MavWire 2014 Archive » MavWire — Monday, October 13, 2014

UT Arlington wins award for food waste reduction

The Environmental Protection Agency recently recognized UT Arlington’s efforts to reduce food waste and prevent tons of refuse from ending up in landfills each year.

The EPA’s Food Recovery Challenge program gave its Award for Leadership on Tuesday to UT Arlington’s Office of Sustainability. UT Arlington was one of the first of 50 U.S. colleges and universities to join the Food Recovery Challenge, a food waste reduction initiative.

The main focus of UT Arlington’s food recovery program is a successful composting effort since 2005. Volunteers and staff have steadily increased the amount of food waste collected and composted from campus dining services and off-campus coffee shops and hospitals, as well as yard waste from University grounds crews. About 68,000 pounds, or 34 tons, is composted each year.

Read more about UTA's Food Recovery Challenge.

UT Arlington closely monitoring information about Ebola case

UT Arlington continues to monitor developments related to reports of Ebola virus cases in the United States. The health and safety of the University community is of utmost concern.

UT Arlington is not aware of any Ebola-related illness within the University community and is maintaining close contact with regional, state, and federal health officials to ensure that the University has the most current information available.

The University maintains protocols and supplies necessary to enable a rapid and effective response to potential threats to the health and welfare of our community.

Read more about UTA's Ebola health advisory, travel requests, and more.

Sign up for Homecoming 2014 events for alumni, faculty, staff

Plan now for UT Arlington’s Homecoming 2014, a weeklong celebration Nov. 17-22, featuring a parade, street festival, pep rally, basketball game, fireworks, and more.

On Saturday, Nov. 22, expect a busy time with a golf tournament, 5K walk/run, a street festival, and reunions. The Party on the Plaza is for alumni, faculty, staff, and friends before the game.

The Homecoming parade and pep rally lead up to the big game when the Maverick men’s basketball team plays Houston Baptist in College Park Center. A fireworks display follows.

New to the lineup this year is the annual Distinguished Alumni Awards on Friday, Nov. 21. Other Homecoming events include Paint Your Ride with Maverick Pride car decorating, a step show, The Bash, and a chili cook-off. 

Order tickets to the Distinguished Alumni Awards and the Party of the Plaza. Register your department or organization for the Homecoming Parade.

Tickets still available for Oct. 20 Carville-Matalin appearance

Tickets are still available to see husband-and-wife political commentators James Carville and Mary Matalin in the Maverick Speakers Series.

The duo will present "All’s Fair: Love, War, and Politics" at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 20, at Texas Hall. An autograph signing follows the lecture.

James Carville, a prominent figure in the Democratic Party, and Mary Matalin, a consultant for the Republican Party, are known for their stimulating, candid, and entertaining take on politics from both sides of the political aisle. They are co-authors of Love & War: Twenty Years, Three Presidents, Two Daughters and One Louisiana Home.

Tickets also are available now to see James Stavridis, retired Navy admiral, at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4, at Texas Hall. An autograph signing will follow the lecture, "Sailing the Cyber Sea: The New Realities of 21st Century Security."

Growth factor: Dr. Ankur Jain, left, assistant professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, and Dr. Samarendra Mohanty, leader of the Biophysics and Physiology Lab in the College of Science, are co-authors of a paper on neuron growth.

Neuron growth research could benefit spinal cord injuries

A research team exploring how neuron growth can be controlled in the lab and, possibly, in the human body has published a new paper in Nature Scientific Reports.

The researchers used microfluidic stimulations to change the path of an axon at an angle of up to 90 degrees. Axons are the shafts of neurons, on the tips of which connections are made with other neurons or cells.

The publication adds insight to chemical cues during human development and nervous system regeneration. Such knowledge could aid advances in spinal cord injuries, where fluid flow can guide regenerating axons. 

Co-authors are Samarendra Mohanty, leader of the Biophysics and Physiology Lab in the College of Science; Ankur Jain, assistant professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering; and Ling Gu, Bryan Black, Simon Ordonez, and Argha Mondal, all researchers in Dr. Mohanty’s lab at the time of the research.

Read more about the neuron growth research.

