MavWire 2015 Archive » MavWire — Monday, September 21, 2015

Dr. Taylor Johnson

Computer scientist to develop software design methods that ensure good upgrades

Taylor Johnson, assistant professor of computer science and engineering, will use a $174,634 grant from the National Science Foundation to develop novel software engineering methods that will enable safe upgrades of cyber-physical systems in the energy domain.

“This research will develop new software engineering techniques implemented in software tools to automatically detect if cyber-physical upgrades are unsafe, and then attempt to mitigate those unsafe effects at either design time or runtime if they are detected,” Dr. Johnson explains. “This may yield more reliable and safer cyber-physical systems, which in turn will allow software and systems engineers to design better, more efficient cyber-physical systems in the future, as it eases the verification and validation process.”

Johnson’s findings will be evaluated in an energy cyber-physical systems test bed, specifically an electrical distribution microgrid.

Read more about Johnson's software upgrade research.

Town hall meetings open dialogue on campus carry legislation

UT Arlington will host a series of town hall meetings to gather ideas, suggestions, and feedback from the campus community about the implementation of Senate Bill 11 (SB 11), better known as “Campus Carry,” at UTA.

During the 84th Legislative Session, lawmakers passed SB 11, which allows a license holder to carry a concealed handgun on the campus. SB 11 also allows a university to adopt provisions prohibiting handguns in certain buildings, but not a “blanket ban.”

Feedback from the town hall meetings will assist in developing UT Arlington’s campus carry policy to ensure a safe and secure campus environment. John Hall, vice president for administration and campus operations, chairs the University’s campus carry committee. Three sub-committees focus on security and buildings, legal and conduct issues, and communications and training.

Upcoming meetings are:

• 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28, Bluebonnet Ballroom, E.H. Hereford University Center
• Undergraduate Assembly, 2:15 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29, Concho and Red River Rooms, University Center
• 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, Lone Star Auditorium, Maverick Activities Center
• Graduate Assembly, 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, San Saba Room, University Center
• 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, University Hall
• 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5, Rio Grande A, University Center
• Faculty Senate 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 7, Student Congress Chambers, University Center
• 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, Bluebonnet Ballroom, University Center
• Staff Advisory Council, 3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, Student Congress Chambers, University Center

Forums also are scheduled with students.

For more information, go to uta.edu/campuscarry for forum dates and locations, frequently asked questions, information on the legislation, and a survey to complete if you are not able to attend one of the meetings.

Enjoy sounds, socializing with fellow Mavs at UT Arlington Weekend at the Levitt

UTA is taking over the Levitt Pavilion in downtown Arlington for a weekend of music, food, and friends under the stars Friday-Sunday, Sept. 25-27. Grab your friends, family, and colleagues and show off your Maverick spirit in the city’s only free live music venue.

The weekend kicks off Friday with burgers and beverages provided by hometown favorite J. Gilligan’s Bar and Grill served at the Levitt followed by an 8 p.m. performance by singer and songwriter Luke Wade, a finalist from the seventh season of NBC’s The Voice.

Saturday brings the UT Arlington Wind Symphony to the Levitt stage for a traditional “Pops in the Park” show. The UTA Jazz Orchestra, joined by jazz masters Stefan Karlsson and Magnus Broo, round out the weekend on Sunday evening.

VIP tickets for Friday evening only are $15 each and include dinner and reserved seating near the stage. A cash bar will be available for beer and wine, or you may bring your own. Buy tickets now at alumni.uta.edu/utanightatlevitt.

The 8 p.m. concerts Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are free with open seating on the lawn.

Read more about the Levitt Pavilion.

Starbucks at UTA Bookstore Katie Bendel, social work graduate student, attends to customers during the grand opening of Starbucks at the UTA Bookstore last week. University, bookstore, city, and chamber of commerce officials performed a ribbon cutting at the coffee shop, which officially opened earlier this month.

Reach students at Maverick Major Fair

Tout the benefits of your school, college, or department to students exploring their potential major at the Maverick Major Fair. The fair is 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29, in the Palo Duro Lounge of the E.H. Hereford University Center.

Reserve space online by Friday, Sept. 25.

Online calendar available for parlor, atrium reservations

University departments and student organizations can now view room availability for the sixth floor of the Central Library before booking an event.

Visit the University Center Plan Your Event page and click Log In to View Room Availability in the left menu. Enter your NetID and password to go to the Virtual Event Management System page, then click on Browse in the upper left to see space availability by date, room type, or setup type.

Questions? Contact Kathleen Houston at khouston@uta.edu.

Volunteers needed for Fall Job Fair success

The Career Development Center needs more than 125 volunteers to help make the Fall 2015 All Majors Job Fair a success. The Job Fair is 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29, at the Maverick Activities Center.

