News Archive
Students Nominate EPPS Faculty for Comet Awards
For the third year, students in the School of Economics, Policy and Political Science (EPPS) rewarded faculty with nominations for best professors of the year at an awards ceremony last month. read more...
Freshman Reflects on First Year at UTD
The academic year has come to a close, and many students are heading home while others are taking a well-deserved break before gearing up for summer school. An EPPS blogger from the class of 2016 took time to reflect on what she learned during her first year at UT Dallas. read more...
Study Links Adolescent Bullies to Criminal Behavior Later
Adults who say they bullied others when they were adolescents are more likely to engage in criminal behavior later in life, according to new research from UT Dallas. The study, which appeared in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence, examined data gathered on a group of more than 400 men over the course of several decades. read more...
EPPS Admits Record Number of National Merit Scholars
This fall, the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences will welcome a record number of National Merit Scholars to its freshman class. Last year, the university counted 63 National Merit freshmen among its ranks, more than the rest of the University of Texas System institutions combined. In his latest blog post, current EPPS freshman and National Merit Scholar Blake Eaton explains what prompted him to choose UT Dallas. read more...
Liza Liberman, a political science junior, was elected March 29 as new Student Government president, succeeding Raj Dwivedi. Also elected was Russell "Charlie" Hannigan, a freshman math major who takes over from Nate Fairbank as vice president. read more...
Criminology Professor Probes Reasons for Domestic Violence
As an expert on family violence, Associate Professor of Criminology Denise Paquette Boots is often called upon to comment on high-profile cases in Dallas and beyond. She recently provided expert commentary for a front-page article in the Dallas Morning News that focused on the domestic homicide of Karen Cox Smith, a UT Southwestern employee who was murdered by her estranged husband in January. The article was published on the same day Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings organized a domestic violence awareness rally at City Hall. read more...
EPPS First Year Leaders Mentor Freshmen
UT Dallas is one of the first universities in the nation to adopt a peer mentor model for the freshman seminar, and research shows that students enjoy interacting with the First Year Leaders (FYLs) who teach the course. read more...
EPPS Guest Blogger: Boomer Sooner to Whoosh
Only a few days remain before high school seniors across the nation will be making final decisions about which college to attend in the fall. Many of them are still not sure what to do. In our EPPS student blog, you'll find one freshman's account of the decision-making process, and how she ended up going from Boomer Sooner to Whoosh. read more...
EPPS Comet Awards Slated for April 25
Outstanding EPPS faculty members will be recognized at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 25 at the annual Comet Awards. The event will be held in the Founders Atrium. Winners are selected based on student nominations of faculty members who inspired them this past year. The students' stories will be read as part of the ceremony. For last year's awards recipients, read more...
Foreign Service Officer on Campus April 23
The Diplomat-in-Residence for Central Texas, based at The University of Texas at Austin LBJ School, will be on campus to talk about internships, fellowships, and careers  Foreign Service and Civil Service  with the U.S. Department of State. Julie Gianelloni Connor, Senior Foreign Service Officer for the Department of State, will speak Tuesday, April 23 at 6 p.m. in SSB 3.107A. read more...
Career Event for EPPS Majors April 18
Representatives from seven Dallas-area non-profit organizations will be on campus Thursday, April 18 to discuss both paid and unpaid internship and job opportunities for social science majors. The career event, sponsored by the Sociology Club, is scheduled from noon to 1:30pm in the Career Center's Seminar Room in SSB 3.107. Pizza will be served. read more...
EPPS Alumnus Launches Unusual Business
UT Dallas alumnus has helped start up a business that strives to provide random, bizarre and entertaining answers to cold feet. For $9 a month, Foot Cardigan mails subscribers fabulously strange pairs of socks that feature everything from mustaches to gnomes to peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. read more...
