University Communications » Internal Communications » MavWire » MavWire 01-09-2012

Fighting cancer: Dr. Jian Yang's research on polymers can improve cancer therapy.

Yang's $1.25 million NIH grant advances work on polymers

Jian Yang, an associate professor of bioengineering, has been awarded a $1.25 million National Institutes of Health grant to continue his work in creating safe, biodegradable, photoluminescent polymers that can improve cancer therapy. Dr. Yang will use his latest grant to continue work established through a 2009 NIH program.

The polymers he developed can be used for implants, nanoparticle creation for cancer imaging, drug delivery, construction of temporary stents, and tissue regeneration.

Jean-Pierre Bardet, dean of the UT Arlington College of Engineering, says Yang’s work in polymers will have a far-reaching impact on the way medicine fights cancer in the future.

Read more about Yang's NIH grant.

Dr. Khosrow Behbehani

Sleep apnea device may reduce cost, time

UT Arlington bioengineering researchers have designed an innovative, ultrasonic sensor system that can accurately detect whether a person suffers from sleep apnea without the inconvenience or cost associated with an overnight stay in a sleep center.

Researchers have applied for a provisional patent and are identifying private partners to market the device. UT Arlington has formed an alliance with Sleep Consultants Inc. in Fort Worth to conduct studies related to the research.

The new detection system promises a speedier path to diagnosis and eventual relief, says Khosrow Behbehani, professor and chair of the Department of Bioengineering, adding that conventional diagnostic testing can cost as much as $2,000 per patient per test. “For some, the cost is such a barrier that they may opt to continue to suffer rather than to be diagnosed."

Read more about the sleep apnea research.

Have a seat Cathy Goyne, an accounting clerk in the Division for Enterprise Development, was among those picking out premium seats that they previously purchased for basketball games during select-a-seat night Thursday at College Park Center. Maverick teams open the 7,000-seat center with a basketball doubleheader Wednesday, Feb. 1.

Submit your nominations for Outstanding Academic Adviser

Nominations are being accepted for Outstanding Academic Adviser for professional staff adviser, undergraduate faculty adviser, and graduate faculty adviser.

Submit nominations online by Monday, Jan. 23.

For information, contact Delene Remmers in the Office of the Provost at 2-2737.

Mavs Book Club meets Friday

The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes is the monthly selection for Mavs Book Club, which meets at noon Friday, Jan. 13, at the Connection Cafe in the E.H. Hereford University Center.

The narrator, Tony Webster, has led an ordinary life. Suddenly, an unexpected inheritance forces him to reinvestigate his life. If one man can get his life so wrong, can he shape his memories to fit his own self-satisfied image of himself? Readers may want to read the book again to sort out clues missed the first time around.

All faculty and staff are invited to attend. For more information, contact Diane Shepelwich at dianec@uta.edu.

Urge students to become Maverick Orientation Leaders

Do you know a student with great communication skills and a passion for UT Arlington?

New Maverick Orientation is accepting applications for the 2012 Maverick Orientation Leader positions. Orientation leaders are the first to welcome new students and parents during summer orientation in June, July, and August.

Applicants must be a full-time undergraduate student, have at least a 2.5 GPA, and be in good standing with the University. Applications are due Monday, Jan. 30.

Dr. Darryl Scriven

'Black College Student' seminar and lecture Feb. 20

Retention issues facing black students in higher education are the topic of the "State of the Black College Student" professional development seminar with guest lecturer Darryl Scriven 2-4 p.m. Monday, Feb. 20, in the Lone Star Auditorium at the Maverick Activities Center.

A former professor of philosophy at Wilberforce, Southern, and Tuskegee universities, Dr. Scriven is issues-oriented and covers topics from black history and racial justice to higher education and self-development.

A public lecture open to students and community members is at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 20, also in the Lone Star Auditorium. The event is part of the UT Arlington Black History Month program.

The events are presented by the Division of Student Affairs Professional Development Committee and Multicultural Affairs. For more information, contact Rashad Givhan at rgivhan@uta.edu.

Get ready for the Chili Bracket Bowl

Can you handle the heat? Sign up for the Homecoming Chili Bracket Bowl set for noon-1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10, on the University Center mall.

Teams will compete for the HCBB title. Faculty, staff, and student groups are invited to participate.

Deadline to register is 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3. Registration and judging criteria information is available at Homecoming or 2-9234. The contest is presented by the Division of Student Affairs.

Show your stuff at Homecoming parade

The 2012 Homecoming parade promises to be bigger and better than ever, and your department or organization 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, 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 Homecoming.

'Educate Me' website makes debut

A new Educate Me section in the January UT System Benefits Newsletter is designed to help employees and retirees stay knowledgeable about their benefits. Use this resource to learn about the many aspects of health insurance coverage, retirement, and wellness programs.

Get a free pass to the MAC through Jan. 16

Faculty and staff can sign up for a free pass to the Maverick Activities Center valid through 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 Campus Recreation.

Mindful Moments

Take a break with Mindful Moments. 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.

Tuesday, Jan. 10

Staff Advisory Council General Meeting All staff members are encouraged to attend and share their ideas. 3 p.m., Student Congress Chambers, lower level, E.H. Hereford University Center. Staff Advisory Council.

Wednesday, Jan. 25

College of Engineering Distinguished Speaker Series Rodrigo Arboleda Halaby, right, chair and CEO for One Laptop per Child, discusses "It's not a laptop project, it's an education project." For more than 40 years, he has been involved in marketing, logistics, business development, international operations, and government and private sector initiatives in the Ibero American region. Free. Reception 5 p.m., Room 601, Nedderman Hall. Lecture 6 p.m., Room 100, Nedderman Hall. College of Engineering.

Thursday, Jan. 26

Exhibiting Artist Talk John Holt Smith discusses his "Oculus" paintings on exhibit in "The Medium is the Message," which opens Tuesday, Jan. 17. Free. 12:30 p.m., Room 148, Fine Arts Building. The Gallery at UTA, 2-5658.

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

Wednesday, Jan. 11

$2 Movie: Super 8 Friends witness a train crash and investigate subsequent unexplained events in their small town. Rated PG-13. 5:30 p.m.; also 5:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 13, and 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14. Planetarium, 2-1183.

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

Friday, Jan. 13-Monday, Jan. 16

MLK Celebration Includes banquet, step competition, multicultural festival, spoken word, ecumenical service, day of service, and extravangaza. See the schedule. utatickets.com, 817-459-6430.

Saturday, Jan. 14

Women's Basketball Mavericks vs. Lamar. Tickets $8. 7 p.m., Texas Hall. Athletics, 2-2261.

Transience: Imperfect, Impermanent, Incomplete Opening reception for an exhibition by Marilyn Jolly, associate professor of painting, and former art faculty members Melba Northum and Susan Sitzes. 5:30-7:30 p.m., McKinney Avenue Contemporary, 3120 McKinney Ave., Dallas.

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 We Are Astronomers reveals the global collaboration, technology, and dedication required to answer the unresolved questions of the universe. 6 p.m. Thursdays, 5:30 p.m. Saturdays. Planetarium, 2-1183.

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