University Communications » Internal Communications » MavWire » MavWire 02-11-2013

Dr. Bob Woods

Formula SAE racing adviser honored with SAE Triple E Award

The Society of Automotive Engineers has honored mechanical engineering Professor Bob Woods, the longtime adviser to the University’s Formula SAE racing team, with its annual Excellence in Engineering Education Award.

The “Triple E” Award recognizes outstanding contributions made by an individual toward engineering education. Dr. Woods joined the College of Engineering in 1974 and has developed one of the most successful student racing programs in the country.

Graduate student J.P. Merkel says Woods offers his students hands-on engineering experience that is a direct pathway to their ultimate careers.

“Nearly all of what you talk about and learn in the lab and on the track can be applied,” says Merkel, who submitted a letter to SAE International recommending Woods for the award. “Dr. Woods helps us see that connection.”

Read more about Woods' award.

Dr. Priscila Cacola

Kinesiology prof wins young investigator award

The National Association for Sport and Physical Education has chosen kinesiology Assistant Professor Priscila Caçola to receive its Lolas E. Halverson Motor Development Young Investigator Award. The award honors researchers who received their doctorate within the past five years and have already made significant contributions to the field of motor development.

In 2011 Dr. Caçola established the Developmental Motor Cognition Lab at the College of Education and Health Professions. Her research focuses on the cognitive links to low motor skills in children.

“In the short time she's been here, Dr. Caçola has established an active research laboratory, become a mentor to undergraduate and graduate students, and made connections in the community that have resulted in real change for children and their families,” says Louise Fincher, chair of the Kinesiology Department.

Read more about Caçola's award.

Software engineer's tool makes for quicker tests

Jeff Lei, an associate professor of computer science and engineering, is refining a computer testing tool that reduces the amount of time and expense companies must spend to determine whether a new program works.

Dr. Lei says the Advanced Combinatorial Testing System has myriad applications. His work is supported by two new National Institute of Standards and Technology grants worth a total of $400,000 and has the potential to greatly reduce the cost of health care while improving the quality.

“In our world, you can’t test everything. There could be an infinite number of ways to test a particular software,” Lei says. “But what our tool does is test the software enough to be certain of the software’s ability.”

Read more about the computer testing tool.

Dr. Yaba Blay

One Drop lecture examines 'black' ID

Yaba Blay discusses "One Drop: Fact, Fiction, or Fate" and her groundbreaking (1)ne Drop Project, which looks at the complexities of blackness as identity and reality, for Black History Month. Dr. Blay is an assistant teaching professor of Africana Studies at Drexel University.

The free lecture is at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12, in the Concho Room of the E.H. Hereford University Center.

(1)ne Drop explores the “other” faces of blackness, those that may not immediately be recognized, accepted, or embraced as “black.”

The inspiration behind CNN's Black in America 5: Who is Black in America?, (1)ne Drop sparks dialogue about the intricacies and nuances of racial identity and the influence of skin color politics on questions of racial determinacy and authenticity.

Police escort service available any time

The UT Arlington Police Department offers escort service at any time requested. To request a security escort, call 2-3381.

The Green/South shuttle route runs through 10:30 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, including faculty/staff lots 13 and 17.

Economic insight Economists and urban theorists Richard Florida, left, and Steven Pedigo were on campus Thursday to discuss the North Texas creative economy with faculty, students, and staff. Dr. Florida, founder of the Creative Class Group, is the author of The Rise of the Creative Class Revisited. He and Pedigo are distinguished research scholars in the School of Urban and Public Affairs. Earlier in the day, they conducted a master class in the school.

Library receives the Muslim Journeys Bookshelf grant

The UT Arlington Library has been awarded the Muslim Journeys Bookshelf grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

The one-year grant includes 25 books, three films, and access for one year to Oxford Islamic Studies Online.

For more information about the award, contact Derek Reece at dreece@uta.edu or 2-9058.

Watch 'Happy,' then find happiness

How important is happiness, and where do you find it? Two events this week answer those questions and more.