Choose a one-and-a-half-hour shift during volunteer hours 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Tasks include set-up, clean-up, carrying employer materials, escorting employers to their booths, and staffing the student check-in tables. Register to volunteer by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23.

For questions, email Alissa Anderson at alissa.anderson@uta.edu or call 2-2932.

MavsArt seeks your creative submissions

Looking to show off your art? Submit items to MavsArt and have your work displayed at the Central Library. MavsArt is a semester-long community art exhibit open to all UT Arlington faculty, staff, and students. All forms of artwork are accepted. Submit the application form by Friday, Sept. 25. For details or questions, email janeth.colmenero@uta.edu.

Dirty job, but someone's ... Mud volleyball, a messy Maverick tradition, celebrated a slippery 26th anniversary at the annual Oozeball tournament Friday. See more photos.

Banned Books Week committee seeks donations for little free libraries

UT Arlington Libraries is asking for donations of banned or challenged books for Banned Books Week, Sept. 27-Oct. 3. Donated books will be distributed in the four Allan Saxe Little Free Libraries during Banned Books Week.

View a list of challenged or banned books.

For questions or to donate, contact Marquel Anteola at manteola@uta.edu.

Cyclethon teams needed to pump up World Heart Day

Get pumped for World Heart Day and the annual Cyclethon on Monday, Sept. 28. Register at the Services and Info Desk at the MAC. Cost is $30 per team. All money goes to the American Heart Association.

The annual challenge has teams pedaling from noon to midnight at the Maverick Activities Center. A team member must pedal the stationary bike at all times during the 12-hour contest. Free agents are encouraged to sign up.

The event includes free blood pressure tests, glucose checks, healthy cooking demos, free snacks, and other fun activities.

Monday, Sept. 21

Safe Zone Ally Training Learn to create a visible network of support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning individuals, and their allies. Register online. 9 a.m.-noon, San Saba Room, E.H. Hereford University Center. Also, 1-4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12, Sabine Room, University Center, and 9 a.m.-noon Monday, Nov. 16, Guadalupe Room, University Center. LGBTQA Program.

'From Here to Havana: U.S. and Cuban Relations' David LaFevor, assistant professor of history. Noon-1 p.m., Concho Room, E.H. Hereford University Center. Hispanic Heritage Month.

Tuesday, Sept. 22

Leadership Skills for Supervisors Register online. 9-11 a.m., Room 200, Wetsel Service Center. Human Resources.

MARK Training: Adviser Strengths Part II The Maverick Advisers Reaching for Knowledge program is for academic advisers. Register online. 2-4 p.m., Room 104, Preston Hall. Also, Pathways to Persistence, Thursday, Sept. 24; Undergraduate Policies and Procedures, Tuesday, Sept. 29; Graduate Policies and Procedures, Wednesday, Sept. 30; Relational/Referrals and Resources, Tuesday, Oct. 6; QPR Suicide Prevention, Thursday, Oct. 8; Adviser Toolbox, Tuesday, Oct. 13; and EAB Student Success Collaborative, Thursday, Oct. 15. University Advising Center.

Managing Department Funds Understand the chart of accounts, how to view available balances, and how to view account activity in commitment control. Register online. 9:30-11:30 a.m., Room E200C, Continuing Education Building. Business Affairs.

Wednesday, Sept. 23

Documentary: 'Bi the Way: Bisexuality in the U.S.' Watch the documentary and participate in the discussion afterward. Free. Noon-1:30 p.m., Guadalupe Room, E.H. Hereford University Center. LGBTQA Program.

Second Annual Women in the Americas Series Lori Celaya of the University of Idaho is guest lecturer for the topic "Human Trafficking at the U.S.-Mexico Border and the Role of the Commercial Sex Trade Client." Free. Noon-1 p.m., Neches/Pedernales Rooms, E.H. Hereford University Center. Free and open to the public. Women’s and Gender Studies, Center for Mexican American Studies, Department of Modern Languages.

I Am UTA Study Abroad: Hispanic Student Stories Hispanic students share their tales of studying abroad. Noon-1 p.m., Sabine Room, E.H. Hereford University Center. Hispanic Heritage Month.

Question, Persuade, Refer for Suicide Prevention Training Learn the warning signs and clues of people who may be considering suicide and how to intervene with at-risk individuals. Register online. 2-4 p.m. Room 104, Preston Hall. Also, Oct. 22 and Nov. 30. Counseling and Psychological Services.

Architecture Lecture Joshua Nimmo presents “Someplace Else.” Free. 4 p.m., Room 204, Architecture Building. Also, Josep Ricart Ulldemolins discusses “Demands and Availabilities,” Wednesday, Sept. 30. Architecture.

Thursday, Sept. 24

Managing Stress in the Workplace Register online. 9-11 a.m., Room 200, Wetsel Service Center. Human Resources.

