MavWire 2015 Archive » MavWire — Thursday, November 19, 2015

Dr. Taylor Johnson

Work to safeguard cyber-physical systems made with legacy subsystems

Taylor Johnson, assistant professor of computer science and engineering, will use a $397,807 grant from the Air Force Office of Scientific Research to develop formal methods that will automate the identification of cyber-physical systems specification mismatches to enable safe upgrades of those systems consisting of old and new subsystems.

A cyber-physical system is one that has collaborating computational elements controlling physical entities. Examples include automobiles, aircraft, unmanned vehicles, or medical devices.

Many times, when a new version of an aircraft or automobile comes out, the new system is built by reusing parts of the old system. Dr. Johnson hopes to identify those potential mismatches that engineers will have to address.

Read more about Johnson's cyber-physical research.

Dr. Jon Weidanz

Weidanz new associate vice president for research

UTA has appointed Jon Weidanz as associate vice president for research and professor of biology. Dr. Weidanz is founding chairman of the department of immunotherapeutics and biotechnology in the School of Pharmacy at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.

At UTA, Dr. Weidanz will report to Duane Dimos, vice president of research, and will play a leadership role in expanding research programs in the life sciences and health-related fields. His first day is Jan. 13.

Weidanz has more than 20 years of experience in biotechnology research with work supported by the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Defense, and the American Heart Association.

He is a seasoned entrepreneur and has founded several private biotechnology companies in the field of immunotherapy.

Read more about Weidanz's appointment.

Dr. Yvette Pearson Weatherton and Dr. Syed Qasim

Two civil engineers earn top honors in national organization

Two  civil engineers, Professor Emeritus Syed Qasim and senior lecturer Yvette Pearson Weatherton have been elected fellows of the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Dr. Qasim joined the College of Engineering in 1973 and retired in 2007. He is an internationally recognized authority on water and wastewater quality and treatment, and their related topics such as pollution control, hazardous waste management, and treatment plant design and operation. The Syed Qasim Endowed Professorship, held by Melanie Sattler, associate professor of Civil Engineering, was established to honor him.

Dr. Pearson Weatherton is a senior lecturer currently working as a program director at the National Science Foundation in Arlington, Va. She earned the UT System Regents’ Outstanding Teaching Award in 2013, and the UTA Provost’s Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2010 and 2012.

Read more about Qasim's and Pearson Weatherton's honors.

Second look Homecoming 2015 was so much fun that it's worth another look. Watch the video.

Take bookstore survey

UTA Bookstore and Follett would like input from faculty, administrators, and students about products, services, and more. Complete the survey by Sunday, Nov. 29.

Nominations accepted for Excellence in Doctoral Student Mentoring Award

The Office of Graduate Studies is now accepting nominations for the 2015-2016 Excellence in Doctoral Student Mentoring Award.

The award is for faculty members who have a strong record of excellence in mentoring doctoral students. The selected individual will receive $3,000 and will be recognized at the Spring Meeting of the University Faculty and Associates.

The nominations alternate between the science and engineering disciplines and from the liberal arts and professional disciplines. For the 2016 award, nominations are being accepted from the College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs; College of Business; College of Liberal Arts; College of Nursing and Health Innovation; College of Education; and the School of Social Work.

The deadline for nominations is Friday, Jan. 22, 2016.

Outstanding Academic Adviser nominations sought

Nominations are being accepted for Outstanding Academic Advisers. Awards will be given to one faculty adviser and one professional adviser.

Nominees should exhibit the characteristics of an outstanding adviser: respect, care, and concern for the student and for his or her goals; responsiveness to students’ needs; resourcefulness; and knowledge of University policies and procedures.

Submit nominations by Feb. 2, 2016.

Temporary electrical outages set for Sunday

Electrical outages are planned at two campus buildings Sunday, Nov. 22.

The Chemistry Research Building outage is 9-11 a.m. for installation of a new emergency electrical generator.

The Continuing Education and Workforce Development Building outage 12:30-2:30 p.m. is for building maintenance.

To prevent any possible damage, Facilities Management recommends the turning off of all electronic equipment in the offices including computers, scanners, and copiers before leaving for the weekend. These devices do not need to be unplugged from electrical outlets.

