The University of Texas at Arlington

2004

Computer Science Professor Receives Outstanding Educator Award

December 31, 2004

Computer Science & Engineering Professor Sajal K. Das has been named the Outstanding Engineering Educator for 2008 for Region 5 of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Dr. Das was praised for his rich theoretical concepts and their innovative applications to complex real-life problems.

Scholarships Grant Supports Student Recruitment/Retention

December 31, 2004

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded $600,000 to the College of Engineering as a part of the NSF’s Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics program. The grant will support the college’s efforts in a national project titled Focus on Retention in Cohorts of Engineering Students (FORCES).

Computer Science Professor to Collaborate on New Video Compression Standard for China

December 21, 2004

University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) Computer Science & Engineering Professor Ishfaq Ahmad has received a research grant of $200,000, plus equipment, from Sun Microsystems to help develop a new digital signal compression standard for use in China.

Çelik-Butler Named Director of Nanotechnology Facility at UTA

December 16, 2004

Zeynep Çelik-Butler, a professor of Electrical Engineering in The University of Texas at Arlington’s College of Engineering, has been named director of UTA’s Nanotechnology Research & Teaching Facility. She has been the interim director of the facility since December 2003. The promotion, initiated by Dean of Engineering Dr. Bill Carroll, will become effective January 1.

UTA Civil Engineering Receives $138K Grant to Study Box Culverts

November 5, 2004

UTA Civil and Environmental Engineering Assistant Professor Sayed-ali “Ali” Abolmaali has received a $138,440 grant from the American Concrete and Pipe Association (ACPA) to investigate the shear capacity of pre-cast concrete box culverts. Several nationally-recognized research centers competed to conduct the study, which will be conducted over a two-year period.

Security Research Institute Receives $250,000 Funding

November 2, 2004

The Institute for Research in Security (IRIS) at the University of Texas at Arlington has received a $250,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to develop advanced security detection methods to monitor, prevent and recover from natural or inflicted disasters.

$374K Grant Funds Research on Miniature Manufacturing Processes

November 1, 2004

University of Texas at Arlington Electrical Engineering Professor J. C. Chiao has received a $374,211 grant from the National Science Foundation to investigate miniaturized millimeter-wave systems. He and Dr. L.W. Lin in the Mechanical Engineering Department at the University of California - Berkeley are jointly working on innovative processes toward low-cost, batch-fabricated, miniaturized and integrated millimeter-wave systems for sensing, imaging and communication applications.

Computer Science, Software Engineering Degrees Receive ABET Accreditation

September 28, 2004

The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) has announced its accreditation of UTA's Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering degree programs. First offered in 2001, the programs currently have 116 students enrolled.

Dutton Named Chair of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering

September 23, 2004

Dr. Bill Carroll, dean of The University of Texas at Arlington’s College of Engineering, has announced the appointment of J. Craig Dutton to Professor and Chair of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.

Stephanou to Lead Automation & Robotics Research Institute

September 23, 2004

Dr. Bill Carroll, dean of the College of Engineering, has announced the appointment of Harry E. Stephanou to Professor of Electrical Engineering and Director of the Automation and Robotics Research Institute.

Two Biomedical Engineering Professors Recognized as Innovators

September 15, 2004

The Dallas Business Journal has named Biomedical Engineering Drs. Robert C. Eberhart and Kevin D. Nelson of The University of Texas at Arlington finalists in its recognition of healthcare innovators. The two were cited for their development of a coronary artery stent and a nerve regeneration process.

UTA Returns to Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Competition

September 14, 2004

A team of engineering students and professors attended the 2nd Annual Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International Student Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Competition in Maryland. During the 1990’s, UAV teams from UTA consistently ranked in the top 10 in these events.

UTA Engineering Offering Record Number of Distance Education Courses

September 7, 2004

UTA's College of Engineering is televising 46 courses for distance education students this fall, providing graduate level courses via CD, videotape or streaming video over the Internet. This is one of the largest course offerings since the College began televising them in the fall of 1982.

UTA Racing Team Wins Student Competition in Japan

September 7, 2004

The University of Texas at Arlington’s Formula SAE racing team took first place in the first international competition in Japan for student designed, built and raced cars. The three-day competition featured 25 teams from Japanese universities, plus one team each from Leeds University in the United Kingdom, Yeungnum University in Korea and UTA.

Engineering Professor Honored for Service to Student Program

September 1, 2004

The Sports Car Club of America Foundation has announced the creation of the Dr. Bob Woods Cup, honoring the faculty advisor of UTA’s Formula SAE racing team. The Cup will be presented to the highest-placing student driver in the Formula SAE class of the SCCA Solo National Championships later this month.