The documentary Happy looks at a world that values and promotes happiness and well-being. Showtime is 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13, in the Rosebud Theatre of the E.H. Hereford University Center. Admission is free.

On Valentine's Day, find happiness with a Geographic Information Systems workshop. "Mapping Happiness: Identifying the Happiest Places on Earth" is 3-5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, in Room B20 of the Central Library.

Create a customized happiness index for each country using environmental sustainability and economic indicators. Each participant will have full control over how each indicator impacts the happiness index. No GIS experience is required.

For details, contact Joshua Been at been@uta.edu or 2-5826.

Help Desk opens in University Center

Bring your computer questions to the new Help Desk site at the Campus Information Center on the main level of the E.H. Hereford University Center.

The Office of Information Technology operates the new locale 8 a.m.-noon and 1-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays.

You also can reach the Help Desk by phone at 2-2208 and email at helpdesk@uta.edu.

Taking the oath December graduate Khiry Abdullah, left, takes the Marine Corps oath from recruiter Capt. Penny D. MacCormack during halftime at Thursday's men's basketball game. Military Appreciation Night at College Park Center included free game admission for military personnel. Abdullah earned a bachelor's degree in management.

'Fritos Pie' author shares corny tales at Friends of Library meeting Friday

Kaleta Doolin, daughter of Fritos pioneer and author of Fritos Pie: Stories, Recipes, and More, cooks up some interesting tales for the Friends of the Library meetings at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15, in the sixth floor parlor of the Central Library.

Fritos Pie is an insider’s look at the never-before-told story of the Frito Company. Filled with personal anecdotes, more than 150 vintage and newly created recipes, and stories, this book recounts the company’s early days, and the 1961 merger that created Frito-Lay, Inc.

A reception and book signing follow.

For more information, contact LibraryFriends@uta.edu or call 2-1413.

University Club seeks feedback for new items at tasting buffet

The second part of the University Club's tasting buffet is Thursday, Feb. 14.

New items—sandwiches, wraps, and salads—will be chosen for the menu based on guests’ scores.

Served buffet style, the tasting is $8 per person. The regular menu will not be available. The University Club hours are 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Student Conduct and Discipline policies amended

Chapter 2: Student Conduct and Discipline of the Handbook of Operating Procedures has been amended because of Regents Rules and Regulations Rule 50101, which requires that all UT System institutions adhere to a model policy from the UT System Office of General Counsel.

Changes were made to administrative hearing and appeals processes, and sexual assault policies were amended to align more closely with the Office of Civil Rights recommended best practices.

For questions, contact the UTA Office of Student Conduct.

Staff Advisory Council meeting

Catch an update from the presidential search committee, hear about a new benefit, and more at the monthly meeting. 3:15 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 12, Student Congress Chambers, E.H. Hereford University Center. Staff Advisory Council.

Performance Review Training for Supervisors

Performance Management Forms and Procedures for supervisors is offered 2-3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19; 9-10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 22; 4-5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28; noon-1 p.m. Monday, March 4; and 10-11 a.m. Monday, March 25. All classes are in Room 200 of the Wetsel Center.

Annual performance reviews for all employees—except faculty, GTAs, and GRAs—must be completed by Friday, March 29. Evaluation forms can be accessed online.

For questions, call 2-5554.

Mindful Moments

Take a break from stress with Mindful Moments. Free. 12:15-12:45 p.m., Wednesdays, Room 219, Health Services Center. Health Services.

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, Feb. 12

One Drop Project: Fact, Fiction, or Fate Yaba Blay of Drexel University's Africana Studies discusses her (1)ne Drop Project. 7 p.m. Red River/Concho rooms, E.H. Hereford University Center. Black History Month.

Thursday, Feb. 14

Mapping Happiness: Identifying the Happiest Places on Earth Use Geographic Information Systems to create a customized happiness index for each country using environmental sustainability and economic indicators. No GIS experience is required. Free. 3-5 p.m., Room B20, Central Library. Library.

Monday, Feb. 18

Solar Energy: Answers for Those Who Don't Even Know What to Ask Presentation and discussion about solar energy and its use in urban America. Includes tour of solar shuttle. Register. Free. 3 p.m., University Hall. School of Urban and Public Affairs.

