University Communications » Internal Communications » MavWire » MavWire 03-12-2012

Dr. Sandy Dasgupta

Dasgupta honored at international laboratory science conference

Sandy Dasgupta, the Jenkins Garrett Professor of Chemistry, is being honored as the 2012 recipient of the Dal Nogare Award today, Monday, March 12, at the Pittcon Conference and Expo in Orlando, Fla., one of the premier events in the world of laboratory science.

Dr. Dasgupta has made numerous improvements to methods of ion chromatography, the process of separating and detecting ions—atoms and molecules bearing a net electrical charge—for analysis. He is credited with the development of electrodialytic suppressors, eluent generators, and post column reagent introduction devices.

"We are so pleased to see Dr. Dasgupta honored with this prestigious award for his energetic and varied pursuits in expanding the field of chromatography,” says Ronald L. Elsenbaumer, provost and vice president for academic affairs and a former chair of the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department. “Years of discoveries lie ahead thanks to the more refined equipment and better processes he has developed."

Read more about Dasgupta's award.

Decision-making patent to solve 'unsolvable' problems

UT Arlington industrial engineers have patented an innovative method that can obtain optimal decisions for a broad class of real-world problems not previously solvable.

Bill Corley and Jay Rosenberger, professor and associate professor in the Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering, recently were issued a patent titled “System, Method, and Apparatus for Allocating Resources by Constraint Selection.”

Linear programming is a mathematical description of a vast number of decision problems occurring throughout the business and scientific worlds. Solving these problems allows an organization to maximize profit, minimize costs, or allocate resources.

“Linear programming is the most widely used computational model in the business and scientific worlds,” Dr. Corley says. “It will now become much more important. That’s the bottom line. We drastically improved over 60 years of research for computing with this ubiquitous decision model.”

Read more about the decision-making patent.

Ya'Ke Smith previews film at SXSW in Austin this week

Among the many films premiering at the 2012 South by Southwest (SXSW) Conferences and Festivals in Austin will be one written and directed by assistant professor and filmmaker Ya’Ke Smith.

Smith’s first feature film, Wolf, tells the story of a family shaken to the core when they discover their son has been molested. As they struggle to deal with the betrayal, their son heads toward a total mental collapse because of his love for his abuser, while his abuser attempts to exercise his own demons.

Smith, whose previous short film, Katrina’s Son, played at more than 80 film festivals, calls his latest offering the most difficult thing he’s ever done.

“This is such a complex theme, but a very timely subject,” he says. “I wanted to make sure that I approached it with grace, not judgment.”

The film festival, which started Friday, continues through Saturday, March 17. Read more about Smith's film.

NIT bound: LaMarcus Reed scored 23 points, but the Mavericks fell to McNeese State in the semifinals of the Southland Conference Tournament on Thursday. Next stop is an NIT game at Washington.

Mavericks fall in SLC semifinals; face Washington in NIT Tuesday

Unable to cap a successful regular season with a Southland Conference Tournament title, the men's basketball team is headed to the National Invitation Tournament to play the University of Washington at 9 p.m. Central time Tuesday, March 13, in Seattle. The game is being televised on ESPNU.

LaMarcus Reed scored 23 points, but the Mavericks couldn't stop McNeese State in a 92-72 loss in the semifinals of the SLC Tournament in Katy, Texas, on Thursday.

The Mavericks are one of 32 teams divided into four regions in the NIT. Coach Scott Cross's team is 24-8 and seeded eighth in its region while Washington, regular season champion in the Pac-12 Conference, is 21-10 and seeded first. For more information, see utamavs.com.

It will be the second appearance in the NIT for men's basketball, which played in the 1981 tournament, losing to South Alabama in the first round.

Top honors: Jorge Sanchez earned All-America honors along with John McPhail.

Movin' Mavs third in national tourney

After losing to Illinois 56-50 in the semifinals on Friday, the Movin' Mavs came back to take third place in the National Intercollegiate Wheelchair Basketball Tournament with a 62-58 triumph over Alabama on Saturday in Champaign, Ill.

The Movin' Mavs led Illinois by one at halftime in the semifinal, but fell behind 50-40 late in the second half. After rallying to tie the score at 50-all with two minutes to go, the Movin' Mavs could not score again.

In the third place game, coach Doug Garner's squad led most of the game, but could never pull away as they squeezed out a four-point win. The Movin' Mavs finished the year with a 30-5 record.