UTARI Lunch and Learn Register online. Shuttle available. Lunch provided. Noon, UTARI, 7300 Jack Newell Blvd. S., Fort Worth. UT Arlington Research Institute.

Financial Statements and the Reconciliation Process Learn how to generate the Financial Statement and how to read the report and understand the information provided in it. Register online. 2-4 p.m., Room E200C, Continuing Education Building. Business Affairs.

Biology Colloquium Series Volker Rudolf of Rice University presents “Thinking Inside the Box: Community-level Consequences of Stage-structured Populations.” 4 p.m., Room 118, Life Science Building. Also, Andrew Baker of the University of Miami, Oct. 1; TBA, Oct. 8; Colleen Burge of the University of Maryland, Oct. 15; TBA, Oct. 22; Bryan Carsten of Ohio State University, Oct. 29. Biology.

Friday, Sept. 25

Institutional Review Board Mini-Conference Learn about the IRB submission process, how to conduct ethical research studies with human subjects, and more. See the schedule and RSVP. Free. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., second floor lounge, Maverick Activities Center. Regulatory Services, Research Administration.

Statistical Software: SPSS Intro to SPSS training. Free. 10 a.m.-noon, Room 04, University Hall. OIT Statistical Services.

Psychology Colloquium Series A. Burcu Bayram, assistant professor of political science, discusses “Due Deference: Cosmopolitan Social Identity and the Psychology of International Legal Obligation." Noon, Room 110, University Hall. Also, Jerry Jellison of the University of Southern California, Oct. 23. Psychology.

Monday, Sept. 28

Texas ACSM Lecture Quincy Almeida of Wilfrid Laurier University in Canada speaks on “Learning Motor Control Through Neurodegeneration: A Parkinson’s Perspective.” Noon, Lone Star Auditorium, Maverick Activities Center. Kinesiology.

Tuesday, Sept. 29

Developing Assertive Communication Skills Register online. 9-11 a.m., Room 200, Wetsel Service Center. Human Resources.

Wednesday, Sept. 30

Advanced Supervisory Skills Register online. 9-11:30 a.m., Room 200, Wetsel Service Center. Human Resources.

Latin@ Student Excellence Forum Panel discussion moderated by Stephen Santa-Ramirez, assistant director of Multicultural Affairs. 6-8 p.m., Concho Room, E.H. Hereford University Center. Hispanic Heritage Month.

Focus on Faculty: Ritu Khanduri Ritu Khanduri, assistant professor of anthropology, speaks on "The Culture of Cartoons," explaining how Indian newspaper cartoons serve as teaching moments about identity politics and democracy. Free. Noon-1:30 p.m., sixth floor, Central Library. UT Arlington Libraries.

International Translation Day Renowned translator Marian Schwartz is guest speaker. She has translated more than 60 volumes of Russian classic and contemporary fiction, history, biography, criticism, and fine art. Free. Noon-1 p.m., Palo Pinto Room, E.H. Hereford University Center. Modern Languages, UT Arlington Libraries, English, Charles T. McDowell Center for Critical Languages and Area Studies.

Coming up

Earth and Environmental Sciences Lectures Nilotpal Ghosh, lecturer in earth and environmental sciences, discusses “Evidence of catastrophe across the Permian-Triassic boundary in Spiti Valley, Indian Himalayas.” 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, Room 100, Geoscience Building. Also, Julia Morgan of Rice University, Oct. 8; Thomas Darrah of Ohio State University, Oct. 15; Bob Gregory of Southern Methodist University, Oct. 22; and Bastian Georg of Trent University, Oct. 29. Earth and Environmental Sciences.

Mathematics Colloquium Series Santiago Schnell, president of the Society for Mathematical Biology and professor at the University of Michigan, is guest speaker.. 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, Room 311, Pickard Hall. Also, Weiqiang Wang of the University of Virginia, Oct. 16, and Patrick Shipman of Colorado State University, Nov. 6. Mathematics.

Arlington Technology Association UT Arlington President Vistasp Karbhari discusses the future of engineering professions and the roles engineers will play in designing and guiding the world’s mechanisms. Light breakfast provided. RSVP. Free. 7-8 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, Room 100, Nedderman Hall. Arlington Technology Association.

New Teacher Webinar Series Join the webinar live or watch the video later on YouTube and Slideshare. Webinars Oct. 10, Nov. 7, Dec. 5, Jan. 30, Feb. 27, March 26, and April 16. New Teacher Webinar Series, Curriculum and Instruction.

RADS Self-Defense for Women Self-defense course for female faculty, staff, and students. Register online. Free. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Room 102-B, Maverick Activities Center. Also, Oct. 17 and Nov. 7. UT Arlington Police.

