Sue McDaniel, Tech Topics student writer, 906-487-2343

You can reach us via e-mail at ttopics@mtu.edu The deadline for submitting information for Tech Topics is 5:00 p.m. the Friday before anticipated publication.

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PHI KAPPA THETA PLANS TO REBUILD

As the Phi Kappa Theta members sorted through the rubble of their burned out home Tuesday, brother Kevin Saso reviewed the obstacles ahead.

"As of right now, we are having a problem with housing," said Saso, the fraternity's relief coordinator and president of Michigan Tech's Interfraternity Council. "We are 22 guys without homes."

The fire that took the life of undergraduate Andrew Maas left about two dozen members of the fraternity homeless. And while no one is camped out on the street--most are bunking at other fraternities--they feel like a scattered family.

"We're going to be rebuilding, but that will be a two-year process. Right now, we're looking for a big house or two where the majority of us can stay."

While the fraternity house on Ruby Avenue was insured, to rebuild will cost far more than the value of the old home, perhaps $500,000 or $600,000, Saso said. As envisioned, the new house would have room for 22 to 26 residents and would feature sprinklers and a fire alarm system built into the wiring and linked directly to the area's 911 system. It will be designed in the Victorian style to retain the character of the old house and blend into the neighborhood.

In addition to the insurance, Saso said that the fraternity hopes to raise $200,000 to $300,000 toward the cost of rebuilding and take out a mortgage on the balance. "We don't want everything handed to us," Saso said. "We want to work for it." A number of donations have been received by Phi Kappa Theta alumni, from local chapter members and from the national level.

Two sororities have established accounts at Wells Fargo Bank and the Michigan Tech Employees Community Credit Union, with funds to be given to the fraternity.

Saso said the money raised will be divided between a memorial scholarship to be administered by the Maas family and the rebuilding of the fraternity house. "The [Maas] family is very involved in what's going on," he said. "The final split will be up to the family."

Monday's spaghetti dinner, organized by sorority Alpha Delta Alpha, raised $4,000 toward the effort. "That was terrific," Saso said.

In the meantime, they are happy to receive donations of food and water as they work at the site; nonperishable food donations are being divided among the brothers and taken to their temporary homes.

"The support from the community is really appreciated," he said.

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GOT A VISION FOR MTU? TELL US ABOUT IT

Do you have an idea that could help Michigan Tech on its journey to become a national university of choice? Provost Kent Wray is inviting you to submit a proposal to the Vision Initiatives program.

Last year, five proposals were selected for funding from among the 80 submitted. They range from upgrading the MTU Ski Trails to instituting campus recycling to enhancing the civil and environmental engineering graduate program.

"I would like to encourage even greater participation this year," Wray said. Michigan Tech is going through financial hard times, which means that creative initiatives are welcomed now more than ever. Support for new initiatives is being developed through the Michigan Tech Fund.

Members of the University community may submit two kinds of proposals. Focused Initiatives are narrow in scope and impact only a few units. University Initiatives are broad-based and involve many segments of the MTU community.

Proposals should tie into the Strategic Plan (see http://www.mtu.edu/stratplan/implement.html#uap for more information).

The deadline for submitting proposals is Oct. 15. Visit http://www.mtu.edu/stratplan/vision-initiatives.html for more information on developing a proposal.

"I hope you will take this opportunity to participate in this important process," Wray said.

"Many good ideas were presented last year that didn't make it all the way through the process," he added. "I hope their authors will fine tune them and resubmit them again this year."

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MTU MEMORIAL TO HONOR VICTIMS OF 9/11 ATTACKS

Groundbreaking ceremonies were held on Thursday, Aug. 15, for a memorial to honor the victims of the 9/11 attacks. The memorial will be erected on the lawn of the ROTC building and will consist of a flagpole with a separate granite monument.

The cost of the memorial is estimated to be $23,000, and a fundraising effort is currently underway to pay for the project. Jim Pintar of the Copper Country Veteran's Association is heading a community-wide fundraiser, and Dean of the College of Sciences and Arts, Max Seel, and Michigan Tech '60 alumnus Ross Roeder are inviting donations from ROTC alumni and Michigan Tech faculty and staff.

