MavWire 2016 Archive » MavWire — Thursday, April 7, 2016

Dr. Yuan Bo Peng

Scientists address chronic pain with deep brain stimulation

Psychology Professor Yuan Bo Peng and J.-C. Chiao, professor of electrical engineering, have created an approach to chronic pain managment that uses electrical stimulation of a deep, middle brain structure that blocks pain signals at the spinal cord level without drug intervention.

The process directly stimulates the ventral tegmental area of the brain.

Details of their discoveries were published in the neuroscience journal Experimental Brain Research. 

Read more about the deep brain stimulation research.

Goodall packs CPC Watch a recap of primatologist and conservationist Jane Goodall at her appearance last week for the Maverick Speakers Series.

Alliance Research Contract Portfolio Show brings variety of vendors to campus

Bring your department's shopping list to the Alliance Research Contract Portfolio Show 9 a.m.-2 p.m today, Thursday, April 7, in the San Jacinto, Neches, and Pedernales rooms of the E.H. Hereford University Center.

Vendors will showcase everything from equipment, supplies, and IT peripherals to maintenance items, repair items, and office supplies.

Representatives from suppliers, the UT System Supply Chain team, and the UTA Contract Management Office will be on hand to answer questions about the vendors, products, and services, and about how to utilize the contracts. Light snacks and drinks will be provided.

The UTA Procurement Office and the UT System Supply Chain Alliance sponsor the show. The Supply Chain Alliance is a strategic sourcing team that contracts on behalf of UT System institutions.

Space Acquisition, Renovation, and Utilization

Requests for the renovation of existing space (instructional, academic and non-academic), requests for the reassignment of existing space from one use to another or from one department to another, and requests for the allocation or construction of new space for new and replacement hires are approved by the University Space Acquisition and Renovation Committee (SARC). As of Spring 2016, Space Acquisition and Renovation is housed under the Vice President for Administration and Campus Operations.

Please visit their new web page to find dates for the SARC meetings and the process for requesting expansion and/or renovations.

Meet candidates for parking director at forums

Faculty and staff can meet candidates for director of Parking and Transportation Services at upcoming forums. The next meetings are 7:30-8:30 a.m. Monday, April 11, and Thursday, April 14, in Room 609 of the Business Building.

Tax help available at Central Library

Representatives of Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) are available to help with figuring out your taxes. The free service runs through Tuesday, April 12, in Room B20 of the Central Library. Hours are 5-9 p.m. Mondays-Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturdays, and noon-6 p.m. Sundays.

Learn about Interdisciplinary Research Program at info sessions

UTA's new Interdisciplinary Research Program supports faculty research teams representing different disciplines.

Duane Dimos, vice president for research, will host an information session 2:30-4 p.m. Thursday-Friday, April 14-15, in Room 327 in Davis Hall. For details, contact Jon Weidanz at weidanz@uta.edu.

Requests for proposal (RFP) submissions are accepted through 4 p.m. Wednesday, June 15.

Digitizing anger A team of UTA researchers is working to pinpoint the brain signals associated with anger. They hope to predict outbursts before they occur and develop a tool that helps domestic violence offenders keep their anger in check. Watch the video.

Develop your executive presence at workshop

Do you have the communication skills to be heard, the gravitas to gain respect, and an appearance that garners positive professional interest?

Improve those skills at the workshop "Executive Presence: Powerful Actions, Communication, and Appearance" at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, April 14, in the Rio Grande Ballroom of the E.H. Hereford University Center.

Teri Bump of American Campus Communities in Austin will demonstrate how communication, gravitas, and appearance can drive your career advancement.

Register online for the program, sponsored by New Maverick Orientation.

Give your input on bike share program

Complete a bike share survey for the Institute for Sustainability and Global Impact.

A bike share program would allow students, faculty, and staff to check out a bicycle from one or more locations and return the bike at a later date. This will reduce congestion in parking lots, improve public health, reduce emissions, and create a cleaner, healthier, and more environmentally sustainable campus.

Represent your department at next Orientation Involvement Fair, Block Party

University departments and student organizations can share info on programs and services at the Orientation Involvement Fair and the annual Block Party.

The next Involvement Fair is at the New Maverick Orientation for transfer students Thursday, April 14. Visit www.uta.edu/sao to register and for details.

