MavWire 2014 Archive » MavWire — Thursday, November 20, 2014

Network link: Dr. George Siemens will coordinate work between UT Arlington and nine additional institutions for the Digital Learning Research Network, funded by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. He is the executive director of the Learning Innovation and Networked Knowledge (LINK) Lab.

UT Arlington to lead $1.6 million research project on digital learning

The Learning Innovation and Networked Knowledge (LINK) Lab has been chosen to lead a $1.6 million initiative to connect and support researchers across the country as they examine digital learning’s effect on higher education.

The new Digital Learning Research Network (dLRN) is funded by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

LINK Lab Executive Director George Siemens will coordinate work between UT Arlington and nine additional institutions, including Carnegie Mellon University, Stanford University, Teachers College Columbia University, the Smithsonian Institution, the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and others.

Dr. Siemens says the aim of the grant is to close a gap that has existed between digital learning research and its impact on practice, as well as amplify the breadth and depth of research being conducted.

The Digital Learning Research Network will benefit universities making the transition to digital learning and learners from groups traditionally underrepresented in higher education.

Read more about the Digital Learning Research Network.

Car art: Volunteers braved cold weather Monday for the first event of Homecoming week. Paint Your Ride with Maverick Pride at Arlington Hall provided Mavs and UTA fans with a chance to show their spirit via their vehicle.

Homecoming 2014 events bring wave of excitement

Maverick Country welcomes alumni and friends to campus for Homecoming 2014 through Saturday, Nov. 22.

Enjoy the Global Grounds Coffee Hour today. Take part in the Distinguished Alumni Awards and the Step Show on Friday before heading to The Bash, a dance party featuring DJs, music, thematic performers, aerialists, a light show, video sequences, and other surprises.

Saturday is filled with the 5K run/walk and a golf tournament, followed by reunions. Head to the College Park District for the pre-game street festival at 3:30 p.m. and The Party on the Plaza at 4 p.m. Cheer on the Homecoming parade at 5:45 p.m., and hoot and holler at the pep rally before the men's basketball game at 7:30 p.m.

Order Homecoming event tickets online. See the schedule and details for Homecoming 2014.

Music and memory: Research by Dr. Heekyeong Park, assistant professor of psychology, shows what may be the first links between music expertise and advantages in long-term memory.

Musicians show advantages in long-term memory, research says

A peek inside the brains of professional musicians has given UTA psychology researchers what may be the first links between music expertise and advantages in long-term memory.

Heekyeong Park, assistant professor of psychology, and graduate student James Schaeffer used electroencephalography (EEG) technology to measure electrical activity of neurons in the brains of 14 musicians and 15 non-musicians and noted processing differences in the frontal and parietal lobe responses.

The team presented initial results of their research Tuesday at the international meeting of the Society for Neuroscience in Washington, D.C.

Read more about the music and memory research.

Chili reception Contestants in Wednesday's Chili Cook-off dished up some spicy concoctions for the Homecoming tradition. The judging panel tasted its way through the competition. Students enjoyed free samples during the lunchtime event.

Volunteer for Homecoming, get a T-shirt

A free long-sleeved commemorative Homecoming 2014 T-shirt awaits when you volunteer. Help is needed for the parade, street festival, step show, and more. Volunteer online.

Give your travel thoughts in I-30 survey

The North Central Texas Council of Governments Transportation Department, in partnership with the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, is asking travelers of Interstate 30 about how incentives might influence their trip choices. A survey is online at I-30survey.org until Nov. 30.

Beware of cyber criminals when shopping for holidays

The Information Security Office encourages you to be aware of holiday seasonal scams, phishing, and malicious software distribution campaigns.

Cyber criminals often send personal messages that appear to be legitimate and include websites that look real with logos, email, or web templates.

These phishing and malware campaigns include fake shipping/courier notifications; electronic greeting cards or links to holiday screensavers; requests for charitable contributions that appear to be from the real organization; and credit card or gift card applications or enticing discounts that lead to unfamiliar websites.

Look for signs that an email or website is not legitimate:

• Sender’s address or website address does not match the organization listed in the content of the message.

• Grammar in the message or website is poor.

• Format of the email or website is poor or inconsistent with what you’ve seen from the organization.

• Hovering your mouse over the links reveals web addresses inconsistent with the content of the message.

Never click on links in emails that you’re not expecting, open attachments in emails that you’re not expecting, nor provide personal information in an email or on a website unless you are confident of the source.

If you do receive suspicious email messages, contact the Information Security Office at security@uta.edu.

Read more online security tips.

Another generator test Friday

Facilities Management will test the emergency electrical generators on some buildings 1-2:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21.

