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Igniting innovation: Dr. Hanli Liu, professor of bioengineering, received one of three Texas Ignition Fund grants awarded to UT Arlington faculty members by the UT System.

Grants take research projects
from lab to marketplace

The Texas Ignition Fund (TIF) has awarded three grants to UT Arlington researchers for projects that show promise of reaching the marketplace.

The grants come from a $2 million fund approved by the UT System Board of Regents in 2007 to speed commercialization of products created at UT System institutions. The UT System awarded nine grants totaling more than $450,000 this year in the fourth round of TIF funding. The winning entries, each awarded $48,000 to $55,000, are described in detail online.

UT Arlington's three awards totaled more than any other UT System institution.

"These awards reflect the kind of groundbreaking research that is advancing UT Arlington toward its goal of becoming a national research university," President James D. Spaniolo says.

One of the recipients, bioengineering Professor Hanli Liu, is developing a low-cost, real-time, optically guided needle biopsy system that improves prostate cancer diagnosis.

In a second project, mechanical and aerospace engineering Assistant Professor Brian Dennis and industrial engineering Professor John Priest are building a bench-scale "proof of concept" that converts North Texas Barnett Shale natural gas to synthetic gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. A regional Texas oil company has committed to funding the development of a full-scale microrefinery based on the researchers' microreactor process.

A third project involves collaboration between bioengineering Assistant Professor Digant Davé and chemistry Professor Richard Timmons. They have developed a technique to detect and quantify biomolecules without using color labeling. The technology will expedite drug development by enabling faster, more precise and less expensive screening of candidate drug molecules.

For more information, see the news release.

Crocodile cheers: A crocodile fossil estimated to be almost 100 million years old recently was discovered by paleontologists led by UT Arlington dinosaurs lecturer Derek Main at the Arlington Archosaur site.

Crocodile skull unearthed at Arlington Archosaur Site

Paleontologists have made the most important discovery to date at the Arlington Archosaur Site in north Arlington. The disassembled skull of a crocodile with two-and-a-half-inch-long teeth that lived nearly 100 million years ago has been unearthed.

"We have over 50 bones exposed," says UT Arlington dinosaurs lecturer Derek Main, who heads the project. "They are truly impressive. The teeth measure 6.5 centimeters, larger than my thumb."

To date, more dinosaur fossils have been recovered from the Arlington site, where excavation began a little more than a year ago, than from any other location in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. The site lies within Cretaceous rocks, formed 95 million years ago when Arlington was the beachhead for a giant sea that divided the continent.

The excavation has yielded fossils from various species of animals, including a large herbivorous "duck billed" dinosaur as well as crocodiles, turtles, lungfish, fish and sharks.

Main, a geology graduate student and teaching assistant, says the site is unique because it's a major dinosaur excavation in the middle of a large metropolitan setting, and it preserves many fossils from different animals. Excavation began in spring 2008 when the Huffines Group obtained the property and granted access to UT Arlington.

Photographs are available at www.arlingtonarchosaursite.com.

Tools of discovery: Dr. Raul Fernandez, program manager for TMAC, is part of a team that is developing a toolbox of magnetically controlled surgical instruments for minimally invasive surgery.

UT Arlington and UT Southwestern collaborate
on magnetic surgery tools

UT Arlington and UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas have reached an agreement with Ethicon Endo-Surgery Inc., a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, to develop a groundbreaking toolbox of magnetically controlled surgical instruments for minimally invasive surgery.

The investigational surgical device platform includes a wide range of magnetically controlled instruments designed to give surgeons greater maneuverability and range of motion while reducing the number of entry ports into the abdominal cavity required for surgery. The Magnetic Anchoring and Guidance System uses magnets outside the abdomen that attract magnets attached to novel instruments inserted inside the abdomen, allowing internal movement.

Richard Bergs, a research associate with UT Arlington's Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center, says the project represents a perfect blend of technology, engineering and medical advancement. The engineering work was completed by TMAC, which is part of UT Arlington's Automation and Robotics Research Institute.

"The team had many technical challenges to overcome during the invention and development of this new device platform," says Raul Fernandez, program manager for TMAC. "We relied heavily upon ingenuity and teamwork to bring the project to this point."

For more information see the news release.

School of Nursing begins innovative distance education degree program

The School of Nursing has announced an innovative distance education Bachelor of Science in Nursing program to begin this fall. The BSN Academic Partnership will substantially expand the number of new graduate registered nurses in Texas. The new offering is an addition to an already active nursing distance education program offered by the school.

