MavWire 2015 Archive » MavWire — Thursday, April 23, 2015

Dr. Weidong Zhou

Electrical engineering professor developing ultraviolet lasers to detect weapons' agents

Weidong Zhou, an electrical engineering professor who specializes in nanophotonics, has been awarded $600,000, which is part of a three-year, $4.3 million Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency grant to make ultraviolet laser detection more available in the field. The multi-institutional project is led by Michigan State University.

Dr. Zhou will develop low-cost, compact ultraviolet lasers to detect very small amounts of chemical and biological agents. The goal is to create a new class of ultraviolet lasers that are more than 300 times smaller and 10 times more efficient than current lasers. The resulting technology could be dropped into current detection systems to save size, weight, and power or to create new systems that are smaller and more sensitive.

Read more about the ultraviolet laser project.

UT Arlington a top winner at CASE awards

The Office of University Communications recently won top honors for writing, Web design, social media, and graphic design at the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District IV awards in Austin.

CASE is an international organization for professionals in alumni relations, communications, and philanthropy. District IV represents 2,904 members from 261 institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.

UT Arlington took gold awards in Medical-Science News and Medical-Science Feature Writing for stories showcasing faculty research using micro-windmills to power devices. The UTArlington Magazine website won both gold and silver awards. In social media, the custom iPad app created for the University’s booth at the Main St. Fort Worth Arts Festival won top honors. Promotional materials for the Maverick Speakers Series won for Design Publication Series.

See a list of the award-winning CASE projects.

Phone scam targets students; victims report $20,000 in total losses

UT Arlington students are being targeted by a sophisticated phone scam in which the callers identify themselves as members of a governmental agency, then threaten to arrest students on false or fictitious charges if immediate payment is not made to the suspects via a money card.

Ten students have reported providing payments to the suspects over the phone. Combined losses thus far total $20,000. One student lost more than $6,000.

Dozens of additional students have reported similar calls from individuals posing as representatives of local law enforcement agencies, state agencies, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and other federal agencies. Some calls have targeted international students. However, offenses are being reported by students of varying backgrounds.

If you or anyone you know has information related to these crimes, call the UT Arlington Police Department at 2-3381.

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.

Patented innovations Suresh Sharma, professor of physics, looks at the patents granted to faculty members in 2014 at the Faculty Creative Works reception Tuesday at the Central Library. The annual event celebrates the works of faculty members, including publications, books, patents, and more.

New policy covers information resources, security

The Information Resources Acceptable Use and Security Policy Agreement—Handbook of Operating Procedures 5-604—covers requirements for acceptable use of information resources. The agreement is required by UT System 165 Information Resources and Security Policy.

All individuals granted access to or use of University information resources must be aware of and agree to abide by the acceptable use requirements.

Questions? Contact the Office of Information Technology at 2-5602.

Texas Hall area lots used for event parking

Lots 30 and 33 will be used for the Starquest Dance Event parking at Texas Hall beginning at 6 a.m. Thursday-Sunday, April 23-26. 

In addition, Lots F9, Trinity, and Trinity South will be used starting at 6 a.m. Saturday-Sunday, April 25-26. 

Parking staff will collect a fee at each lot. However, all UT Arlington annual permits will be valid in these lots without an additional charge. 

Contact Parking and Transportation Services at parking@uta.edu or 2-3907.

Requests due Friday for HUB Spot Bid Fair

Small and historically under-utilized businesses (HUBs) can bid "on the spot" at the Spot Bid Fair hosted by state Sen. Royce West on Monday-Tuesday, May 11-12, at the Irving Convention Center.

University departments should submit bid requests by Friday, April 24, to be included in the fair's bid book. Submit requests to Laurie Thompson, HUB coordinator, at lauriethompson@uta.edu.

Read more details about the Spot Bid Fair bid requests.

Leading the pack Loan Ho, left, business senior and Student Congress president, and Courtney Brocker, history/philosophy senior, tied for the Wayne Duke Leadership Award at the Leadership Recognition Ceremony on Tuesday night. Dr. Duke was a longtime vice president of Student Affairs.

Speakers wanted for Focus on Faculty

UT Arlington Libraries is seeking five faculty members for the 2015-2016 Focus on Faculty lecture series.

Focus on Faculty spotlights the work and research of faculty members and provides a forum for them to share their research and achievements with students, faculty and staff, and the Arlington community.

Nominate yourself or a colleague by contacting Evelyn Barker at ebarker@uta.edu.

The lectures are held at noon on selected Wednesdays during the fall and spring semesters. See videos of past lectures on YouTube.

Money Smart Week includes financial workshops, advice

Students and members of the Arlington community can receive personal financial advice and credit consultations from 30 volunteer financial service professionals during Money Smart Week, April 28-May 1. The College of Business and the Student Money Management Center sponsor the event for Financial Literacy Month.

Workshops are offered on student loan repayment, setting financial goals, money management, and credit. Volunteers from the FDIC, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and other partners from the Financial Fitness Dallas-Fort Worth Coalition also will offer workshops.

Professional loan officers will offer personal credit report evaluations and recommendations for improvement. Attendees will receive a free copy of their credit report.

Bottled up Student volunteers round up plastic bottles at Wednesday's Earth Day celebration on the University Center mall. The bottles were traded by visitors for herb plants. Earth-friendly vendors touted various recycling and green programs.

Plan around IT maintenance schedules

The Office of Information Technology performs regularly scheduled maintenance on MyMav, OIT servers, and the campus network 2-7 a.m. every Sunday. Occasionally, additional maintenance may occur between 7 a.m.- noon. The system will be unavailable during those times.

