University Communications » Internal Communications » MavWire » MavWire 09-08-2011

Permission granted: Grants from NASA will help Dr. Sandy Dasgupta develop technology that could set up missions to Mars.

NASA taps chemistry prof to build machine for Mars

Chemistry Professor Purnendu “Sandy” Dasgupta, renowned for his innovations in the field of ion chromatography, has been awarded a nearly $1.2 million grant from NASA to develop technology that could help pave the way for human missions to Mars and beyond.

Dr. Dasgupta will use the funds to develop an ion chromatograph for extraterrestrial explorations. The goal is to create a new system for testing the chemical composition of extraterrestrial soil. The project was one of eight nationwide recently funded by the Astrobiology Science and Technology for Instrument Development grant program of the NASA Astrobiology Program.

“By creating an easily portable and robustly designed ion chromatograph, we’re hoping to rapidly expand scientists’ knowledge of extraterrestrial geology and geochemistry,” Dasgupta says. Proving organic ions exist in Martian soil could be a first step to identifying organic compounds, the building blocks of life.

Read more about NASA, Dasgupta, and Mars.

Dr. Xueming Luo

Marketing professor recognized for research

Xueming Luo, the Eunice and James L. West Distinguished Professor of Marketing, has won one of the prestigious 50 Emerald Management Reviews Citations of Excellence Awards for 2011.

Now in their 15th year, these distinguished annual awards recognize the 50 most outstanding articles published by the top 300 management journals in the world. Dr. Luo’s article “Neglected Outcomes of Customer Satisfaction," co-authored with University of Mannheim Professor Christian Homburg, originally was published in the Journal of Marketing in 2007.

“It is a tremendous honor to be recognized for this award,” Luo says. “I greatly appreciate this acknowledgment of my work. I am grateful to contribute to the growing dialogue of research in the management field.”

Luo’s research focuses on customer metrics, econometric modeling, and the marketing-finance interface. Between 2005 and 2010, he ranked first among marketing scholars in North America contributing to the Journal of Marketing.

Read more about Luo and the award.

University taking measures to conserve water

North Texas drought conditions and severe water restrictions have prompted the University to take several steps to help conserve water.

The University installed about 1,600 low-flow showerheads donated by the City of Arlington in residence halls, campus apartments, and other UT Arlington housing during the summer. The University's thermal plant also has been modified to use less water. Campus irrigation systems are set to water twice a week and updated with better controls to regulate use.

Some new landscaping may be watered more frequently if necessary to allow plants to establish root systems. But notably, landscaping in the Janet and Michael Greene Research Quadrangle near the Engineering Research Building and The Green at College Park features native and adaptive plants that consume less water.

The Oozeball mud volleyball tournament, which requires a significant amount of water, was scheduled to take place Friday, Sept. 16. It will now be held Friday, April 27.

Faculty and staff can help conserve water by reporting water leaks, leaky faucets or toilets, and running drinking fountains to the Office of Facilities Management call center at 2-2000.

Dr. Kevin Schug

National center to assist doctoral students

UT Arlington is joining an elite, national organization whose purpose is to produce better university teachers in the science, technology, engineering, and math fields.

The Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning (CIRTL), was originally funded through a multimillion-dollar grant by the National Science Foundation. After a competitive application process, six core institutional members invited 19 other universities to join. UT Arlington has accepted the invitation.

The center aims to provide doctoral students with better tools to teach students in STEM fields. Each participating university will build a program on its campus, and the network of schools will share teaching methods, success stories, and key techniques to better prepare those graduate students with the skills needed to be successful teachers in the classroom.

Kevin Schug, an associate professor in chemistry and biochemistry, will spearhead UT Arlington’s Organizational Network for Teaching as Research Advancement and Collaboration (ON-TRAC), which will be housed in the Office of Graduate Studies.

Read more about CIRTL and ON-TRAC.

Jesus J. Martinez

Music student pays tribute to 9/11 with concert

Music senior Jesus J. Martinez pays tribute to the victims of 9/11 through music and song when his composition Threnody for 9/11 for Mixed Chamber Ensemble premieres at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11, at Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Admission is free.

Concert patrons will experience the history of 9/11 through abstract rhythms and will be able to hear history in a unique way, Martinez says.

“There are no visuals, but the music and choir will tell the story of the terrifying emotions of 9/11,” he says. “It is dark in the beginning, but the light shines through at the end.”

Martinez will conduct the UTA Symphony Orchestra and the Arlington Boys and Girls Choir. Music major Anne Marie Boeding performs as soprano soloist with narration by Allan Saxe, associate professor of political science.

Read more about Martinez and his music.