Eleven New Faculty Members Join UTA’s College of Engineering

August 30, 2004

The University of Texas at Arlington‘s College of Engineering has added 11 new faculty members this fall, each recognized for outstanding research and teaching abilities. Their addition is the result of the continuing increase in the number of engineering students and the college’s goal of providing an exceptional learning and research experience.

Kalpana Chawla Hall Set For September 24

August 16, 2004

University officials and area dignitaries will gather on the campus of the University of Texas at Arlington on Friday, September 24 for the formal dedication of Kalpana Chawla Hall, a memorial to the fallen astronaut who earned a master’s degree in aerospace engineering at UTA in 1984.

Gloria Maceko Featured Speaker at 2004 Summer Commencement

July 21, 2004

Gloria Maceiko, who received a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from UTA in 1982, will be the featured speaker at the College of Engineering's summer commencement ceremonies set for Saturday, August 14.

Student Lives in “Smart” Apartment on UTA Campus

July 14, 2004

A video crew visited the Computer Science & Engineering's intelligent apartment, "MavPad," for a feature in a new program scheduled to begin in January on the HGTV cable channel. The MavPad monitors, reasons and reacts to inhabitants’ living patterns and preferences.

Materials Science Students Selected for Leadership Training

June 30, 2004

Two graduate students have received prestigious scholarships to attend a leadership-training program sponsored by the American Society of Metals (ASM). The ASM’s Materials Education Foundation presented only six of these scholarships worldwide.

Biomedical Engineering Researcher Receives $327K New Investigator Grant

June 24, 2004

Dr. Yueqing Gu, a new research assistant professor in The University of Texas at Arlington’s College of Engineering, has received a New Investigator Award and grant from the Department of Defense to develop improvements in the treatment of prostate tumors.

Middle School Students Selected for Robotics Summer Program

June 23, 2004

Five students will be getting a hands-on exposure to robotics this summer as they participate in a special program at The University of Texas at Arlington’s Automation & Robotics Research Institute (ARRI) in Fort Worth. The students will spend four weeks at ARRI working on robotics, basic computer programming and manufacturing automation.

High School Math, Science Teachers Discover Engineering at UTA

June 17, 2004

Fifty teachers from area high schools will participate in an innovative series of lectures in Arlington during June and July in an effort to improve the teachers’ presentation skills for electronics-related topics. The program is designed to provide math and science teachers with an overview of semiconductors and integrated circuits and an introduction to technical and pre-engineering courses.

Engineering Students Savor Design Assignment

May 27, 2004

Students came up with some interesting creations when assigned to design, build and race toy cars made entirely of edible materials. The challenge was intended to give freshmen engineering students some early, hands-on experiences in research and development.

AE Alumna Begins European Liaison Assignment

May 11, 2004

The FAA recently named alumna Lirio Liu as its Senior Representative to several member states of the European Union. She will be stationed in Paris, building relationships with civil aviation authorities.

Department of Defense Awards $1.9 Million for Nanotechnology Research

May 5, 2004

UTA's nanotechnology programs received a financial boost of $1.91 million from the Department of Defense. The funding is part of a $10 million grant to the Strategic Partnership for Research in Nanotechnology (SPRING), a consortium of six Texas universities conducting research in this developing technology.

Engineering Students Create Novel Solution for NASA Problem

April 30, 2004

A team of aerospace engineering students at The University of Texas at Arlington accepted a challenge from NASA and the Texas Space Grant Consortium. The students, all juniors, are participants in a special topics class organized by Dr. Kamesh Subbarao.

Four Engineering Faculty Receive Research Enhancement Grants

April 28, 2004

Four faculty members in the College of Engineering have received grants from the Office of the Vice President for Research. The grants are part of the Research Enhancement Program (REP) and are given specifically for the support of research and professional creative activity.

Outstanding Engineering Students Receive Performance Awards

April 27, 2004

Three students in the College of Engineering recently received awards because of their outstanding academic and personal performance. The trio included a freshman, a senior and a graduate student.

Biomedical Engineering’s Liu Receives Outstanding Research Award

April 22, 2004

Dr. Hanli Liu, associate professor of biomedical engineering, has received the University’s Award for Outstanding Research Achievement or Creative Accomplishment. Her research is primarily in the areas of detection and treatment of tumors.

Biomedical Engineering Ph.D. Student Receives $90,000 Research Grant

April 21, 2004

Mengna Xia has received a grant from the Department of Defense Medical Research Program to develop a novel approach to improve breast cancer therapies.

Three Engineering Professors Selected for UTA Academy of Distinguished Scholars

April 13, 2004

Mechanical Engineering Professor Abdolhossein Haji-Sheikh, Computer Science and Engineering Professor Diane Cook and Electrical Engineering Professor Frank L. Lewis have been selected as charter members in UTA’s Academy of Distinguished Scholars. Inductees into the Academy exemplify the University’s commitment to quality research and creative activity.

