MavWire 2015 Archive » MavWire — Monday, September 14, 2015

Dr. Manfred Huber

UT Arlington computer scientist’s research would make robots more observant

The use of household robots for health care or service needs could help thousands of people, but most of those people do not have the skills to program those robots.

Manfred Huber, associate professor of computer science and engineering, is seeking ways to program robots by having them observe a human performing a particular task, then imitate it to complete the same objective.

Dr. Huber was awarded a highly competitive $139,968 Early-concept Grant for Exploratory Research, or EAGER, award from the National Science Foundation to advance his work.

Read more about Huber's EAGER grant.

Undergraduate Business, Engineering programs move up on U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges lists

The University saw two of its premier colleges advance in stature and placement on the annual U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges lists released last week.

The College of Engineering moved to No. 98 on the 2016 list of 165 ranked undergraduate engineering programs at colleges offering doctoral degrees, up from 100 on the 2015 list. The College of Business ranked 131st among 472 undergraduate business programs accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, up from 133rd the previous year.

The rankings are based on recommendations of deans and senior faculty members nationwide. “The continued steady climb of both the College of Business and the College of Engineering are testament to the high caliber of our outstanding faculty and students, innovative curricula and focus on excellence,” UTA President Vistasp M. Karbhari says. “We continue to meet the increasing workforce needs of the Metroplex and Texas while simultaneously enhancing the level of scholarship and research, all of which result in our accelerated rise to higher levels of national and international excellence.”

Read more about the rankings.

Building a future: William Kaufman, a student in the Division of Enterprise Development's masonry school, is learning how to be a mason.

Enterprise Development joins industry, Texas Masonry Council to start two masonry schools

The UTA Division of Enterprise Development has partnered with more than 20 companies and an industry council to create two masonry schools that will address a shortage of masons.

Acme Brick has donated $50,000 to start the schools. Contractors and manufacturers from across the state, along with the Waco-based Texas Masonry Council, have donated money and in-kind contributions that total more than $225,000 to kick-start the schools.

UT Arlington has leased space and is operating in Grand Prairie’s Great Southwest Industrial District and the northern area of Houston. Students graduating from the eight-week program will have a great understanding of brick and concrete masonry unit construction, earn a 10-hour OSHA certification card, and have the potential to earn a substantial starting salary.

Read more about the masonry school.

Helping hand: A child in the United Kingdom tries out her prosthetic hand made using e-NABLE design. /Courtesy Stephen Davies/enablingthefuture.org

UTA FabLab gives new option to children in need of prosthetic hands

The UTA FabLab, operated by UT Arlington Libraries, offers new hope to families in need of low-cost artificial hands for children by joining Enabling the Future (e-NABLE), a network of providers offering access to 3-D print technology. The move will allow visitors to customize and fabricate prosthetic hands for children in a matter of hours, and for $50 or less, a fraction of the cost of a medical prosthesis.

“We chose to focus on children with e-NABLE because it’s difficult for them to get properly sized prostheses,” says Fraser Jones, UTA FabLab technician. “The costs of medical prostheses can present a daunting financial challenge to caregivers because as children grow, their prosthesis must grow with them.”

Many families find the investment impractical and do without. The benefit of e-NABLE is that people can produce a low-cost prosthesis. This is particularly important for a child whose family is unable to spend thousands of dollars every six months to a year to accommodate growth.

Read more about the FabLab-eNABLE partnership.

Candidates for AVP for research visit campus

Candidates for associate vice president for research will meet with administrators, faculty, staff, and students.

Kurt Zinn of the University of Alabama-Birmingham is the first candidate. His public session is 3-4 p.m. today, Monday, Sept. 14, in Room 601 of Nedderman Hall. Dr. Zinn is a professor of radiology, medicine, surgery, pathology, chemistry, nutrition sciences, and electrical and computer engineering, and director of the Advanced Medical Imaging Research Division and the Preclinical Imaging Shared Facility.

Other candidates and their campus visits are Steve West, Tuesday, Sept. 29; Jon Weidanz, Monday, Oct. 5; and Gautam Pillay, Tuesday, Oct. 6.

Each candidate will speak and then answer questions.

Ride the MAX to explore DFW

Get out and explore attractions in Fort Worth and Dallas and the rest of the Metroplex by catching a ride on the Metro Arlington Xpress—also known as The MAX.

The route runs from the College Park District garage at Center Street and UTA Boulevard to a stop on North Collins Street in Lincoln Square and then to the Trinity Railway Express's Centreport station near DFW Airport.