Achieving excellence Jean Hood, left, vice president for human resources, and Sally Thompson, administrative assistant in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, display the Award of Excellence that the University received from the International Association for Administrative Professionals at the national conference in Montreal this summer. The Arlington Golden Circle Chapter won in the category of companies and organizations with 1,000 or more employees. The award recognizes an employer organization that has established policies and programs to encourage and support the advancement and effectiveness of administrative professionals.

University, Navy craft patent program

Students enrolled this fall in the MBA Professional Cohort at UT Arlington will craft business plans for select Navy patents with a goal of moving new technology to the marketplace as a new component of the degree plan.

The University has signed a memorandum of understanding allowing the College of Business to receive 210 patents from the U.S. Navy. These patents have not yet been commercially developed. MBA students participating in the team-based programs at the University’s Fort Worth and Frisco campuses will review the patents and create business plans for the most marketable technologies.

Edmund Prater, an associate professor of information systems and operations management who has organized this opportunity for the MBA program, says some summer business students got an early jump on the patent evaluations.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for students to learn about the practical steps involved in taking an idea to the marketplace,” Dr. Prater says. “They are learning real-world entrepreneurship.”

Read more about the MBA patent program.

Encourage students to participate in Career Month and Job Fair

Faculty and staff are urged to encourage students to participate in Career Month, which leads up to the Fall Job Fair from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21, in the Maverick Activities Center.

For a list of Career Month events and employers attending the Job Fair, see hireamaverick.uta.edu. Whether they are freshmen or seniors, students can benefit from training at the workshops and by networking with the employers. Faculty and staff are also welcome to attend the Job Fair and meet employers.

The fair, hosted by the Career Center, also needs volunteers. Shifts are available for faculty and staff in one-hour increments 7 a.m.-4 p.m. To volunteer, visit the Career Center in Room 216 of Davis Hall and fill out a form or contact the Career Center at 2-2932 or careers@uta.edu.

Partner Breakfast brings faculty, community together for service

Faculty members are invited to meet directors of nonprofit community organizations in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex interested in forming partnerships with faculty and students at the Partner Breakfast at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 15, in the Carlisle Suite of the E.H. Hereford University Center.

The Center for Community Service Learning presents the complimentary breakfast. To attend, RSVP by Monday, Sept. 12, to Sharon Hughlett at hughlett@uta.edu or 2-2124.

Benefits Enrollment Opportunity Ends Sept. 30

A provision of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) allows young adult dependent children to remain eligible for medical coverage up to the age of 26 regardless of marital status. This provision also creates a special enrollment opportunity for dependent children whose coverage ended or who were not eligible for coverage because they turned 25, got married, or enlisted in the military. The provision applies to UT SELECT Medical Coverage only and is retroactive to Sept. 1. Supporting documentation of the parent/child relationship is required. If you have young adult children in this situation and wish to add them to your medical benefits, do so through Friday, Sept. 30, by contacting Human Resources at 2-5558 or benefits@uta.edu. See more about UT Benefits.

Belly Dancing Level I: Basic Movements

Each 6-week session introduces a different aspect of classic, folkloric, and modern belly dance styles. No previous dance experience required. Wear comfortable yoga-type clothing; half-soles or ballet slippers recommended. Call 2-2581 to receive faculty/staff discount fee of $50. 11 a.m.-noon, Saturdays, Sept. 10-Oct. 15, Swift Center. Continuing Education.

Introduction to SPSS

Discover the basics of the SPSS statistical software package including creating and manipulating data and common statistical tasks. Free. Noon-2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9, Room 004, University Hall. See more about OIT training classes.

Creative Writing: Beginner's Fiction

Examine the basic steps to fiction writing including narration, characterization, dialogue, conflict, plot, and style. Learn the difference between literary and commercial fiction and find which one is right for you. Call 2-2581 to receive faculty/staff discount fee of $98. 7-9 p.m., Mondays, Sept. 12-Oct. 10, Room F200L, Continuing Education Workforce Building. Continuing Education.

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.

Returning champ: Emily Koenig leads the women’s cross country team after winning the Southland Conference title last year.

Cross country teams open season with home meet

Defending Southland Conference champion Emily Koenig heads the list of cross country returnees as the women’s and men’s teams prepare for the UT Arlington Season Opener meet at 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, at Vandergriff Park.

Koenig cruised to the SLC title last year as a freshman and is back along with four other letter winners on the women’s team. Ten lettermen return for the men’s team.

Golfers open fall season Monday in Wichita

The Maverick golf team opens its fall season at the Shocker Classic in Wichita, Kan., Monday-Tuesday, Sept. 12-13.

Coach Jay Rees' team has six lettermen back from last year's team that won the Southland Conference championship, including junior Paul McConnell, who was the conference Newcomer of the Year.

