Agenda
Last updated: 12/18/2024
Embedded Files
8:30–9:00 am • Registration and Refreshments
9:00–9:30 am • Welcome and Kick-off
9:00–9:30 am • Welcome and Kick-off
MUB Ballroom A
Dr. Andrew Barnard, Vice President for Research, gave an introduction to the VPR's vision for research at Michigan Tech. He gave an overview of updates and initiatives within the VPR organization and the units and people who support faculty through the research lifecycle. A full staff listing can be found here.
Andrew Barnard, Vice President for Research
9:30–9:45 am • 15-min Networking Break
9:45–10:30 am • BREAKOUT SESSION BLOCK 1 (choose 1)
9:45–10:30 am • BREAKOUT SESSION BLOCK 1 (choose 1)
Advising and Mentoring Graduate Students
Advising and Mentoring Graduate Students
MUB Alumni Lounge C
The National Science Foundation (NSF) recently began mandating graduate student mentorship plans as a component of research proposals. Other agencies are taking an increasing interest in documenting mentoring as an important component of research plans.
The Graduate School and the office of Research Development in the VPR unit have developed resources for faculty to use, as they prepare proposals and comply with these requirements.
This breakout session outlined these resources and present compelling rationales as to why effective advising and mentorship benefits both student and advisor.
Panelists
Will Cantrell, Associate Provost and Dean of the Graduate School
Moderator: Jacob Manchester, Director of Research Development and Corporate Research
Forming and sustaining large team proposals: Transitioning from individual to collaborative grants
Forming and sustaining large team proposals: Transitioning from individual to collaborative grants
MUB Alumni Lounge B
So you've identified a big funding opportunity and need a big team. What if you're not the right leader due to career stage, expertise, or timing, but you believe that we have a shot at it as a team. How do you suggest the right champion to lead the project and proposal, pull in the right expertise from people who are able to commit time to the project, and involve early career researchers in meaningful ways? How do you know when you should keep pushing a team towards a deadline or preserve energy for the next one?
To build the capacity of our researchers to lead large center grants, they first need practice and success with collaborative grants. This is usually the most successful when a faculty PI partners with supporting staff.
Panelists
Greg Odegard, University Professor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Chelsea Schelly, Professor of Sociology, Social Sciences
Courtney Archambeau, Manager of Community Engaged Research Projects
Jess Brassard, Director of Research Development and Communication
Moderator: Jim Baker
Reaching Out to Program Officers
Reaching Out to Program Officers
MUB Alumni Lounge A
Are you uncertain about the best strategies for engaging with program officers at national funding agencies? This panel provides a unique opportunity to gain insider insights into the critical nuances of scientific and arts funding. Learn directly from experts about the optimal timing and approaches for:
Initiating contact with program officers
Preparing and submitting concept papers
Understanding the panel review process
Developing effective communication strategies
Maximizing your chances of securing funding
Panelists
Stuart Borrett, NSF
Jacquelyn Clements, NEH
Christine Maric-Bilkan, NIH
Moderator: Sarah Atkinson
10:30–10:45 am • 15-min Networking Break
10:45–11:30 am • 100 PhDs Program
10:45–11:30 am • 100 PhDs Program
MUB Ballroom A
As Michigan Tech becomes an R1 institution it will be important to maintain the excellence of our PhD programs and works towards a goal of graduating over 100 PhDs a year. This panel discussed some of the approaches to this, including the work of the 100 PhD Working Group, enhancing the recruiting of outstanding PhD students, and implementing strategies within units to grow PhD programs.
Andrew Storer, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
Wayne Gersie, Vice President for Engagement and Belonging
Wayne Weaver, Professor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Associate Chair and Director of Graduate Studies, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Molly Cavaleri, Professor of Tree Physiology, Associate Dean and Director of Graduate Studies, College of Forest Resources & Environmental Science
11:30–12:30 pm • Break / Lunch in the MUB Commons
12:30 – 1:15 pm • Resource Fair & Networking
12:30 – 1:15 pm • Resource Fair & Networking
MUB Ballroom B
Get questions answered and brainstorm with research service and research support offices.
Sponsored Programs & Sponsored Programs Accounting
Research Integrity
Innovation & Commercialization
Federal Relations
Corporate Council & Global Campus
Marine Assets Facility
High Performance Computing
Government Relations
McNair Scholars Program
J. Robert Van Pelt and John and Ruanne Opie Library
Research Security
Geospatial Research Facility
1:15–1:30 pm • 15-min Networking Break
1:30–2:15 pm • BREAKOUT SESSION BLOCK 2 (choose 1)
1:30–2:15 pm • BREAKOUT SESSION BLOCK 2 (choose 1)
AI & Research
AI & Research
MUB Alumni Lounge B
Panelists bring different lenses and experiences on the topic. This session includes perspectives on how AI is being used in research (rather than research on AI). We explore the pros, cons, and risks of using AI products in research labs, for producing research products (articles, proposals, etc.), and for analysis as part of the scientific process. There have been cases of research misconduct involving AI as well. A regulatory or policy lens was part of the discussion.
