MavWire 2015 Archive » MavWire — Thursday, July 30, 2015

Inaugural Interdisciplinary Research Program projects reach across disciplines to advance innovation

Five collaborative research projects involving faculty from seven colleges and schools ranging from innovations in pain management to personal security have won inaugural Interdisciplinary Research Program awards through a UT Arlington initiative aimed at advancing true interdisciplinary research and enhancing the University’s competitive position nationally.

President Vistasp M. Karbhari and Duane Dimos, vice president for research, launched the Interdisciplinary Research Program this spring based on the recommendations of a faculty task force focused on developing strategies and tactics to enhance interdisciplinary research across campus.

Forty-eight faculty teams submitted proposals aligned with the four guiding themes of the Strategic Plan 2020: Bold Solutions | Global Impact: Health and the Human Condition, Sustainable Urban Communities, Global Environmental Impact, and Data-Driven Discovery.

Read more about the Interdisciplinary Research Program 2015 awards.

Doug Garner

White House honors Garner as 'Champion of Change'

Doug Garner, assistant director of adapted sports and recreation, was honored by White House officials Monday for his efforts to help students and injured service veterans and others who face varying physical challenges.

Garner, head coach of the Movin’ Mavs men’s wheelchair basketball team, is one of nine people named as a Champion of Change: Disability Advocate by the White House Office of Public Engagement. The award goes to “long-time disability advocates and young Americans with disabilities who are working to uphold and expand the spirit” of the Americans with Disabilities Act, according to a White House statement.

The event was held in conjunction with celebrations of the 25th anniversary of the ADA, a landmark civil rights law that promises equal access and equal opportunity.

Read more about Garner's honor.

Dr. Dan Cavanagh

Jazz professor explores new 'hands-on' technology

Dan Cavanagh, a jazz pianist and associate professor of music, is pushing the limits of music and technology thanks to a new Research Enhancement Program grant that will allow him to enhance musical sounds with sensor-laden gloves.

Dr. Cavanagh recently earned the UT Arlington grant to modify a pair of gloves with embedded electronic sensors. The sensors are designed to enhance and manipulate sounds of an instrument. He hopes to build on open source technology to create software and hardware capable of creating a new dynamic for established musical genres.

“The equipment and software I’m looking at has been used in pop music for years, especially avant-garde pop music,” Cavanagh says. “It hasn’t been done a lot in art music. Jazz is such an improvisation thing. I’m curious to see how it can be combined live with that genre.”

Read more about the music gloves.

Lauren Fuess

UT Arlington-led research reveals new details about sea stars wasting disease

A study led by Lauren Fuess, a doctoral candidate in quantitative biology, examining sea stars dying along the West Coast provides new clues about the starfish’s immune response and its ability to protect a diverse coastal ecosystem.

Fuess and her team looked at the wasting disease responsible for the largest die-off of sea stars ever recorded. Scientists believe that a virus related to rabies causes wasting disease. When infected, the stars' arms contort, and the stars develop white lesions and become squishy in the final stages of the disease.

Fuess, who recently received a National Science Foundation Graduate Research fellowship, works in the laboratory of Laura Mydlarz, associate professor of biology.

Read more and watch a video about the sea stars wasting research.

Maverick Stampede needs volunteers to welcome students to 2015-16 academic year

The countdown is on to the kickoff of Maverick Stampede beginning Monday, Aug. 24.

Volunteer for two hours at the Residence Hall Move-in Event on Monday, Aug. 24. Faculty, staff, and student volunteers help new residents unpack and settle in. Volunteer online.

Register to volunteer for other events, such as the Parent and Family Center Cookout, Waffleopolis, the MavsMeet After Party, Late Night Shopping at Target, and Ask Me Days.

Don't miss MavsMeet Convocation at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26, at College Park Center or the AfterParty on The Green at College Park.

Be a Maverick Cookout volunteer for a 30-minute shift 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2.

Read more about the Maverick Stampede schedule of events.

Scam using Texas Tuition Promise name, asking victims to forward cash

On July 15, the Office of the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts was made aware of a fraudulent check scam in which criminals are using the name Texas Tuition Promise Fund® to defraud the public.

Intended victims—usually students—will receive a check in the mail identifying the Texas Tuition Promise Fund as the payer. The checks may appear to have been issued from a SunTrust Bank account, but are, in fact, fraudulent. Shortly thereafter, the intended victim will be contacted via email and asked to deposit the check in their bank account, withdraw an additional sum, and forward the cash to another person.

