MavWire 2015 Archive » MavWire — Thursday, July 2, 2015

Honored again: Dr. Zdzislaw Musielak, third from left, professor of physics, received the international Humboldt Research Award for his exploration of extra-solar planetary systems, the origin of dark matter and dark energy, black holes, and formulation of fundamental theories of physics.

Physics professor wins esteemed Humboldt Research Award

Physics Professor Zdzislaw Musielak has won the international Humboldt Research Award for his exploration of extra-solar planetary systems, the origin of dark matter and dark energy, black holes, and formulation of fundamental theories of physics.

This is the third time Dr. Musielak has been honored by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. He previously received the Humboldt Prize in 1997 and 2010, an award that honors internationally renowned scientists and scholars.

The award allows recipients to work on a research project of their choosing in Germany, together with a host and collaborative partner. Musielak will spend this summer as well as the next two summers in Germany, with his research activities fully supported by the Humboldt Foundation.

His research in Germany will focus on three topics: tornado-like structures on the sun, habitable exoplanets and exomoons, and new theories for dark matter and dark energy.

Read more about Musielak's Humboldt Award.

Solar cell mates: Doctoral candidates Dong Liu, left, and Zi Wei assisted Fuqiang Liu, right, assistant professor of materials science and engineering, in developing a more efficient solar storage cell.

Team develops new storage cell for solar energy storage, nighttime conversion

A materials science and engineering team has developed a new energy cell that can store large-scale solar energy even when it’s dark.

The innovation is an advancement over the most common solar energy systems that rely on using sunlight immediately as a power source. Those systems are hindered by not being able to use that solar energy at night or when cloudy conditions exist. The UT Arlington team developed a cell that allows for efficient and large-scale solar energy storage even at nighttime.

“This research has a chance to rewrite how we store and use solar power,” says Fuqiang Liu, assistant professor of materials science and engineering who led the research team.

Other team members included lead author Dong Liu, who recently defended his Ph.D. dissertation, and Zi Wei, a doctoral candidate. The research is detailed in the recent edition of the American Chemical Society journal ACS Catalysis.

Read more about the solar storage cell.

Cheer on UTA in the Arlington 4th of July Parade

Gather your family and friends for the 50th annual Arlington 4th of July Parade at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 4, in downtown Arlington.

The first leg of the parade route is along Spaniolo Drive between Mitchell Street and UTA Boulevard in the heart of the College Park District. After heading to West and Abram streets, the parade turns south on Center Street.

Free public parking will be available in campus parking lots and College Park garages. Parking lots and garages open at 6 a.m.

Watch for UTA's two floats, as well as the University’s Formula SAE race cars and spirit groups.

Before and after the parade, hang out at the Pie Five Fun Zone with bounce houses, face painting, and more, all free. Get the College Park District restaurants discount cards by clicking on the individual store links for details, then grab snacks or lunch at Coolberry Frozen Yogurt, Pie Five Pizza Co., and La Blue Casa. Catch a show at the Planetarium at UT Arlington; showtimes are 1-7 p.m.

For more information, email maverickcommunications@uta.edu.

Parking garages, lots used for July 4

The College Park District parking garages and surrounding parking lots will be used for the city of Arlington's annual Independence Day celebrations.

Access to the garages and nearby lots will be limited beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 3, for the Light Up Arlington fireworks show and at 6 a.m. Friday, July 4, for the Arlington 4th of July Parade.

Lot 49 will be closed to non-parade vehicles beginning at midnight, Thursday, July 3, until the end of the parade.

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

Libraries, pools closed Saturday

The UT Arlington Libraries will be closed Saturday, July 4, in observance of the Independence Day holiday.

The swimming pools at the Maverick Activities Center and the Physical Education Building will be closed Saturday-Sunday, July 4-5. The MAC is closed on Saturdays during the summer.

New directions Top, David Duvall, left, director of New Maverick Orientation, gives Mary Campbell directions to Davis Hall at a recent orientation. Her son, Jaeln, will be an accounting freshman in the fall. Bottom, Ashford Sonii, architecture junior, sets up the Freshmen Leaders On Campus display for the Involvement Fair, part of orientation. Sonii is a FLOC student adviser.

Title IX policy updated

UT Arlington has updated its Title IX policy according to the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights requirements. The policy reads:

The University of Texas at Arlington does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, disabilities, genetic information, and/or veteran status in its educational programs or activities it operates. For more information, visit uta.edu/eos. For information regarding Title IX, visit uta.edu/titleix.

For questions about Title IX, contact Jean Hood, Title IX coordinator, at jhood@uta.edu. Staff and visitors may contact Eddie Freeman at efreeman@uta.edu, and faculty may email Maria Martinez-Cosio at mcosio@uta.edu.

Summer faculty development series begins Wednesday

UT Arlington Libraries and the Division of Faculty Affairs will host a series of workshops to assist faculty with grants, publishing, impact analysis, and curriculum building. Workshops will be at 2 p.m. Wednesdays in July in Room 315A of the Central Library.

Programs are "Tools of the Trade," July 8; "Course Texts: Build It, Borrow It, OER," July 15; "Author's Rights," July 22; and "Copyright and Blackboard," July 29.

For more information, contact Gretchen Trkay at gtrkay@uta.edu.

UT Share website updated

The UT Share website has been updated with information on the latest system enhancements and upcoming activities.

Learn about the retro redistribution process, salary encumbrances, job summary access, and more.

Read about the latest system enhancements in the Announcements section. Keep up to date on team activities, upcoming features, and work in progress. Find out about training opportunities and register for classes.