A July 15 mailing to ROTC alumni has brought in $2,100, and total donations to date amount to approximately $5,000. This is still well short of the goal. Money from the ROTC budget has been used to purchase the flag pole and flag and for a downpayment on the monument.

According to Lt. Col. John Casserino, commander and chair of the Air Force ROTC Department, donations of equipment, labor and materials have also been received. Thornton Construction has donated the concrete for the platform; Julio Contracting will provide a crane to lift the memorial onto the platform; and MTU Facilities will dig the hole and construct the form for the platform. "This is a joint effort. We are still looking for donations," said Casserino.

The memorial will be dedicated in a ceremony to be held on Wednesday, Sept. 11, at 8:15 a.m. Casserino said that police, fire departments, mayors, city council members, senators and congressmen have been invited to attend the ceremony.

"This is a community event to honor the victims of Sept. 11 and to remember what happened," said Casserino, "especially the heroic actions of Americans."

"This is a good opportunity for the campus to get behind an interdepartmental and community-wide effort to remember some pretty special folks," added Major George Wheelock, commander and chair of the Army ROTC Department.

Contributions can be sent to the 9/11 Memorial Fund, Michigan Tech Fund, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI 49931-1295.

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PLANNING A SEPT. 11 EVENT? PLEASE TELL THE NEWS BUREAU

Several Michigan Tech organizations are planning observances on the anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

The News Bureau is compiling a list of these activities to post on the MTU Web site. "We were all deeply affected by the attacks," Media Relations Manager Marcia Goodrich said. "If you are planning an event let us know so that we can make sure that everyone has a chance to participate."

If your organization is planning a 9/11 event, please send to ttopics@mtu.edu (1) the name of your organization, (2) a short description of the event, (3) when and where it will take place, and (4) the phone number and e-mail address of a contact person.

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ENGINEERING A CURE FOR ARTHRITIS

It's not the sort of statement you'd expect from a mechanical engineer.

"We are looking at preventing arthritis," says Tammy Donahue.

While most of us think of our health as the domain of medicine, Donahue applies principles from solid and fluid mechanics classes to make a big difference in how we feel, especially as we get older.

Especially in our knees.

For Donahue, an assistant professor in the MEEM department, engineering is a great weapon in the battle against osteoarthritis, the most common form of degenerative joint disease.

"It's a condition that's mechanically induced," she explains. "As engineers, we're ideally suited to understand the process."

And the better the process is understood, the better we can prevent it or develop drugs to combat it, she hopes.

Working with Eric Blough, a visiting assistant professor of biology, Donahue is undertaking experiments to determine just what happens as our knees wear out. Human knees are hard to come by, so she uses cow knees provided by a downstate packing plant.

"Basically, we smack the heck out of these knees, simulating running across a field, and see what happens biochemically in the lab," she says.

The focus of their work is the meniscus, a disc of cartilage in the center of the knee joint. Like all cartilage, it is about 70 percent water held in a sponge-like matrix. Under gentle or moderate pounding, as when you walk around the block, the meniscus works like a hydraulic shock absorber, releasing liquid and then absorbing it again.

However, when the meniscus takes a beating--basketball, soccer and tennis come to mind--the fluid stays in the matrix. And instead of cushioning your knee, it pummels the bone ends. "The meniscal cells don't like that," Donahue says.

The researchers are working on two related projects to better understand what's actually going on. In one, they compress a disc of meniscus and then measure what proteins are generated in response.

"Our long-term goal is to stop these harmful biochemical reactions through the use of pharmaceuticals," Donahue said.

In a second project, they extract the meniscal cells and subject them to shear stress, running fluid back and forth over them to simulate the action in a joint. The cells release calcium, which has been shown to stimulate the production of the cell-killing chemical nitric oxide. Nitric oxide has been linked to a whole host of degenerative diseases, including arthritis.

"It's going really well," Blough said. "It's a promising area of research.