ODE & IPESA to Co-host Alumni Event April 18
The UT Dallas chapter of Omicron Delta Epsilon (ODE), the international economics honor society, in partnership with the International Political Economy Student Association (IPESA), is co-hosting an alumni networking event on Thursday, April 18, designed to introduce students to the many opportunities available to economics and IPE majors. Alumni will take part in a panel discussion beginning at 5:30 pm in the TI Auditorium, and a reception will follow. read more...
EPPS Dean Discusses Drought on CBS News
With 85% of Texas experiencing drought conditions, migrating birds are losing their seasonal homes in the state's southeast wetlands. Denis Dean, EPPS dean and an expert on wildlife, told CBS Evening News Reporter Anna Werner that the result is a very serious risk of declines in the bird population.
"There is a tipping point where they are no longer able to continue the migration and you have mass die offs," Dean says. He added that while that tipping point has not yet been reached, it is getting closer because of the continuing drought conditions.
read more...
Comet Cupboard Food Drive: Apr. 1-15
The Comet Cupboard,which helps students with necessary food and personal care items, needs food donations to keep the shelves stocked. The Sociology Club is sponsoring a "Coins and Cans" donation drive from April 1 to April 15. Students, faculty and staff may bring monetary and/or food donations to the Green Hall Advising office in GR 2.220 or drop off donations upstairs in GR 3.120. read more...
Flag Unveiling Slated for April 4
The Capitol Flag Program began more than 70 years ago when a congressman requested a flag that had flown over the U.S. Capitol. Recently, Honorable Sam Johnson asked for a U.S. flag to be flown in honor of Dr. Daniel. State Rep. Jerry Madden also requested that a Texas flag be flown over the Texas State Capitol on September 11, 2012 for UT Dallas. Both flags will be unveiled on Thursday, April 4 at 11 a.m. in Green HallÂs Atrium. All are invited to attend this event, which will feature Rep. Johnson and State Rep. Madden as special guests. read more...
Our EPPS student blog is designed to give prospective and current students an uncensored, uncut view of life here at UT Dallas. This week, guest blogger Trey Gamble writes about the sometimes rocky transition from high school to college. read more...
ODE & IPESA to Co-host Alumni Event April 18
The UT Dallas chapter of Omicron Delta Epsilon (ODE), the international economics honor society, in partnership with the International Political Economy Student Association (IPESA), is co-hosting an alumni networking event on Thursday, April 18, designed to introduce students to the many opportunities available to economics and IPE majors. Alumni will take part in a panel discussion beginning at 5:30 pm in the TI Auditorium, and a reception will follow. read more...
Mathematical Models Allow Brandt to Predict Political Turmoil
Is it possible to predict political turmoil and trends in terrorism? According to Patrick T. Brandt, an associate professor of political science, the answer is affirmative. Brandt says international terrorism and other databases on political conflict that contain entries on most known acts of terrorism in the past few decades, have facilitated his research, which enables him to predict the patterns most likely to occur in the future. read more...
Honor societies have a rich tradition as a part of the collegiate academic experience. At UT Dallas, students pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in public affairs have the opportunity to join Pi Alpha Alpha, the National Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration. read more...
Introducing EPPS Student Bloggers
Spring is decision time for college-bound high school seniors as acceptance letters begin arriving in mailboxes across the nation. If you're among those considering one of our majors here at EPPS, meet our student bloggers. They'll be providing an uncensored, uncut view on what life is really like here at UT Dallas. Check back often for an insider's look at everything from our clubs and activities to dining hall food and dorm life. read more...
Interested in Sociology? Join the Club!
The Sociology Club at UT Dallas is a relaxed, fun, and simple approach to understanding the core concepts of sociology outside of a classroom setting ... topics vary from group discussions on sociological ideas such as race, gender, and class, to internship and job opportunities for sociology majors. On March 1, the club will be traveling to Babb Bros BBQ and Blues as part of their Urban Adventure series. read more...
Government, law enforcement and non-profit organizations will be among the industries represented at upcoming career events scheduled for February:
Career Advice & a Slice - Feb. 15
Public Agency Expo - Feb. 20
U.S. Dept of Labor, Job Shadow Day - Feb. 21 read more...