Volleyballers fall at Tulsa; Cal tourney next

After losing three of four matches at the Hurricane Invitational in Tulsa over the weekend, the Maverick volleyball team competes in the California Classic at Berkeley this week.

The Mavericks defeated Arkansas-Pine Bluff, but lost to Tulsa, UC Davis, and North Dakota State in the Hurricane Invitational. Tara Frantz was named to the All-Tournament team.

The Mavericks play three matches in the California Classic, meeting UC Berkeley, the nation's top-ranked team, on Friday before taking on Georgetown and Nevada on Saturday.

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

The Gallery at UTA celebrates 25 artistic years The Gallery at UTA celebrates a milestone with “Silver: 25th Anniversary Exhibition,” a group show of 25 artists who have shown works from its 1986 beginning as the Center for Research in Contemporary Art to the present. “We examined the list of artists who had exhibited here and selected ones who were included in multiple exhibitions under different directors," says Benito Huerta, exhibit curator and gallery director since 1997. "Others were selected because they were fairly new on the art scene when they were originally shown here, but are now making an impact on a national level." Now open, the exhibit has an opening reception at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9, with an exhibit talk by Huerta. Former directors Jeff Kelley (1986-90) and Al Harris-Fernandez (1991-1994) join Huerta in a panel discussion 12:30-1:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13, in the Architecture Building auditorium. The show ends with a celebration 7-10:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15. The exhibit and all events are free and open to the public. Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays and noon-5 p.m. Saturdays. The gallery is located in Room 169 at the north end of the Fine Arts Building. For more information, contact Huerta or Patricia Healy at 2-5658 or visit uta.edu/gallery.

Thursday, Sept. 8

Mavs Book Club This month's book is The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot, the OneBook selection for this year. The club meets the second Thursday of each month. Free. 5 p.m. Starbucks, E.H. Hereford University Center. See the current reading list.

Poetry Slam Mike Guinn and his team of poetry and spoken word artists perform. Free. 6:30-9 p.m., sixth floor parlor, Central Library. African American Faculty and Staff Association, UTA Black Alumni Association, 2-0102.

Friday, Sept. 9

$2 Movie: Tron A hacker is literally abducted into the world of a computer and forced to participate in gladiatorial games. Rated PG. 5:30 p.m. Also 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10. Planetarium, 2-1183.

Business Week: Surviving This Economy Keynote speaker Los Ellis discusses the three reasons businesses fail. Other speakers include Bron Austin Deal, The Image owner; comedian Justin Foster; and David Mosby, management lecturer in the College of Business anddirector of the Small Business Institute. Free. 6 p.m., Bluebonnet Ballroom, E.H. Hereford University Center. College of Business, Delta Sigma Pi, 214-537-5287.

Free Movie: X-Men: First Class Charles Xavier and Erik Lensherr were young friends discovering their powers. Rated PG-13. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Refreshments at the concession stand. Free admission. Beginning after dusk, approximately 9 p.m., lawn west of Maverick Activities Center. EXCEL Campus Activities.

Sunday, Sept. 11

Threnody for 9/11 Concert The world premiere of Threnody for 9/11 for Mixed Chamber Ensemble, a musical depiction and reenactment of the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music, 2-3471.

Tuesday, Sept. 13

Music Honors Recital Music faculty members and outstanding students in solo and chamber music settings. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music, 2-3471.

Ongoing

Influence Exhibit Three members of the Department of Art and Art History faculty—Marilyn Jolly, Sedrick Huckaby, and Carlos Donjuan—have combined their talents for this painting exhibit. 3-9 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays. Free. Through Friday, Sept. 9. Oak Cliff Cultural Center, 223 W. Jefferson Blvd., Dallas.

Texas Rangers Baseball Get tickets for faculty, staff, students, alumni, family, and friends. Access texasrangers.com/uta and use the password rangers for designated games. Note that the game time for Saturday, Sept. 10, has been changed to 3:11 p.m., and the starting time for Wednesday, Sept. 14, is now 6:05 p.m.

Levitt Pavilion Concert Series The fall Levitt Pavilion Arlington concert series continues this week with music Thursday-Sunday. Upcoming highlights include UT Arlington Night on the Town on Friday, Sept. 16, and the UTA Jazz Orchestra performing Sunday, Sept. 25. The series continues through Saturday, Oct. 1. Free. Levitt Pavilion Arlington, 100 W. Abram St.

Broken Sugar An exhibition of 22 mixed-media sculptures and two-dimensional works by Melba Northum. Free. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays; 2-6 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays. Through Friday, Sept. 30. Gallery 76102, Fort Worth Center.

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

Planetarium We Are Astronomers reveals the global collaboration, technology, and dedication required to answer the unresolved questions of the universe. 1:30 p.m. Sundays, 6 p.m. Tuesdays. Planetarium, 2-1183.

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