University Communications » Internal Communications » MavWire » MavWire 11-11-2010

Narrowing the search: Dr. Chengkai Li, left, and Dr. Gautam Das are developing a search engine that involves multiple entities and assesses how they are related.

NSF grant helps researchers build better search engines

Two computer science engineering faculty are developing a new Internet search engine that treats the Web more like a massive database.

Chengkai Li and Gautam Das, from the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, have won a three-year, $499,713 National Science Foundation grant to develop a new search engine that uses simple queries to address complex information needs.

Their system allows searches involving multiple entities and assesses how entities are related.

“The beauty of this is that you can combine the simplicity of keyword search and the expressiveness of database query to find fascinating entities,” Dr. Li says.

Dr. Das says the search engine would be able to look at entity types such as "UT Arlington graduates" and "startup businesses" and relate them to each other.

Read more about Li and Das' project or try a search engine demonstration.

Activities fair salutes veterans

Learn about the programs and services designed to help veterans succeed at UT Arlington at the annual Veterans Day Activities Fair 11 a.m.-2 p.m. today, Thursday, Nov. 11, in the Palo Duro Lounge of the E.H. Hereford University Center.

The fair, sponsored by the Student Veterans Advisory Council, is for faculty and staff who are veterans, as well as for student veterans. It will provide information on veterans services and opportunities on campus.

To learn more about veterans services, contact the UT Arlington Veterans Affairs office at va@uta.edu or 2-3373.

Veterans Day began in 1919 as Armistice Day to honor the service and sacrifice of those who have served in the military. The day is recognized each year at 11 a.m. Nov. 11, the official end of World War I.

OneBook author reviews 'Journal' Monday

Dana Canedy, author of A Journal for Jordan: A Story of Love and Honor, UT Arlington's OneBook selection, will speak at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 15, in the Bluebonnet Ballroom at the E.H. Hereford University Center.

Immediately following the presentation, "A Conversation with Dana Canedy," the author will sign books. The event and book signing are free and open to the public. A limited number of free copies of Canedy's book will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Canedy is a Pulitzer prize-winning senior editor at The New York Times. In A Journal for Jordan, a memoir about love, sacrifice, duty, and parenthood, she tells the story of her relationship with Charles Monroe King, who died in Iraq in October 2006 when a bomb exploded under his humvee. King's journal—and Canedy's memories—are the gift they pass on to their son, Jordan.

OneBook gives all freshmen at least one common experience: a select book that is taught in ENGL 1301 and engaging campus events related to the theme of the book.

Col. Neel E. Kearby

Alumnus, decorated World War II hero honored posthumously Saturday

University, city, and military officials will unveil a Texas State Historical Marker honoring the late Neel E. Kearby, a member of UT Arlington's Military Hall of Honor, at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 13, at the George W. Hawkes Central Library in downtown Arlington.

Col. Kearby is an alumnus of North Texas Agricultural College, now UT Arlington. Killed in action during World War II, he received numerous military honors including the Medal of Honor, which is displayed in College Hall.

He received the Medal of Honor for shooting down a then-record six enemy aircraft during a single day of combat over New Guinea on Oct. 11, 1943. Kearby also was decorated with two Silver Stars, four Distinguished Flying Crosses, five Air Medals, and the Purple Heart.

The dedication is presented by UT Arlington, the City of Arlington, and the Arlington Independent School District.

Tragic performers: Castmembers for Tragedy: a tragedy include, from left, Angela Horn, Greg Alan Cooke, Robbie Clark, and Wesley Farnsworth, seated.

'Tragedy: a tragedy' satirizes modern life

Tragedy: a tragedy by Will Eno opens Friday in the Mainstage Theatre at the Fine Arts Building.

This off-Broadway hit play is a lively satire of modern American life seen through the lens of television news as it packages the world's ills into a tidy little bundle squeezed in between weather reports and sports coverage.

Brandi Andrade, theatre arts senior lecturer, directs the cast, which includes Greg Alan Cooke as Frank in the studio, Robbie Clark as John in the field, Angela Horn as Constance at the home, Wesley Farnsworth as Michael the legal adviser, Meagan Brooks as the witness, and Nyeti-Abasi Edet as the overworked production assistant.

Performances are at 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Nov. 12-13, and Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 18-20; and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 21.

Ticket are $7 for faculty, staff, and seniors. For tickets, reservations, group rates, or further information, contact the Theatre Arts Box Office at 2-2669.