Molding tomorrow's nurses Jan Marshall, School of Nursing clinical instructor, helps participants in the STARS Camp care for a simulated infant at UT Arlington's Smart Hospital. STARS Camps offer local high school students the opportunity to learn about nursing through patient simulator demonstrations at the Smart Hospital, presentations by career nurses and nursing students, and visits with health care professionals at area hospitals.

The Texas Center for Nursing Workforce Studies reported the state's demand for full-time registered nurses in 2008 exceeded supply by 22,000. The gap is predicted to increase to 70,000 by 2020. Despite this increasing shortage, Texas nursing schools turned away approximately 8,000 qualified applicants due to lack of funding, available faculty and clinical slots.

"UT Arlington is providing a Texas solution for a Texas problem. The gap between the demand and supply of registered nurses is a significant health and business issue for the state," School of Nursing Associate Dean Beth Mancini says. "By working with hospitals and health systems, we believe this new approach to nursing education provides an effective strategy to produce competent new graduate registered nurses at our hospital partner sites across Texas."

For more information, see the news release.

Reserved parking permits must be picked up in person

While faculty/staff parking permits for the 2009-10 academic year are now available online at www.uta.edu/mymav, all reserved permits must be picked up in person at the Parking Office in the Wetsel Service Center, 1225 W. Mitchell St.

Current reserved permit holders should let the Parking Office know if you are not renewing your space or if you will be delayed. If not picked up by Aug. 31, permits will be issued to the next person on the waiting list.

If you have questions, call the Parking Office at 2-3907 or e-mail mabry@uta.edu.

Holiday schedule for 2009-10 announced

The holiday schedule for 2009-10 includes eight days off for employees from Dec. 23 through Jan. 1. The entire holiday schedule is as follows:

Departments can sign up now for Activities Fair Day

Departments are urged to sign up now for Activities Fair Day and the Maverick Cookout. Sign-ups for tables at the event are available online. Student organization sign-ups will begin later this week. Activities Fair Day and the Maverick Cookout will be held Wednesday, Aug. 26 from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on the University Center Mall.

Commencement volunteers needed

The University is once again asking for volunteers to help with Commencement ceremonies. Contact Susann Asebedo in Campus Activities and Community Programs at 2-2963 or susann@uta.edu by Friday, July 24 if you are interested. Volunteers will receive polo shirts with the University seal. Please indicate what size shirt you wear as well as what style (men's or women's cut) you prefer.

Portions of Pecan Street closed

Pecan Street will remain closed from Mitchell to Park Row for another week while it is being resurfaced. All traffic to the Carrizo site or the Continuing Education and Workforce Development Building will be re-routed to Speer Street.

Troops receive Maverick welcome Members of the Staff Advisory Council and other UT Arlington staff members welcomed home military troops Saturday at DFW Airport as part of the "Welcome Home A Hero" program sponsored by DFW. Participants included, from left, Anne Mitchell of the Library, Rita Eckhardt of Multicultural Affairs, William Gunn of Student Success Programs, Victoria McWilliams of the School of Social Work, Ashley Smith of the Department of Internal Audit and David Brown of Physical Plant General Services.

During this phase, the contractor will be working on the remaining curb replacement from UTA Boulevard to Mitchell Street. Only selected traffic lanes will be closed, as the street will be usable until the resurfacing for that area starts the last week of July.

During the time that Pecan Street from UTA Boulevard to Mitchell Street is closed, traffic will be re-routed to Center Street for entering the parking lots for Arlington Hall, Lot 43 and Lipscomb Center.

Anyone needing to get to campus parking lots on the east side of Cooper, F-13, Kalpana Chawla Hall or lot 47 should use West Street or Nedderman Drive and exit using Oak Street. For more information, contact Jeff Johnson at 2-3232 or 817-798-8456.

Faculty, staff urged to sponsor students for Fall Leadership Retreat

Faculty and staff are encouraged to sponsor students for the 2009 Fall Leadership Retreat Aug. 10-12 at Glen Lake Camp and Retreat Center. Registration is open to all UT Arlington students. The retreat is sponsored by the Leadership Center and the Division of Student Affairs. A registration fee of $50 includes the cost of transportation, lodging and food. Deadline to register is Aug. 3. The event is a 26-year tradition at UT Arlington and is a unique opportunity for students from across campus to gather for an intensive, interactive and fun learning experience centered on leadership. This year's theme is "Leadership that Changes the World: Brick by Brick." For more information, contact Bonnie Rodriguez in Campus Activities and Community Programs at 2-2963.