Public Affairs Senior Encourages EPPS Students to Become OTMs
"I love helping people out when they have no idea whatÂs going on," admits UT Dallas Public Affairs Senior Louise Hoffman while reflecting back on her experience as an Orientation Team Mentor (OTM) this past summer. Now after completing her duties as an OTM, Hoffman encourages other EPPS students to participate in the program, too. read more...
65 EPPS Students Named to Largest Dean's List in UT Dallas History
For the fall 2012 semester, 809 undergraduate students made the deanÂs list at UT Dallas, the single largest group named to the list in the UniversityÂs history. Of these students 65 are EPPS students. read more...
Mock Trial at UT Dallas, coached by Michael Gunnin, is currently recruiting new members for the 2013-2014 school year. Now in its seventh year, this extracurricular activity, hosted by the Pre-Law Advising and Resource Center, offers students a chance to simulate a trial by acting as either witnesses or attorneys. This competitive activity gives students of all majors a chance to practice skills such as public speaking, critical thinking, acting, and much more. read more...
NSF Grant Funds Prof's Study of Reverse Brain Drain in U.S.
Competitive salaries and research opportunities are strong incentives for foreign-born academics to work in the United States. But are they enough to keep them here? Dr. Meghna Sabharwal, assistant professor in the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences, recently landed a National Science Foundation grant to study these patterns of migration. read more...
The International Political Economy Student Association (IPESA) is in its second semester of operation and is continuing to grow. The organization expects to create a more comprehensive network for IPE majors, providing them with the resources necessary for success in their field. read more...
EPPS Holiday Food Drive Through December 19
Pi Alpha Alpha, the Public Affairs Honors Society, is collaborating with the Comet Cupboard for a holiday food drive. Donations of cereal, canned soup, peanut butter and canned vegetables are being collected in GR 2.238, FO 2.710 and MC 1.604 through December 19. read more...
Nicole Piquero  New EPPS Associate Dean of Graduate Education
Dr. Nicole Leeper Piquero has recently been appointed EPPS' Associate Dean for Graduate Education. She was also recently recognized as one of the top three female academics in her field. "Dr. Piquero has the skills, experience and energy to do an outstanding job in her new position," said Dr. Denis Dean, new EPPS dean. read more...
MS-Criminology Now Available Online
The School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences now offers a fully online Master of Science in Criminology degree. Developed with working professionals in mind, the degree gives students the convenience of completing course work on their own schedules. read more...
Study of Intervention Models in Destabilized Countries Wins Award
The "people" in John McCaskill's computer program faced a tense situation. Some were assigned to the military, others were assigned to non-profit organizations, and all of them were dropped in a virtual, war-torn country. McCaskill, a recent graduate of UT Dallas' Public Affairs program in the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences, then observed how the cyber-citizens reacted within a computer program he created simulating real-world situations. read more...
MPA Student Jeffrey Bryan Wins "Best Paper" Award
Congratulations to Jeffrey Bryan, a Masters of Public Affairs (MPA) student, who won "Best Student Paper Award" for the Case Study: Policy Management in SeoulÂs 2012 Seoul Field Trip. His paper was entitled, "Seoul Metropolitan Transportation System: An Analytical Look at the Transportation System in Seoul, South Korea." BryanÂs award included a $250 cash prize. read more...
"Success in Life: Overcoming the Odds" Lecture
Growing up in a public housing project on Chicago's South Side, Shawn Taylor said he did not have many role models. Nonetheless he was able to find opportunity in the midst of adversity. He majored in accounting at Purdue University, and joined Arthur Andersen in Dallas after graduation. He later worked for American Express Financial Advisors and founded Houston-based Family EATs LP, the largest African-American-owned Taco Bell franchisee at the time. read more...
What do you get when you mix pizza with a room full of students and 8 industry professionals? Career Advice and a Slice! Check out the 8 topics, which include non-profits and environmental consulting, among others. The Career Center will host this FREE event on Friday, October 19, from 12:00-1:00pm in the Galaxy Room. Students, please register through your CareerWorks account to guarantee your spot. The event will begin promptly at 12:00pm with pizza and lots of career advice being served up. read more...
