Michigan Tech opens research center in Traverse City

(TRAVERSE CITY, Mich.) Monday marked a new milestone in the relationship between Michigan Technological University (MTU) and the Grand Traverse Area. 

A ribbon cutting was held at the Traverse Connect Building to celebrate the opening of a new research workspace for Michigan Tech. 

While Michigan Tech has had a relationship with the Grand Traverse Area for years through classes at Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) and many alumni in the region, the opening of a physical space for MTU has been years in the making. 

"I've been down to Traverse City several times for exchanges that we've had with Michigan Tech business people for the past two maybe even longer, three years to talk about what could we do together," said Jay Meldrum, the director of Michigan Tech's Keweenaw Research Center and the Liaison to the Grand Traverse Area for Michigan Tech. "We have a two plus two program with Northwestern Michigan College and we have a relationship with the Maritime Program here and our Great Lakes Research Center. I'll be working on different and more relationships between our college and the college here."

The Northwest Education Services Career Tech is excited to strengthen its relationship with Michigan Tech and to have Meldrum's presence in the region. 

"We're anxious to have Jay in town," said Debby Oliver, the instructor and placement coordinator for engineering services at Northwest Education Services Career Tech. "He's already been to visit with students a couple times and he'll help us with more programming, getting more guest speakers from tech, maybe working on some projects and just expanding what we do with them."

Bill Myers chaired the Steering committee that helped advise Michigan Tech on the opening of the research center. 

He says Michigan Tech's physical presence in the region is going to be a huge benefit for businesses and organizations. 

"What is the educational opportunities that they need to help the employees maximize their skills but also develop talent locally that can help fill those positions," said Myers. 

Warren Call, the President and CEO of Traverse Connect echoes the importance of Michigan Tech for businesses. 

"There's an opportunity to have on the job training microcredential programs both with NMC and Michigan Tech that are gonna benefit our companies that are trying to upscale their existing workforce," said Call. "We need to make sure we're growing high quality jobs."

Meldrum says the research center will focus on multiple areas including aerospace, manufacturing, sustainability, energy, and water resources.