University Communications » Internal Communications » MavWire » MavWire 12-19-2011

Honored fellow: Dr. Andrew White is one of four faculty members named as fellows of their national academic societies along with Dr. Ramon Lopez, Dr. Zeynep Celik-Butler, and Dr. Liping Tang.

Four faculty members honored as fellows in national organizations

Two physics professors and two engineering professors have been named fellows in their respective national organizations.

Andrew White, professor of physics and co-director of the Center for High Energy Physics, was named a fellow of the American Physical Society. He has taken part in groundbreaking research at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, or Fermilab, in Illinois and has worked on the ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN in Geneva, Switzerland.

Ramon Lopez, a professor of physics, was named a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He was recognized for his passionate pursuit of research made exemplary through additional contributions to education and public communication, and through achievement in broadening participation of minorities in science.

Zeynep Celik-Butler, director of the Nanotechnology Research and Teaching Facility and a professor of electrical engineering, was named a fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. She was honored for her contributions to the understanding of noise and fluctuation phenomena in solid-state devices.

Liping Tang, a bioengineering professor, was named a fellow of the American Institute of Biological and Medical Engineering. He was recognized for his outstanding contributions in advancing the understanding of biocompatibility and transforming the development of medical devices for patient care.

Read more about Dr. White, Dr. Lopez, Dr. Celik-Butler, and Dr. Tang.

Turn signals: These time-lapse images from Nature Photonics show that when a Vaterite particle is rotated anticlockwise and positioned to the left of the axon, it is defined by the growth direction of the axon (dashed arrow 1).

Physics professor's work could improve treatment for spinal injuries

Samarendra Mohanty, an assistant professor of physics, is a co-author of a research article in Nature Photonics that describes the use of spinning microparticles to direct the growth of nerve fiber, a discovery that could allow for directed growth of neuronal networks on a chip and improve methods for treating spinal or brain injuries.

The study is based on Dr. Mohanty’s hypothesis that neurons can respond to physical (e.g., fluid flow) cues in addition to chemical cues. He conducted the seminal work and observed that a laser-driven spinning Calcite microparticle could guide the direction of neuron growth. Its rotation caused a shearing effect by creating a microfluidic flow.

Mohanty’s work spurred the University of California, Irvine team led by Professor Michael Berns to test the Vaterite “micro-motors” in guiding neurons.

Read more about Mohanty's study.

Premium seats still available for College Park Center events

Watch Mavericks basketball from courtside and center-court seats at College Park Center, which has its grand opening and inaugural games Feb. 1, 2012.

These premium seats get you as close to the action as possible and come with an array of amenities, such as reserved parking, complimentary food and beverages, and access to the Maverick Club Hospitality Suite.

Order your premium seat season tickets for men's and women's basketball and volleyball. Seat selection begins in early January. Reserve yours now by contacting Gregg Elkin at 2-5706 or gelkin@uta.edu.

Single-game tickets for February basketball games are available beginning Jan. 2, 2012, at utatickets.com. Admission is free, but tickets are required.

Degree of excellence Degree candidates from the College of Science were among those who participated Thursday through Sunday in the last Commencement ceremonies in Texas Hall for most colleges and schools. Only the School of Architecture plans to continue ceremonies there while others are moving to College Park Center in the spring.

Biology professor receives science grant for roundworm research

Andre Pires da Silva, an assistant professor of biology, received a three-year, $301,447 National Science Foundation grant for research that could improve prevention of dangerous roundworm infections in animals and agriculture.

Along with Diane Shakes, a professor at the College of William and Mary, Dr. Pires da Silva will explore the evolution of reproductive modes in the roundworm Rhabditis. The Rhabditis are unique because they produce male, female, and hermaphrodite offspring.

Pires da Silva’s previous research has shown that environmental factors can alter sex determination of Rhabditis. As an outreach project included in the grant, Pires da Silva and Shakes also will work with prospective third-grade teachers to introduce discovery-based science modules into their classrooms.

Show your stuff at Homecoming parade

The 2012 Homecoming parade promises to be bigger and better than ever, and your department can be a part of it.

Showcase what you've got by kicking off this UT Arlington tradition and leading the community into the men's basketball game vs. Texas State on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012, in College Park Center.

All faculty, staff, student, and community groups can participate. Sign up by Wednesday, Feb. 1. Space is limited so applicants will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information and to register, visit uta.edu/homecoming.

TRiO seeking school supplies for low-income youth

Donate school supplies to assist low-income youth in grades 7-12 as part of the TRiO pre-college programs.

Notebook paper, pencils, pens, spiral notebooks, note cards, backpacks, calculators, and three-ring binders are needed.

Donations will be accepted through Thursday, Dec. 22, at the TRiO office in Room 706 of Carlisle Hall.

For more information about TRiO, see uta.edu/upward.

Education meets entertainment Dr. Nilakshi Veerabathina, front left, a lecturer in the Department of Physics, and her team of students entertained and educated more than 4,000 K-12 students at the eighth annual Aviation and Transportation Career Expo last week at DFW International Airport. The physics activities included demonstrations with liquid nitrogen, mechanical electrical generators to create spark discharges and mild shocks, a handmade spectroscope, and an optics apparatus to explain the properties and uses of light.