Career Center Expands Drop-In Hours in Green Hall
Do you need help polishing up your resume or finding an internship opportunity? Drop-in career assistance is now available three days a week in Green Hall 2.410. You can meet one-on-one with Career Center staff on a first-come, first-served basis on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. No appointment is necessary. read more...
Tapping Ritual Invites Students to Join Academic Honor Society
When Lye-Yeng Wong heard her name called out in biochemistry class, she was excited and honored to be among 572 juniors and seniors invited last week to join Phi Kappa Phi. Her invitation came through a tradition known as tapping. read more...
Become a Mentor/Coach for High School Students
Are you interested in giving back? Consider mentoring high school students to expose them to college life. EPPS is recruiting UT Dallas students to work with high schoolers as part of a grant program funded by the Home Builders Institute (HBI) in Washington, D.C. Students interested in participating may email Nina Barbieri: nbarbieri@utdallas.edu. read more...
EPPS Career Workshop - Sept. 12
Learn strategies for navigating the upcoming UT Dallas Fall Career Expo at a career workshop designed especially for EPPS students and alumni. The EPPS Expo Workshop 2.0 is scheduled for 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 12, in SSB 3.107. read more...
Legislators Teach Students About Texas Campaigns
Four state legislators visited UT Dallas this semester to share with students their insights on running political campaigns in Texas. The undergraduate course, Campaigns and Elections taught by Dr. Greg Thielemann, was offered through the School of Economic, Political, and Policy Sciences. read more...
Outstanding Faculty Recognized at Fall Comet Awards Ceremony
Nineteen EPPS faculty members were recognized at the fall Comet Awards ceremony. Award recipients were selected from student-submitted stories of faculty that inspired them this year. The stories were read as part of the ceremony. Congratulations to EPPS faculty recipients! read more...
UT System Honors 2 EPPS Educators for Excellence
Two EPPS faculty and four others from UT Dallas, are among 72 educators within the UT System who will share $1.8 million in awards recognizing excellence in the classroom. read more...
EPPS Advisor Receives CARE Award
Advising students on their undergraduate careers doesn't feel like a job to Nora Hernandez, who serves as an academic advisor in the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences. "It's actually something that I look forward to," said Hernandez, whose office is always filled with students. Her superior level of performance along with the service she provides to students was recently recognized by UT Dallas. read more...
EPPS Students Selected Nominees for Teacher of the Year Awards
For the third year, students in the School of Economics, Policy and Political Science rewarded faculty with nominations for best professors of the year at an awards ceremony last month. Students nominated professors from each of the seven degree areas within EPPS for Outstanding Teaching Comet Awards, and a winner was selected in each. The winners received crystal apples engraved with their names. read more...
UT Dallas to Celebrate More Than 3,000 New Grads
With a record seven graduation ceremonies this week, UT Dallas is preparing for its largest spring graduation cohort ever, with 3,024 students projected to complete their degrees, nearly a 15 percent increase over last year. The University has extended the commencement ceremonies over three days to accommodate the continued increase in the number of graduates. read more...
Study Links Adolescent Bullies to Criminal Behavior Later
Adults who say they bullied others when they were adolescents may have a higher likelihood of engaging in criminal behavior later in life, according to new research from UT Dallas. The study, which appeared in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence, examined data gathered on a group of more than 400 men over the course of several decades. read more...
Two UT Dallas Faculty Members Named Distinguished Teachers
Dr. Sheila Amin Gutiérrez de Piñeres, professor of economics and dean of undergraduate education, and Dr. John Sibert, associate professor in the Department of Chemistry, were among the first 12 individuals chosen to join a UT System academy, which recognizes outstanding educators at UT's nine academic institutions. read more...