The Block Party is set for 6-10 p.m. Thursday, April 28, on Spaniolo Drive by College Park Center. Register for a booth by Friday, April 8. Also, register to volunteer.

Evening at Six Flags to benefit Student Emergency Assistance Fund

Enjoy an evening at Six Flags Over Texas with discount tickets that help Arlington schools. The theme park hosts Education Celebration 6-11 p.m. Friday, April 15, benefiting UTA and AISD through the AISD Education Foundation.

Tickets are only $20 plus tax. Advanced tickets are limited. No tickets will be sold at the gate. Special discounted parking is $10 per car at the gate.

With each ticket, $5 goes directly to the UTA Student Emergency Assistance Fund. See the gift codes on the website. Use the code UTA.

UT Press hosts online book sale next week

The University of Texas Press is holding a spring online book sale for all campuses in the UT System. The sale will run from 8 a.m. Monday, April 11, through midnight Friday, April 15, on the UT Press website.

All titles on the site already are 33 percent off. Faculty, staff, and students will receive a discount of 45 percent off the full retail price. To receive 55 percent off, use the code UTPS16. Sales tax and shipping apply.

Input needed on proposed certificate in sustainability

The program will use a multidisciplinary approach to integrate business, society, and sustainability into a coherent program of study and engagement. The certificate would offer working professionals an opportunity to learn how to integrate the principles and values of sustainable practices.

Thursday, April 7

Requisitions Register online. 1:30-4 p.m., Room E200C, Enterprise Development Building, 140 W. Mitchell. Business Affairs.

Technology Startup Seminar Silicon Valley investment group Artiman Ventures brainstorms with faculty, students, and local entrepreneurs on how to help move new technologies to the marketplace. 2-5 p.m., Lone Star Auditorium, Maverick Activities Center. Also, small group meetings and follow-up sessions, Friday, April 8, StartUp Lounge. Read more. Research Administration.

Friday, April 8

Dealing with Difficult Employees and People Register online. 10 a.m.-noon, Room 200, Wetsel Service Center. Human Resources.

Facilities Management Professional Credential Register online. Call 2-2581 to receive a faculty/staff discount fee of 50 percent. 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, April 8-June 4, Technical Training Center, 106 W. Sixth St. Arlington. Enterprise Development.

Saturday, April 9

CPR/AED/First Aid Class A single, five-hour class covering the American Red Cross first aid basics, medical and environmental emergencies, adult CPR, and AED use. Registration at MAC Services and Information desk. $50. 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Room 223, Maverick Activities Center. Also, Saturday, May 21. Campus Recreation.

RAD Self Defense Class Self-defense course for female faculty, staff, and students. Register online. Free. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Room 102-B, Maverick Activities Center. UTA Police.

Tuesday, April 12

Timekeeper Register online. 8:30-11 a.m., Room E200C, Enterprise Development Building, 140 W. Mitchell. Business Affairs.

Moritz Speaker Series Ironman athlete Elmar Sprink of Germany and sports cardiologist André La Gerche of Australia are speakers for the inaugural series. Sprink is considered the fittest heart transplant recipient in the world. Dr. La Gerche developed a cardiac MRI test that can examine patients while exercising. Free. 4-6 p.m., Lone Star Auditorium, Maverick Activities Center. Moritz Speaker Series, Nursing and Health Innovation.

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

Wednesday, April 13

Timekeeper: Lab Register online. 1:30-3:30 p.m., Room E200C, Enterprise Development Building, 140 W. Mitchell. Business Affairs.

Documentary screening: 'The Story of 1915 in Armenian Documents' The Turkish Student Association at UTA is hosting a screening of this film examining the end of the Ottoman Empire during World War I and the genocide aimed at the Armenian people. The film will be followed by a panel discussion. 6:30 p.m., Pedernales Room, E.H. Hereford University Center.

Maverick Service Excellence: Manager Overview Register online. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Room 200, Wetsel Service Center. Human Resources.

Thursday, April 14

Payment Vouchers Register online. 8:30-10:30 a.m., Room E200C, Enterprise Development Building, 140 W. Mitchell. Business Affairs.