UT Arlington is a major sponsor of The MAX. Regular fare is $5 per day, or purchase a $25 weekly or $80 monthly pass. UTA students can receive reduced-fare tickets for $2.50 per day or $40 monthly.

More information about The MAX is available at ridethemax.com.

The service is provided by the Fort Worth Transportation Authority and the Dallas Area Rapid Transit.

Remember UTA on North Texas Day of Giving

Help benefit UT Arlington and area nonprofits by donating on the North Texas Day of Giving on Thursday, Sept. 17.

Donations of $25 or more can be made 6 a.m.-midnight to benefit more than 2,100 certified nonprofits.

To donate or find more details, go to northtexasgivingday.org.

Study Abroad Fair Dr. Kevin Gustafson, top left, associate professor of English, and Johanna Bailey, bottom right, of the University Study Abroad Consortium, told students about educational opportunities in other countries at the Study Abroad Fair last week.

Banned Books Week committee seeks donations for little free libraries

UT Arlington Libraries is asking for donations of banned or challenged books for Banned Books Week, Sept. 27-Oct. 3. Donated books will be distributed in the four Allan Saxe Little Free Libraries during Banned Books Week.

View a list of challenged or banned books.

For questions or to donate, contact Marquel Anteola at manteola@uta.edu.

MavsArt seeks your creative submissions

Looking to show off your art? Submit items to MavsArt and have your work displayed at the Central Library.

MavsArt is a semester-long community art exhibit open to all UT Arlington faculty, staff, and students. Submit all forms of artwork, from charcoal sketches to 3D forms created in the UTA FabLab.

Print and complete the application form. Bring the form and your artwork to the service desk on the first floor of the Central Library. The submission deadline is Friday, Sept. 25.

For details or questions, email janeth.colmenero@uta.edu.

Cyclethon teams needed to pump up World Heart Day

Get pumped for World Heart Day and the annual Cyclethon on Monday, Sept. 28.

The annual challenge has teams pedaling from noon to midnight at the Maverick Activities Center. A team member must pedal the stationary bike at all times during the 12-hour contest. Free agents are encouraged to sign up.

Register at the Services and Info Desk at the MAC. Cost is $30 per team. All money goes to the American Heart Association.

The event includes free blood pressure tests, glucose checks, healthy cooking demos, free snacks, and other fun activities.

Hispanic Heritage Month kicks off Tuesday

Join the fiesta to kick off the year's Hispanic Heritage Month activities 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15. Volunteers will hand out information about this month's events and more on the library mall, the engineering mall south, and in the Palo Duro Lounge of the E.H. Hereford University Center.

Other events are at the University Center and include:

• "From Here to Havana: U.S. and Cuban Relations" is covered by David C. LaFevor, assistant professor of history. Noon-1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21, Concho Room.

• Latin@ Student Excellence Forum is moderated by Stephen Santa-Ramirez, assistant director of Multicultural Affairs. 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, Concho Room.

• Día de los Muertos Gallery offers a look at traditions surrounding the Day of the Dead. 8 a.m.-8 p.m. weekdays, UC Gallery.

• Global Grounds International Coffee Hour. 4-5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, Palo Duro Lounge.

More details on Hispanic Heritage Month are available at uta.edu/multicultural.

Crossroads gathering Representatives from more than 70 community partners attended the P-16 Council meeting of UTA's University Crossroads program. Guest speakers were, from left, Mark Masepohl, general manager at Univision; Suzanne Morales-Vale, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board; State Rep. Roberto Alonzo; and Mary Smith, THECB. University Crossroads is a collaboration of more than 90 community partners working to prepare students in Collin, Dallas, Denton, and Tarrant counties for college and career success.

Volunteers needed for Fall Job Fair success

The Career Development Center needs more than 125 volunteers to help make the Fall 2015 All Majors Job Fair a success. The Job Fair is 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29, at the Maverick Activities Center.

Choose a one-and-a-half hour shift during volunteer hours 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Tasks include set-up, clean-up, carrying employer materials, escorting employers to their booths, and staffing the student check-in tables. Register to volunteer by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23.

For questions, email Alissa Anderson at alissa.anderson@uta.edu or call 2-2932.

IRB Mini-Conference set for Sept. 25

Faculty, staff, and students can learn about the Institutional Review Board submission process, how to conduct ethical research studies with human subjects, and more at the new, improved IRB Mini-Conference.

The conference is 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, in the upstairs lounge of the Maverick Activities Center.

Sessions include what to expect during the IRB review process, hot topics in human subjects research, and a sampling of protocol case studies. Those attending can earn credits for RCR training and human subject training requirements.

Regulatory Services and Research Administration sponsor the conference. See the conference schedule and RSVP.