Bail Bond Study Seeks to Predict No-Shows for Criminal Trials
Private bail bond companies may have an edge when it comes to getting criminal defendants to show up for their court dates, according to a new study by UT Dallas criminologist Dr. Robert Morris, director of the Center for Crime and Justice Studies. The study examined differences in failure to appear (FTA) in court and re-arrest among over 22,000 Dallas County criminal defendants released from the county jail during 2008 through different release mechanisms. read more...
Alumnus Turns Passion for Home Brewing into Growing Business
Michael Peticolas BA'95 and his wife, Melissa, own Peticolas Brewing Company, a Dallas-based brewery that provides a homegrown option for local beer lovers and recently won a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival. Peticolas and his wife, Melissa, own Peticolas Brewing Company, a Dallas-based brewery that provides a homegrown option for local beer lovers and recently won a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival, where more than 675 breweries competed. read more...
Grad is First Academic Bridge Alumna to Earn PhD
Rosalinda Valenzuela will become the first Academic Bridge student to earn a doctoral degree from UT Dallas this week. The program helps high-potential, first generation college students complete their college educations through advising, mentoring and tutoring. read more...
NSF Grant Funds Prof's Study of Academic Brain Drain in U.S.
Competitive salaries and research opportunities are strong incentives for foreign-born academics to work in the United States. But are they enough to keep them here? Dr. Meghna Sabharwal, assistant professor in the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences, recently landed a National Science Foundation grant to study these patterns of migration. "Academic scientists and engineers from other countries tend to be very productive when they come to the U.S., but we are slowly seeing that they are returning to their native countries rather than staying here," she said. "We want to examine this trend of reverse brain drain." read more...
Students Travel to Seoul to Analyze Policy and City Governance
UT Dallas graduate student Jeffrey Bryan recently earned an international award for a case study in transportation management. The paper analyzed the transportation system of the Seoul, South Korea Metropolitan Government and offered suggestions and recommendations for improvement. read more...
Dean Selected for School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences
Denis Dean, professor and head of the Geography and Geospatial Information Sciences Program at UT Dallas, has been named dean of the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences. Dr. Dean is an expert in geospatial analysis, which can be applied to real world applications including urban planning, population studies and computer mapping programs. read more...
Investiture Ceremonies to Recognize Faculty Achievements
This week the University will recognize the accomplishments of 35 faculty members who hold endowed chairs and professorships. In ceremonies today and Tuesday, groups of faculty from the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences and the Naveen Jindal School of Management will be formally invested in their positions. The ceremonies will also include some faculty from the Schools of Arts and Humanities, Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Natural Sciences and Mathematics and the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science. read more...
New Department Head Appointed for Public Affairs and Sociology
Dr. Sheryl Skaggs, associate professor in the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences, was recently appointed to lead the department of Public Affairs and Sociology. As department head, Skaggs said her priorities include increasing recruiting efforts continuing to encourage high-level research. "We really want to create some areas of specialization that are compatible with student interests in public policy and non-profits," Skaggs said. "We're also committed to increasing faculty representation in those areas." read more...
To Pay or Not to Pay? Study Gauges Attitudes on College Athletics
UT Dallas social scientists recently completed a study aimed at gauging public opinions about financial compensation for collegiate athletes, or "pay-to-play." The team, which included UT Dallas researchers Drs. Alex Piquero and Nicole Leeper Piquero, published their findings in a recent issue of the journal Sport in Society. read more...
Negotiations Center Announces Behavioral Research Seminars
The Negotiations Center has announced the schedule for its fall semester Behavioral Research Seminar Series, a program of weekly talks that includes experimental and behavioral economists, social and cognitive psychologists, and researchers on the behavioral side of marketing, management, operations, and accounting and information systems. The series kicks off on Sept. 24. read more...
Public Policy Grad Student Created New Dallas County Program
A public policy graduate student's journey has taken him from the Texas Panhandle to the big city, and now to a role as a grassroots organizer. He recently started a new program offered through Dallas County which educates the public about the District Attorney's Office. read more...
