
The Vice President for Research Office is sponsoring an Export Controls/Foreign National seminar on Monday, Oct. 26.
The export awareness training program will include the basics of US export controls and how these laws and regulations impact daily activities.
Participants will learn when an export compliance issue is present so that the University's staff can be notified and ensure that the activity or transaction may proceed under proper authorization.
The presenters at this session include Terry Murphy, the chair of MK Technology, and Kay Morrell, managing partner and counsel.
To accommodate schedules, the same presentation will be offered twice: 9 a.m. to noon and 2 to 5 p.m. The location will be announced when participants register. You only need to attend one session.
For additional information about MK Technology or the presenters, click here.
Register at: http://www.admin.mtu.edu/research/vpr/registration/ . |
|
|
12. In Print |
|
Chair Michael Gibson (Biological Sciences) coauthored two articles: "Catabolism of 4-hydroxyacids and 4-hydroxynonenal via 4-hydroxy-4-phosphoacyl-COAs," with G. F. Zhang, R. S. Kombu, T. Kasumov, Y. Han, S. Sadhukhan, J. Zhang, L. M. Sayre, D. Ray, V. A. Anderson, G. P. Tochtrop and H. Brunengraber (Case Western Reserve University), published electronically Sept. 15 in the Journal of Biological Chemistry; and "Development and Implementation of a Novel Assay for L: -2-hydroxyglutarate Dehydrogenase (L: -2-HGDH) in Cell Lysates: L: -2-HGDH Deficiency in 15 patients with L: -2-hydroxyglutaric Aciduria." with M. Kranendijk, G. S. Salomons, C. Aktuglu-Zeybek, S. Bekri, E. Christensen, J. Clarke, A. Hahn, S. H. Korman, V. Mejaski-Bosnjak, A. Superti-Furga, C. Vianey-Saban, M. S. van der Knaap, C. Jakobs and E. A. Struys (Free University of Amsterdam, Netherlands), published electronically Oct. 10 in the Journal of Inherited Metabolic Disease. |
|
|
13. Job Postings |
Staff job descriptions are available in Human Resources or at http://www.admin.mtu.edu/hro/postings . For more information regarding staff positions, call 487-2280 or email jobs@mtu.edu .
Faculty job descriptions can be found at www.admin.mtu.edu/hro/facpers/facvac.htm . For more information regarding faculty positions, contact the academic department in which the position is posted.
10/23/2009
Faculty Job Postings
Tenure-Track Assistant/Associate Professor
Biological Sciences
Tenure or Tenure-Track Assistant Professor/Choral Director
Visual and Performing Arts
Full Professor, SFHI in Computational Discovery and Innovation
Tenure possible at time of appointment; pending Board approval
Staff Job Postings
Office Assistant 3
Alumni Relations
UAW internal and external posting
Office Assistant 5
Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics
UAW internal and external posting
Michigan Technological University is an equal opportunity educational institution/equal opportunity employer. |
|
|
14. Teaching at Tech: Annual Teaching Tune-Up |
by William Kennedy, director, Center for Teaching, Learning and Faculty Development
University policy suggests that end-of-the-term scores on teaching evaluations should be the basis for no more than 50 percent of the measure of an instructor's contribution to the educational mission of the university.
Unfortunately, in many academic units, the numerical results from these forms are the dominant and, in some cases, the sole source of data used to asses the quality of the teaching--for tenure, promotion and merit-based salary increases.
The problem with using student opinion surveys as the sole measures of instructional quality seem obvious to me. Cognitive psychologist Daniel Willingham, after surveying the relevant literature, says that the two things that student opinion surveys really measure, regardless of the questions on the forms, are:
* "Were you clear?"
* "Could I connect with you as a person?"
It's emotionally gratifying to occasionally get perfect teaching scores, but I've always wondered whether I've really done the students in those sections a favor by staying predictably within their preconceived personal and educational expectations. I believe that pressing students to think outside the box, or to expend efforts well beyond their expectations, commonly creates resistance in the form of lowered teaching evaluation scores at the end of the semester.
Meanwhile, assessment gurus insist that any and all course-based measures of learning, such as exam results, are so idiosyncratic as to be useless for improving instruction.
The resulting institutional assessment, in my opinion, only increases the likelihood that we'll be redoubling our efforts to hammer home the basics, and it will make it more likely that we will turn our attention away from outcomes that are more elusive to measure.
So, we continue to rely on opinion surveys and ignore test results as we attempt to judge the quality of a person's teaching contribution.
What else could we do?
Other options I've seen include peer or chair classroom visitations and various teaching portfolio programs. These options have been used by some academic units at Michigan Tech over the years with varying degrees of success.
Classroom visits by peers, chairs or deans can be intimidating and tend to be based on the idea that other teachers can make valid and reliable judgments of a peer's pedagogical contributions. Visitation programs that produce useful results require training and development in order to preclude criticism that is neither formative nor helpful. Telling someone "That’s not the way I’d teach it" is usually not helpful, yet it is the most common type of criticism I've seen in peer-evaluation programs.
Portfolio programs, especially if they are perceived as too elaborate or as "busy work," tend to collapse under their own weight over the years.
What I favor, in this regard, is an annual process where instructors review their own teaching contribution.
In this method, instructors write briefly about their approach to teaching the class; the instructional resources they employ; how their approach compares to others' at peer or aspirational institutions; their assessment activities; changing curricular needs; and their plans for instructional innovation and improvement.
This two- or three-page document, which can be edited and refined year after year, can form the basis for a continuing dialog with the chair or dean and members of the unit's curriculum committee.
Evaluation of this course-based portfolio activity can be quite straightforward and can enrich the assessment of an instructor's contribution to the teaching mission of the university. |
|
|