Grants available from Institute for Sustainability and Global Impact

The Institute for Sustainability and Global Impact seeks applications from faculty, staff, and students for the travel and speaker grants.

Travel Support Grants of up to $500 for one event will be awarded to faculty, staff, or students for conferences, seminars, or workshops that take place Sept. 1, 2015-Aug.31, 2016. Application deadline is Friday, Oct. 16.

Sustainability Speaker Grants of up to $500 are available to support speakers who address sustainability and environmental stewardship. Applications must be submitted at least eight weeks prior to the event.

For more information or an application form, contact Christopher Morris at morris@uta.edu.

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Monday, Sept. 14

UT Arlington Photonics Symposium For the International Year of Light, this daylong symposium includes presentations by faculty, a poster session, panel discussion, and a final reception. 7:30 a.m. Bluebonnet Ballroom, E.H. Hereford University Center. Engineering.

Tuesday, Sept. 15

MARK Training: Adviser Self-Awareness The Maverick Advisers Reaching for Knowledge program is for academic advisers. Register online. 2-4 p.m., Room 104, Preston Hall. Also, Adviser Strengths Part I, Thursday, Sept. 17; Adviser Strengths Part II, Tuesday, Sept. 22; Pathways to Persistence, Thursday, Sept. 24; Undergraduate Policies and Procedures, Tuesday, Sept. 29; Graduate Policies and Procedures, Wednesday, Sept. 30; Relational/Referrals and Resources, Tuesday, Oct. 6; QPR Suicide Prevention, Thursday, Oct. 8; Adviser Toolbox, Tuesday, Oct. 13; and EAB Student Success Collaborative, Thursday, Oct. 15. University Advising Center.

Travel and Expenses Learn how to process travel authorizations, cash advances, and expense reports. Register online. 8:30-11:30 a.m., Room E200C, Continuing Education Building. Business Affairs.

Wednesday, Sept. 16

Fundamental Skills for Supervisors and Managers Register online. 9-11 a.m., Room 200, Wetsel Service Center. Human Resources.

Engineering Speakers Series Mary "Missy” Cummings of Duke University discusses the state of automation and autonomy in our everyday lives. Free. 5-7 p.m., Room 100, Nedderman Hall. Engineering.

Thursday, Sept. 17

Timekeeper Learn how to enter time and absences for an employee. Register online. 1:30-3:30 p.m., Room E200C, Continuing Education Building. Business Affairs.

Friday, Sept. 18

Partnering with Your Boss Register online. 10 a.m.-noon, Room 200, Wetsel Service Center. Human Resources.

Statistical Software: SAS Intro to SAS training. Free. 10 a.m.-noon, Room 04, University Hall. Also, Intro to SPSS, Friday, Sept. 25.  OIT Statistical Services.

Saturday, Sept. 19

RADS Self-Defense for Women Self-defense course for female faculty, staff, and students. Register online. Free. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Room 102-B, Maverick Activities Center. Also, Oct. 17 and Nov. 7. UT Arlington Police.

Monday, Sept. 21

Safe Zone Ally Training Learn to create a visible network of support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning individuals, and their allies. Register online. 9 a.m.-noon, San Saba Room, E.H. Hereford University Center. Also, 1-4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12, Sabine Room, University Center, and 9 a.m.-noon Monday, Nov. 16, Guadalupe Room, University Center. LGBTQA Program.

Tuesday, Sept. 22

Leadership Skills for Supervisors Register online. 9-11 a.m., Room 200, Wetsel Service Center. Human Resources.

Managing Department Funds Understand the chart of accounts, how to view available balances, and how to view account activity in commitment control. Register online. 9:30-11:30 a.m., Room E200C, Continuing Education Building. Business Affairs.

Wednesday, Sept. 23

Question, Persuade, Refer for Suicide Prevention Training Learn the warning signs and clues of people who may be considering suicide and how to intervene with at-risk individuals. Register online. 2-4 p.m. Room 104, Preston Hall. Also, Oct. 22 and Nov. 30. Counseling and Psychological Services.

Architecture Lecture Joshua Nimmo presents “Someplace Else.” Free. 4 p.m., Room 204, Architecture Building. Also, Josep Ricart Ulldemolins discusses “Demands and Availabilities,” Wednesday, Sept. 30. Architecture.

Second Annual Women in the Americas Series Lori Celaya of the University of Idaho is guest lecturer for the topic "Human Trafficking at the U.S.-Mexico Border and the Role of the Commercial Sex Trade Client." Free. Noon-1 p.m., Neches/Pedernales Rooms, E.H. Hereford University Center. Free and open to the public. Women’s and Gender Studies, Center for Mexican American Studies, Department of Modern Languages.