Digital audio studio planned for fall

Amigos Library Services has awarded UT Arlington Libraries $6,000 to create a digital audio studio opening this fall.

The Digital Audio Experience Studio will provide performing arts technologies for recording and mixing music and audio to all students, regardless of major or classification. Proposed equipment includes musical keyboards, microphones, vocal headphone microphones, and computers.

Read more about the Digital Audio Studio Experience.

Benefits now available for same-sex marriage

As of July 1, UT Arlington's Benefits Office can enroll same-sex spouses of benefits-eligible employees and retired employees in all self-funded coverages upon application and presentation of a valid marriage certificate. 

UTA benefits-eligible employees and retirees who enter into a valid same-sex marriage after July 1 may enroll their spouse and eligible dependent children for benefits within 31 days following their marriage date.

Read more about UTA benefits and same-sex marriage benefits.

For more information, contact Employee Benefits Services at benefits@uta.edu or 2-5554.

Annual enrollment starts July 15

Annual enrollment for the 2015-16 benefit plan year runs July 15-31. During Annual Enrollment, you may enroll, change your group insurance benefit elections, and add or remove dependents from coverage.

A coverage option letter will arrive via email or regular mail by Wednesday, July 15.

For more information regarding annual enrollment and UT Arlington benefits for the 2015-16 plan year, see Employee Benefits Services, call 2-5554, or email benefits@uta.edu.

Benefits Fair features 2015-16 details

The UT Arlington Benefits Fair brings highlights for the 2015-16 benefit year to employees 9 a.m.-noon Friday, July 17, in the lounge of the Maverick Activities Center.

Insurance and retirement representatives, as well as representatives from the UT System Office of Employee Benefits, will answer questions. Sign up for the door prizes.

Questions? Contact Employee Benefits Services at benefits@uta.edu or 2-5554.

Employment information

Check out employment opportunities at uta.edu/jobs. Have questions? Call Human Resources/Employment Services at 2-3461 or TDD 2-8139, or email employment@uta.edu. The University of Texas at Arlington is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

Wednesday, July 8

Dealing with Difficult Employees and People Register online. 9-11 a.m., Room 200, J.D. Wetsel Service Center. Human Resources.

Wednesday, July 15

Safe Zone Ally Training Learn how to be supportive to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, and other community members. Register by noon Monday, July 13. Free. 1-4 p.m., Red River/Concho Rooms, E.H. Hereford University Center. LGBTQA Program.

Thursday, July 16

Writing Effective Email Register online. 9-11 a.m., Room 200, J.D. Wetsel Service Center. Human Resources.

Coming up

Human Resources Training Register online. Dealing Effectively with Conflict and Confrontation, 9-11 a.m. Thursday, July 23; and Coaching Skills for Supervisors, 9-11 a.m. Tuesday, July 28. All in Room 200, J.D. Wetsel Service Center. Human Resources.

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

Triple play: Chineme Obikudu earned a spot on the U.S. Junior National Team when she won the women’s triple jump at the USA Junior Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Ore.

Obikudu wins triple jump at USATF Juniors

Rising sophomore Chineme Obikudu won the women’s triple jump Saturday at the USA Junior Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Ore., to earn a spot on the U.S. Junior National Team.

She smashed her personal record by 13 inches on her way to winning the competition by nine inches. She posted the winning mark of 42 feet, 7 inches on her fifth of six jumps.

Obikudu is the second Maverick to win a USA junior title and qualify for the Junior National Team, joining Lisa Austin.

Butler shines at USATF Championships

Quentin Butler, who completed his UTA track career earlier this month, qualified for the semifinals of the 100-meter dash last week at the USA Track and Field Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Ore.

He ran a personal-best time of 9.96 at the same Hayward Field track that he competed on at the NCAA Championships. Butler failed to advance to the finals of the event.

Summer intramural sports available

The deadlines for individual sports are badminton, July 14; poker, July 23; and MavStrong competition, Aug. 6.

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.)

Friday, July 3

Light Up Arlington Live music, food trucks, train rides, caricature artist, petting zoo, temporary tattoos, face painting, and fireworks. Free, but some activities require a fee. 6-10:30 p.m., downtown Arlington. Light Up Arlington.

Friday-Sunday, July 3-5

Discount Rangers Tickets Texas Rangers vs. Los Angeles Angels. Visit texasrangers.com/grouptickets, click on University of Texas at Arlington, and use the password GOMAVS to get your discounted tickets. Various times, Globe Life Park. Upcoming games are Arizona Diamondbacks, July 7-8; San Diego Padres, July 10-12; New York Yankees, July 27-30; Houston Astros, Aug. 3-5; Tampa Bay Rays, Aug. 14 and 16; Seattle Mariners, Aug. 17-18; Toronto Blue Jays, Aug. 25-27; Baltimore Orioles, Aug. 28 and 30. Texas Rangers.

Thursday, July 9

Free Outdoor Movie: 'Furious Seven' Bring a chair or a blanket, a picnic, and friends for outdoor movies each Thursday. Free popcorn. The next movie is The Breakfast Club (1985), July 16; Pitch Perfect 2, July 23; Dirty Dancing (1987), July 30; and Tomorrowland, Aug. 6. Free. 9 p.m., lawn behind the Maverick Activities Center. EXCEL Campus Activities.

Ongoing

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.

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.

Planetarium The summer schedule includes Texas Stargazing; Stars of the Pharaohs; One World, One Sky; Cosmic Color; Dynamic Earth; Pink Floyd; Secret of the Cardboard Rocket; and Spacepark 360: Infinity. Planetarium.

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