Better comfort, fit: Dr. Muthu Wijesundara, left, principal research scientist at UT Arlington’s Research Institute, and Dr. Haiying Huang, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, have been awarded a grant from the Department of Defense Peer Reviewed Orthapaedic Research Program to create an adaptive interface to improve prosthetic limbs' fit and comfort.

Wearable interface to make prosthetics more comfortable

UTA researchers have been awarded a $744,300 grant from the Department of Defense Peer Reviewed Orthapaedic Research Program to create an adaptive interface that fits between a prosthetic and a patient’s limb so that the fit and comfort of the prosthetic are improved.

Haiying Huang, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, and Muthu Wijesundara, principal research scientist at UT Arlington’s Research Institute, are collaborating on the project.

The interface will resemble an inflatable bubble wrap. Embedded sensors will measure vertical movement of the limb relative to the socket wall, the pressure on the limb, the changes in the circumference of the limb during the day, and the water content in the tissue.

Prosthetic users frequently experience discomfort, blistering, and ulcers between their prosthetics and their residual limbs.

Read more about the bubble actuator and prosthetics research.

'Beyond Right and Wrong' looks at tragedies and forgiveness Wednesday

Listen to both sides of tragedy and forgiveness at a screening of Beyond Right and Wrong at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15, in Room 100 of Nedderman Hall.

This life-changing documentary explores the intersections of justice and forgiveness as survivors heal from these tragedies. From the Rwandan genocide to "The Troubles" in Northern Ireland to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, people from different sides of the violence share their stories—their anger, remorse, pain, and paths to recovery.

Read more about Beyond Right and Wrong.

The screening is sponsored by the Office of the President and University College.

And they're off! Lisa Karbhari fires the starting pistol for the 34th annual Bed Races at Maverick Stadium on Thursday night. See more photos.

Graduate School Expo set for Wednesday

The Graduate School Expo, formerly known as GradFest, brings advanced degree information to anyone considering graduate or professional school. The event is Wednesday, Oct. 15, in the E.H. Hereford University Center.

Meet with representatives from UT Arlington's graduate programs and other Texas colleges and universities at the graduate and professional school fair 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Two presentations on the UTA graduate admission process and funding graduate school at UT Arlington are at noon and 1 p.m.

A free GRE and GMAT Practice Test and Strategy Workshop is 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18. Register with Kaplan at the Graduate School Expo.

Register online to attend the Graduate School Expo.

Hancock hosts town hall meeting Tuesday

Texas State Senator Kelly Hancock will discuss issues relevant to Arlington and UTA at a town hall meeting at 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14, in the Bluebonnet Ballroom of the E.H. Hereford University Center.

Hancock represents District 9, which includes UT Arlington.

Nominate a Maverick of the Month

Do you know a student or faculty/staff member who exemplifies The Maverick Way? Nominate him or her to receive the Maverick of the Month distinction.

Nominations for October are due by Wednesday, Oct. 22. Contact Jennifer Fox at jdfox@uta.edu for more information.

Learn about online crime, protection during Cyber Security Awareness Month

The Information Security Office hosts lunch-and-learn programs for faculty and staff during Cyber Security Awareness Month.

Register for the programs, which are 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. in Room 241 of the Business Building. Topics are: 

Wednesday, Oct. 15—Encryption vs. Direct Memory Access
 

Wednesday, Oct. 22—Protecting Yourself from Cyber Crimes

Campus web application developers, architects, or IT practitioners with software experience can learn about secure coding and software development Thursday, Oct. 23, via the Division of Enterprise Development. The free hands-on training is 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. in Room 118 of the Technical Training Center, 106 W. 6th St. 

Secure Electronic Media Destruction Week—Monday-Friday, Oct. 27-31—offers free and secure destruction of University-owned hard drives and media. Departments must follow University procedures for submitting computing devices and electronic media for surplus or destruction.

Bookmark the ISO Blog to view the latest security advisories or like ISO on Facebook to receive security tips.

Nominations needed for student leaders, Homecoming king and queen

Encourage your students to run in student elections. Open positions include Homecoming king and queen, Student Congress senators, and UTA Ambassadors.