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

Purposeful planting UTA master's of landscape architecture students help David Hopman plant in a swath of land just west of the College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs Building. Dr. Hopman is practicing his theory of polyculture planting, which uses landscapes that incorporate different species of plants together that thrive in the same setting. From left are MLA students Neha Lokhande, Molly Plummer, Brooke Phillips, and John Watkins. Read more about Hopman's polyculture research.

Emergency generator test Friday

Facilities Management will test the emergency electrical generators 1-2:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20.

Buildings involved are the Architecture Building, Business Building, Chemistry and Physics Building, College Park Center, Fine Arts Building, Health Center, Kalpana Chawla Hall, Maverick Activities Center, and the Thermal Energy Plant.

The test will only affect the electrical services tied to each building’s generator, not the entire building. There will be a slight “blip” lasting a half-second as the electrical service transfers to the generator and another as it is transferred back to the normal building service. Keep computer work in progress saved during this time to prevent any possible data loss.

Questions? Call Toby Buhrkuhl at 972-832-1490 or Jeff Johnson at 817-798-8456.

NetIDplus initiative to give a security boost to online accounts

UTA will continue the implementation of NetIDplus, which will require two-factor authentication when you access VPN remotely or off-campus.

Faculty and staff that use the .Default group for VPN will instead need to use .Employees to successfully connect. Later, NetIDplus will be expanded to UTShare and additional UTA applications.

You will receive an email from no-reply@duosecurity.com titled NetIDplus Security Enrollment. The enrollment process requires the use of a computer and an authentication device, such as a cell phone or tablet.

To get familiar with NetIDplus, visit uta.edu/netidplus. For assistance or questions, contact the Help Desk at helpdesk@uta.edu or 2-2208.

Adopt from Angel Tree in Leadership Center

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

Adopt an angel by Tuesday, Nov. 24, in the Leadership Center in Suite B 160 of the lower level of the E.H. Hereford University Center. Drop off those gifts 9 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays by Monday, Nov. 30. For questions, call the Leadership Center at 2-9220.

ARDC electrical maintenance may affect service Nov. 28-29

The Arlington Regional Data Center will add additional generators and power feeds 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 28-29.

The Office of Information Technology is adding the new generators to ensure the stability of UTA services in the event of a power disruption.

Services may be temporarily interrupted during the upgrade. Check on service on the OIT system status website.

Be part of Orientation Involvement Fairs

University departments and registered student organizations are encouraged to host an information table at New Maverick Orientation's Involvement Fairs. The next fair is Saturday, Dec. 5.

These sessions are an opportunity to share information about your programs and services with incoming students. There are a limited number of tables available, so register your group in advance.

Visit the Involvement Fair website for details and to register.

Use your UT FLEX funds and file your claims for 2014-15

The use-it-or-lose-it rule applies to all UT FLEX reimbursement accounts. Get the most out of your accounts by not missing important deadlines.

If you have a UT FLEX Health Care Reimbursement Account (HCRA) with PayFlex, the HCRA has a use-it-or-lose-it rule. This means you will forfeit any funds left in your account at the end of the plan year. To avoid losing your HCRA funds, remember this date:

Monday, Nov. 30—Last day to submit claims for reimbursement. PayFlex must receive your claims by this date.

Read more about the UT Flex deadlines.

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, Nov. 19

Disability Studies Lecture Catherine Kudlick, “Disabling Cures: Rescuing History’s ‘Incurables’ from the Clutches of the Present.” Free. 3:30-5 p.m. Room 104, University Hall. Disability Studies.

LINK Lab Lecture Series Catherine Spann, “The Scientific Benefits of Mindfulness.” 12:30-1:30 p.m., Room 246, Nedderman Hall. LINK Research Lab.

Genomic Core Facility Info Seminar Learn about next-gen sequencing and how Illumina MiSeq desktop sequencer can enhance your research. Register online. 8:30-11:30 a.m., Room 227, Pickard Hall. Genomics Core Facility, Biology.

Friday, Nov. 20

Payment Vouchers Register online. 8:30-10:30 a.m., Room E200C, Continuing Education Building. Business Affairs.

Fundamental Skills for Supervisors and Managers Register online. 10 a.m.-noon, Room 200, Wetsel Service Center. Human Resources.

UTARI Lunch and Learn Christopher Ray, associate professor of kinesiology. Register online. Shuttle available. Lunch provided. Noon, UTARI, 7300 Jack Newell Blvd. S., Fort Worth. UTA Research Institute.

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

Monday, Nov. 30

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. Counseling and Psychological Services.