"It really helps to incorporate an interdisciplinary approach," he added. "People from different fields have different perspectives on the same problem. That can lead to solutions you'd never imagine if you only looked at a problem one way."

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HUSKIES AND MIX 93 TO COMBINE FORCES AT FAIR

Michigan Tech athletics and its broadcast partner, Mix 93 radio (93.5 FM), will join forces in a booth at this weekend's Houghton County Fair.

At the booth, fair-goers can register to win season tickets for the upcoming year to either hockey, basketball, football or volleyball. In addition, 10 pairs of tickets to any single event for the 2002-03 season will be given away.

Members of Michigan Tech's coaching staff and student athletes will be on hand at various times throughout the fair.

Another highlight will be an hour-long appearance at the booth by the entire Michigan Tech women's volleyball team on Saturday, Aug. 24 from 3 to 4 p.m.

Copies of the 2002-03 sports calendars, sports schedule cards and the 2001-02 hockey card set, sponsored by Econo Foods, will be given away during the fair, along with team yearbooks from past seasons.

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RECYCLING COLLECTION FRIDAY
by Kristine L. Bradof, Environmental Sustainability Committee

The Environmental Sustainability Committee, in cooperation with Facilities Management's Building Operations and Grounds departments, is holding an end-of-summer paper recycling collection this Friday, Aug. 23, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the Dow Environmental Sciences and Engineering sixth floor loading dock area. The dock is located off Cliff Drive. Both the outside and inside doors to the dock at the west end of the Dow lobby will have recycling signs posted.

Students, faculty and staff are invited to drop off paper that they have been saving in their offices or at home. We ask people not to empty paper from home into the blue recycling bins or carts because that creates more work for the custodial and grounds crews. Instead, please take this opportunity to dispose of your recyclable paper when we have volunteers to help. We hope to have regularly scheduled drop-offs at least monthly during the school year.

The basic items to recycle are printer/copier paper (any color), newsprint, catalogs, magazines and paperback books. For any other items, please look for the posted recycling guidelines, ask your departmental recycling liaison or contact recyclinginfo-l@mtu.edu. Remember, when in doubt, leave it out!

If you have large amounts of paper to recycle at one time from office move-outs, disposal of old files from storage, etc., contact recyclinginfo-l@mtu.edu to arrange a special pickup. (Note: Please don't ask for a special pickup for materials you have brought from home; use the monthly dropoffs instead--thanks!)

Thanks for your patience during the gradual phase-in of the recycling program. Eleven buildings, plus the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service, are now officially recycling. We're getting there!

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FACULTY AND STAFF AWARDED FUNDING

Kathleen Halvorsen (Social Sciences and School of Forestry and Wood Products), Hugh Gorman (Social Sciences) and Kristine Bradof (GEM Center) have been awarded $81,000 by the Joyce Foundation of Chicago for their grant proposal "Great Lakes Septic Standards and Enforcement: A Comparison across Jurisdictions."

Robert Nemiroff (Physics) has received $43,582 from the National Science Foundation for his research project, "ITR: Computing the Sky in Real Time: Supporting the World's Major Astronomical Observatories."

Mahesh Gupta (ME-EM) has received $218,738 from the National Science Foundation for a three-year project, "GOALI: Optimum Design of Extrusion Dies Using the Estimated Elongational Viscosity of Polymers."

William Endres (ME-EM) has received $91,139 from the National Science Foundation for his research project, "CAREER: Merging Dynamics and Mechanics for Integrated Machine-Tool, Tooling and Process Analysis."

Richard Honrath (C&EE) has received $406,714 from the National Science Foundation for a three-year research project, "Nitrogen Oxides in the Lower Free Troposphere of the Central North Atlantic: Measurements at the PICO-NARE Station."

Ann Maclean (SFWP) has received $54,397 from the USDA Forest Service for her project, "Analysis of Historical and Modern Forest Conditions and Processes Related to Sustainable Forest Management."

