UTA In The News — Wednesday, December 13, 2017
NAI Fellow
Dereje Agonafer, Jenkins Garrett Professor in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at UTA, has been named a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors, the highest professional honor given to academic inventors, according to Dallas Innovates.
Public transit
Diane Jones Allen, director of landscape architecture in UTA’s College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs, provided insight to the Star-Telegram for a story about the City of Arlington’s new Via rideshare app. Allen recently authored a book about transit deserts, and she said Arlington falls into that category.
Panamanian politics
An interview with Sonja Watson, associate dean of academic affairs in the College of Liberal Arts, was featured in La Estrella de Panama, a Panamanian newspaper. The interview focused on Watson’s manuscript, “The Politics of Race in Panama.”
Political insight
There are crowded ballots in several local elections because of a trickle-down effect from the resignation of U.S. Rep. Joe Barton, R–Ennis, according to the Star-Telegram. In the story, Allan Saxe, UTA assistant professor of political science, described a political landscape in turmoil from top to bottom. Saxe also analyzed the Alabama senate race before yesterday’s election on WBAP 820 AM and KLIF 570 AM.
Transportation equity
Director of UTA’s Institute of Urban Studies Shima Hamidi offered analysis of her recent report on Dallas Area Rapid Transit on KERA 90.1 FM. Hamidi explained the equity challenges Dallas currently faces and explained why a new plan to optimize transportation tools that are already in place would benefit everyone.
Flood mapping
Nick Fang, assistant professor of civil engineering in UTA’s College of Engineering, is reviewing federal rainfall estimates in Texas, which could lead to major changes in the mapping of flood-prone areas, reported ASEE First Bell.
Researching mitochondria
A research team led by Mark Pellegrino, assistant professor of biology in UTA’s College of Science, has identified a protein in worms that helps mitochondria handle stress and repair damage, according to Mitochondrial Disease News. The protein could potentially help human mitochondria repair damage as well.
Sexual harassment
Research conducted by Jim C. Quick, Distinguished University Professor and John and Judy Goolsby–Jacqualyn A. Fouse Endowed Chair in the Goolsby Leadership Academy, and Ann McFadyen, associate professor of strategic management, about sexual harassment in the workplace was featured in Quartz.
Grant awarded
Professor Joohi Lee and Assistant Professor Mohan D. Pant of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction in UTA’s College of Education were awarded a 2017 research grant from Academic Partnerships, according to the Houston Business Journal and Corporate Media News.
BFA exhibit
An exhibit showcasing the work of graduating seniors from UTA’s bachelor of fine arts program is on display through Saturday in the Gallery at UTA, The Dallas Morning News reported.
Alumnus is featured speaker
UTA alumnus Jackie Davis was the featured speaker at the recent Dallas Court Appointed Special Advocate, or CASA, 20th anniversary Champion of Children Award Dinner, according to Park Cities People. The dinner raised $500,000. Davis was a foster child who now works for Dallas CASA and earned his master’s degree from UTA.
Table tennis
Yahao Zhang is the new coach of UTA’s Table Tennis Sport Club, The Dallas Morning News reported. Zhang brings a wealth of experience to the volunteer position, having won four collegiate titles while he was a student at Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth. UTA’s recreational team participates in National Collegiate Table Tennis Association tournaments.
Alumna hired
Medical City Fort Worth added a UTA alumna to its executive staff, according to D CEO Healthcare and Northeast News. Sunny Drenik, who earned a master’s degree in health care administration at UTA, joined the hospital as vice president of business development.
Improving transferability
In a column for Evolllution.com, UTA President Vistasp Karbhari challenged four-year universities and community colleges to work together to improve transferability. “We have no option except to put aside differences, break down silos, forget artificial spheres of influence and work in integrated fashion, putting the success of students first,” Karbhari wrote.