Wednesday, Dec. 2

Arlington Technology Association Chengkai Li, professor of computer science and engineering, describes his team’s achievements in creating ClaimBuster, a process providing near-real-time evaluations of public statements, and his intent to create a completely automated fact-checking machine that detects and verifies or disputes claims. Light breakfast provided. RSVP. Free. 7-8 a.m., Room 100, Nedderman Hall. Arlington Technology Association.

Saturday, Dec. 5

Graduate Business Forum Learn about graduate degree programs in the College of Business. Register online. 9:30 a.m.-noon, Room 147, Business Building. Business.

Coming Up

Human Resources Training Register online. Coaching Skills for Supervisors, 10 a.m.-noon, Wednesday, Dec. 9; Professional Telephone Techniques, 10 a.m.-noon, Friday, Dec. 11; Effective Delegation, 9-11 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 15; Motivating Your Employees, 9-11 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 17. All in Room 200, Wetsel Service Center. Human Resources.

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

Back in action: Senior forward Morgan Hunt (23), sophomore guard Cierra Johnson (0), and the rest of the Lady Mavs basketball team return to the court Friday and Saturday at College Park Center for the first consolation round for the Women's National Invitational Tournament. The team fell to Baylor last Friday in Waco.

Women's basketball team hosts WNIT consolation round this week

UTA's women's basketball team will host the first consolation round for the Women's National Invitational Tournament Friday-Saturday, Nov. 20-21, at College Park Center.

Dartmouth and McNeese State will play at 5 p.m.. Friday, followed by the Mavericks vs. Jacksonville at 7:15 p.m. On Saturday, the winners will play each other, and the losers will play each other. UTA will play at 7:15 p.m., regardless of Friday's results, and the other game will tip off at 5 p.m.

For more WNIT news, go to www.womensnit.com. Tickets are available at utatickets.com.

Volleyball team fourth seeded going into Sun Belt Conference tournament

The Maverick volleyball team is ranked fourth overall seed for the Sun Belt Conference Championships in Statesboro, Ga., this weekend.

The Mavs play No. 5 seed and defending tournament champion Arkansas-Little Rock at 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20. With a win the Mavs would advance to the tournament semifinals to face either No. 1 Arkansas State or No. 8 Georgia Southern.

The team picked up its third consecutive sweep and closed out the regular season Sunday afternoon, sweeping past South Alabama 3-0 at College Park Center. The Mavericks are 19-9 overall and 10-6 in SBC.

Mavs top Fordham in opener, hit road

UTA men's basketball team pulled off a thrilling season-opening 77-72 win against Fordham on Saturday night at College Park Center.

The Mavericks opened a three-game road stand beginning with a fall to Louisiana Tech 80-68 on Tuesday. Next up are two more road games at Ohio State on Friday, Nov. 20, and Memphis on Monday, Nov. 23.

Sports Shorts

• Senior Katelyn Hayward earned All-South Central Region accolades after placing 19th among 139 runners Friday at the NCAA South Central Regional. The race in College Station officially closed the 2015 seasons for the men’s and women’s cross country teams.

• The Sun Belt Conference announced its largest television package ever for men's and women's basketball for the 2015-16 season. UTA's men's team has one game televised on ESPN2 and five on ESPN3. The women's team has three games on ESPN3. Read more about the televised SBC games.

Intramural deadline for poker, innertube water polo

Upcoming intramural sports deadlines are innertube water polo, Sunday, Nov. 22; 3-on-3 wheelchair basketball, Tuesday, Dec. 8; college football bowl pick 'em, Sunday, Dec. 13; badminton, Sunday, Dec. 20; billiards, Wednesday, Jan. 6; racquetball, Tuesday, Jan. 12; and table tennis, Thursday, Jan. 14.

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.)

Holiday Extravaganza features family-focused fun Holiday Extravaganza is a family-oriented holiday celebration 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, in the Palo Duro Lounge of the E.H. Hereford University Center, courtesy of Freshmen Leaders on Campus. The free event includes arts and crafts representing a variety of winter holidays, hot chocolate, cookie decorating, and a chance to meet Santa Claus. UTA is closed for the Thanksgiving holiday Thursday-Friday, Nov. 26-27, and for the winter break Thursday, Dec. 24-Friday. Jan. 1, 2016.