Automated software updates are the second Tuesday of each month for Microsoft products and the fourth Tuesday of each month for supported software.

Visit OIT's software update page for more information about upcoming maintenance.

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 8 a.m.-5 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 an approved photo identification such as a Texas driver license or Texas election identification certificate, Texas concealed handgun license or U.S. passport.

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

Contact Student Congress at 2-0556 with any questions.

Thursday, April 23

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

Cultural Constructions Conference The biannual conference has a theme of visuals and includes everything from Medieval Spanish manuscripts to comic books and the covers of young adult novels. See the schedule. Free. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., sixth floor parlor, Central Library. Also, Friday, April 24. UT Arlington Libraries, Modern Languages.

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. 2-6 p.m., E.H. Hereford University Center. Also, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday, April 29. UTA Bookstore.

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.

LINK Lab Workshop Bonnie Stewart—who teaches technology, literacy, communication, and adult learning at the University of Prince Edward Island—presents "Conversations on Scholarship in a Digital Age." Free. 1-4 p.m. Room 246, Nedderman Hall. Learning Innovation and Networked Knowledge (LINK) Lab. 

Psychology Colloquium Rosanna Guadagno of UT Dallas presents “Why We Click: An Examination of Social Influence Processes Online.” Noon, Room 121, University Hall. Psychology.

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.

UTARI Seminar Kevin Schug, the Shimadzu Distinguished Professor of Analytical Chemistry and Shimadzu Science Advisor to the Vice President for Research, presents “New Vacuum Ultraviolet Spectroscopy Detector for Analysis of Volatile and Semivolatile Organic Compounds.” RSVP to ride shuttle. Lunch included. Free. Noon-1 p.m., boardroom, UTARI, 7300 Jack Newell Blvd. S. UT Arlington Research Institute.

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.)

Honors and dedication: Top left, center Rebekah Van Dijk was named to the 2015 Full Court NCAA Division I Women’s Mid-Major Freshman All-American team. Top right, junior Cody Farrell went 4-for-5 with three RBIs and two runs in Sunday’s 10-7 victory over Troy. At bottom, UT Arlington baseball unveiled its new clubhouse with a ribbon-cutting ceremony before Friday's rain-delayed game at Clay Gould Ballpark. The complex features nearly 6,000 square feet of state-of-the-art facilities that include a players clubhouse, an equipment and laundry room, a sports medicine training room, and coaches' offices.

Alumnus George Riba to speak at All-Sports Banquet

Former sportscaster and UTA alumnus George Riba is guest speaker for the All-Sports Banquet at 6 p.m. Monday, April 27, at College Park Center.

The banquet recognizes the successes of student-athletes for their athletic and academic achievement and community involvement.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students. For table sponsorships, contact Kris Wood at 2-9613 or kriswood@uta.edu.

Van Dijk named FullCourt.com freshman All-American

Awards continue to roll in for center Rebekah Van Dijk, who last week was named to the 2015 Full Court NCAA Division I Women’s Mid-Major Freshman All-American team.

She also earned the Sun Belt Conference Freshman of the Year award and was an All-SBC second-team selection.

Van Dijk averaged 13.2 points and 10.4 rebounds a game last season and led all Division I freshmen with 15 double-doubles.

Golf team second in Sun Belt Championship

A late surge Tuesday vaulted UTA to a runner-up finish at the Sun Belt Men's Golf Championship in Miramar Beach, Fla. 

The Mavericks began the final round tied for fourth and dropped several spots before a nice run on the back 9 moved them up the leaderboard. UTA shot a 1-over-par 285—the second best round of the day—to complete a plus-13 865.

Freshman Aaron Guanlao paced the Mavericks with an eighth-place individual finish.

Baseball team edged by No. 2 Texas A&M

UTA’s upset bid came up just short Tuesday against second-ranked Texas A&M as the team fell 4-2 to the Aggies in College Station.

Over the weekend, the Mavericks took two of three games against Troy at Clay Gould Ballpark. They split a doubleheader Saturday, winning the first game 15-4 but losing the second 7-6. UTA won Sunday’s rubber match 10-7.

The Mavericks are 17-22 overall and 8-10 in the Sun Belt Conference. They begin a three-game series Friday, April 24, at Louisiana-Lafayette.

Mavericks drop 2 of 3 to Georgia State

The softball team’s late rally came up short Sunday in a 5-4 loss to Georgia State at Allan Saxe Field.

The Mavericks earned a doubleheader split Saturday, winning the second game 5-2 after losing the first 6-1. Senior Nina Villanueva scored twice to become the first UTA player with 50 runs in a season.

The team is 27-22 overall and 8-10 in the Sun Belt Conference. The Mavericks face Troy in a three-game series beginning Saturday, April 25, in Troy, Ala.

Tennis teams fall short in conference tournaments

The women’s tennis team dropped a 4-3 decision Sunday to South Alabama in the finals of the Sun Belt Conference Championship in New Orleans.

UTA advanced to the finals with a 4-1 victory over Troy on Friday and a 4-3 win against Georgia State on Saturday. The team ended its season with a 16-6 record.

In men’s action, the Mavericks lost 4-1 Saturday to South Alabama in the Sun Belt semifinals. The men finished with a 12-7 record.

Sports Shorts

• The men’s and women’s track teams turned in solid performances Saturday at the Michael Johnson Classic in Waco before inclement weather shortened the event. The teams compete Saturday, April 25, at the Bobcat Classic in San Marcos.

Intramural deadlines include FIFA video game

Upcoming entry deadlines for intramural sports include FIFA video game, Wednesday, May 6; and poker tournament, Thursday, May 7.

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.)

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. All 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.)