Fundamental Skills for Supervisors and Managers Register online. 2-4 p.m., Room 200, Wetsel Service Center. Human Resources.

Coming Up

Human Resources Training Register online. Managing Projects and Making Decisions, 9-11 a.m. Tuesday, April 19; Question, Persuade, Refer: Ask A Question, Save A Life, 9-11 a.m. Wednesday, April 20, Room 601, Nedderman Hall; Welcoming Diversity, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday, April 20; Coaching Skills for Supervisors, 9-11 a.m. Thursday, April 21; Dealing Effectively with Conflict and Confrontations, 9-11 a.m. Tuesday, April 26; Effective Delegation, 9-11 a.m. Wednesday, April 27. All in Room 200, Wetsel Service Center, unless noted. Human Resources.

Business Affairs Training Register online. Position and Workforce Management, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Monday, April 18; Human Resources Lab, 2-4 p.m. Tuesday, April 19; Travel and Expenses, 8:30-11:30 a.m. Thursday, April 21; Financial Statements and the Reconciliation Process, 2-4 p.m. Tuesday, April 26; Finance Lab, 8:30-10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 28. All in Room E200C, Enterprise Development Building, 140 W. Mitchell. Business Affairs.

Art Lecture Mohamed Keshavjee of the Institute of Ismaili Studies in London, author of Into That Heaven of Freedom: The Impact of Apartheid on an Indian Family’s Diasporic History. 5 p.m. Monday, April 18, auditorium, Architecture Building. Art and Art History.

Focus on Faculty Julienne Greer, associate professor of theatre arts, Empathy and Embodiment: The Interdisciplinary Collaboration of Theatre Arts and Social Robotics. Noon-1:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 20, sixth floor parlor, Central Library. UTA Libraries.

Social Work Colloquium Joanne Sobeck, associate dean and director of the Center for Social Work Research, “Building Research Capacity.” RSVP to michael.olayiwole@mavs.uta.edu. 1-2 p.m. Wednesday, April 27, Room B107, Social Work Complex B. Research and Professional Development, Social Work.

(For an expanded list of events, see the Events Calendar.)

Champions honored: Watch a recap of the rally and reception for the Lady Movin' Mavs wheelchair basketball team, winners of the National Wheelchair Basketball Association championship.

Sports Shorts

• Maverick baseball faces Louisiana-Monroe for a three-game series Friday-Saturday, April 8-9, at Clay Gould Ballpark. The Mavs won 4-5 over TCU on Wednesday in Fort Worth and fell 8-7 to Georgia State on Sunday. The Mavericks are 17-13 for the season and 4-5 in league play.
• UTA's softball team plays a three-game series Saturday-Sunday, April 9-10, against Southern Alabama in Mobile. Appalachian State won 4-3 Sunday at Allan Saxe Field and North Texas won 1-0 Wednesday in Denton. The Lady Mavs are 25-8 overall and 4-5 in conference play.
• The women's tennis team is 13-3 after wins over UT San Antonio and Memphis. The team plays SMU at 2 p.m. today, Thursday, April 7, at the UTA Tennis Center.
• The men's tennis team faces Midwestern State at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 16, at the UTA Tennis Center.
• The men's golf team came in 15th at the Old Waverly Collegiate Championship hosted by Mississippi State. Up next is the Jim West Intercollegiate Tournament Monday-Tuesday, April 11-12, in Bastrop.
• Track and field athletes compete in the Baylor Invitational on Saturday, April 9, in Waco.

Intramural deadline for table tennis

Upcoming intramural sports deadlines are table tennis, Thursday, April 21; wheelchair football, Monday, April 25; battleship, Monday, May 2; FIFA video game, Wednesday, May 4; and poker tournament, Thursday, May 5.

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.)

Celebrate Earth Day on Wednesday Celebrating People and Planet, UTA's Earth Day event, is 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, April 12, on the University Center mall. Local environmental vendors will be on hand to pass along their messages. Learn about the latest in celebrating the Earth at booths for the Environmental Protection Agency, the Fort Worth Native Plant Society, Whole Foods, and many more. The T Master Plan bus will also be there. Grab an herb plant while they last. The popular Earth Day T-shirts and food are available for purchase.