'Education Abroad' is theme for International Education Week

A faculty study-abroad workshop kicks off "Education Abroad: The World Is Your Classroom" for the 11th annual International Education Week, Nov. 15-19. This year’s events highlight the breadth of education abroad by featuring activities and lectures that discuss international service learning, research, teaching, studying, working, and interning in the international arena and at UT Arlington.

The workshop starts the week at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 15, in Room 200 of Trimble Hall. For more information and to RSVP, contact Blake Hart at bhart@uta.edu or 2-1120.

Taste the world's flavors at the International Food Fair 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 18, on the E.H. Hereford University Center mall. Rounding out the week are lectures on culture immersion, service learning, and community building; study abroad and Peace Corps information sessions; and a student discussion panel.

Presented by the Office of International Education, the celebration is a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education, which provide the opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and participate in programs that prepare Americans for a global environment.

See the schedule of events.

Disaster decoy A "patient" waits while nursing students listen to Clinical Instructor Susan Cherry during a disaster drill Friday at the Campus Recreation Fields Complex. The patient, a simulation manikin, was used to show students what they may face during a disaster situation.

AIA establishes endowment for graduate architecture students

The Fort Worth Chapter of the American Institute of Architects has established a $75,000 endowment for graduate architecture scholarships in the School of Architecture. The Maverick Match will double the gift to $150,000 for the scholarship endowment, which is named for Suzie Adams, executive director of the Fort Worth Chapter for 38 years.

Don Gatzke, dean of the School of Architecture, says the endowment shows the strong connection between the school and the profession.

“It also shows the confidence that our graduates are well prepared to enter, and ultimately, become the design leaders in North Texas,” he says.

Natural gas royalties are being used to encourage University supporters to leverage major gifts that boost UT Arlington's academic and research missions through the Maverick Match. The program allows philanthropic partners who make endowment gifts of $25,000 or more to see their contribution doubled through natural gas royalty matching funds.

Read more about the architecture scholarship endowment.

Final Instructional Support Session addresses HOT strategy

The final Instructional Support Session this fall for faculty is “The Newest HOT (Higher Order Thinking) Strategy: Problem-Based Learning” 1-4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 19, in Room 101 of Trimble Hall.

The workshop is in direct response to faculty interest. Participants will design a problem-based learning activity for their courses. This is the newest active-learning strategy available at the university level to stimulate critical thinking and problem-solving skills. All faculty, both full and part time, are invited to participate.

Register by contacting Delene Remmers at remmers@uta.edu or 2-2737. Handouts and light refreshments will be provided.

Decorate for your department in the University Center Tree Lounge

The University Center Tree Lounge continues as a holiday tradition by filling the E.H. Hereford University Center with decorated Christmas trees.

Departments or groups can purchase a potted artificial 6-foot pre-lit tree for $105 to be displayed in the Palo Duro Lounge from Nov. 30 to Dec. 21. The trees will be stored by the University Center and available to reuse every year at no additional charge.

Your group or department can make your tree uniquely yours by decorating with things that represent your group or department. Have staff members make their own ornament, show your Maverick pride with spirit items, or make a Blaze tree topper.

The trees will be ready for decorating Tuesday, Nov. 23, and the official tree lighting will take place at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 30.

To participate, contact Lauren Miller at lauren@uta.edu. Submit requests by 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 18, so trees can be ordered in time.

Get ready for the holidays with Deck the Mall, Holiday Extravaganza

The holidays are coming soon, and so are celebrations on campus.

Deck the Mall lights the way at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 18, on the Central Library mall. Join carolers in songs and indulge in free hot chocolate and treats while Allan Saxe, associate professor of political science, lights the Christmas tree. Sing more holiday tunes with karaoke. EXCEL Campus Activities sponsors the event.

Students, faculty, and staff are invited to bring their children to the annual Holiday Extravaganza for crafts, cookie decorating, and a visit from Santa Claus. The event is 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Nov. 20, at the Palo Duro Lounge in the E.H. Hereford University Center. Freshman Leaders On Campus provides the day's fun.

See which angels have already been chosen on the Angel Tree in the Palo Duro Lounge. The Salvation Army Angel Tree project seeks individuals and families to provide holiday gifts to children in need. About 70 angels remain to be claimed in the Student Activities office in the lower level of the University Center. Gifts should be returned on Thursday, Dec. 2, to the UTA Volunteers office in Student Activities. For more information, contact Bonnie Rodriguez at bonnie@uta.edu or 2-2963.

Concerned callers Maria Garcia, left, and Amber Magistrado stand by as Student Congress President Aaron Resendez and Valorie McKinney, right, check the call box near the north Cooper Street bridge during Tuesday's Night Walk. Campus police and administrators also take part in the annual walk to identify possible safety issues around campus.

