MavWire 2015 Archive » MavWire — Monday, April 20, 2015

Dr. Mo Najafi

Center uses TxDOT grant to build underground freight system

UT Arlington has received a $1.2 million competitive research grant from the Texas Department of Transportation to investigate building underground freight transportation in certain urban environments with heavy truck traffic.

Underground freight transportation is a class of unmanned transportation systems in which close-fitting capsules or trains of capsules carry freight through tubes between freight terminals, such as the port of Houston and the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area.

Mo Najafi, professor of civil engineering, will lead the project. Dr. Najafi also directs the UTA Center for Underground Infrastructure Research and Education. Sia Ardekani, civil engineering professor, and Mohsen Shahandashti, civil engineering senior lecturer, are co-principal investigators on the project.

Read more about the underground freight project.

Energized research: Members of the Afthon team are, from left, Dr. Frank Lu, chief technical officer; Raheem Bello, chief executive officer; James Peace, chief design officer; and Dibesh Joshi, chief research officer.

New technology could create more efficient energy, help solve power shortages

A team of UT Arlington researchers has created a power generator that can produce electricity up to 25 percent more efficiently than existing technology, reduce emissions, and possibly alleviate power shortages in more remote areas of the globe.

The Afthon process harnesses pressure gain combustion, also known as detonation, which the team has termed “Fire 2.0.” Afthon's patented technology will be able to replace conventional engines in cars, boats, ships, trains, airplanes, rockets, and power plants, researchers say. Currently, no pressure gain combustion engines exist on the market.

Raheem Bello, aerospace engineering doctoral candidate, is chief executive officer and cofounder of Afthon. Frank Lu, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering and director of UTA’s Aerodynamics Research Center, is Afthon’s chief technical officer. Dibesh Joshi, adjunct instructor, is chief research officer. James Peace, aerospace engineering doctoral candidate, is chief design officer. Akin Adekeye is chief operating officer. All are cofounders, along with Bello.

Read more about the Afthon engine.

Good advice Assistant Professor Evguenia Malaia, left, and Angeleah Chavis-McCray were honored as Outstanding Academic Advisers last week. Dr. Malaia was named Outstanding Faculty Adviser and is graduate adviser for curriculum and instruction in the College of Education. Chavis-McCray was chosen Outstanding Professional Adviser and is adviser for mathematics in the College of Science. Honorable mentions for professional adviser went to Barrie Hill and Melinda Long in communication, College of Liberal Arts; Megan Janky, university studies, University College; and Steve Latos, social work, education, and kinesiology, University Advising Center. Receiving honorable mention for faculty advising were Bethany Shaffer, lecturer in English in the College of Liberal Arts, and Beverly Black, the Jillian Michelle Smith Professor in Family Violence Research and director of the Ph.D. program in the School of Social Work.

Nedderman Society Cookout honors employees Friday

The Nedderman Society Cookout will serve up burgers and information 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Friday, April 24, on the Central Library mall.

The society, founded to recognize faculty, staff, and retirees who contribute financially to UT Arlington, is named for President Emeritus Wendell Nedderman and his late wife, Betty. During Dr. Nedderman's 20-year tenure as president (1972-1992), the University added 21 baccalaureate, 27 master's, and 17 doctoral degree programs, and enrollment increased by more than 10,000 students.

The Nedderman Society exists in the same spirit of progress and improvement that the Neddermans exhibited. Faculty and staff who contribute to any area of the University are automatically members. If you'd like to become a Nedderman Society member, learn more about giving options.

In case of rain, the cookout will be held in the Palo Duro Lounge of the E.H. Hereford University Center. The Nedderman Society Cookout is presented by the Office of Development.

Annual Metro Golf Tournament set for May 18

The 42nd annual Metro Golf Tournament tees off Monday, May 18, at Iron Horse Golf Course in North Richland Hills.

Hosted by Campus Recreation, the tournament is open to faculty and staff members of area colleges and universities along with UT Arlington alumni and friends.

Cost is $75 for faculty and staff. Each golfer will receive a $25 coupon for a return visit to Iron Horse, a tournament gift, a post-tournament lunch, and more.

Register by Friday, May 1, by contacting contact Chris Muller at cmuller@uta.edu or 2-3277.

Vote early on campus for May elections

UT Arlington is an early voting site for the May 9 joint election. The polling site will be open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday, April 28-Thursday, April 30, in the Maverick Activities Center.

To vote early on campus, you must be registered to vote in Tarrant County and must present identification such as a voter registration certificate, driver's license, birth certificate, passport, U.S. citizenship papers, a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, or other government document.

For more information on early voting, see votetexas.gov and Tarrant County elections.

Contact Student Congress at 2-0556 with any questions.