The Texas Tuition Promise Fund is in no way involved in this fraud. No person legitimately representing the Texas Tuition Promise Fund would ever request that a payee forward funds to anyone.

The Office of the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts in conjunction with NorthStar Financial Services Group, LLC (the Fund’s administrator) has contacted SunTrust Bank and notified the proper authorities of this fraud.

If you receive an unexpected check from the Texas Tuition Promise Fund and are asked in turn to send money to someone else, contact NorthStar Financial Services Group, LLC at 1-877-826-9777.

If you or anyone you know has been a victim of this crime or information related to it, call the UT Arlington Police Department at 817-272-3381.

WNBA may play at CPC in 2016

The WNBA announced it would move its Tulsa Shock team to UT Arlington's College Park Center in 2016. The move is pending University of Texas System Board of Regents review.

“This adds a new dimension to the growing emergence of UTA in athletics since it will expand exponentially the ways our students can learn from, interact with, and experience the excitement and professionalism of a major women’s sports team," says President Vistasp Karbhari.

Read more about the WNBA at CPC and as reported by The Dallas Morning News, WFAA Channel 8, and KTVT CBS 11.

Wish come true Tane Johnson's wish for an education began coming true when Make-A-Wish North Texas teamed with UT Arlington. The Arlington teen wants to study computer science engineering at UTA. He was accepted, and now his tuition and expenses for his first year are covered. Johnson has suffered from a life-threatening neurological illness that mimics strokes since he was 11 years old. On Monday, UTA alumni, staff, and close friends surprised him with a celebratory pep rally. Watch the video.

Bobadilla named Latina Living Legend

Michele Bobadilla, assistant provost for Hispanic student success, has been selected as the 2015 Latina Living Legend by the DFW Hispanic 100. She also is senior associate vice president for outreach services and community engagement. She will be honored at an event Oct. 15.

McNair Scholars to present summer research

Sixteen McNair Scholars will present their summer research 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, in Room 101 of College Hall.

The students researched topics ranging from the mathematics of recycling to the logos for the 2016 presidential primary candidates. See the schedule.

Windows 10 testing under way

The Office of Information Technology is testing Windows 10 and its compatibility with other software used at UT Arlington.

Do not upgrade your Windows 7 Operating System until all testing is completed and OIT announces that upgrades can be done.

Question? Email desktop@uta.edu or itssupport@uta.edu.

SHRM chapter recognized for second year

UTA’s student chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) has received a 2014-2015 Outstanding Student Chapter Award for the second year in a row. The award recognizes student chapters that provide exceptional growth and development opportunities to their members.

The UTA student chapter has been active on campus and in the DFW community with programs with the Tarrant County Food Bank, Mission Arlington, and Project HOPE.

Nominate a speaker for TEDxUTA 2016

Suggest a great speaker for TEDxUTA 2016. Complete the nomination form online.

TEDxUTA provides an opportunity for people to share ideas. An independent organization, TEDxUTA is designed to give communities, groups, and individuals the opportunity to stimulate dialogue at the local level.

Law enforcement competition to include real-life scenarios

More than 600 participants, judges, and law enforcement officers from around Texas will be on campus Thursday-Sunday, July 30-Aug. 2. 

The Texas Law Enforcement Explorer Advisors Association's State Explorer Competition features teams of youth and adults competing in 20 different “real-life” law enforcement scenarios over a two-day period.

The scenarios will take place in various campus locations including parking lots, classroom buildings, the University Center, and residence halls.

Questions? Contact the UTA Police Department at 2-3381.

Moving ideas Jay Horn, executive director of international education, discusses possible expansion of the campus shuttle service at an information forum last week at the E.H. Hereford University Center. No decisions have been made on the plan.

Parking regulations change Saturday

Changes in parking permits and regulations begin Saturday, Aug. 1.

Faculty and staff parking permits will be $200 per year. Reserved parking will be $600 and limited to those who qualify. The hourly meter rate will be set at $2.50.

Read more about the 2015-16 parking permits and regulations.

Apply for Professional Learning Community groups

Faculty and staff can apply to participate in the 2015-16 Professional Learning Community (PLC), sponsored by the divisions of Digital Teaching and Learning and Faculty Affairs.

The PLC includes software experimentation, course redesign, group conference attendance, informal learning, and a project based on the theme of the group. Collaboration will take place through on-campus and online sessions among the group members and with national and international leaders in educational technology.