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COMMUNITY PROGRAMS BEGIN NEXT WEEK

The fall session of MTU Community Programs will begin on Aug. 26. Programs include Aerobics, Gymnastics, Aikido, Tennis, Learn to Skate, Aqua Fit, Swimming, Scuba and Social Dance.

We will also offer Mountain Biking as an introductory program.

For more information, call 487-2975 or 487-2073, or e-mail communityprograms@mtu.edu

FOURTH THURSDAY PRESENTS "CONSTRUCTION OF THE PORTAGE LAKE LIFT BRIDGE"

Historic slides documenting the construction of the Portage Lake Lift Bridge will be featured during a public presentation at 7 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 22, at the Maki Library on the Finlandia University campus.

Associate Professor Kris Mattila (Civil and Environmental Engineering) will present a set of historical slides taken by Joseph Oravec during the construction of the bridge. A Michigan Tech graduate and bridge engineer, Oravec took the slides during the building project and also developed a script to accompany the images.

The Portage Lake Lift Bridge replaced two earlier bridges connecting the cities of Houghton and Hancock. Its double-deck structure was designed to allow railroad cars to pass over the lower deck while automobiles simultaneously moved across the upper deck. Oravec's slides document many aspects of the lift bridge's construction, from the installation of underwater caissons in 1958 through the erection of structural steel in 1959. The lift bridge opened to traffic late in 1959, with official dedication ceremonies taking place on June 25, 1960.

These historical images were almost accidentally destroyed. During renovations and office relocations in Dillman Hall, several storage areas were cleared of old boxes and furniture. The box containing the bridge slides was on the loading dock, on its way to the dumpster. Mattila rescued the box, thinking that he might be able to reuse the old slide tray, only then discovering its historic contents.

This presentation is part of the "Fourth Thursday in History" program jointly sponsored by Keweenaw National Historical Park and the MTU Archives and Copper Country Historical Collections. It is made possible through the support of the Maki Library at Finlandia University.

Presentations are free and open to the public. For further information, contact Keweenaw National Historical Park at 337-3168 or the MTU Archives at 487-2505.

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RECREATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES SWING DANCE LESSONS

The Recreation Department is again offering weekly swing dance lessons this fall. Both beginner and intermediate levels will be taught in a relaxed atmosphere emphasizing the fun of social dancing.

The class will be held on Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. in the SDC Dance Room 207 starting Sept. 5 and running through Oct. 17. The cost is $58 for a nonstudent couple or $44 for a student couple. Sign-up is at the SDC Central Ticket Office. Class size is limited.

You may call the instructor, Cari Raboin, at 482-8322 with any questions.

WILD EDIBLE MUSHROOM WORKSHOP AT FORD FORESTRY CENTER

Research Engineer Scientist II Dana Richter (SFWP) brings his Wild Edible Mushroom Workshop back to the U.P. next month. The workshop will take place at the Ford Forestry Center in L'Anse, Friday-Sunday, Sept. 13-15.

The workshop is designed to accomodate both beginning and experienced mushroom enthusiasts. A beginner session will be offered from 10 a.m. to noon on Friday for those who consider themselves novices. You can learn how to identify, collect and handle edible as well as poisonous mushrooms.

The workshop is sponsored by Michigan Tech and the Michigan State University Extension Service. The cost for one person is $150 or $140 for returning participants, and includes the cost of instruction, education materials, three noon meals and two dinners. Limited lodging is available at the Ford Forestry Center. The cost is $50 double occupancy for two nights and includes breakfast. Reservations can be made by calling 524-6181. Other accomodations are available in the L'Anse/Baraga area.

For more information or to request a brochure, contact Richter at 487-2149 or the MSU Extension Service at 482-5830.

Information is also available at http://forestry.mtu.edu/info/mushroomworkshop/

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DISCOVER THE 7 HABITS WORKSHOP

Maybe you've heard about "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People"--the best-selling business book of all time. Now you have a chance to implement the 7 Habits in your life by attending a series of workshops based on the powerful book. The 7 Habits workshop is the most dynamic training for personal and professional effectiveness ever developed. You will experience a powerful life transformation that fosters greater productivity, increased influence in key relationships, stronger team unity and complete life balance. During the workshop, you will experience interactive exercises, case studies, and poignant video segments, and learn from the experiences of other participants.