Thursday, Sept. 24

Managing Stress in the Workplace Register online. 9-11 a.m., Room 200, Wetsel Service Center. Human Resources.

Financial Statements and the Reconciliation Process Learn how to generate the Financial Statement, how to read the report, and understand the information provided in the report. Register online. 2-4 p.m., Room E200C, Continuing Education Building. Business Affairs.

Friday, Sept. 25

Institutional Review Board Mini-Conference Learn about the IRB submission process, how to conduct ethical research studies with human subjects, and more. See the schedule and RSVP. Free. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., second floor lounge, Maverick Activities Center. Regulatory Services, Research Administration.

Monday, Sept. 28

Texas ACSM Lecture Quincy Almeida of Wilfrid Laurier University in Canada speaks on “Learning Motor Control Through Neurodegeneration: A Parkinson’s Perspective.” Noon, Lone Star Auditorium, Maverick Activities Center. Kinesiology.

Tuesday, Sept. 29

Developing Assertive Communication Skills Register online. 9-11 a.m., Room 200, Wetsel Service Center. Human Resources.

Wednesday, Sept. 30

Advanced Supervisory Skills Register online. 9-11:30 a.m., Room 200, Wetsel Service Center. Human Resources.

Focus on Faculty: Ritu Khanduri Ritu Khanduri, assistant professor of anthropology, speaks on "The Culture of Cartoons," explaining how Indian newspaper cartoons serve as teaching moments about identity politics and democracy. Free. Noon-1:30 p.m., sixth floor, Central Library. UT Arlington Libraries.

International Translation Day Renowned translator Marian Schwartz is guest speaker. She has translated more than 60 volumes of Russian classic and contemporary fiction, history, biography, criticism, and fine art. Free. Noon-1 p.m., Palo Pinto Room, E.H. Hereford University Center. Modern Languages, UT Arlington Libraries, English, Charles T. McDowell Center for Critical Languages and Area Studies.

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

Planetarium gets moony this fall Turn your gaze upward at three celestial events this fall at The Planetarium at UTA. International Observe the Moon Night (InOMN)—4-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19—is a worldwide event that encourages observation, appreciation, and understanding of our moon and its connection to NASA planetary science and exploration.  The president of the Moon Society will give free lectures at 4:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Grab discount tickets to Back to the Moon for Good at 5:30 p.m. and Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon at 7 p.m.  Watch a total lunar eclipse 7 p.m.-midnight Sunday, Sept. 27, through powerful telescopes on the third floor balcony of the Planetarium. North America has a front-row seat to one of the best-timed total lunar eclipses in recent memory. Be outside to see the moon completely engulfed by Earth's shadow 9:10-10:20 p.m. Enjoy free lectures and discount tickets for Planetarium shows. Mark your calendar for Astronomy Day 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24. Discount tickets for planetarium shows and free lectures by representatives of the National Space Society of North Texas, Texas Astronomical Society, and Fort Worth Astronomical Society. Telescopes will be set up outside for observing the sun and other celestial objects, weather permitting.

Monday, Sept. 14

Guest Double Bass Recital Milton Masciadri of the University of Georgia performs. Free. 7:30 p.m. Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Tuesday, Sept. 15

One Mic Stand Comedy Show Free. 7:30-9 p.m., Rosebud Theatre, E.H. Hereford University Center. EXCEL Campus Activities.

Clavier Piano Recital Performances by UTA piano students. Free. 7:30 p.m. Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Thursday, Sept. 17

Faculty Bassoon Recital Scott Pool, assistant professor of music, performs. Free. 7:30 p.m. Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Grand Opening for Starbucks at UTA Bookstore Enjoy samples and other giveaways in celebration of the signature Starbucks now located in the UTA Bookstore. Free. 10 a.m., UTA Bookstore.

Friday, Sept. 18

Oozeball This mud volleyball tournament is a long-standing campus tradition. 1-6:30 p.m., Fourth Street at Summit Avenue. Campus Recreation.

Women's and Gender Studies Open House Visit with the faculty and staff of the Women's and Gender Studies program. Noon-2 p.m., Room 205, University Hall. Women's and Gender Studies.

Volleyball Mavericks vs. Louisiana-Lafayette. Fiesta Friday, Hispanic Heritage Night, Los Mavericks Shirt Giveaway. Tickets $5 per game. Faculty-Staff All-Season Ticket $99, all 2015-16 sports. 6:30 p.m., College Park Center. Athletics.