Join mini-walk for Great American Smokeout on Thursday, Nov. 18

Join the Great American Smokeout in stride with a mini-walk starting at 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 18, at the Health Services Center.

The Smokeout features information on smoking cessation programs. Following the walk, a tealight vigil honors cancer survivors and the memory of lost loved ones.

To sign up for the mini-walk, contact Donielle Smith at dnsmith@uta.edu or 2-2619 in Health Services.

MLK nominations accepted through Monday for Sharing the Dream Awards

Nominate an individual or a group for the Martin Luther King Jr. Sharing the Dream Awards by Monday, Nov. 15. Awards will be given for education, government, and community service. See more information on the Sharing the Dream Award online.

Winners will be announced at the MLK banquet Friday, Jan. 14, at the Bluebonnet Ballroom in the E.H. Hereford University Center. Tickets are available at utatickets.com.

Keynote speaker is Samuel Billy Kyles of Memphis, an eyewitness to the assassination of Dr. King on April 4, 1968. He also is the only person still living who shared the last hour of Dr. King’s life with him on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel.

Bring your nonperishable items for Golden Can Food Drive this month

During November, provide a box for your office donations and urge co-workers to bring nonperishable food items for the second annual Golden Can Food Drive.

Preferred food items, which support healthy eating habits, include canned foods such as beans, tuna, ham, soup, fruit, chili, stew, and peanut butter; and packaged foods such as energy bars, pudding cups, fruit rolls, crackers, and granola bars.

The Golden Key International Honour Society, in partnership with the Staff Advisory Council’s Outreach Committee, sponsors the drive to aid the hungry in North Texas. The goal is to surpass last year’s collection of 464 pounds. Every 10 pounds of food feeds a family of four for a day.

Donations will be picked up Monday, Nov. 22. Contact Kevin Schuck at 2‑3313 or keschuck@uta.edu with donation location information.

Managing Stress in the Workplace

Stress is normal and sometimes even necessary. How you handle stress makes all the difference. Learn what stress is and how to identify and understand it. In addition, discover how to identify the sources of your stress. Free. 9-11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 16, Room 200, Wetsel Service Center. See a complete listing of HR training classes.

GIS Day includes lecture, workshop, and other activities

GIS Day features a talk by Ardeshir Anjomani, geographic information systems certificate program coordinator, a showcase of events, and a workshop that requires no GIS experience. The hands-on workshop is open to the public. The workshop, from 3-5 p.m., is presented by Joshua Been, GIS librarian. Register online. Free. 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 17, Room B20, Central Library.

Introduction to Adobe Illustrator CS4

Learn the basic differences and advantages of creating with Adobe Illustrator instead of using other bitmap graphic programs. Create an eye-popping advertisement that can be printed at any size to the highest quality. Free. 2-4 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 18, Room B29, Central Library. See more OIT training classes.

Employment Information

Check out employment opportunities at 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.

Tourney time: Senior Anthony Pone boosts the Movin' Mavs wheelchair basketball team in its season opener at the Jim Hayes Memorial Tournament this weekend.

Movin' Mavs tip off with Jim Hayes Memorial

The Movin' Mavs open the season with the Jim Hayes Memorial Wheelchair Basketball Tournament on Friday, Nov. 12, and Saturday, Nov. 13. Men’s and women’s teams from Alabama, Illinois, and the Dallas Wheelchair Mavericks will compete along with the Movin’ Mavs, coached by Doug Garner.

Play begins at 9 a.m. Friday in the Physical Education Building gym. Final game pits the Movin' Mavs against Alabama at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Texas Hall. See the tournament schedule.

Get there early for a free T-shirts from the Movin' Mavs and Student Affairs. Free hot dogs and drinks go to the first 200 fans. Admission to all games is free.

Volleyball Mavs win fifth straight, host two matches

Senior Bianca Sauls recorded 16 kills and 14 digs as UT Arlington won its fifth straight match with a 3-1 decision over Nicholls State on Saturday at Texas Hall.

The Mavericks are now 8-6 in Southland Conference play. The team will close the regular season this week with home matches against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 11, and UT San Antonio at 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13, both at Texas Hall.

The Southland Conference Tournament is Friday-Sunday, Nov. 19-21, in Huntsville.

Men's basketball opens season Friday at Texas Hall

With only one senior on the roster, the men’s basketball team will be young but exciting as coach Scott Cross has five transfers on the squad.

The Mavericks open the season against Texas Lutheran at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 12, at Texas Hall. Tickets are available at utatickets.com.