Sophomores Jorge Sanchez and John McPhail earned All-America honors while junior Tommy Hambicki and freshman Andreas Kraft were named to the All-Rookie team.

Former Movin' Mavs coach Jim Hayes and former player Paul Schulte were named to the National Wheelchair Basketball Association Hall of Fame.

Two Maverick track performers earn All-America honors

Junior Romain Martin finished fifth in the heptathlon and sophomore Clayton Vaughn was fifth in the 60-meter dash as both earned All-America honors at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championship this past weekend in Nampa, Idaho.

It was the second indoor track All-America honor for Martin and the first for Vaughn, who set a school record in the dash event.

Benefits fair mixes Maverick spirit, vendors, freebies

The first 500 faculty and staff members will receive free giveaways and lunch at the seventh annual Celebrating Maverick Spirit Benefits Fair 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 14, in the Bluebonnet Ballroom at the E.H. Hereford University Center.

More than 65 vendors and organizations that provide a service or discount to the UT Arlington community are expected to attend. The fair is sponsored by the Staff Advisory Council.

Carter BloodCare will be on site 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. for blood donations. Set up a donation appointment.

Safety lights New lighting for better security recently was installed on the west side of campus in Lot 30, which serves the Tennis Center, University Village Apartments overflow, and Texas Hall events. The request came from the 2011 Annual Student Night Walk. Additional lighting has also been added in lots F-11, F-12, 36, and 49 during the past 12 months, and lighting should be completed in lots 25 and 29 this month.

Volunteer to help victims at SafeHaven

Join Staff Advisory Council volunteers at SafeHaven in Arlington 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 31, and help victims of domestic violence. SafeHaven helps adults and children by providing support and educational programs. Volunteers will lead a children’s activity at the shelter, then serve lunch to residents.

To volunteer, participants must submit a completed background release form by Friday, March 23. To access the form, see uta.edu/sac/safehaven. For more information, contact Joanna Ng at joannang@uta.edu.

Central Library closed Friday with limited online access

The Central Library will close at midnight Thursday, March 15, and will remain closed Friday, March 16, because of power outage and water drainage correction projects. The library will reopen at 9 a.m. Saturday, March 17, but will close two hours early at 6 p.m.

The library website will be available Friday, March 16, but with limited access to library databases.

There will be no access to the Central Library basement on Saturday and Sunday due to replacement of electrical subpanels. Work will be completed during the weekend, and full access to the library resumes Monday, March 19.

Survey seeks feedback on dining

Take the Dining Services survey to share your thoughts on dining preferences and satisfaction.

At the end, you can choose to participate in a drawing for one of four prizes: a $150 Visa virtual gift card grand prize or one of three $50 Visa virtual gift cards.

'MavWire' takes a break, returns next Monday

There will be no MavWire distribution Thursday, March 15, because of Spring Break. MavWire returns Monday, March 19.

Most campus offices will be closed Friday, March 16, for Spring Break.

Your Right To Know

State law provides basic rights for victims of violent crime and prohibits harming or threatening to harm a witness or a prospective witness. To that end, the UT Arlington Police Department makes certain information, services, and service referrals available to victims of violent and non-violent crimes.

The information includes, but is not limited to:

1. The incident or offense number;
2. Crime Victim Compensation Application for victims of violent crimes;
3. Applicable available services such as counseling, medical attention, compensation programs, or emergency financial assistance and victim advocacy;
4. A telephone number where additional information about the case may be reported or information about the status of the case may be obtained;
5. Advice on what to do if the suspect, suspect’s companion(s), or suspect’s family threatens or intimidates the victim or witness; and
6. Subsequent steps in the processing of the case.

UT Arlington Criminal Investigations personnel will provide the following services during the investigation:

1. Follow-up with the victim/witness periodically to determine whether his or her needs are being met;
2. Explain to victims/witnesses the procedures involved in the prosecution of their cases and their role, provided there is no danger to the successful prosecution of the case;
3. Schedule lineups, interviews, and other required appearances at the convenience of the victim/witness and where possible providing transportation;
4. Return victim/witness property taken as evidence as permitted by law or rules of evidence;
5. Assign a victim advocate to the victim/witness during the follow-up investigation, when possible;
6. Notify victim/witnesses of the suspect's arrest, charges, and custody status on a timely basis, when possible;
7. Provide the victim/witness the number to Texas Vine (Victim Information and Notification Every Day) at 1-877-TX4-VINE or 1-877-894-8463. The statewide system provides basic information on jailed suspects/offenders and changes in jail status and court events on a timely basis;
8. Make such notifications in a timely manner; and
9. Keep confidential the role of the victim/witness as permitted by law.