Individuals must file by 5 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 16, in the Student Organizations Office, Suite B120, E.H. Hereford University Center.

To nominate a student for any of the open positions, email Jennifer Fox at jdfox@uta.edu with the student’s name and email address.

Voting is Monday-Tuesday, Nov. 3-4, in the University Center. For more information, call 2-2293 or visit uta.edu/sao.

Attend SECC Charity Fair to learn more about annual campaign

Learn about organizations that need your help through the State Employee Charitable Campaign, which runs through Oct. 31. UT Arlington's goal is $80,000.

The SECC Charity Fair is 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, in the Bluebonnet Ballroom South of the E.H. Hereford University Center. 

Look for a pledge form from your department representative soon. A listing of agencies and organizations will show which groups benefit from your gift. Fill out that form and return it to your SECC representative.

Or pledge online at dfwmetroplexsecc.org by clicking Pledge Online, then select University of Texas Arlington, register, and create your pledge.

Make a one-time gift or pledge monthly. Donations may be made to one or more organizations.

UTA Bookstore hosts Grad Finale

Visit the UTA Bookstore to obtain your regalia and other items for fall Commencement. Grad Finale is Monday-Thursday, Oct. 13-16, at the UTA Bookstore.

Jostens will take orders for rings and invitations. Flash Photography will be available Tuesday and Wednesday only.

Hours are 3-7 p.m. Monday-Tuesday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday.

Monday, Oct. 13

University Leadership Seminar Series Explore barriers within the faculty search process that prevent the fair evaluation of underrepresented candidates. Register. Lunch provided. Free. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., University Club, Davis Hall.

Tuesday, Oct. 14

LINK Research Lab Lectures Dragan Gasevic, co-founder of the Society for Learning Analytics Research, discusses "Learning Analytics Are About Learning." Free. 12:30-1:30 p.m., Room 601, Nedderman Hall. LINK Research Lab.

MARK Adviser Training: Adviser Self-Awareness Tier Two: Adviser Self-Awareness. Register online. 2-4 p.m., Room 200, Trimble Hall. Also Adviser Strengths Part 1, Friday, Oct. 17; Adviser Strengths Part 2, Thursday, Oct. 23; Pathways to Persistence, Thursday, Oct. 30. Academic Advising Center.

Wednesday, Oct. 15

Skills for Supervisors and Managers Register online. Free. 9-11 a.m., J.D. Wetsel Service Center. Human Resources.

LaunchCode Information Session LaunchCode is a volunteer-run organization that helps people get jobs in the IT field. The program includes a free online Harvard training class and a two- to three-month apprenticeship. Register. Free. 6:30 p.m., Bluebonnet Ballroom, E.H. Hereford University Center. LaunchCode, Division for Enterprise Development.

Faculty Research Enhancement, Development Leave Info Sessions Learn about grants of up to $10,000 through the Research Enhancement Program and the faculty development leave program. 2-3 p.m., Room 241, Business Building. Also 2-3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, Room 303, Chemistry and Physics Building. Faculty Affairs.

Thursday, Oct. 16

Dealing Effectively with Conflict and Confrontation Register online. Free. 9-11 a.m., J.D. Wetsel Service Center. Human Resources.

Biology Colloquium Series Joe Barrera, director of the Shimadzu Institute for Research Technology, speaks on "Quantification of Trace Estrogens in Serum by Bulk Derivatization and Direct Cation Exchange Trap-and-Elute LC/MS/MS." 4 p.m. Room 118, Life Science Building. Biology.

Shattered Hopes: Obama's Failure to Broker Israeli-Palestinian Peace Author Josh Ruebner discusses his book Shattered Hopes: Obama's Failure to Broker Israeli-Palestinian Peace. Ruebner is national advocacy director for the U.S. Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation. Free. 7 p.m., Bluebonnet Ballroom, E.H. Hereford University Center. English Language Institute.

Engineering Speaker Series Chris Singer, director of the Engineering Directorate at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, speaks on "Engine of Possibility: Exploration." Free. 5-7 p.m., Room 601, Nedderman Hall. Engineering.