Panelists
Holly Hassel, Professor of Composition; Director, Composition Program
Gina LeMay, Director of Sponsored Operations and Information Systems
Vinh Nguyen, Assistant Professor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering; Director, Michigan Tech Center for AI; Coordinator, MTU NIST PREP Program
Shane Oberloier, Assistant Teaching Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering; Director, The Alley MakerSpace
Sarah Schulte, General Counsel, Secretary to the Board of Trustees
Jared Wolfe, Assistant Professor, College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science
Moderator: Jess Brassard, Director of Research Development and Communication
Use Fee Basics and New Initiatives
Use Fee Basics and New Initiatives
MUB Alumni Lounge C
Panel presentation with Q&A related to the basics of Use Fees and new initiatives of the Use Fee committee and community. Discussion included why, when and how of Use Fees; an update on the External Use Fee pilot; new scheduling tools; and one-stop website for current University-wide Use Fee Rates.
Panelists
Kelly Kallio, Assistant Vice President, Sponsored Programs
Liz Miller, Director, Applied Chemical and Morphological Analysis Laboratory (ACMAL)
Matt Vertin, Senior Accountant, Property, Plant Fund and Tax Accounting
Moderator: Beth Hoy, Director, Business & Program Development, Great Lakes Research Center
The What and How of Training Grants
The What and How of Training Grants
MUB Alumni Lounge A
This session discussed the fundamentals of training grants like the NRT, REU, T32, and GAANN opportunities. What makes these opportunities fundamentally different from other research proposals? What does it mean for Michigan Tech when we are awarded training grants?
Panelists
Wayne Gersie, Vice President for Engagement and Belonging
Michelle Scherer, Dean, College of Engineering
Caryn Heldt, Director, Health Research Institute, James and Lorna Mack Endowed Chair in Continuous Processing, Professor, Chemical Engineering
Erin Syth, Research Coordinator, Institute for Materials Processing, Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences
Grace Schmitz, Institute Manager, Health Research Institute
Moderator: Peter Larsen, Assistant Vice President for Research Development
2:15–2:30 pm • 15-min Networking Break
2:30–3:15 pm • BREAKOUT SESSION BLOCK 3 (choose 1)
2:30–3:15 pm • BREAKOUT SESSION BLOCK 3 (choose 1)
Interdisciplinarity
Interdisciplinarity
MUB Alumni Lounge A
This session discusses some principles for planning and implementing enjoyable and productive interdisciplinary research.
Speaker
Kathy Halvorsen, Associate Vice President for Research Development
Moderator: Jess Brassard, Director of Research Development and Communication
Award Management 101
Award Management 101
MUB Alumni Lounge C
This session prepares researchers for the first award reporting period and account statements. Researchers share their approaches to managing multiple awards simultaneously and managing the components of a larger team effort.
Panelists
Steve Techtmann, Associate Professor, Biological Sciences, Great Lakes Research Center
Ana Dyreson, Assistant Professor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering; Associate Research Director, Center for Innovation in Sustainability & Resilience (CISR)
Moderator: Beth Hoy, Director, Business & Program Development, Great Lakes Research Center
Lab Inspections
Lab Inspections
MUB Alumni Lounge B
An overview of Michigan Tech's lab inspection process. We'll describe the recent changes to the pre-inspection process and the benefits of proactive lab inspections, emphasizing why laboratory safety is important.
Panelists
Brent Burns, Assistant Vice President for Research Integrity
Jari Sague, Director of Research Support
3:15–3:30 pm • 15-min Networking Break
3:30–4:00 pm • Closing & Reflections
3:30–4:00 pm • Closing & Reflections
MUB Ballroom A
We came back together to share highlights.
Led by the Research Day Steering Committee: Sarah Atkinson, Jess Brassard, Katie Gray, Jake Manchester, Pete Larsen, Jari Sague, Grace Schmitz, and Erin Syth
4:00–4:30 pm • Reception, Networking, and Resource Fair
4:00–4:30 pm • Reception, Networking, and Resource Fair
MUB Ballroom B
Resource representatives were available to help and discuss ideas. A reception opened for attendees to network, share, and further develop ideas inspired by the day.
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