Enjoy Texas Rangers games with discounted tickets

UT Arlington students, faculty, staff, and alumni can enjoy selected Texas Rangers games with discounted tickets. Visit texasrangers.com/grouptickets, click on University of Texas at Arlington, and use the password GOMAVS to get your discounted tickets.

Tuesday, April 21

Follett Discover Info, Training Sessions Follett Discover enables instructors to explore course materials including textbook offerings and streamline the book adoption process. Students benefit from streamlined access to course materials. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., E.H. Hereford University Center. Also, 2-6 p.m. Thursday, April 23; and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday, April 29. Training webinar, 4-4:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 22. UTA Bookstore.

Wednesday, April 22

Cancer Support Network at UTA Faculty and staff who have experienced or are in treatment for cancer can be part of private, respectful support group discussions. Free. 11 a.m.-noon, Room 314, Central Library. Contact Jody Bailey at jbailey@uta.edu or Bruce Bower at bower@uta.edu.

AAFSA Lecture Series Froswa' Booker-Drew, national community engagement director at World Vision for U.S. programs, speaks on facilitating the emergence and strengthening of community-led initiatives to improve and sustain the well-being of children and their families. Free. Noon-1 p.m., sixth floor parlor, Central Library. African American Faculty and Staff Association.

Thursday, April 23

Powerful Presentation Skills Register online. 9-11 a.m., Room 200, J.D. Wetsel Service Center. Human Resources.

Biology Colloquium Alex Wild of UT Austin presents "How the Digital Revolution is Reviving Natural History." Free. 4-5 p.m., Room 124, Life Science Building. Also, David D. Pollock of the University of Colorado Denver, "Molecular Convergence, Adaptation, and Coevolution," Thursday, April 30. Biology.

Friday, April 24

Walter Prescott Webb Lecture Series "Beyond Attics and Activists: Rethinking Family in Disability History." Rio Grande Ballroom, E.H. Hereford University Center. History, Disability Studies, Office for Students with Disabilities, Women's and Gender Studies, Movin' Mavs Adapted Sports and Recreation.

Adventures in Antiquity Symposium Richard Bett of Johns Hopkins University presents “Socratic Ignorance.” Free. 3:30 p.m., Room 2102A, Fine Arts Building. Philosophy and Humanities.

Monday, April 27

Guest Artist Lecture Internationally renowned artist Janine Antoni discusses her work. 7 p.m., Room 148, Fine Arts Building. Art and Art History.

Tuesday, April 28

Partnering with Your Boss Register online. 9-11 a.m., Room 200, J.D. Wetsel Service Center. Human Resources.

Thursday, April 30

Time Management: Keys to Everyday Office Success Register online. 9-11 a.m., Room 200, J.D. Wetsel Service Center. Human Resources.

Qualitative Research Networking Dorothy Kalanzi, visiting assistant professor of sociology and anthropology, discusses "HIV/AIDS Studies and Designs from Previous Research." Noon-1 p.m., Room 415, Central Library. Qualitative Research Networking.

Mathematics Lecture David Eisenbud of the University of California, Berkeley and director of the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute presents “Counting From Infinity: A Non-Technical Account of a Mathematical and Personal Triumph.” Clips of the movie Counting from Infinity: Yitang Zhang and the Twin Prime Conjecture shown. Free. 5-6 p.m., Room 100, Nedderman Hall. Office of the Provost.

Coming up

Arlington Technology Association George Siemens, executive director of the Learning Innovation and Networked Knowledge (LINK) Research Lab, explores how education is changing due to massive open online courses (MOOCs), big data, digital networks, and the Internet. Light breakfast provided. RSVP. Free. 7-8 a.m., Wednesday, May 6, Room 100, Nedderman Hall. Arlington Technology Association.

Social Work Colloquium Jeffrey Jenson is guest speaker at the Colloquium on Agency Collaboration and Community-Based Human Service Innovation. He will discuss the public health approach for preventing child and adolescent health and behavior problems and preventive interventions aimed at promoting positive youth development. Dr. Jenson is the Philip D. and Eleanor G. Winn Professor for Children and Youth at Risk at the University of Denver. Register online. 1-4 p.m. Thursday, May 7, Room 107, Social Work Complex General Academic Building. Social Work.

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

Celebrate Earth Day on Wednesday Celebrating People and Planet, UTA's Earth Day event, is set for 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, on the University Center mall. Local environmental vendors will be on hand to pass along their messages. Learn about the latest in celebrating the Earth at booths for the Environmental Protection Agency, the Fort Worth Native Plant Society, Whole Foods, and many more. The T Master Plan bus will be there.  Grab an herb plant while they last. The popular Earth Day T-shirts and food are available for purchase.