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

Monday, Sept. 21

Voice Division Recital Performances by UTA vocal students. Free. Noon-1 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Allan Saxe Ice Cream Social Celebrate the 50th year that Associate Professor Allan Saxe has taught political science at UT Arlington. Free. Noon-1 p.m., Palo Duro Lounge, E.H. Hereford University Center. Political Science.

Wednesday, Sept. 23

Faculty Bassoon Recital Scott Pool, assistant professor of music, performs. Free. 7:30 p.m. Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Thursday, Sept. 24

UTA Symphony Orchestra Concert The UTA Symphony Orchestra performs, conducted by Clifton Evans. Tickets $9 general admission, $6 students and seniors, 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Friday, Sept. 25

Faculty Flute Recital Terry Sanchez, senior lecturer in flute, performs. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Flight 12 Comedy Improv Troupe This 12-student troupe is always outrageous and never stale. Directed by Associate Professor Joe Chapa. Tickets $5. 8 p.m., Mainstage Theatre, Fine Arts Building. Also Saturday, Sept. 26. Maverick Theatre Company.

Saturday, Sept. 26

UT Arlington at the Levitt UTA Wind Symphony performs. Free. 8 p.m., Levitt Pavilion, 100 W. Abram St. Also, UTA Jazz Orchestra with jazz master Stefan Karlsson and Swedish jazz trumpeter Magnus Broo on Sunday, Sept. 27. Levitt Pavilion.

Sunday, Sept. 27

Total Lunar Eclipse Watch a total lunar eclipse through powerful telescopes. Enjoy free lectures and discount tickets for Planetarium shows. 7 p.m.-midnight; eclipse expected 9:10-10:20 p.m., Planetarium. Planetarium at UT Arlington.

Monday, Sept. 28

World Heart Day/Cyclethon Teams keep stationary bikes in motion for 12 hours. Free blood pressure tests, glucose checks, healthy cooking demos, free snacks, and other fun activities planned. Benefits American Heart Association. Sign up at the Maverick Activities Center. Noon-midnight, MAC. Campus Recreation, Health Services.

Discount Rangers Tickets Rangers vs. Detroit Tigers, Sept. 28-30. Also, vs. Los Angeles Angels, Oct. 1-4. Visit texasrangers.com/grouptickets, click on UT Arlington, and use the password GOMAVS to get your discounted tickets.

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

Tuesday, Sept. 29

Faculty Piano Recital Young-Hyun Cho, associate professor of piano, performs. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Coming up

Volleyball Tickets $5 per game. Faculty-Staff All-Season Ticket $99, all 2015-16 sports. Mavericks vs. Georgia Southern, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, tailgate, OctoberFest/beer tasting, Pink Night, Greek Out; vs. Arkansas-Little Rock, 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, Jersey Day, Blaze's Kids Club, Youth Day, International Frugal Fun Day, post-game autographs. All at College Park Center. Athletics.

Maverick Speakers Series Actress and activist Mia Farrow discusses “What Falls Away: One Woman’s Journey to Fulfillment.” A question-and-answer session follows. Free general admission but tickets required. Premium, season, and VIP ticket packages include reserved seats and parking and more. Tickets at utatickets.com. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, Texas Hall. Also, Daymond John, Nov. 10; Ron Paul, Feb. 2; Donna Brazile, Feb. 25; and Jane Goodall, March 31. Maverick Speakers Series.

Pride Week: 3rd Annual Drag Show Hosted by DFW drag superstar Kiana Lee. Register online to compete by Wednesday, Sept. 23. Free. 7-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, Rosebud Theatre, E.H. Hereford University Center. LGBTQA Program.

Ongoing

Gallery 76102: Tshuchigama/Earthen Kiln Tshuchigama or “dirt kiln” is recognized by scholars as Japan's earliest high-fire kiln type. Free. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays; 4-8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, Gallery 76102. Through Oct. 10. Fort Worth Center.

Ornament and Adornment: The Decoration and Application Techniques of African Masks Examine the design and style of decorations on African masks from the Dowdey-Campbell and Brodie African Art Collections. Gallery hours 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. Through Dec. 9. Visual Resources Commons, Room 2109, Fine Arts Building. Art and Art History.

University Center Gallery: Digital Photography Student Exhibit Student artwork showcased. Gallery hours 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. University Center Gallery, E.H. Hereford University Center. Through Dec. 12. EXCEL Campus Activities.

Special Collections: Ringside: Memories of WCC Wrestling Photos by Cirrus Bonneau of World Class Championship Wrestling at the Will Rogers Coliseum in Fort Worth in 1982-83. Gallery hours 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. Free. Sixth floor, Central Library. Through Jan. 16. UT Arlington Libraries Special Collections.

Planetarium Three new shows—SOFIA 3-D, Cosmic Origins Spectrograph, and From the Earth to the Universe—are part of the fall schedule. Also showing are Astronaut, Pink Floyd, and Spacepark 360: Infinity. Planetarium.

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