Winter break schedules

Campus Recreation—The Maverick Activities Center, climbing wall, and pool are open during the winter break. Check the Campus Recreation schedule online for hours.

Libraries—Libraries will be open during the winter break. Check the library schedule online for hours.

Planetarium—The Planetarium has shows throughout the winter break. Go online for the Planetarium schedule.

Dining Services—The POD Market in the E.H. Hereford University Center is open 8 a.m.-4 p.m. each day that the University is open. The University Club in Davis Hall is closed and will reopen Tuesday, Jan. 17.

Winter intersession schedule

Monday, Dec. 19—Late registration and first day of class
Tuesday, Dec. 20—Census date
Dec. 19-22, Jan. 2-6, 9-10—Classes meet
Wednesday, Jan. 4—Last day to drop classes
Wednesday, Jan. 11—Final exams

MavWire will return in January

Today's MavWire is the last issue until Thursday, Jan. 5. Most campus offices will be closed Friday, Dec. 23-Sunday, Jan. 1.

Send your stories or pictures for MavWire to mavwire@uta.edu to be considered for publication.

Find previous issues of MavWire in the archives at uta.edu/mavwire.

Reminder for year-end reviews and updates through UT Direct

Now is the time for faculty and staff to verify whether their UT EID is active.

The UT EID provides access to UT Direct online, which allows you to review your mailing address for the W-2 mailing or obtain your W-2 when it becomes available.

In addition, you can review your earnings statement, review/update your tax withholding (W-4), review your insurance and retirement elections, and update personal biographical information that includes phone numbers, email address, and emergency contacts.

Note that if the UT EID is not used within 45 days, it must be re-activated by emailing hrrecords@uta.edu from your UT Arlington email account.

For more information, contact the Office of Human Resources at 2-5554.

Continuing Education has gift of knowledge

Looking for gift ideas that will leave a lasting impression? Purchase a Continuing Education gift certificate and give the gift of knowledge.

Gift ideas for $99 or less include the classes All About Cookies, Art of Candy Making, Basic Ballroom Dancing, Cake Decorating, Calligraphy, Digital Photography, Guitar Lessons for Adults, Hatha Yoga, How to Make and Install a Rain Barrel, Introduction to Acupressure, Line Dancing, and Pet First Aid.

To purchase, call 2-2581 or visit the Continuing Education Workforce Building, 140 W. Mitchell St.

For more information, see uta.edu/ced.

Get a free two-week pass to the MAC

Faculty and staff can sign up for a free two-week pass to the Maverick Activities Center valid Monday, Jan. 2-Monday, Jan. 16, at the MAC Services and Information desk.

The MAC facilities feature cardio machines, circuit training units, free weights, group exercise rooms, basketball courts, volleyball courts, indoor tracks, racquetball courts, badminton courts, a game room, and a climbing wall.

Memberships for employees and retirees can be paid monthly, by semester, or by payroll deduction. Memberships for employee spouses also are available. For more information, call 2-3277 or visit uta.edu/campusrec.

Mindful Moments

Take a break with Mindful Moments on Dec. 21 and Jan. 4. No meeting Dec. 28. Free. 12:15-12:45 p.m., Wednesdays, Room 236, Business Building. Health Services, Marie Bannister, 2-2771.

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 email employment@uta.edu. The University of Texas at Arlington is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

Wednesday, Dec. 21

$2 Movie: The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause Holiday magic mixes with comical chaos at the North Pole. 5:30 p.m.; also 5:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 23. Planetarium, 2-1183.

Wednesday, Dec. 28

$2 Movie: A Christmas Story Ralphie has to convince his parents, teachers, and Santa that a Red Ryder BB gun really is the perfect gift. 5:30 p.m.; also 5:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30, and 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31. Planetarium, 2-1183.

Saturday, Dec. 31

Women's Basketball Mavericks vs. Houston Baptist. Tickets $8. 1 p.m.; also 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3, Mavericks vs. Fresno State, Texas Hall. Athletics, 2-2261.

Wednesday, Jan. 4

Men's Basketball Mavericks vs. Southeastern Louisiana. Tickets $8. 7 p.m., Texas Hall. Athletics, 2-2261.

Ongoing

Life and Death in the Northern Pass Photojournalist Dominic Bracco II ('08 BA) provides a view of drug violence in Ciudad Juarez. Free. Through Saturday, Jan. 14. Sixth floor parlor, Central Library.

Impressions of the West: Works of Art from Special Collections The American West comes alive in more than 30 paintings, sculptures, and prints. Free. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Through Saturday, Jan. 14. Special Collections, sixth floor, Central Library, 2-3393.

Planetarium Holiday Music Magic features a variety of holiday songs from Mannheim Steamroller and Burl Ives to Brenda Lee and Kurt Bestor. 6 p.m. Thursdays. Planetarium, 2-1183.

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