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

Sex educator shares secrets of the J-Spot Jay Friedman offers a progressive and positive approach to sex/sexism/sexual assault education that has audiences laughing while they’re learning at “The J-Spot: A Sex Educator Tells All.” The free lecture is at 3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, in the Rosebud Theatre of the E.H. Hereford University Center. Far from a doom-and-gloom presentation, Friedman's lecture entertains while educating his audience about important and timely sexuality issues. Friedman asserts that, "Unfortunately, we live in a sex-negative, sex-repressed, and sex-phobic society that has trouble talking about sex and that provides inadequate sex education. My goal is to give a thought-provoking, conversation-creating and perhaps life-changing performance that breaks the taboos in talking about sex. If people can be more open, I’m sure we’d avoid the dangers that result from sexual ignorance, and instead enjoy healthy relationships and more pleasurable sexual lives." An award-winning writer, speaker, sex educator, and provocateur, Friedman is certified as a sex educator by the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists. The Relationship Violence and Sexual Assault Prevention Program and EXCEL Campus Activities host the event. For more information, contact 2-6051 or excel-advisor@uta.edu.

Monday, Feb. 11

Voice Division Recital Features performances by UT Arlington vocal students. Free. Noon, Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Faculty Cello Recital Features John Burton, professor of cello. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Tuesday, Feb. 12

Maverick Club Luncheon Hear baseball coach Darin Thomas and softball coach Kristie Fox with lunch provided by Spring Creek Barbeque. $5 for Maverick Club members, $10 for others. Noon, Hospitality Suite, College Park Center. Maverick Club, Athletics.

Mardi Gras Madness Grab your Mardi Gras beads on Fat Tuesday with a taste of New Orleans cuisine and live zydeco music by the Dennis Cavalier Band, crowning of the Mardi Gras king and queen, mock-tails, free bowling, games, and prizes. Free. 7 p.m., Bowling and Billiards, E.H. Hereford University Center. EXCEL Campus Activities, Bowling and Billiards.

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.

Wednesday, Feb. 13

Documentary 'Happy' A documentary on happiness and well-being by Roko Belic, director of the Academy Award-nominated Genghis Blues. Free. 7 p.m., Rosebud Theatre, E.H. Hereford University Center. Freshmen Leaders On Campus, LiveWell MavWell, Library.

Thursday, Feb. 14

ChocolateFest Celebrate the wonderful taste of chocolate. Sample various chocolate goodies and some signature items such as custom-molded chocolates and a chocolate fountain. Free. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Central Library. Library.

Women's Basketball Mavericks vs. Idaho. $6 tickets. 7 p.m. College Park Center. Also, vs. Seattle University, 6 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 16. Athletics.

Friday, Feb. 15

Baseball Mavericks vs. Louisiana Tech. $6 tickets. 6:30 p.m. Clay Gould Ballpark. Also 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, and 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17. Athletics.

Sunday, Feb. 17

Women's Tennis Mavericks vs. Air Force. Free. 2 p.m., UTA Tennis Center. Athletics.

Coming up

Maverick Speakers Series Mark Kelly, retired astronaut and naval aviator, discusses "Endeavoring to Build a Better America." Free, but tickets required. Premium seating $25. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, Texas Hall. Maverick Speakers Series.

Ongoing

Flight Deck Showcases public art at Love Field and DFW International Airport. Free. Gallery hours 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays and noon-5 p.m. Saturdays, Fine Arts Building. Through Saturday, Feb. 16. The Gallery at UTA.

Frank Lloyd Wright's Samara: A Mid-Century Dream Home Experience the process of building and living in a home designed by one of America’s greatest architects, Frank Lloyd Wright. $8. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, 1-5 p.m. Sundays, Arlington Museum of Art, 201 W. Main St., downtown Arlington. Through Sunday, Feb. 17. Architecture.

Planetarium Be transported to surreal vistas and experience the most thrilling amusement park rides the solar system has to offer in Spacepark 360. 2:30 p.m., Sundays. Planetarium.

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