Thursday, Nov. 19

Guest Wind Recital Stephen F. Austin University wind faculty. Free. 7:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

'The Man Who Came To Dinner' Classic comedy by Moss Hart and George Kaufman. Tickets $7 faculty, staff, students, seniors; $10 general public. 8 p.m., Mainstage Theatre, Fine Arts Building. Also, 8 p.m. Fridayday-Saturday, Nov. 20-21; 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22. Theatre Arts.

Transgender Day of Remembrance Finn Jones from Transcendence DFW and candlelight vigil. 6-8 p.m., Student Congress Chambers, E.H. Hereford University Center. LGBTQA Program.

Friday, Nov. 20

Apollo’s Flight Live music and visual effects mingle for this original performance. See trailer. Tickets $15 students, up to age 12; $20 general public, call 2-1183. 7 p.m., Planetarium. Also, Saturday, Nov. 21. Planetarium.

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

Friday Night Film: 'Straight Outta Compton' Rated R. Free popcorn. Concessions for sale. $1, $1.50 with credit card. 8 p.m., Rosebud Theatre, E.H. Hereford University Center. EXCEL Campus Activities.

Saturday, Nov. 21

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

Sunday, Nov. 22

Bassoon Studio Recital Free. 5:30 p.m., Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Monday, Nov. 23

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

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

Tuesday, Nov. 24

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

Women's Basketball Mavericks vs. Seton Hall. Tickets $7-20. 7 p.m., College Park Center. Also, vs. Missouri Valley College, Saturday, Nov. 28, Recover from Black Friday, Post-Game Autographs; vs. Western Kentucky, Holiday Hoops, Sunday, Dec. 13. Athletics.

Wednesday, Nov. 25

Men's Basketball Mavericks vs. Grambling State. Tickets $7-20. 7 p.m., College Park Center. Also, vs. North Texas. Orange Out, Thursday, Dec. 3. Athletics.

Monday, Nov. 30

Honors Recital Free. Noon, Irons Recital Hall, Fine Arts Building. Music.

Tuesday, Dec. 1

World AIDS Day 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Palo Duro Lounge, E.H. Hereford University Center. Health Services.

UTA Jazz Concert Tickets 6-9. 7:30 p.m. Rosebud Theatre, E.H. Hereford University Center. Music.

Thursday, Dec. 3

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

Friday, Dec. 4

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

Friends of the Library Paul Chaplo, Marfa Flights: Aerial Views of Big Bend Country. 7:30 p.m., sixth floor parlor, Central Library. Friends of the Library.

Saturday, Dec. 5

Jim Hayes Invitational Wheelchair Basketball Tournament Free. All day, Maverick Activities Center, Physical Education Building. Movin' Mavs.

Coming Up

Men’s Basketball Tickets $7-20. 7 p.m., College Park Center. Mavericks vs. North Texas, Orange Out, 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3; vs. Bradley, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8; vs. Sul Ross State, Holiday Hoops, 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21; vs. Georgia State, Family Night, camper reunion, indoor tailgate, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30; vs. Georgia Southern, 7:15 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 2. Athletics.

Women's Basketball Mavericks vs. Western Kentucky, Holiday Hoops, Sunday, Dec. 13. Tickets $7-20. 2 p.m., College Park Center. Also, vs. Georgia State, Family Night, camper reunion, indoor tailgate, 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30; vs. Georgia Southern, Seniors Day, 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 2. Athletics.

Commencement Ceremonies Thursday-Saturday, Dec. 17-19, College Park Center. Commencement.

Ongoing

Reunion: XV Faculty Biennial and Invited Alumni Exhibition Concurrent exhibitions feature 35 faculty members and 26 invited art graduates. Hours for both galleries 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, and noon-5 p.m. Saturdays. Gallery West, Studio Arts Center; and The Gallery at UTA, Fine Arts Building. Through Nov. 21. Art and Art History.

Ornament and Adornment: The Decoration and Application Techniques of African Masks 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, Visual Resources Commons, Room 2109, Fine Arts Building. Through Dec. 9. Art and Art History.

University Center Gallery: Digital Photography Student Exhibit 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 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, sixth floor, Central Library. Through Jan. 16. UTA Libraries Special Collections.

Planetarium Fall shows SOFIA 3-D, Cosmic Origins Spectrograph, From the Earth to the Universe, Astronaut, Pink Floyd, and Spacepark 360: Infinity. Planetarium.

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