Groups for 2015-16 are Blended Learning and Synchronous Learning in a Digital Environment.

Applications are due Monday, Aug. 3.

Fulbright program seeks faculty for SubSahara program

Faculty members can apply for the Fulbright SubSahara program by Monday, Aug. 3.

Scholars can teach and conduct research at educational institutions and nonprofit organizations in Burkina Faso, Ghana, Madagascar, Rwanda, and Zambia.

All disciplines are needed in some areas, while others focus on business administration, economics, and finance; journalism and broadcasting; engineering and environmental sciences; and AIDS and AIDS-related research.

For more details, contact the Office of International Education at 2-2355.

Complete Annual Enrollment forms by Friday

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

For more information regarding Annual Enrollment and UT Arlington benefits for the 2015-16 plan year, see Employee Benefits Services, call 2-5558, or email benefits@uta.edu.

Holiday schedule for 2015-16 includes 14 dates

The holiday schedule for 2015-16 includes 14 days off for faculty and staff. Anyone who wishes to observe a religious holiday may do so in lieu of any holiday for which the employee serves as a member of the skeleton workforce required by statute or by taking a vacation day.

The holiday schedule is:

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.

Thursday, July 30

Payment Vouchers Learn how to search for a vendor, create a non-purchase order voucher, and create a purchase order voucher. Register online. 8:30-10:30 a.m., Room E200C, Continuing Education Building. Business Affairs.

Friday, July 31

UTARI Seminar Susan Juarez, UTARI grant writer, discusses Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer funding mechanics. Register online. Shuttle available. Lunch provided. Noon, UTARI, 7300 Jack Newell Blvd. S., Fort Worth. UT Arlington Research Institute.

Wednesday, Aug. 5

Arlington Technology Association Robert Edamala, director of information security at UT Arlington, presents "The Internet of Things: How Your Toaster May Be a Threat in Cyber Warfare." Light breakfast provided. RSVP. Free. 7-8 a.m., Room 100, Nedderman Hall. Arlington Technology Association.

Research and Strategic Plan 2020 Learn about the guiding themes of the Strategic Plan 2020 and how UTA can be more competitive for major research awards and grants. Global Environmental Impact. 9-11:30 a.m., Rio Grande Ballroom. Research Administration.

Monday, Aug. 17

Peer Observation of Teaching Training Learn about this powerful tool for professional growth, documenting great teaching, and sharing new ideas. Register online. 9 a.m.-noon, Room 415, Central Library. Also, 1-4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11. Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence, Faculty Affairs.

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

Men’s basketball prepares for Bahamas tour

The men's basketball team began practice this week in preparation for an international exhibition tour Aug. 19-25 to the Bahamas.

The Mavericks will face four teams—Atlantis All Stars, PJ Stingers, Providence Storm, and IBA Elite—in games at Sir Kendal Isaacs Gym. International trips are permitted every four years.

UTA finished 16-15 last year during its second season in the Sun Belt Conference.

Bobby Lane Invitational to return in 2016

The Bobby Lane Invitational track meet hosted by UT Arlington will return next year after a two-year hiatus. The 2016 meet will take place at Maverick Stadium on Saturday, March 26.

The event historically has drawn interest from professionals and unattached athletes as part of their preparation for the Olympics and other world-class summer meets.

Olympic gold medal winners Michael Johnson and Jeremy Wariner are among the most notable athletes who have competed at previous Bobby Lane Invitational events.

Maverick Open golf tourney set for Sept. 10

The Maverick Open, formerly the Chip-N-Classic, will take place Thursday, Sept. 10, at Texas Star Golf Course in Euless. To reserve your place, contact Kris Wood at kriswood@uta.edu or 2-9613.

MavStrong last of summer intramural sports

The last summer intramural deadline is MavStrong competition, Thursday, 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.)

Thursday, July 30

Discount Rangers Tickets Texas Rangers vs. New York Yankees. 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 Houston Astros, Aug. 3-5; Tampa Bay Rays, Aug. 14-16; Seattle Mariners, Aug. 17-18; Toronto Blue Jays, Aug. 25-27; Baltimore Orioles, Aug. 28-30. Texas Rangers.

Thursday, Aug. 6

Free Outdoor Movie: 'Tomorrowland' Bring a chair or a blanket, a picnic, and friends for outdoor movies each Thursday. Free popcorn. 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.

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 Aug. 31. Visual Resources Commons, Room 2109 of the Fine Arts Building. Art and Art History.

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.)