MavWire 2014 Archive » MavWire — Monday, November 3, 2014

Healing construction: Dr. Liping Tang, professor of bioengineering, will use a grant from the U.S. Army to use biodegradable polymer microscaffolding to regenerate cartilage tissue and reduce osteoarthritis with the patient's stem cells.

Microscaffolding injections could mend cartilage, prevent osteoarthritis

Liping Tang, a bioengineering professor and interim chair of the Bioengineering Department, has received a $1.04 million grant from the U.S. Army that aims to regenerate cartilage tissue and reduce osteoarthritis using a patient’s own stem cells, spurred through the injection of microscaffolding made of biodegradable polymers.

Dr. Tang says the research is primarily focused on helping soldiers who are severely injured on the battlefield.

Post-traumatic osteoarthritis develops as a result of improper healing of joints, which turn arthritic. It often occurs in soldiers with broken bones from blasts, shrapnel, and gunshot wounds. Joints and cartilage are surrounded by stem cells that need instruction in where to go and what to do, Tang says.

The new treatment is aimed not only at reducing post-traumatic osteoarthritis symptoms but also curing it by regenerating new cartilage tissue using patients' own stem cells.

Read more about microscaffolding and osteoarthritis.

Nearly $1 million NSF grant will support doctoral students

A dozen doctoral students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—also known as STEM fields—will receive free tuition and a $30,000 yearly stipend for two years thanks to a new National Science Foundation grant.

The $974,250 in funding for the Bridge to the Doctorate Fellowships comes from the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) program at the NSF.

Read more about the Bridge to the Doctorate Fellowships.

Neilsen Foundation establishes scholarships for students with spinal cord injuries

The Office for Students with Disabilities has been selected to be a part of the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation Scholarship for Students with Spinal Cord Injury program.

The $131,000 in scholarships will provide tuition, fees, books, and supplies for four students with spinal cord injuries for the remainder of their undergraduate or graduate program beginning with the 2014-15 academic year.     

The Neilsen Foundation also established a $75,000 supplemental support fund to reduce barriers for Neilsen Scholars’ academic success. The supplemental fund will support needs related to the students’ spinal cord injury, such as caregiver services and adaptive equipment or assistive technology, and will subsidize other costs such as housing, childcare, and/or transportation.

Read more about the Neilsen Foundation Scholarships.

Dr. James Stavridis

Tickets still available for Stavridis lecture Tuesday

There's still time to get tickets to see retired Navy Adm. James Stavridis in the next Maverick Speakers Series event.

Dr. Stavridis will present "Sailing the Cyber Sea: The New Realities of 21st Century Security" at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4, at Texas Hall. An autograph signing follows the lecture.

He is dean of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University and served as head of the U.S. European Command and NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe for 2009-2013. His latest book, The Accidental Admiral: A Soldier Takes Command at NATO, debuted in October.

Season and preferred packages and free general admission tickets are available at utatickets.com. For VIP tickets, contact Mark LaVelle at mlavelle@uta.edu or 2-5235.

Know the rules about political activities

With election day Tuesday, Nov. 4, UT Arlington encourages employees to be knowledgeable of local and national politics and to actively participate in such activities.

Employees may take reasonable time to vote without loss of pay or deduction from an accrued leave.

However, as stewards of public funds, UTA employees must ensure their political participation is separate and apart from their employment at UTA. Here are a few reminders:

 • Do not produce or distribute endorsements or support for a candidate or position on an issue using staff time and University facilities, equipment, and property, such as computers, copiers, and printers.

 • Do not use job time or UTA resources to influence the outcome of an election or referendum.

 • Do not use your official title or position to promote political activities.

 • Faculty should be impartial when discussing political topics with students and when encouraging them to vote.

 Learn more about Tuesday’s election at votexas.org.

Dr. Theron Bowman

Bowman to speak at Goolsby Leadership Academy event

Public service and leadership are the topics for a presentation by Theron Bowman, Arlington's deputy city manager and former chief of police, for the Goolsby Leadership Academy's Distinguished Speakers Series.

The free event is 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5, in the Bluebonnet Ballroom of the E.H. Hereford University Center.

Dr. Bowman began his law enforcement career with the Arlington Police Department, becoming police chief in 1999. He retired from that position and later became deputy city manager.  

At UTA, he earned a bachelor’s degree in biology, a Master of Public Administration degree, and a doctorate in urban and public administration. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the FBI National Executive Institute, and the Senior Management Institute for Police. In 2006, he was named a UTA Distinguished Alumnus.

Bowman also is a professor in the Criminology and Criminal Justice Department in the College of Liberal Arts.

Questions? Email stefan.williams@mavs.uta.edu for details.

Celebrate UT System Day on Nov. 14

Wear your Maverick attire when celebrating UT System Day 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, on the Library mall. The second annual event includes popcorn and commemorative cups.

Departments can join the celebration with a table to distribute promotional materials.

