UTA’S E‑NEWSLETTER FOR FACULTY AND STAFF

UTA MavWire

THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2024

Luke O. Frishkoff, assistant professor of biology

Island birds more adaptable than previously thought

Luke O. Frishkoff, assistant professor of biology, and a team of researchers surveyed birds along 34 islands over two years and were surprised to find that areas with human settlements had more species of birds and greater diversity than forested areas. The research suggests that there is still more to learn about the effects that pollution and climate change have on biodiversity in ecosystems.

Anna Maria Peredo-Manor with her nephew, the 7th in her family to graduate from UTA

Advisor finds joy in celebrating graduating Mavericks

 Ever since she started as a graduate studies advisor in 2007, Ana Maria Peredo-Manor has watched as Mavericks cross the stage at commencement, a look of accomplishment in their eyes and optimism in their smiles. Peredo-Manor volunteered at her 36th UTA commencement ceremony this spring. She sees commencement as an opportunity for the University community to come together and show Maverick pride for the dedication, commitment, and hard work of UTA students and all who supported them in achieving their academic goals.

Behnaz Balmaki, assistant professor of research in biology

How climate change impacts food production

Behnaz Balmaki, assistant professor of research in biology at UTA, is the lead author of a study that highlights the deep importance of pollinators in maintaining food production vital for human consumption and survival.

Diane Jones Allen, program director for landscape architecture at The University of Texas at Arlington’s College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs

Diane Jones Allen named to Academy of Fellows

Diane Jones Allen has been inducted into the Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture's Academy of Fellows, putting her among the best landscape architecture educators in the world.

Ben Phillips

Meet a Maverick

Ben Phillips, who joined UTA as the scenic studio coordinator in August 2022, helps students enrolled in the Department of Theatre Arts and Dance’s theatre practicum course learn how to draft and build scenery that is structurally sound, artistically aligned with the play at hand, and ready for opening night. Phillips says that during his time at UTA, he has appreciated the encouragement and support he has received from department faculty and administration.

 

As someone who has always had a passion for working with his hands and building sets, he has enjoyed being able to do just that professionally, while also gaining an introduction to teaching in higher education.

 

“At UTA, we have such a wide range of students from different backgrounds who are really engaging and interesting to work with as far as their experiences and what they bring to the table,” he says.

 

Phillips has seven years of experience in the education field, with previous positions at Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts, Greenhill School in Addison, and Pace University in New York City. He recently began working toward a Master of Fine Arts, and he hopes to continue to grow professionally as he furthers his education, with the goal of one day becoming a professor.

 

 “Ben Phillips is a terrific teacher to our students in the shop,” says Jeanmarie Higgins, professor and chair of the Department of Theatre Arts and Dance. “He’s upbeat, collaborative, and kind. He includes everyone, from the student who has never used a power tool to the faculty designer who relies on Ben to translate their artistic vision into physical form and structure.”

An example of a field research photo

Submit your field research photos

Let UTA showcase your research in the field! Email photos of your work that you would like to see included in University marketing materials and on the website, with credit. Your submissions will help tell the story of the depth and breadth of research conducted by our students and faculty. Email your photos to Katherine Bennett for consideration.

Maverick Mind Management, photos of the beach at sunset

Mind management

A new employee affinity group called Maverick Mind Management will hold its first meeting 2-3 p.m. today, Thursday, May 23, in Room 104E of Trinity Hall. If you are passionate about mindfulness and mental health, this is the group for you.

Staff Advisory Council, Staff Development Conference, Save the date: June 7th, 2024, featuring WFAAS Chris Lawrence

Staff Development Conference

The Staff Advisory Council will host the 2024 Staff Development Conference on Friday, June 7, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Bluebonnet Ballroom in the University Center. This event will explore resources UTA staff have to advance their careers and develop skills.

Assistive Technology at UTA, UTA Office of Information Technology

Assistive technology

Looking for resources related to assistive technology at UTA? The Office of Information Technology has reviewed and established a process for future reviews of assistive technology that is functional within our computing environment. You can view the current list and learn more about the vetting process on the assistive technology website.

Erick C. Jones Jr.

Energy programs select UTA professor

Erick C. Jones Jr., an assistant professor in the Industrial, Manufacturing, and Systems Engineering Department, was recently picked for two highly selective energy programs: the Department of Energy’s Faculty-Applied Clean Energy Sciences (FACES) Program and the 2024 Energy and Climate-Tech Innovation Policy Boot Camp for Early Career Researchers, held in Washington, D.C. He will be part of the first cohort in the FACES program, which aims to bridge the gap between Department of Energy laboratories and the academic community. 

Ye Cao

UTA engineer works to improve computing efficiency

Ye Cao, an assistant professor in the Materials Science and Engineering Department, has earned a five-year Faculty Early Career Award Development Program (CAREER) grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to advance his research and education initiatives. The CAREER Award is the NSF’s highest honor for junior faculty.

Volleyball Nations League, women's preliminary phase  College Park Center Save 15% on tickets with code CPC

Volleyball Nations League Tournament

Come watch as the world’s top teams compete in 16 nonstop-action games packed over six days May 28-June 2 in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Tournament at College Park Center. Save 15% on adult tickets and up to 30% on kids' tickets by using promo code CPC when purchasing tickets. Watch these extraordinary athletes defy gravity and spike their way to the VNL trophy. Learn more at VNLTickets.com.

Indian Corner, Until May 31 only 20% off menu and Samosa, Chai for $2.99

Discount at Indian Corner

Until Friday, May 31, UTA students and employees can get 20% off menu items and samosa and chai for $2.99. Order now.

Students watch the eclipse on campus

Donate your eclipse glasses

You can turn in undamaged eclipse glasses for recycling or reuse at the information desks at the University Center and The Commons. The University will send the glasses to nonprofit groups for future distribution and use.

Generative AI- Prompt-A-Thon, May 29, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Hosted by Microsoft, Office of Research Innovation, Office of Information Technology

AI Prompt-A-Thon

The offices of Research and Innovation and Information Technology are partnering with Microsoft to co-host a Generative AI Prompt-A-Thon 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday, May 29. This invite-only event aims to promote artificial intelligence (AI) literacy across the University and to establish UTA as a frontrunner for AI use in the DFW metroplex. Space is limited; you may contact the host to request an invitation. 

Blippi Join the Band Tour, December 14, 2024 Texas Hall, Arlington, utatickets.com

Blippi visits Arlington

Musicians will take the stage at Texas Hall on Saturday, Dec. 14, for Blippi: Join the Band Tour. Grab your drumsticks, tune up your guitar, and move those feet with Blippi and get ready for a musical performance that is fun for the whole family! More information can be found about this and other upcoming events at UTATickets.com.

 

Coming Up

FRIDAY, MAY 24

UTA Fort Worth In-Person Information Session

THURSDAY, MAY 30

UTA Alumni Happy Hour Series: Fort Worth

SATURDAY, JUNE 1

Open for Business - Graduate Program Open House

FRIDAY, JUNE 7

Mac McAnally Performance at Texas Hall

See more at events.uta.edu,

webapp.uta.edu/hr-training, and

uta.edu/business-affairs/training.

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