Thursday-Friday, Oct. 16-17

Ninth Biennial Virginia Garrett Lectures on the History of Cartography "The Price of Manifest Destiny: War and American Expansion, 1800-1865." See schedule. Register online. Central Library. UT Arlington Libraries Special Collections.

Friday, Oct. 17

Professional Development: Creating Community in a Diverse Environment Lee Mun Wah, award-winning filmmaker and diversity trainer, is guest speaker. Free. 1-4 p.m., Bluebonnet Ballroom, E.H. Hereford University Center. Multicultural Affairs.

Saturday, Oct. 18

First Aid/CPR/AED Workshop Cover the American Red Cross first aid basics, medical emergencies, injury emergencies, environmental emergencies, adult CPR and AED use. Register at the MAC Services and Information Desk. $50. Noon-5 p.m., Room 213, Maverick Activities Center. Campus Recreation.

Coming up

International Exchange Brown Bag Discover the opportunities and funding offered by the 100,000 Strong in the Americas program. RSVP to mcosio@uta.edu. Noon-1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27, Room 315A, Central Library. Faculty Affairs, International Education.

Brown Bag: Green Office, Ride Share Programs Hear about the new Maverick Green Office Program (formerly Maverick Office Green Team)  and a new ride share program. Light snacks available. RSVP by Friday, Oct. 17, to becky@uta.edu; include your home zip code. Free. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, Carlisle Suite, E.H. Hereford University Center. Sustainability.

Innovation Symposium and National Academy of Inventors Chapter Launch A TED-style symposium highlights research by UTA nominees of National Academy of Inventors Fellows. A poster session features research of faculty inventors. Afterward, a ceremony inducting UTA's inaugural class of the National Academy of Inventors. Register. Free; open to public. Innovation Symposium, 1-4 p.m.; NAI chapter launch, 4:45-8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 30, College Park Center. Innovation Symposium.

Improving Brain-injury Rehabilitation Through Infrared Imaging Georgios Alexandrakis, professor of bioengineering, describes using near-infrared light imaging to monitor traumatic brain injury as well as guide the treatment-mediated brain rewiring in children with cerebral palsy and adult stroke patients.Light breakfast provided. RSVP. Free. 7-8 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 5, Room 100, Nedderman Hall. Arlington Technology Association.

Human Resources Training Your Professional Image, Tuesday, Oct. 21; Leadership Skills for Supervisors, Thursday, Oct. 23; Team Building for Supervisors, Tuesday, Oct. 28; Time Management: Keys to Everyday Office Success, Friday, Oct. 31. Register online. Free. 9-11 a.m., J.D. Wetsel Service Center. Human Resources.

(For an expanded list of events, see the UTA calendar.)

Monday, Oct. 13

Film: 'Vital Signs: Crip Culture Talks Back' Explore the politics of disability through the performances, debates, and late-night conversations of activists at a national conference on disability and the arts. Open-captioned. Real-time caption for discussion. For disability-related accommodations, contact Sarah Rose at srose@uta.edu or 2-2861. Free admission and lunch. Noon-1:30 p.m., sixth floor parlor, Central Library. Disability Studies Minor, Office for Students with Disabilities.

Tuesday, Oct. 14

Music Honors Recital Performances by outstanding music students and faculty. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Afternoon Variety Showcase Free. 11 a.m., Palo Duro Lounge, E.H. Hereford University Center. EXCEL Campus Activities.

Wednesday, Oct. 15

Comic Potential A romantic comedy that raises questions about the nature and purpose of comedy, the necessity of love, and what it means to be truly human. Tickets. 8 p.m., Mainstage Theatre, Fine Arts Building. Also, 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Oct. 16-18, 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19. Theatre Arts.

Guest Bassoon Recital Jeff McCray of the University of Nebraska. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building South. Music.

Ballet Folklorico Mexico 2000 Ballet Folklorico performs. Free. 7-9 p.m., Rosebud Theatre, E.H. Hereford University Center. Multicultural Affairs, Hispanic Heritage Month.

