MavWire 2015 Archive » MavWire — Monday, January 26, 2015

Dr. Kenneth Reifsnider

National Academy of Engineering member to launch materials and structures institute

Kenneth Reifsnider, an internationally recognized expert in high-temperature energy systems and composite materials and a member of the prestigious National Academy of Engineering, will join UT Arlington in June to lead a new Institute for Predictive Performance of Advanced Materials and Structures.

Dr. Reifsnider currently serves as director of the Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Center of Excellence at the University of South Carolina. He is one of the world’s pre-eminent fuel cell materials researchers and is credited with leading South Carolina’s fuel-cell initiative.

He becomes the third member of a national academy to join UT Arlington in recent years. Nai Yuen Chen, a distinguished research professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, is a member of the National Academy of Engineering. David Nygren, a renowned physicist and member of the National Academy of Sciences, joined the University last fall as a presidential distinguished professor.

Read more about Reifsnider's appointment.

Standby tickets remain for Michio Kaku

Only standby tickets remain to see theoretical physicist Michio Kaku for the next Maverick Speakers Series. Dr. Kaku will discuss "Physics of the Future" at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, in Texas Hall. An autograph signing will follow the lecture.

Dr. Kaku is one of the most widely renowned contemporary figures in science. His particular area of specialty is Einstein’s unified field theory, which Kaku is attempting to complete. He is also known for his work in predicting trends that affect business, commerce, and finance

Go to utatickets.com and print your ticket. Standby tickets holders will be seated, space permitting, 10 minutes before the show starts. Accommodation is anticipated but not guaranteed.

College Street closure starts today

South College Street between UTA Boulevard and West First Street will be closed beginning today Monday, Jan. 26, for infrastructure improvements. The street will reopen as soon as possible, depending on the weather.

Handicapped parking on West First Street will remain accessible via South West Street.  

If you have questions or concerns, call either Toby Buhrkuhl at 972-832-1490 or Jeff Johnson at 817-798-8456.

Chancellor's visit UT System Chancellor William McRaven visited UT Arlington last Thursday for a meeting of the Chancellor’s Council Executive Committee. The recently retired four-star Navy admiral became chancellor in January. The two-day meeting featured presentations by UTA faculty members highlighting their groundbreaking research, as well as excursions to the Smart Hospital, Planetarium, and College Park Center for an up-close look at the Formula SAE program. See more photos.

Know the rules about legislative, political activities

With the start of the 84th Texas Legislature session, UT Arlington encourages employees to be knowledgeable of local, state, and national politics and to actively participate in such activities.

However, as stewards of public funds, UTA employees must ensure their political participation is separate and apart from their employment at UTA. Here are a few reminders:

• Only the UT System regents may take a formal position on legislation.

• UT Arlington representatives may not take official positions favoring or opposing legislation but may provide information that is public or is in response to a request for information.

• The UT Arlington Office of Government Relations, under the president's direction, advances University priorities with elected officials during the legislative process in coordination with the UT System. Faculty and staff should contact them through the President’s Office:

—  when asked to provide materials to legislators

—  before communicating with legislators or their staffs on policy implications for UT Arlington or before any substantive meetings held with any elected official or members of the executive branch

—  when asked to give testimony to a legislative committee

—  if interested in a particular emerging bill as it applies to UT Arlington or the UT System.

• Texas law prohibits the use of appropriated funds to employ lobbyists. UT Arlington and the UT System do not contract lobbyists to act on their behalf, engage them for advice, direct their activities, or allow them to represent the University through other organizations, without express prior approval of the chancellor.

• Do not produce or distribute endorsements or support for a position on an issue using staff time and University facilities, equipment, and property, such as computers, copiers, and printers.

• Do not use your official title or position to promote political activities.

• Faculty should be impartial when discussing political topics with students and when encouraging them to vote.

Contact Jeff Jeter, director of the Office of Government Relations, for questions about legislation, the process, or how to become more engaged during the legislative session. Call 2-2101 or email jeter@uta.edu.

Learn more about the 84th Texas Legislature, such as bills filed, votes, video broadcasts, and other activities.

Webinar gives updates on travel booking

Corporate Travel Planners, one of the University’s dedicated travel agencies, will host a webinar at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, on the new look and feel of Concur, the online booking site for UTA travelers. 

Register online. You will receive a confirmation email with information about joining the webinar.

Questions? Contact DeAnna Kerby at dkerby@uta.edu.

Have you voted today? Help UTA win safe schools grant

Vote daily to help UT Arlington win the Stanley Security Together for Safer Schools grant. The grand prize is $200,000 in security equipment with a runner-up prize of $75,000. 