If you are a victim of or a witness to crime, help is available. See a list of emergency and non-emergency numbers to call.

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, March 21

'Culture of Silence: Stalking Awareness' Faculty and staff are invited to a screening of this film, which offers a realistic exploration of the common misconceptions about stalking and a way to respond to the crime. Counseling Services, UT Arlington Police Department, and Relationship Violence and Sexual Assault Prevention will host a panel discussion after the film. Brown bag lunch. Refreshments provided. Free. Noon, Room 303, Chemistry and Physics Building. RVSP, Professional Development Committee, Student Affairs, stutzman@uta.edu.

Women's and Gender Studies Mini-Conference In conjunction with the 2012 ACES conference, the Women's and Gender Studies Program hosts a mini-conference of student scholarship related to women's and gender studies topics. The first Women's and Gender Studies Student Excellence Awards also will be presented. Part of Women's History Month. Free. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sixth floor parlor, Central Library. Women's and Gender Studies.

Architecture Lecture Series Features Victoria Meyers, founding partner at Hanrahan Meyers Architects, New York. Free. 4 p.m., Room 204, Architecture Building. Architecture.

Thursday, March 22

ACES Symposium The Annual Celebration of Excellence by Students symposium showcases research and creativity. Oral presentations 8:20-11:40 a.m. and 1-4 p.m., upper level rooms, E.H. Hereford University Center. Posters 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Palo Duro Lounge. Reception and awards ceremony 5 p.m., Rio Grande Ballroom. ACES.

Friday, March 23

ACES Roundtable with Faculty Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, right, joins members of the faculty in a roundtable discussion of current events and issues affecting higher education. Free. 3 p.m., Carlisle Suite, Academy Room, E.H. Hereford University Center. ACES.

Maverick Speakers Series Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush discusses "Achieving Excellence in Education." He now heads the Foundation for Excellence in Education, and his ideas on education reform are garnering national interest. Q&A to follow lecture. Tickets are free but required. Preferred ticket packages available for $25. 8 p.m., College Park Center. Maverick Speakers Series.

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

Tuesday, March 13

Baseball Mavericks vs. Baylor. $5. 6:30 p.m., Clay Gould Ballpark. Athletics.

Wednesday, March 14

Celebrating Maverick Spirit Benefits Fair More than 65 vendors provide the opportunity for faculty and staff to learn about the benefits of being a Maverick. Lunch and giveaways are provided to the first 500 guests. Free. 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Bluebonnet Ballroom, E.H. Hereford University Center. Staff Advisory Council.

Men's Tennis Mavericks vs. Southern Miss. Free. 2 p.m., UTA Tennis Center. Athletics.

Softball Mavericks vs. North Dakota State, 2 games. $5. 5 p.m., Allan Saxe Field. Athletics.

$2 Movie: Tower Heist Comedy-action film about a group of hard-working guys who find out they've fallen victim to a wealthy businessman's Ponzi scheme, so they conspire to rob his high-rise residence. Rated PG-13. 5:30 p.m.; also 5:30 p.m., Friday, March 16, and 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 17. Planetarium.

Sunday, March 18

Men's Tennis Mavericks vs. Sacramento State. Free 11 a.m.; also Mavericks vs. Drake, 2 p.m., Monday, March 19. UTA Tennis Center. Athletics.

Monday, March 19

Guest Artists: Four Hornsmen of the Apocalypse World-renowned horn quartet group, right, breaks the traditional barrier between the musician and the listener. They entertain audiences with their unique sense of humor and technique. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Tuesday, March 20

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

Ongoing

There's No Sun Shining Through Graduate student Corey Gossett ('06 BFA) explores personal disappointment, fear, dread, and despair. Free. 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays; 2-6 p.m., Wednesdays, Fridays. Through Saturday, March 31. Gallery 76102, Fort Worth Center.

Impressions of the West: Works of Art from Special Collections The American West comes alive in more than 30 paintings, sculptures, and prints. Includes bronze sculptures by Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell. Free. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. Through Saturday, April 28. Special Collections, sixth floor, Central Library.

India Unveiled A collection of 35 images by photographer and author Robert Arnett. Free. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. Through Saturday, May 26. Special Collections, sixth floor parlor, Central Library.

Planetarium Take an adventure along the spectrum in Cosmic Colors. 6 p.m. Tuesdays, 1:30 p.m. Sundays. Planetarium.

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