The test will affect only the electrical services tied to each building’s generator, not the entire building.

There will be a slight “blip” of a half-second as the electrical service transfers to the generator and another as it is transferred back to the normal building service.  

Buildings to be tested are College Park Center, Davis Hall, Engineering Lab Building, Engineering Research Building, Heights on Pecan Apartments, Kalpana Chawla Hall, Life Science Building, Nedderman Hall, and Woolf Hall.

For questions, call Toby Buhrkuhl at 972-832-1490 or Jeff Johnson at 817-798-8456.

Adopt a child from Angel Tree in Leadership Center

Make a child's holiday wish come true this season through the Salvation Army Angel Tree sponsored by the UTA Volunteers. Choose an infant to young teen to sponsor by yourself, with friends, or with your department.

Adopt an angel by Wednesday, Nov. 26, in the Leadership Center in Suite B 160N of the lower level of the E.H. Hereford University Center. All gifts are due by Tuesday, Dec. 2. For questions, call the Leadership Center at 2-9220.

Proposals needed for advising conference

The UT Arlington Advising Association is looking for interactive, innovative, and engaging presentations for its 18th annual advising conference. "Academic Marvels: Unleashing Your Advising Super Powers" is set for Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2015.

Abstracts of approved proposals will be included in the conference program and on the conference website. Submissions are due by Monday, Dec. 1. 

Thursday, Nov. 20

Biology Colloquium Adam Leaché of the University of Washington is guest speaker. Free. 4 p.m., Room 118, Life Science Building. Biology.

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., Room 100, Nedderman Hall. Engineering.

Transgender Day of Remembrance Screening of film Boys Don't Cry, Rated R, followed by a candlelight vigil. Free. 6-8 p.m., sixth floor parlor, Central Library. LGBTQA Program.

Friday, Nov. 21

Welcoming Diversity Register online. Free. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., J.D. Wetsel Service Center. Human Resources.

Qualitative Research Meetup Sabrina Williams, assistant professor of communication, talks about video data collection and analysis. Free. Noon-1 p.m., Room 521, University Hall. Qualitative Research Meetup.

Chemistry and Biochemistry Speaker Series Boniface Fokwa of Aachen University in Germany discusses "Understanding and Designing New Magnetic Materials.” Free. 3 p.m., Room 112, Chemistry Research Building. Chemistry and Biochemistry.

Management Lecture Series Laszlo Tihanyi of Texas A&M University discusses "The Governance Drivers of Competitive Actions." Free. 2 p.m., Room 609, Business Building. Business.

Tuesday, Nov. 25

Management Lecture Series Daniel Armanios of Stanford University presents “Is Policy Enough? Understanding the Government Sector in the Midst of Reform.” Free. 2 p.m., Room 609, Business Building. Business, Management.

Coming up

Human Resources Training Conducting Effective Meetings, 9-11 a.m., Friday, Dec. 5; Managing Stress in the Workplace, 9-11 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 9; Partnering with Your Boss, 9-11 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 10; and The Art of Listening, 9-11 a.m., Friday, Dec. 12. Register online. Free. J.D. Wetsel Service Center. Human Resources.

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

Seasons' greetings: Senior guards Tahlia Pope, top, and Jamel Outler saw action in the Mavericks' season-opening games. On Saturday, the women, 2-0, face Wichita State in Kansas, and the men, 1-1, challenge Houston Baptist in the Homecoming game.

Basketball teams open seasons

The women’s basketball team has won its first two games of the season for the first time since 2006.

The Mavericks trounced Missouri Valley College 90-32 Friday evening in College Park Center. The 58-point margin of victory was the largest for a season opener in school history.

On Sunday, UTA placed four players in double figures in an 83-73 win over Houston Baptist at College Park Center. Next up for the women is a road game Saturday, Nov. 22, at Wichita State.

In men’s action, the Mavericks won their season opener 86-75 Friday night against Bradley in Peoria, Ill. UTA hit 12 three-pointers, led by three each from senior Jamel Outler and freshman Kevin Hervey. The men lost their home opener 74-68 to Buffalo on Tuesday.

The men’s team faces Houston Baptist in the Homecoming game at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, in College Park Center.

Volleyball Mavs split two weekend matches

The volleyball team dropped a 3-0 decision Friday at Louisiana-Lafayette but rebounded for a 3-0 victory Sunday afternoon over Georgia State at College Park Center.

In Sunday’s Senior Day win, Briana Sharratt led the way offensively as the sophomore middle blocker recorded a team-high nine kills to go along with a .600 hitting percentage and six blocks.

The Mavericks are 23-8 overall and 13-6 in the Sun Belt Conference, good for fourth place. Their final regular-season match is at Georgia Southern on Friday, Nov. 21.