Women's basketball begins season at Oral Roberts

Seniors Shalyn Martin and Tamara Simmons will provide experience for the women’s basketball team as it opens the season at Oral Roberts University on Friday, Nov. 12.

The first home game for the women, coached by Samantha Morrow, is Wednesday, Nov. 24, against Arkansas State.

(For more sports news, go to utamavs.com, utamovinmavs.com, or uta.edu/campusrec.)

Thursday, Nov. 11

Veterans Day Activities Fair Learn about the programs and services designed to help veterans succeed at UT Arlington. Sponsored by the Student Veterans Advisory Council. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Palo Duro Lounge, E.H. Hereford University Center. Veterans Benefits Office, 2-3373.

Mavs Book Club This month's selection is The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton. Upcoming books are on the Mavs Book Club blog. Open to students, faculty, and staff. Free. 5:30 p.m., basement, Central Library. Diane Shepelwich, dianec@uta.edu, 2-7521.

One Book, One Arlington Citywide reading project includes presentations by Pamela Jansma, dean of the College of Science; Bob Woods, professor of mechanical engineering; and Ignacio Nunez ('75 BS), a physician and recent Distinguished Alumnus. The book is Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell. Free. 6:30 p.m. Room 100, Nedderman Hall. One Book, One Arlington.

Volleyball Mavericks vs. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. $6, utatickets.com. 7 p.m. Texas Hall. Athletics, 2-2261.

Friday, Nov. 12

Free Movie: Inception Sci-fi corporate espionage puts a high price on happiness. Rated PG-13. Concessions available. Free admission and popcorn. 5 and 8 p.m., Lone Star Auditorium, Maverick Activities Center. EXCEL Campus Activities, 2-2963.

Indian Cultural Festival Learn about the diverse aspects of India. Free. 6 p.m., Rosebud Theatre, E.H. Hereford University Center. Fine Arts Society of India, fsi_uta@yahoo.com, 631-413-1287.

Men's Basketball Mavericks vs. Texas Lutheran. $8, utatickets.com. 7 p.m. Texas Hall. Athletics, 2-2261.

Friends of the Library: Don Graham Author and UT Austin English Professor Don Graham discusses his book State Fare: An Irreverent Guide to Texas Movies. Free. 7:30 p.m., sixth floor parlor, Central Library. Betty Wood, bwood@uta.edu, 2-7421.

Friday-Saturday, Nov. 12-13

Jim Hayes Memorial Wheelchair Basketball Tournament The Movin' Mavs host Alabama, Illinois, and the Dallas Wheelchair Mavericks. Free. Physical Education Building, Maverick Activities Center. Final game pits the Movin' Mavs against Alabama at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Texas Hall. See the tournament schedule.

$2 Movie: How to Train Your Dragon Young Viking discovers there's more to dragons than smoke and fire. Rated PG. 5:30 p.m. Friday, 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Planetarium. 2-1183.

Saturday, Nov. 13

Volleyball Mavericks vs. UT San Antonio. $6, utatickets.com. 4 p.m. Texas Hall. Athletics, 2-2261.

Monday, Nov. 15

Downtown Arlington Music Mondays This lunchtime concert features music faculty and students. Lunch follows. Free. 12:15-12:45 p.m., First Baptist Church Sanctuary, 300 S. Center St. Music, 2-3471.

Faculty Trombone Recital Dennis Bubert of the music faculty performs. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music, 2-3471.

Ongoing

The Gallery at UTA: Introductions Features the work of assistant professors of art Seiji Ikeda, Ya'Ke Smith, and Tore Terrasi, who are active exhibiting artists, designers, and filmmakers. Through Nov. 20. Free. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, Noon-5 p.m. Saturday. The Gallery at UTA, Fine Arts Building.

Gallery 76102: flats and rounds Nicholas Wood, associate professor of clay in the Department of Art and Art History, works in hybrid forms of painting, drawing, and sculpture. Through Nov. 30. Free. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays; 2-6 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays. Gallery 76102, Fort Worth Center, 1401 Jones St., Fort Worth.

Charting Chartered Companies The exhibition "Concessions to Companies as Mirrored in Maps, 1600-1900" focuses on maps and how they shaped the histories of chartered companies. Through Jan. 8. Free. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mondays-Saturdays, Special Collections, sixth floor, Central Library. 2-2179.

Planetarium programs Get the latest news about the Planetarium in The Starry Messenger. Planetarium schedule, 2-1183.

Downtown Farmers Market Arlington's downtown farmers market features locally grown produce and locally made baked goods, arts, and crafts. Co-sponsored by UT Arlington Dining Services. 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Fridays-Saturdays, 215 E. Front St.

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