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Collision course: UT Arlington professors have played a key part in getting the Large Hadron Collider operational.

Protons finally collide with help from physics professors, students

The world's largest scientific experiment, housed 100 meters underground in a man-made cavern near Geneva, Switzerland, is finally operational with an assist from UT Arlington physics professors and graduate students.

The protons collided last week for the first time in the Large Hadron Collider at the European Organization for Nuclear Research, or CERN, outside Geneva.

More than 1,700 scientists, engineers, students and technicians from 97 universities and laboratories in the United States helped design and build the LHC accelerator and its four massive particle detectors, known by their acronyms: ALICE, ATLAS, CMS and LHCb.

Portions of ATLAS, a giant microscope, were built at UT Arlington.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment," UT Arlington physics professor Kaushik De says. "We have been working on getting to this point for 15 years."

Read more about UT Arlington's work with CERN.

Campus police step up patrols, offer safety advice

UT Arlington police are stepping up foot and bicycle patrols in and near campus housing communities in response to recent reports of cell phone robberies on and near campus.

In each of the incidents, pedestrians have been hailed or approached by a stranger who asks for the victim's cell phone. In several cases, the victim has been assaulted as the suspect takes the victim's cell phone.

"We are doing everything we can to stop these individuals from committing more crimes on campus," says Ricardo Gomez, UT Arlington assistant police chief. "We are supplementing our regular patrol with extra foot and bicycle officers. And we are trying to educate our community and provide tips that can lessen the chance that someone will become a crime victim."

Gomez urged students, faculty and staff to be alert to their surroundings when outdoors and to avoid walking alone at night.

In addition, police say:

• Do not approach a vehicle if a stranger calls out to you.

• Walk in the opposite direction that the vehicle is traveling or create distance between yourself and any stranger on foot.

• Note a description of the vehicle, particularly a license plate number.

• Call police as soon as possible at 817-272-3381 (main) or 817-272-3003 (emergency). Campus police maintain the network of blue and white emergency assistance call boxes across campus that directly connect police with the user and pinpoint the caller's location.

• Students, faculty and staff may request a personal security escort 24 hours a day by calling 817-272-3381.

Anyone with information about the incidents should call campus police at 817-272-3381.

Physicists research how
oxygen developed on Earth

New research by UT Arlington physicists sheds light on "The Great Oxidation of Earth's Atmosphere" or how oxygen developed.

Understanding the development of oxygen is important for two reasons, according to Manfred Cuntz, associate professor of physics. How the Earth's atmosphere attained its current oxygen level is crucial to understanding the origin and evolution of complex life forms. Knowing how oxygen developed in Earth's atmosphere will help scientists interpret the atmospheric chemistry signatures of other Earth-like planets and their potential for supporting life.

Dr. Cuntz, along with Physics Professor Zdzislaw Musielak and former graduate student Dipanjan Roy, developed a theoretical model to explain the rise of oxygen that occurred about 2.4 billion years ago at a time when only primitive life forms were able to exist.

Read more on oxygen research.

Faculty/Staff Holiday Reception features
food, music and presentations on Dec. 8

The annual Faculty/Staff Holiday Reception celebrates the season from 3-5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8, in the Bluebonnet Ballroom at the E.H. Hereford University Center. A festive buffet with a variety of food and drinks and musical entertainment are provided. President James D. Spaniolo is the host and featured speaker. All faculty and staff are invited.

Complete your compliance training by Friday

You have until Friday, Dec. 4, to complete the annual compliance training requirement. The training is brief and important for all faculty and staff. Access the University's training Web site at www.uta.edu/training. Contact Jennifer Chapman at 2‑2080 for more information about the University's Compliance Training Program.

Finding sustainable fuel Professor Merhdad Ehsani, director of the Advanced Vehicle Systems Research Program at Texas A&M, discussed new technology trends leading to viable, sustainable automobile and fuel technologies last Monday at Nedderman Hall. According to Dr. Ehsani, the number of vehicles in the world is expected to multiply by five times by 2050.

Staff Advisory Council needs
your input on proposals

The Staff Advisory Council has created an Issue Proposal Process to enable staff members to communicate interests, concerns and issues that affect the UT Arlington workplace and its employees.

Proposals can be submitted online or via paper to any SAC representative or alternate in your district. Visit the Staff Advisory Council's Web site at www.uta.edu/sac to submit a proposal, locate your district representative and stay up to date with the council's activities.

Clothing donations needed
for student interview attire

Give that extra suit, slacks, shoes or other business attire a new home through Project Success. The new student organization helps students and alumni who need proper business attire for job interviews. Students or alums earn the clothing by volunteering 10 hours with Mission Arlington.

Donations are needed to help students by the spring semester, said Cheri Butler, the group's adviser and associate director of Career Services. Donations should be appropriate for a professional job interview, not casual attire. All sizes for both men and women are needed.

To donate, contact Butler at 2‑2942 or cherib@uta.edu.

Today is deadline for MavPack finals kits

Order a MavPack finals kits for a favorite student by today, Monday, Nov. 30. Each pack is filled with office and school supplies, spirit items, snacks, study tips and a T-shirt. A personalized message can be included.