Thursday, Oct. 16

LunaFest Film Festival Films directed and produced by and for women. A short-short film, "Rubies" by alumnae Lizette Barrera, BFA '13, included. Tickets $5 students, $10 others; $10 at door. 7-9 p.m., Lone Star Auditorium, Maverick Activities Center. Proceeds benefit the Breast Cancer Research Fund. Women's and Gender Studies.

Friday, Oct. 17

UT Arlington Wind Symphony Concert The UT Arlington Wind Symphony, conducted by Douglas Stotter, presents a concert of band classics. Tickets $9; 6 students. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Volleyball Mavericks vs. Arkansas State. Tickets $5. 6:30 p.m. College Park Center. Also, vs. Georgia Southern, Friday, Oct. 24. Athletics.

Monday, Oct. 20

National Day on Writing Create an eight-word” story that starts "I am UTA because …” and add it to the story wall. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Library mall. UT Arlington Libraries, Writing Center, English.

Tuesday, Oct. 21

International Food Fair Taste fare from around the world for International Education Week. 11 a.m.-2 p.m., University Center mall. International Education.

Coming up

The Big Event Fundraiser UTA's annual community service program receives 25 percent of proceeds. 5-9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, Potbelly’s Sandwich Shop, 1301 S. Cooper St. The Big Event.

One Mic Stand Comedy: Ross Matthews Ross Mathews, aka Ross the Intern, presents "Straight Talk: LOL's and Advice from Your Gay BFF." Tickets $15; $7 students. 7:30 p.m., Bluebonnet Ballroom, E.H. Hereford University Center. EXCEL Campus Activities.

Friday Night Film: 'How To Train Your Dragon 2' Rated PG. Free fresh-popped popcorn while supplies last; other concessions for sale. Tickets $1, $1.50 with credit card. 8 p.m., Rosebud Theatre, E.H. Hereford University Center. EXCEL Campus Activities.

American Jazz Composers Orchestra Concert Hear the music of The Rolling Stones performed by Dallas/Fort Worth's top jazz musicians. Dan Cavanagh, associate director of jazz studies and associate professor of music, serves as artistic director. $10; call Box Office at 2-2669. 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, MainStage Theatre, Fine Arts Building North. Theatre Arts.

Ongoing

University Center Gallery: Wings of Life Exhibit features works by Jeremy Schack, Janet Morrow, and Kourtney St. Clair. University Center Gallery, E.H. Hereford University Center. Through Friday, Oct. 17. Movin' Mavs Adapted Sports and Recreation, Disability Studies Minor.

The Gallery at UTA: Philip Van Keuren and Liz Ward Philip Van Keuren presents atmospheric black and white photogravures. Liz Ward's work includes colorful watercolors and meticulous silverpoint drawings. Gallery hours 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, noon-5 p.m. Saturdays. Artist talk with Ward, 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16. Opening reception 5:30-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17. The Gallery at UTA, Fine Arts Building North. Through Nov. 15. The Gallery at UTA.

Special Collections: The Price of Manifest Destiny Discover how maps and war interlock in the 19th century in a new exhibit. In conjunction with the Ninth Biennial Virginia Garrett Lectures on the History of Cartography, Thursday-Friday, Oct. 16-17. Hours 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. UT Arlington Libraries Special Collections.

Gallery 76102: Above & Beyond Kalee Appleton's series is inspired by time and time’s tendency to both transform and preserve. Gallery hours noon-6 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays, Gallery 76102, 1401 Jones St., Fort Worth. Through Nov. 30. Fort Worth Center, Gallery 76102.

MavsArt The semi-annual UTA community art show features 67 works by 25 artists who are UTA students, faculty, and staff. Through Dec. 3. UT Arlington Libraries, MavsArt.

Visual Resource Commons and Gallery The African Art Collection is a multi-dimensional collection of 11th-20th century art and artifacts. Free. 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, Suite 2109, Fine Arts Building. Art and Art History.

Planetarium Open House Night free shows each Tuesday. Black Holes, Oct. 14; TimeSpace, Oct. 21; Stars of the Pharaohs, Oct. 28. The fall schedule includes Astronaut; One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure; Pink Floyd; Spacepark 360 Infinity; Two Small Pieces of Glass; and We Are Astronomers. Planetarium.

(For an expanded list of events, see the UTA calendar.)