Computer discounts available through OIT

As part of the University's cost savings initiatives, the Office of Information Technology has negotiated special pricing for the annual volume purchase of Windows computers. The current offer includes both a low-end and high-end Dell laptop and desktop, and a 22-inch flat panel monitor. This offer is available for UT Arlington departments only. The equipment configuration, pricing and ordering information can be found online.

If you have questions, call the OIT Help Desk at 2-2208.

New Define software coming Aug. 3

QWS3270 Secure (or TN3270 for Macintosh) will replace OSW and Hummingbird as the software needed to access Define, according to the Office of Information Technology. On Monday, Aug. 3, OIT will deploy QWS3270 Secure to UTA domain machines that have used OSW recently. You should see a pop-up box that will allow you to download it early, or leave your machine on overnight and it will be installed automatically. Be sure to hit ctrl+alt+del and choose "Lock Computer" if you leave your machine on overnight. Don't shut it down or you won't receive the update. Reboot your machine on Tuesday, Aug. 4. In addition, OSW will be removed from UTA domain machines. If you would like to install the software sooner, or if you have a Macintosh or a computer that is not on the UTA domain, follow the instructions at www.uta.edu/oit/cs/software/qws3270 (for Windows) or www.uta.edu/oit/cs/software/misc/tn3270.php (for Macintosh).

Please contact the OIT Computing Help Desk if you have questions about this upcoming update at helpdesk@uta.edu or 2-2208.

ARRI will host Government Procurement Conference in August

The UT Arlington Automation and Robotics Research Institute's Small Business Assistance Centers will host the 13th Annual Government Procurement Conference Wednesday, Aug. 12 at the Arlington Convention Center.

The conference, which will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., offers information about doing business with government agencies—federal, state and local—along with their prime contractors and subcontractors. See GPC 2009 for registration information.

Cowboys Stadium employees to use campus parking Sunday

Five of UT Arlington's 26 student parking lots will be reserved Sunday, July 26 for use by Cowboys Stadium employees, who will be shuttled to the new stadium for a pro soccer game. The University is allowing stadium employees to use lots 47, 49, 50, 51 and 52. See campus map for locations. Nursing students will be allowed to park at the north end of lot 47, east of Pickard Hall. All other students, faculty and staff will be redirected to lot F-10 and, if needed, lot F-13.

Final Annual Enrollment meeting today

The third and final Annual Enrollment meeting for the 2009-10 benefit plan year will be held from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. today, Wednesday, July 22, in Rio Grande B of the E.H. Hereford University Center.

Vendors will provide information and have prize giveaways. Participating vendors include BlueCross BlueShield, Medco Health, PayFlex, Delta Dental, Assurant Dental, Superior Vision, Fort Dearborn Life and Employee Benefits Services.

During Annual Enrollment, which continues until July 31, you may enroll, change your group insurance benefit elections and add or remove dependents from coverage. If you make no changes, nothing needs to be done except for those who enroll in UT Flex. Those who use UT Flex must make that election each year.

You may access more information about Annual Enrollment and your UT Arlington benefits online at policy.uta.edu/benefits, by contacting Employee Benefits Services at 2-5558 or by e-mailing benefits@uta.edu.

What is the Living Well Health Manager?

The Living Well Health Manager provides powerful online tools that enable individuals to better manage and enhance their personal health and well-being. WebMD's unique technology personalizes and serves up customized information and support based on each individual's reported interests, risks and readiness for change. The Living Well Health Manager includes:

• A comprehensive set of health risk assessments, goal-setting and tracking tools for monitoring progress and results

• A personal health record

• Secure messaging and targeted reminders

• Lifestyle improvement programs

• Accurate, clinically reviewed health information references for any health or medical question

• Decision support for understanding the risks and benefits of medical procedures and treatment options

For more information see WebMD Health.

Employment information

Check out UT Arlington employment opportunities at www.uta.edu/jobs. Have questions? Call Human Resources/Employment Services at 2-3461 or TDD 2-8139 or e-mail employment@uta.edu. The University of Texas at Arlington is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

Saturday, July 25 Jaime Escalante: Math, Education and the Desire to Succeed The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers' educational foundation, Advancing Hispanic Excellence in Technology, Engineering, Math and Science, presents Jamie Escalante, the East Los Angeles high school calculus teacher who was profiled in the movie "Stand and Deliver." Escalante received the Presidential Medal for Excellence in Education from President Ronald Reagan in 1988 and was inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame in 1999. $10 in advance; $20 at the door. 6 p.m., Texas Hall. Contact Gary Cruz at ahetems@shpe.org or call 2-1116.