Order online or contact Jasmine Stewart at 2‑2594 or jasmine@uta.edu. Pick up kits starting at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2, by the Smoothie Hut in the E.H. Hereford University Center.

Microsoft Entourage

Learn how to manage your e-mails, quota, appointments and scheduling features more effectively with Entourage, the e-mail program for Mac OS X. Register to attend. 2-4 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 1, Room 216, Ransom Hall. See the complete list of OIT training classes.

Food for Thought: Wellness Wheel

Explore the six dimensions of life that, when balanced, lead to overall well-being: physical, emotional, spiritual, social, occupational and intellectual. Noon-1 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 2, Room 101B, Maverick Activities Center. See the complete list of HR training classes.

Use your phone for a meeting at your desk

Up to six individuals can meet via their desk phone using handset or speakerphone. Contact Teresa Brasher in telecommunications at 2-5011 or tbrasher@uta.edu for more details.

Larger groups can meet by phone through Qwest audio conferencing services. This is useful for meetings with people off campus. Your departmental phone will be charged at a reasonable rate. All other participants are given a toll-free number for accessing the call. Contact Christina Currie at 512-338-5725 and tell her you're with UT Arlington. The phone number listed last week was incorrect.

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.

Monday, Nov. 30 Spa Retreat Enjoy a day of relaxation, compliments of the Student Health Advisory Council. The Palo Duro Lounge will be set up as a spa, and professional technicians will help you relax. Free. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Palo Duro Lounge, E.H. Hereford University Center. Health Services, 2‑2619, dnsmith@uta.edu.

Monday, Nov. 30 Design Practice Academy Ava Abramowitz hosts a workshop on "Negotiations: How can everybody get what they need?" Attendance is limited to 60. 6-9 p.m., Room 204, Architecture Building. Ana Peredo-Manor, ampmanor@uta.edu.

Wednesday, Dec. 2 Economic Espionage: The Insider Threat Rick Coward, a special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, describes how the FBI is working with corporate and academic partners to protect trade secrets from being compromised. Light breakfast served; reservations required. Free for Arlington Technology Association members, students, first-time guests; $5 others. 7 a.m., Room 601, Nedderman Hall.

Wednesday, Dec. 2 Media and Activism: Methods for Poetry Pedagogy Toni Holland of the Department of English talks about her visual poetry project. Free. Noon, Room 211, Preston Hall. Jacqueline Stodnick, 2-1329, stodnick@uta.edu.

Wednesday, Dec. 2 Applying for Graduate School This informational event is for anyone considering graduate school. Free. Noon, Concho Room, E.H. Hereford University Center. David J. Silva, 2-2103, djsilva@uta.edu.

Wednesday, Dec. 2 On Campus Adviser Luncheon The Office of Greek Life invites all on-campus advisers to a lunch meeting concerning academics. 11:30 p.m., University Club, E.E. Davis Hall. Julie Murphy or Robert-Thomas Jones, rtjones@uta.edu.

Thursday, Dec. 10 Fresh Start from Tobacco: Understanding Addiction and Steps to Quitting You must register online. 10:30 a.m.-noon, Room 200, Wetsel Service Center. Nekima Booker, 2‑2716, nekimab@uta.edu.

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

Exhibition showcases graduating seniors' work Works by 41 emerging artists are on display today, Monday, Nov. 30, through Saturday, Dec. 12, at the Gallery at UTA in the Fine Arts Building. The Bachelor of Fine Arts Exhibition is a showcase for recent work created by the graduating seniors of Art and Art History. The 2009 exhibition features work in a wide variety of concentrations, including painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, glass, printmaking, video, visual communication, photography and digital imaging. An opening reception is 5-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4. The reception and exhibit are free. Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and noon-5 p.m. Saturday.

Monday, Nov. 30 An Evening with Garrison Keillor Sold out. Part of the Star-Telegram author series. 7 p.m., Texas Hall.

Through Dec. 3 Growing with Tradition The Native American Student Association and area tribal leaders host an exposé of ethnographical influence on modern American society. Free. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., University Center Gallery, E.H. Hereford University Center.

Friday, Dec. 4 Downtown Arlington Farmers Market Fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, organics and unique food products provided by local vendors. 9 a.m.-1 p.m., 215 E. Front St. 817-303-2800, info@downtownarlington.org.

Friday, Dec. 4 Friends of the UT Arlington Library The Upscale Quartet sings, followed by a reception. Free. 7:30 p.m., sixth floor atrium, Central Library. Betty Wood, 2-7421, bwood@uta.edu.

Through Dec. 22 Selected 2D Works Five accomplished artists from the Fort Worth area share their works. Free. 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays; 2-6 p.m., Wednesdays, Fridays. Gallery 76102, Fort Worth Center.

Through Dec. 31 Planetarium programs Check the Planetarium Web site for the schedule, which includes Season of Light and Holiday Music Magic. Contact the Planetarium at 2‑1183 or planetarium@uta.edu for tickets.

Through Jan. 9 Everything Is Interrelated Special Collections' fall exhibit features "Alexander von Humboldt and Our Nineteenth-Century German Connections." Free. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, sixth floor, Central Library. See Special Collections.

(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.