Seasons end at regionals for cross country teams

The men placed sixth and the women 11th Friday at the NCAA South Central Cross Country Regional Championships in Fayetteville, Ark. It was the best regional showing by the men’s team in more than a decade.

For the men, junior Craig Lautenslager finished 14th and junior Eric Ojeda was 23rd. Both runners earned all-region honors.

In women’s action, junior Gabriela Alfonzo was the top finisher for the Mavericks, placing 26th. Senior Hannah Nilsson also cracked the top 50, coming in 42nd.

Intramural entries due for poker

Upcoming entry deadlines for intramural sports include innertube water polo, Sunday, Nov. 23; MavStrong, Wednesday, Dec. 3; and College FB Bowl Pick 'Em, Saturday, Dec. 13.

See the intramural sports schedule. Pick up entry forms at the Services and Information Desk of the Maverick Activities Center. For questions, call 2-3277 or email imsports@uta.edu.

(For more sports news, go to utamavs.com, uta.edu/movinmavs, or uta.edu/campusrec.)

Photo exhibit looks at life in Cuba Explore daily life in modern Cuba through photographs by David LaFevor, assistant professor of history, in Cuba: Histories of the Present on the sixth floor of the Central Library. Dr. LaFevor first traveled to Cuba as a student at the University of Havana in 2001. Since then, he has returned several times to conduct historical research. His photographs examine daily life in modern Cuba through street photography and portraiture taken in the last 10 years. The images range from home interiors and barbershops, to boxing gyms, bars, and places of worship. The narrative images convey Cuban interactions within a complex urban environment in a period of rapid change. The exhibit runs through December.

Thursday, Nov. 20

UTA-HOSTS! 20th Anniversary Reception The peer mentoring program celebrates 20 years. Free. Noon-2 p.m., Palo Duro Lounge, E.H. Hereford University Center. Leadership Center.

Homecoming Global Grounds This international coffee hour tradition features free spirit items, giveaways, music, and Blaze. Free. 4-5:30 p.m., Palo Duro Lounge, E.H. Hereford University Center. Multicultural Affairs, International Education.

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

Friday, Nov. 21

Distinguished Alumni Awards Recognize distinguished alumni for their individual achievements, contributions to their industries or professions, service to their community, and demonstrated loyalty to UT Arlington. 6:30 p.m., Bluebonnet Ballroom, E.H. Hereford University Center. Homecoming 2014.

Homecoming Step Show Watch some of UT Arlington's fraternity and sorority members step the night away. Tickets $15 general admission; $7 children under 12. 7-10 p.m., Texas Hall. Fraternity and Sorority Life, Homecoming 2014.

The Bash This dance party features DJs, music, thematic performers, aerialists, a light show, video sequences, and other surprises. Free refreshments, giveaways, and photos. Tickets $12 general admission. 9 p.m.-1 a.m., College Park Center. EXCEL Campus Activities, Homecoming 2014.

UTA Choir Concert Tickets $9; $6 students, seniors. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Saturday, Nov. 22

Homecoming 5K Run/Walk This year's route is a scenic one through campus. Entries $20. 9 a.m., Maverick Activities Center. Campus Recreation, Homecoming 2014.

Homecoming Street Festival Play games, enjoy food and beverage samplings, and a live DJ. Free. 3:30 p.m., Spaniolo Drive, outside of College Park Center. Homecoming 2014.

Party on the Plaza Socialize with fellow Maverick alumni and friends. Food, drinks, music. Tickets $20 and includes reserved seats at basketball game. 4-7 p.m., Moritz Plaza. Homecoming 2014.

Homecoming Parade and Pep Rally See large floats, marching bands, special guests, and traditional decorated golf carts. It all winds up with a pep rally. 5:45 p.m., Moritz Plaza. Homecoming 2014.

Men's Basketball Mavericks vs. Houston Baptist. Tickets $5. 7:30 p.m., College Park Center. Athletics.

Monday, Nov. 24

Voice Division Recital Free. Noon, Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Deck the Mall Welcome the holiday season with music, hot chocolate, and lighting up the Library mall. Free. 6:30-10 p.m., Library mall. EXCEL Campus Activities.

Bassoon Studio Recital Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Wednesday, Nov. 26

Women's Basketball Mavericks vs. Northern Arizona. Tickets $5. 7 p.m., College Park Center. Athletics.

Ongoing

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

Max Sullivan Gallery: Statera-Hymns of Balance Paintings by Andrew Kochie. Gallery hours 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. Free. Max Sullivan Gallery, Room 206, Architecture Building. Through Dec. 15. Architecture.

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.)