Vote every day, but only one vote per email address, phone number, or Twitter account. Vote from all your email addresses and cell phone numbers. Ask family, friends, and UTA fans to vote, too.

Go online to vote at stanleysaferschools.com, text utaedu to 334455, or tweet using hashtags ‪#‎stanleysecurity and ‪#‎utaedu.

UTA is in the Tier 3 category for schools with more than 20,000 students. Competitors include the University of North Texas, Bowling Green, and Western Kentucky.

Voting ends at midnight Friday, Feb. 13. See official rules at stanleysaferschools.com for details.

Qualitative researchers group to meet

The University-wide Qualitative Brown Bag meetup sessions start again Thursday, Feb. 5. The meetings are noon-1 p.m. in Suite 415 of the Central Library and are every other Thursday through April 30.

All faculty and graduate students are invited to present on any facet of qualitative methodologies. Register online. For questions, contact Peggy Semingson at peggys@uta.edu. 

Peer observation training begins in February

Sign up for one of eight training sessions for the Faculty Peer Observation of Teaching. Each four-hour session covers the process, interactive opportunities for practice, discussion, and reflection.

To sign up for a training session, visit the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence website. Learn more about the new Peer Observation policy.

Questions? Contact Nakia Pope, CTLE director, at nakia.pope@uta.edu.

Voice of experience Cameron Emadi, biology freshman, listens to Amit Kidtarkar, mechanical engineering junior, explain how to use a laser printer in the Central Library.

Know a student who still needs housing?

If you know students still searching for a convenient place to live, send them to the University Housing office. Spaces are available in the residence halls to move into immediately. Both undergraduate and graduate students are eligible to live on campus.

Residence halls are fully furnished, and all utilities are paid, including electricity, water, unlimited laundry, Wi-Fi and Ethernet connection, and cable TV. Read about rates and amenities of the six unique on-campus residence halls.  

A $150 deposit is required. For questions, call University Housing at 2-2791.

Register for advising conference

Register online for the UT Arlington Advising Association's 18th annual advising conference, "Academic Marvels: Unleashing Your Advising Super Powers." The conference is Tuesday, Feb. 17.

Encourage students to submit ACES symposium abstracts

Abstracts are now being accepted for the Annual Celebration of Excellence by Students (ACES), a University-wide symposium highlighting the best in student research and creativity. Submissions deadline is Friday, Feb. 6.

To be featured at ACES, undergraduate and graduate students work with faculty mentors in their disciplines to write and submit abstracts for the competition. ACES 2015 is Wednesday, March 25, in the E.H. Hereford University Center.

Email questions to aces@uta.edu.

Be aware of tax-related phishing attacks or social engineering

Tax season is in full swing, so expect to see related phishing emails and attempts to lure you into inadvertently installing computer viruses.

Use caution when clicking Web or email links or opening attachments related to tax returns. The IRS does not initiate any contact with taxpayers by email, text, or social media.

Many of the messages will have an urgent tone in the subject line and contents. Here are a few examples of subject lines from last year:

• Final reminder: Tax Refund Notification
• Your 2013 - IRS Tax Refund Payment
• Your IRS tax bank transfer is not approved.
• Income Tax Refund REJECTED

If you receive an email that appears suspicious, send it to the Information Security Office at security@uta.edu. Do not click on the links or open attachments.

Always be cautious about providing your personal information over the phone, especially to individuals who initiate the call. In such cases, always offer to hang up, verify the nature of call, and to call them back at a number they provide. Seek out the organization's official number and contact them directly. If you suspect attempted fraud or fall victim to a scam, contact your local law enforcement.

Tuesday, Jan. 27

Writing/Designing NSF Proposals Workshop A one-day comprehensive workshop on how to submit winning research proposals to the National Science Foundation with interactive exercises, writing examples, lectures, and discussions. Space limited. Register online. $375. Houston Marriott Medical Center, Houston. Details, call 866-704-7268.

Dealing with Difficult Employees and People Register online. 9-11 a.m., Room 200, J.D. Wetsel Service Center. Human Resources.

Friday, Jan. 30

Motivating Your Employees Register online. 10 a.m.-noon, Room 200, J.D. Wetsel Service Center. Human Resources.

Statistical Software: SPSS SPSS training. Free. 10 a.m.-noon, Room 04, University Hall. Also, SAS training, Friday, Feb. 6. OIT Statistical Services.

What Is Intellectual Property and Why Should I Care? Mark Dodd, patent litigation attorney, explains intellectual property, how you create and protect it, and why engineers should care about it. Time permitting, you help him draft a patent claim for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Dr. Dodd was recognized in The Best Lawyers in America 2014-15 editions in Intellectual Property Litigation. Free. 11 a.m.-noon, Room 111, Nedderman Hall. Engineering.