Monday, April 20

Percussion Ensemble Concert Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Tuesday, April 21

Faculty Creative Works Reception Celebrate the creative works by faculty members at the annual reception and exhibit. 4-6 p.m., sixth floor atrium, Central Library. UT Arlington Libraries, Office of the Provost.

Jazz Combo Concert Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Wednesday, April 22

Opera Workshop Performance Opera students perform. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Also, Thursday, April 23. Music.

Thursday, April 23

Small Painting Sale Advanced painting students offer small art. Graduating students offer larger works for sale. 5:30-8 p.m., Room 122, Studio Art Center, 810 S. Davis. Art and Art History.

Take Back the Night Survivors and their supporters share their stories of violence, survival, and recovery. Also, poster making, a march through campus, and candlelight vigil. 6-8 p.m., Library mall. Relationship Violence and Sexual Assault Prevention.

MavPlays: Collected One-Acts Theater works written, directed, and performed by the Maverick Theatre Company. Tickets $7 students, faculty, staff, seniors; $10 public. For tickets, call 2-2669. 8 p.m., Stage 143, Fine Arts Building. Also, 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 26. Theatre Arts.

Friday, April 24

Nedderman Society Cookout Faculty and staff celebrated for their contributions to UTA. Free. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Library mall. Nedderman Society.

Friday Night Film: 'American Sniper' Rated R. 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.

Wind Symphony Concert Tickets $9 for adults, $5 for students and seniors. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

MavPlays: 'Wrong Turn at Lungfish' Theater works written, directed, and performed by the Maverick Theatre Company. Tickets $7 students, faculty, staff, seniors; $10 public. For tickets, call 2-2669. 8 p.m., Studio Theatre, Fine Arts Building. Also, 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 26. Theatre Arts.

Saturday, April 25

UTA Symphony Orchestra Tickets $9 for adults, $5 for students and seniors. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

MavPlays: 'Trifles' and 'Waiting for Lefty' Theater works written, directed, and performed by the Maverick Theatre Company. Tickets $7 students, faculty, staff, seniors; $10 public. For tickets, call 2-2669. 2:30 p.m., Studio Theatre, Fine Arts Building. Theatre Arts.

Sunday, April 26

Symphonic Winds and Symphonic Band Concert Free. 5 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Monday, April 27

Faculty Violin Recital Martha Walvoord, associate professor of violin, performs. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Tuesday, April 28

String Chamber Ensembles Recital Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Thursday, April 30

UTA Choir Concert Tickets $9 for adults, $5 for students and seniors. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Friday, May 1

Baseball Mavericks vs. Arkansas-Little Rock. Tickets $5-7; $3 students. 6:30 p.m., Clay Gould Ballpark. Also, 2 p.m. Saturday, May 2; 1 p.m. Sunday, May 3. Athletics. 

Guest Bass Recital Nick Scales of West Texas A&M performs. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Coming up

Softball Tickets $5-7; $3 students. Mavericks vs. Texas State, 1 and 3 p.m. Saturday, May 2; noon Sunday, May 3. Both at Allan Saxe Field. Athletics. 

Baseball Tickets $5-7; $3 students. Mavericks vs. Appalachian State, 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 8; 2 p.m. Saturday, May 9; 1 p.m. Sunday, May 10. All at Clay Gould Ballpark. Athletics.            

BFA Art Exhibit The work of 43 Bachelor of Fine Arts candidates includes painting, drawing, sculpture, glass, printmaking, film/video, photography, digital imaging, and visual communication. Hours 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, noon-5 p.m. Saturdays. Monday, May 4-Saturday, May 16. The Gallery at UTA.

Ongoing

MFA Art Exhibit Master of Fine Arts candidates present a culminating exhibition demonstrating excellence in film/video, glass, intermedia, and visual communication. Hours 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, noon-5 p.m. Saturdays. The Gallery at UTA, Fine Arts Building. Through Saturday, April 25. The Gallery at UTA.

MavsArt The semi-annual UTA community art show features 67 works by 25 artists who are UTA students, faculty, and staff. Through May 15. UT Arlington Libraries, MavsArt.

Juneteenth in Texas: 150 Years of Freedom More than 60 photographs explore issues of Texas African-Americans from Emancipation to the Civil Rights era. Hours 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Through Aug. 9. Sixth floor, Central Library. Center for Greater Southwestern Studies.

Special Collections: !Viva Mexico! A Comic Book History of Mexico A rare look inside the rise of comic books in 20th century Mexico, their literary, cultural, and entertainment value, and influence by the Mexican government. Hours 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, sixth floor, Central Library. Through Aug. 8. UT Arlington Libraries Special Collections.

Planetarium The spring schedule features Black Holes, Dynamic Earth, Pink Floyd, Secret of the Cardboard Rocket, and Spacepark 360: Infinity. Planetarium.

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