UT System Day is sponsored by the Staff Advisory Council, the UT System Employee Advisory Council, and the Office of Human Resources.

NAI chapter launch Fellows recognized at the chapter launch of the National Academy of Inventors last week included, from left, Dr. Vistasp Karbhari, president of UT Arlington; Dr. Ronald Elsenbaumer, provost and vice president for academic affairs; Dr. George Kondraske, professor of electrical engineering; Dr. Carolyn Cason, vice president for research; and Dr. Frank Lewis, professor of electrical engineering. Read more about the Innovation Symposium and UTA's NAI fellows.

State Employee Charitable Campaign extended to Nov. 15

The deadline for State Employee Charitable Campaign gifts has been extended until Saturday, Nov. 15.

Your department representative has pledge forms and a listing of agencies and organizations that benefit from your gift. Fill out that form and return it to your SECC representative.

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.

Questions? Contact Chris Muller at cmuller@uta.edu.

Livestream increases options for learning about large online courses

A course on “Success with Teaching Large Online Courses” is offered through livestreaming for the next Curriculum and Instruction Lecture Series.

Peggy Semingson, associate professor of curriculum and instruction, leads the session at noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5, in Room 112 of Nedderman Hall. Access the live session. A video will be posted after the workshop.

The workshop reviews how to successfully launch and deliver instruction in large online courses. Examples of successful practices and examples of documents and templates will be provided.

For more information, contact Dr. Semingson at peggys@uta.edu or 2-7568.

Free flu vaccinations offered

Avoid influenza season by getting the flu vaccine for free from Health Services. 

Bring a copy of your insurance card and employee ID card to receive the vaccination at one of these outreach clinics:

• 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3, Palo Duro Lounge, University Center
• 4-7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3, Kalpana Chawla Hall 

No flu vaccines will be given at the Health Services Center.

West Corridor unveiled at reception Nov. 19

Faculty and staff are invited to a reception showcasing the newly branded West Corridor on the College Park Center concourse. The corridor reflects the partnership between UTA Athletics and Texas Trust Credit Union.

The event is 4:30-6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, at the West Corridor. RSVP to Amanda Keomanivong at 972-595-1765 or akeomanivong@texastrustcu.org.

Float in Homecoming with parade entry

Claim your spot in the Homecoming parade lineup. Register online by Wednesday Nov. 12, with an entry that shows your Maverick spirit.

The parade starts at 5:45 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, on Spaniolo Drive outside College Park Center.

Bring old electronics to recycling event

The Office of Sustainability hosts an electronic recycling event 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5, near the southwest corner of Woolf Hall on the University Center mall.

Departments are responsible for bringing their items for recycling. Items with a UT Arlington sticker will not be accepted.

Bring computers/CPUs, monitors, computer peripherals, printers, fax machines, keyboards, photocopiers, televisions, VCRs, microwaves, stereos, home and office phones, cellphones, consumer electronics, printer cartridges, and rechargeable alkaline batteries.

For more information, contact Becky Valentich at becky@uta.edu or 2-0199.

Monday, Nov. 3

Migrant Children and the Immigration Crisis at the U.S.-Mexico Border A panel discussion on Central American children coming to Texas by academics, lawyers, and activists. Free. 2-3:30 p.m., Room 011, University Hall. Center for Mexican American Studies.

Tuesday, Nov. 4

OUT2Lunch Series "LGBTQA and Politics in Perspective." Lunch included. RSVP to lgbtqa@uta.edu. Free. Noon-1 p.m., San Saba Room, E.H. Hereford University Center. LGBTQA Program

Walter Echo-Hawk: Modern Day Warrior Walter Echo-Hawk, right, is the attorney instrumental in the passage of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (1990) and the American Indian Religious Freedom Act Amendments (1994). Reception and book signing follow. Free. 7 p.m., Room 108, University Hall. Also, noon Wednesday, Nov. 5, Room 100, College Hall. College of Liberal Arts, Festival of Ideas Global Research Institute.

Wednesday, Nov. 5

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., Room 100, Nedderman Hall. Arlington Technology Association.

Women's and Gender Studies Lecture Whitney Peoples, provost post-doctoral fellow in Women's and Gender Studies, discusses the female contraceptive YAZ and its relationship to gender, race, sexuality, and the media. Free. Noon, Room 360, University Hall. Women's and Gender Studies.

Food for Thought: Cardiovascular Fitness to Maximize Fat Loss Stephen Newhart, lecturer in kinesiology and a fitness professional, explains how interval training can help maximize cardiovascular training. Free. Noon-1 p.m., Room 101B, Maverick Activities Center. Campus Recreation.

CAAS Power Hour Lecture Jamie Grant, president of JDG Wealth Management Group and chairman of the Fort Worth Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, will discuss how to go from employee to entrepreneur. Light refreshments. Free. Noon-1 p.m., Rio Grande Ballroom, E.H. Hereford University Center. Center for African American Studies.