This workshop is highly recommended by MTU participants.

"Wow. I've learned so much and can't wait to start this new way of interacting and thinking."

"The workshop brought into clear focus a system of prioritization."

"This has been a great experience.  I feel inspired to continue working the habits in every day life."

Workshop benefits

* Increased productivity (accomplishing more in less time)

* Greater influence in key relationships (work, family, social)

* Better balance in your life (less stress)

* Stronger team unity

* A sense of inner peace

Mary Raber (College of Engineering, Industrial Projects Coordinator), certified Covey facilitator, will lead the workshops, to be held on Sept. 25, Oct. 2, 16, 23, 30, and Nov. 6 from 1 to 4 p.m. By signing up for these sessions, you are making a commitment to attend all six sessions in the series.

The cost for the workshop is $75 per person and includes the 7 Habits paperback and participant manual. Refreshments will not be served. Participants may bring their own beverages or snacks to the sessions.

Faculty, staff and their spouses are encouraged to register. There is a maximum of 25 participants. A minimum of 16 participants is required for the sessions to be held.

If you're interested, send an email to Becky Christianson (rwchrist@mtu.edu) that includes the account to be charged and your phone number. You will receive confirmation via email.

Registrations must be received no later than noon on Monday, Sept. 16.

NEW STAFF

Steven Camps has joined the staff of Information Technology-Distributed Computing Services as a senior systems analyst. He was formerly employed at Interelate, Inc. in Eden Prairie, Minn. as the data center operations manager.

Camps and his wife, Silvia, live in Chassell.

Shane Godmere has joined the staff of Information Technology as a senior telecom engineer. He was previously employed at Bullseye Telecom as a senior network engineer and was the information technology director at Rochester College.

Godmere's interests include computers, electronics, audio, video, gardening, fishing and hunting. He and his wife, Michele, live in Centennial Heights.

Cori Somers has joined the Department of Fine Arts as the concertmaster of the Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra and artistic director of the Copper Country Suzuki Association. Somers received her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in Musical Performance from Western Michigan University. She was previously employed at the Marshall Music Company as a violin/viola instructor and was a violinist with the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra.

Somers' interests include yoga, organic gardening, hiking, running and finding great bargains at thrift stores. She and her fiance, Bill Caskey, live in Houghton with their wonderful cats, Tiger (4) and siblings Sophie (2) and Pete (2).

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IN THE NEWS

Associate Professor Pat Martin (Social Sciences) and his crew of archaeologists are featured in a story, "Foundry Site Offers Gold Mine of History," by Wayne A. Hall in the Aug. 5 Middletown Times Herald-Record.

The crew is searching for the remains of the West Point Foundry in Cold Spring, N.Y., that produced Civil War artillery shells, America's first steam locomotive and the steam pipes for the New York City aqueduct.

You can read the entire story at http://www.th-record.com/archive/2002/08/05/whdig.htm

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MICHIGAN TECH POSITIONS AVAILABLE

Job descriptions will be available at 1 p.m. on Friday, or by e-mail at <JOBS@MTU.EDU>.

The following positions will be posted Friday, August 23, 2002, at 1 p.m. through noon, Friday, August 30, 2002, in the Human Resources Office.

Secretary 4--Department of Fine Arts (Regular, 10-month, part-time position; UAW internal and external posting)

Assistant Professor--Mathematical Sciences

University employees are reminded to apply in writing prior to noon, Friday, August 30, 2002, to be considered as internal candidates for bargaining unit positions only. Applicants from the recall pool will be given first consideration for non-bargaining-unit positions only. Vacancy announcements are normally posted every Friday at 1 p.m. in the Human Resources Office. Complete job descriptions are available in the Human Resources Office or by calling 487-2280. More information regarding employment opportunities is available by calling the Job Line at 487-2895. Michigan Technological University is an equal opportunity educational institution/equal opportunity employer.

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