Friday, April 8

International Week: Global Extravaganza An international talent show. Free. 7-9 p.m., Bluebonnet Ballroom, E.H. Hereford University Center. Office of International Education.

Baseball Mavericks vs. Louisiana-Monroe. Tickets $5, $3 students. 6:30 p.m., Clay Gould Ballpark. Also, 2 p.m. Saturday, April 9; 1 p.m. Sunday, April 10. Athletics.

Monday, April 11

Faculty Creative Works Exhibit Artwork by faculty of the Art and Art History Department and posters, playbills, and a model set design by Theatre Arts faculty from their 2015 productions. Sixth floor, Central Library. Through Monday, April 25. UTA Libraries.

Tuesday, April 12

Baseball Mavericks vs. Houston Baptist. Tickets $5, $3 students. 6:30 p.m., Clay Gould Ballpark. Also, vs. Georgia Southern, 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 15, 2 p.m. Saturday, April 16, and noon, Sunday, April 17. Athletics.

Faculty Creative Works Reception Celebrate the creative works from 2015 by faculty members at the annual reception and exhibit. 4-6 p.m., sixth floor atrium, Central Library. UTA Libraries.

Thursday, April 14

Homerathon A public reading of Homer's epic poem, The Odyssey. Text in English available in Room 305 of Carlisle Hall. Recitation in Greek and other arcane languages is encouraged. Homerathon T-shirts and coffee mugs for sale. Register to participate. 7 a.m.-10:30 p.m., University Center mall. Philosophy and Humanities.

MavPlays: 'Dogwood' Theater production by playwright-in-residence Seraphina Nova, explores three people nursing the scars of their childhood. Tickets $7 faculty, staff, students, seniors; $10 general public. 8 p.m., MainStage Theatre, Fine Arts Building. Also, 8 p.m. Saturday, April 16, and Friday, April 22; and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 24. Theatre Arts.

Friday, April 15

MavPlays: 'Helios 24/7' Theater production by playwright-in-residence Natalie Gaupp follows a businesswoman and her artist daughter at odds in a world where the need for sleep can be permanently expunged. Tickets $7 faculty, staff, students, seniors; $10 general public. 8 p.m., Studio 137, Fine Arts Building. Also, 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 17; 8 p.m. Thursday, April 21, and Saturday, April 23. Theatre Arts.

Saturday, April 16

Softball Mavericks vs. Louisiana-Monroe. Tickets $5-7, $3 students. 1 and 3 p.m., Clay Gould Ballpark. Also, noon, Sunday, April 17; vs. Troy. 1 and 3 p.m. Saturday, April 30. All at Allan Saxe Field. Athletics.

Men's Tennis Mavericks vs. Midwestern State. Free. 2 p.m., UTA Tennis Center. Athletics.

Coming Up

Baseball Mavericks vs. Dallas Baptist. 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 19; and vs. Louisiana-Lafayette. 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 29. Tickets $5, $3 students. All at Clay Gould Ballpark. Athletics.

Adventures in Antiquity Symposium Christopher Fuhrmann of the University of North Texas, Police Brutality in the Roman World. 3:30 p.m. Thursday, April 21, Room 2102A, Fine Arts Building. Philosophy and Humanities.

Friends of the Library Kathleen Kent, author of The Outcasts. 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 22, sixth floor parlor, Central Library. UTA Libraries.

Maverick Film Festival The competition features four-minute films by students. 7 p.m. Friday, April 22, Rosebud Theatre, E.H. Hereford University Center. Art and Art History.

Administrative Professionals Day A luncheon for UTA's administrative professionals. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday, April 25, Bluebonnet Ballroom, E.H. Hereford University Center. Human Resources.

Ongoing

UTA Libraries: 'Score' Using Special Collections photos, the exhibit showcases the early days of baseball, basketball, and track; the end of Maverick football; and Olympians and Paralympians from UTA. Through April 30. Also, Academic Evolution: The University of Texas at Arlington runs through Aug. 31. Sixth floor, Central Library. UTA Libraries.

Planetarium Explore the secrets of the universe in the new show Dark. The spring schedule includes Astronaut, Cosmic Colors, From the Earth to the Universe, Pink Floyd, and SpacePark 360: Infinity. Through May 29. UTA Planetarium.

(For an expanded list of events, see the Events Calendar.)