Wednesday, Feb. 4

Study Abroad Fair Learn about the more than 500 study abroad programs in 62 countries where Mavericks can earn credit toward their degrees. Free. 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Bluebonnet Ballroom, E.H. Hereford University Center. Study Abroad.

(For an expanded list of events, see the UTA calendar.)

Film looks at mental illness, work Madness and community are the topics for the documentary Working Like Crazy, set for 3:30-5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, in Room 104 of University Hall. The film will be followed by a discussion about madness and community with Elisabeth Cawthon, professor of history, and disability studies scholar Richard Scotch of UT Dallas.  An estimated 85 percent of people labeled mentally ill are unemployed and often viewed as incapable of working. Working Like Crazy challenges these stereotypes by profiling six former mental health patients, once labeled "unemployable," who now work in businesses run and staffed by other psychiatric survivors. Sponsors are Delta Alpha Pi Honor Society, Disability Studies, and the Office for Students with Disabilities. For more information, contact Sarah Rose at srose@uta.edu or visit disabilitystudies.uta.edu.

Monday, Jan. 26

Guest Violin Recital Alessandra Jennings Flanagan of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra performs. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Wednesday, Jan. 28

Activity Fair Day Student organizations, departments, and community agencies share info with students. 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Palo Duro Lounge, E.H. Hereford University Center. Student Activities and Organizations.

Reception for Little Free Libraries A kickoff party for the new Allan Saxe Little Free Libraries. Free. Noon, Carlisle Hall breezeway. UT Arlington Libraries.

Thursday, Jan. 29

Artist Talk: Sylvia Plachy Hungarian-born artist Sylvia Plachy discusses her works in the exhibit Sharing Space: Gyorgy Beck and Sylvia Plachy. 12:30-1:30 p.m., The Gallery at UTA, Fine Arts Building. The Gallery at UTA.

Men and Masculinities Week Social Male-identifying students, faculty, and staff are invited to the inaugural Men and Masculinities Week social. Free. 12:30-2 p.m., Carlisle Suite, E.H. Hereford University Center. Multicultural Affairs.

Women's Basketball Mavericks vs. Georgia State. Tickets start at $7. 5 p.m., College Park Center. Also, vs. Troy, 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31. Athletics.

Men's Basketball Mavericks vs. Georgia State. Tickets start at $7. 7:15 p.m., College Park Center. Also, vs. Troy, 7:15 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31. Athletics.

Friday, Jan. 30

Opening Reception for 'Sharing Space: Gyorgy Beck and Sylvia Plachy' Opening reception for art exhibit by Gyorgy Beck and Sylvia Plachy. 5-6 p.m., The Gallery at UTA, Fine Arts Building. The Gallery at UTA.

Saturday, Jan. 31

Wheelchair Basketball Tournament Free. Through Monday, Feb. 2. Physical Education Building and Maverick Activities Center. Movin' Mavs.

Wednesday, Feb. 4

Tail Waggin' Wednesday Paws with Partners will bring registered therapy dogs to campus for some doggy de-stressing. Free. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., second floor, Central Library. Also Wednesdays, March 4 and April 1. UT Arlington Libraries.

Coming up

Spring Concert with Jessie J British singer and songwriter Jessie J is recognized for an unconventional musical and performance style, mixing soul vocals with contemporary R&B, pop, electropop, and hip-hop beats. Tickets $20 UTA faculty and staff, $15 students; $25 general admission. 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, at Texas Hall. EXCEL Campus Activities.

Ongoing

Cuba: Histories of the Present Explore daily life in modern Cuba through photographs by David LaFevor, assistant professor of history. Sixth floor, Central Library. Through Jan. 31. UT Arlington Libraries.

Special Collections: The Price of Manifest Destiny Discover how maps and war interlocked in the 19th century. Hours 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, sixth floor, Central Library. Through Feb. 7. UT Arlington Libraries Special Collections.

The Gallery at UTA: Gyorgy Beck and Sylvia Plachy Two Hungarian-born artists share space in both the literal and metaphysical sense. Through Feb. 14. The Gallery at UTA.

Visual Resource Commons and Gallery The African Art Collection is a multi-dimensional collection of 11th- to 20th-century art and artifacts. Free. 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, Suite 2109, Fine Arts Building. Art and Art History.

Planetarium The spring schedule features Black Holes, Dynamic Earth, Pink Floyd, Secret of the Cardboard Rocket, and Spacepark 360: Infinity. Planetarium.

(For an expanded list of events, see the UTA calendar.)