Discount Rangers Tickets Rangers vs. Seattle Mariners, through Sunday, Sept. 20. Also, Detroit Tigers, Sept. 28-30; and Los Angeles Angels, Oct. 1-4. Visit texasrangers.com/grouptickets, click on UT Arlington, and use the password GOMAVS to get your discounted tickets.

Opening Reception: 'Building: Selections from the University' Reception for exhibit of works chosen from several art and artifact collections at UT Arlington. 5:30-8 p.m. Fine Arts Building. Art and Art History, The Gallery at UTA.

Saturday, Sept. 19

Volleyball Mavericks vs. Georgia State. Volleyball alumni reunion, Camper Reunion Day, Boys and Girls Club Night, post-game autographs. Free admission for veterans, military service members, and dependents. Tickets $5 per game. Faculty-Staff All-Season Ticket $99, all 2015-16 sports. 6:30 p.m., College Park Center. Athletics.

Guest Piano Recital Performance by Gustavo Romero of the University of North Texas. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Ecofest Learn how to be good to the environment and eco-friendly DIY tips. Free classes on water conservation, native plants, gardening, composting, and more. Free trees and green vendors. Music at Levitt Pavilion. Games and activities for kids. Free. 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Founders Plaza, 100 W. Abram St., Arlington. Ecofest.

Monday, Sept. 21

Voice Division Recital Performances by UTA vocal students. Free. Noon-1 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Thursday, Sept. 24

UTA Symphony Orchestra Concert The UTA Symphony Orchestra performs, conducted by Clifton Evans. Tickets $9 general admission, $6 students and seniors, 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Friday, Sept. 25

Faculty Flute Recital Terry Sanchez, senior lecturer in flute, performs. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Flight 12 Comedy Improv Troupe This 12-student troupe is always outrageous and never stale. Directed by Associate Professor Joe Chapa. Tickets $5. 8 p.m., Mainstage Theatre, Fine Arts Building. Also Saturday, Sept. 26. Maverick Theatre Company.

Saturday, Sept. 26

UT Arlington at the Levitt UTA Wind Symphony performs. Free. 8 p.m., Levitt Pavilion, 100 W. Abram St. Also, UTA Jazz Orchestra with jazz master Stefan Karlsson and Swedish jazz trumpeter Magnus Broo on Sunday, Sept. 27. Levitt Pavilion.

Monday, Sept. 28

World Heart Day/Cyclethon Teams keep stationary bikes in motion for 12 hours. Free blood pressure tests, glucose checks, healthy cooking demos, free snacks, and other fun activities planned. Benefits American Heart Association. Sign up at the Maverick Activities Center. Noon-midnight, MAC. Campus Recreation, Health Services.

Tuesday, Sept. 29

Faculty Piano Recital Young-Hyun Cho, associate professor of piano, performs. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Coming up

Volleyball Tickets $5 per game. Faculty-Staff All-Season Ticket $99, all 2015-16 sports. Mavericks vs. Georgia Southern, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, tailgate, OctoberFest/beer tasting, Pink Night, Greek Out; vs. Arkansas-Little Rock, 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, Jersey Day, Blaze's Kids Club, Youth Day, International Frugal Fun Day, post-game autographs. All at College Park Center. Athletics.

Maverick Speakers Series Actress and activist Mia Farrow, right, discusses “What Falls Away: One Woman’s Journey to Fulfillment.” A question-and-answer session follows. Free general admission but tickets required. Premium, season, and VIP ticket packages include reserved seats and parking and more. Tickets at utatickets.com. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, Texas Hall. Also, Daymond John, Nov. 10; Ron Paul, Feb. 2; Donna Brazile, Feb. 25; and Jane Goodall, March 31. Maverick Speakers Series.

Ongoing

Gallery 76102: Tshuchigama/Earthen Kiln Tsuchigama or “dirt kiln” is recognized by scholars as Japan's earliest high-fire kiln type. Free. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays; 4-8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, Gallery 76102. Through Oct. 10. Fort Worth Center.

University Center Gallery: Digital Photography Student Exhibit Student artwork showcased. Gallery hours 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. University Center Gallery, E.H. Hereford University Center. Through Dec. 12. EXCEL Campus Activities.

Special Collections: Ringside: Memories of WCC Wrestling Photos by Cirrus Bonneau of World Class Championship Wrestling at the Will Rogers Coliseum in Fort Worth in 1982-83. Gallery hours 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. Free. Sixth floor, Central Library. Through Jan. 16. UT Arlington Libraries Special Collections.

Planetarium Two new shows—Cosmic Origins Spectrograph and From the Earth to the Universe—are part of the fall schedule. Also showing are Astronaut, Pink Floyd, and Spacepark 360: Infinity. Planetarium.

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