(For an expanded list of events, see the UT Arlington Calendar)

Thursday, July 23 Alumni Mixer The Alumni Association will host an Alumni Mixer at BlackFinn American Saloon in the Arlington Highlands. Alumni, faculty, staff and friends of the University are invited. Limited complimentary appetizers, cash bar and alumni giveaways. Wear your Maverick attire and bring a friend. For information, contact the Alumni Office at 2-2594 or uta_alumni@uta.edu. Free. 6-8 p.m., BlackFinn, Arlington Highlands, 4001 Bagpiper Way, Suite 101.

Thursday, July 23 EXCEL Summer Movie Series "Grease" (drive-in movie) will be shown on the north wall at the northwest corner of the Maverick Activities Center. Sponsored by EXCEL Campus Activities. Bring chairs or blankets or park in lot 33 and watch the movie from your car. Free popcorn will be available, and candy and drinks will be available for purchase. Free and open to the public. The movie will begin at dusk, approximately 8:30 or 9 p.m. Anyone under 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. See calendar.

Saturday, July 25 Texas Autocross Weekend UT Arlington's Formula SAE racing team hosts its ninth annual autocross competition as it competes against racing teams from UT Austin, Texas A&M, Kansas, Oklahoma, LSU and other universities. Morning activities include a practice/competition with an FSAE-style track, with a faster SCCA-style track in the afternoon. Everyone welcome. Free. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Parking lot southeast of S. Cooper and W. Mitchell. For information, contact Bob Woods at 2-2029 or woods@uta.edu.

Now through July 31 Apollo 11 Mission 40th Anniversary Display The Central Library is commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 space mission with an exhibit that includes books, NASA documents and facts about the mission, along with a digital photo frame with more than 100 photos of the Apollo 11 mission. This exhibit is free and open to all during normal Library hours; however, only users with a valid UT Arlington ID may stay in the Library from midnight to 7 a.m. Central Library, second floor.

Now through July 31 Fluxhibition #3: Thinking Inside of the Box This is the largest exhibition dedicated to contemporary Fluxus/Assemblage box artists ever assembled in the history of the Fluxus community. Inspired initially by Marcel Duchamp and Joseph Cornell, Fluxus box assemblage quickly became a staple in the Fluxus community to gather together small works and editions of works from many artists into group and individual box assemblages. Free. 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday, E.H. Hereford University Center Art Gallery.

Now through Aug. 8 Special Collections Exhibit "The Road West: Travel Through America" looks at what travelers used to trek across the country, what they saw and how they remembered their trips. Free. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Central Library, Special Collections, Sixth Floor. For more information, visit Special Collections or call 2-3393.

Now through Aug. 22 Master of Fine Arts Exhibition The second annual Master of Fine Arts Exhibition features works by a diverse group of graduate student artists at varying stages of their program of study. Free. The Gallery at UTA, Room 169, Fine Arts Building. Films will be screened concurrently in Room 2105. Hours are noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays through Aug. 22. Contact the Department of Art and Art History at 2-2891.

Now through Sept. 30 Fort Worth: A Vision in Glass Gallery 76102 at the Fort Worth Center hosts an exhibit that highlights various disciplines in the glass arts, including glassblowing, kiln-formed glass, flameworking, neon sculpture, stained glass, glass mosaic and cast glass. Free. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday; 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday. Monday, Wednesday and Friday by appointment only. Contact Christina Graves at 2-5988.

Ongoing UT Arlington Planetarium programs Summer shows include Texas Stargazing, Stars of the Pharaohs, Black Holes, Secret of the Cardboard Rocket, Stars at Night are Big and Bright, Bad Astronomy, matinees and $2 movies. Faculty and staff with ID and their accompanying family members receive free admission on Thursdays through Aug. 20. Check the Planetarium Web site for upcoming shows. Contact the Planetarium at 2-1183 or planetarium@uta.edu for tickets.

(For an expanded list of events, see the UT Arlington Calendar)

Editors: Jim Patterson, Teresa Newton Web Developer: James Barberousse Photographers: Beth McHenry, Robert Crosby Executive Director for University Publications: Mark Permenter Associate Vice President for Communications and Marketing: David Johnson Vice President for Communications: Jerry Lewis Published by University Communications © 2009 The University of Texas at Arlington

MavWire is published by the Department of University Communications on Mondays and Thursdays (except for holidays) during the fall and spring semesters, and on Wednesdays during the summer. To submit items for possible inclusion in MavWire, e-mail mavwire@uta.edu. Items must be received three working days before distribution. Inclusion of events and activities in MavWire does not necessarily constitute an endorsement by the University. Read the MavWire Guidelines. MavWire welcomes any non-employees of UT Arlington who would like to subscribe.