Thursday, Nov. 6

Biology Colloquium Thomas DeWitt of Texas A&M University presents "Predators Drive Replicated Phenotypic Evolution in Prey Fishes." Free. 4 p.m., Room 118, Life Science Building. Also, Aaron Bauer of Villanova University, Thursday, Nov. 13. Biology.

Friday, Nov. 7

Chemistry and Biochemistry Speakers Series Yinsheng Wang of the University of California, Riverside, discusses “Quantitative Proteomics for Research in Cancer Biology and Environmental Toxicology.” 3 p.m., Room 114, Chemistry Research Building. Also, Yaron Paz of Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Friday, Nov. 14. Chemistry and Biochemistry.

Powerful Presentation Skills Register online. Free. 10 a.m.-noon, J.D. Wetsel Service Center. Human Resources.

Monday, Nov. 10

Engineering Speaker Series Michael Hay of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission presents "2011 Tsunami Impacts to the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in Japan." Free. Noon-1 p.m. Room 100, Nedderman Hall. Engineering.

Tuesday, Nov. 11

Developing Assertive Communication Skills Register online. Free. 9-11 a.m., J.D. Wetsel Service Center. Human Resources.

Wednesday, Nov. 12

Focus on Faculty: Anne Healy Anne Healy, senior lecturer of theatre arts, discusses the Master of Fine Arts program in musical theatre. Free. Noon-1 p.m., sixth floor parlor, Central Library. UT Arlington Libraries. 

Customer Service 101 Register online. Free. 9-11 a.m., J.D. Wetsel Service Center. Human Resources.

Coming up

EMBA Info Session Experience a class session with current EMBA students and network with the class members, faculty, and EMBA alumni. Register online. Free. 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, The Fort Worth Club, 306 W. 7th St., Fort Worth. Fort Worth Center.

Engineering Speaker Series Ali Erdemir of Argonne National Laboratory discusses "Facing the Hard Truth about Friction and Its Impact on Global Energy Consumption." Free. 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, Room 100, Nedderman Hall. Engineering.

Human Resources Training Time Management: Keys to Everyday Office Success, 9-11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19; and Welcoming Diversity, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21. Register online. Free. J.D. Wetsel Service Center. Human Resources.

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

Monday, Nov. 3

Blood Drive Carter Blood Care will have mobile units on the Library and University Center malls. Through Thursday, Nov. 13. UTA Volunteers.

One Night in Asia Talent Showcase See performances by students. Free. 6:30-9 p.m., Bluebonnet Ballroom, E.H. Hereford University Center. Multicultural Affairs, Asian Heritage Month.

Tuesday, Nov. 4

Afternoon Variety Showcase A free show during lunch time. 11 a.m., Palo Duro Lounge, E.H. Hereford University Center. EXCEL Campus Activities.

Wednesday, Nov. 5

Tail-Waggin' Wednesday Relax with canine companions. Free. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., second floor, Central Library. UT Arlington Libraries.

Salvation Army Angel Tree Kick-Off Adopt a child or senior from the Salvation Army Angel Tree to help families in need during the holidays. 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Palo Duro Lounge, E.H. Hereford University Center. "Angels" also available at the Leadership Center, Suite B160, University Center.  UTA Volunteers.

Faculty Tuba Recital A tuba recital featuring Ed Jones, adjunct professor of tuba. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Thursday, Nov. 6

Global Grounds International Coffee Hour Enjoy free chai tea, refreshments, music, and networking with a Bollywood theme. Free. 4-5:30 p.m., Palo Duro Lounge, E.H. Hereford University Center. International Education, Multicultural Affairs, Asian Heritage Month.

Friday, Nov. 7

Volleyball Mavericks vs. Arkansas-Little Rock. Tickets $5. 6:30 p.m., College Park Center. Also, vs. South Alabama, Sunday, Nov. 9. Athletics. 

Friday Night Film: Guardians of the Galaxy Rated PG-13. 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.

Wednesday, Nov. 12

Cultural Extravaganza Enjoy a Chinese lion dance, a Bharata Natyam performance, games, calligraphy, henna booths, and prizes. Free. 6:30-9 p.m., Bluebonnet Ballroom, E.H. Hereford University Center. Multicultural Affairs, Asian Heritage Month.

Coming up

'A Streetcar Named Desire' The Maverick Theatre Company presents a Tennessee Williams classic. Tickets $7 faculty, staff, students, seniors; $10 public. Box office 2-2669. 8 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, Nov. 19-22, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, Mainstage Theatre. Theatre Arts.

Ongoing

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, The Gallery at UTA, Fine Arts Building North. Through Nov. 15. The Gallery at UTA.

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.

Special Collections: The Price of Manifest Destiny Discover how maps and war interlock in the 19th century in a new exhibit. Hours 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, sixth floor, Central Library. Through Feb. 7, 2015. UT Arlington Libraries Special Collections.

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 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.)