Nanotechnology Researchers Create Pico Organic Composites

April 1, 2004

Materials Science and Engineering Professor Jorge de Gallo is sectioning and reintegrating commonly available organic materials. “We’re used to working with nano-sized structures here at UTA, but this time we’re going for pico,” de Gallo said.

UTA Awarded $500,000 to Develop Unique Wireless Communications for Arlington Police

March 18, 2004

Researchers in the University of Texas at Arlington have received a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to develop a unique wireless communications system for the Arlington Police Department. The project is aimed at boosting law enforcement effectiveness by providing police with multi-way communications for sending and receiving live video, audio and text messaging across the department.

Summer Research Experiences for Engineering Undergraduates

March 11, 2004

Civil Engineering and Computer Science & Engineering will offer research programs for undergraduates again this summer. The programs are funded by the National Science Foundation.

Student Auto Racing Team Wins “Driver of the Year” Award

March 11, 2004

Student members of UTA's Formula SAE racing team received an unusual salute from the Texas Region of the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) during the Club’s annual banquet. The team received the “Driver of the Year” award, which normally is awarded to one person.

Industrial Engineering Student Wins 2nd Leadership Scholarship

March 10, 2004

Ricardo Lopez, a senior majoring in industrial engineering, is the only two-time winner of the Outstanding Student Leader Scholarship presented by the Leadership Consortium of North Texas Colleges and Universities.

Living/Learning Options Available at New Dormitory

March 8, 2004

Kalpana Chawla (KC) Hall, opening for the fall 2004 semester, will be the newest dorm at UTA. The 421-bed residence hall will contain the first building-wide living/learning environment on campus.

College of Engineering Adds Two to Hall of Achievement

March 5, 2004

Charles Sorber and Della Williams, two individuals known for their personal and professional accomplishments, were recently inducted into the College of Engineering’s Hall of Achievement. Sorber is the recent Interim President of UTA and Williams heads Williams-Pyro, Inc. in Fort Worth.

Materials Science Professor Receives Specialized Funding from SRC

February 24, 2004

Choong-Un Kim, a professor in the Materials Science and Engineering Department at The University of Texas at Arlington, has received a customized funding grant from the Semiconductor Research Corporation (SRC), the world's premier university research management consortium. The grant will provide funding for Dr. Kim’s investigations into the structural and chemical stability of the diffusion barrier and its impact on low-k/Cu integration reliability.

Behbehani Named Fellow of Medical Professional Society

February 19, 2004

Khosrow Behbehani, Ph.D., P.E., professor and chair of the Biomedical Engineering Program, has been named a Fellow of the American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering. Dr. Behbehani is a noted expert in respiratory and anesthesia device design and analysis.

Student Lives in “Smart” Apartment on UTA Campus

February 18, 2004

Kien Tran, a computer science & engineering senior, lives in a student apartment like no other. Placed around his University of Texas at Arlington apartment are more than150 sensors wired to four computers. They’re all part of a real-life test of a “smart” living environment, where the entire home is an intelligent host that learns about the inhabitants, responds to their actions and anticipates their needs.

Open House Set for High-Performance Computing Cluster

February 17, 2004

The University of Texas at Arlington College of Engineering’s Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) Department will host a presentation of its Distributed and Parallel Computing Cluster beginning at 2pm on Monday, February 23.

UTA Civil Engineering Alumnus Directs Dallas’ “High Five” Project

February 16, 2004

Pete Garza, P.E., is the lead engineer for the Texas Department of Transportation’s most complicated and expensive project – the “High Five” interchange linking I-635 and US-75. The project will span five years and cost $261 million.

High School Students Design, Program Robots for Competition

February 3, 2004

More than 80 students from six high schools in Arlington and Mansfield will face off Saturday, February 7 at the University of Texas at Arlington to see who has built the fastest, smartest robot in a competition unique in North Texas.

CSE Researchers Developing Security Threat Detection System

January 9, 2004

A team of researchers led by CSE Professor Sajal Das is creating a novel framework leading to a sophisticated software program that will aid the nation in monitoring, preventing and recovering from natural and inflicted disasters. The five-year project is funded by a $1.7 million grant from the National Science Foundation.

Mars Rovers Guided by Software Developed by UTA Graduate

January 7, 2004

Kanna Rajan, a 1990 computer science and engineering master's graduate and now a principal investigator and senior scientist at NASA Ames Research Center, led a team to develop tasking programming for the Mars Exploration Rovers.

Alumnus Wins National Citizen Engineer Award

January 6, 2004

Scott Berman, an engineer with Halff Associates in Fort Worth, will receive one of four 2003 Citizen Engineer Awards presented by the American Society of Civil Engineers in recognition of his public service accomplishments.