News Center - The University of Texas at Dallas

Thousands of families attended a record seven graduation ceremonies at The University of Texas at Dallas from May 16 to 18. Dr. David E. Daniel, president of UT Dallas, presided over the ceremonies for more than 3,000 graduates, the largest spring graduation cohort in University history and a nearly 15-percent increase over last year.

Even in an academic career spanning more than five decades, there still is room for a few firsts. For UT Dallas professor Dr. Brian J.L. Berry, the unprecedented feat took shape this spring when nine of his doctoral candidates completed their PhDs. Dr. Berry, the Lloyd Viel Berkner Regental Professor in the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences, took the stage in Clark Center last week to recognize his nine students’ academic achievements and presented them with their doctoral hoods.

Rubia da Rocha Valente graduated this year with a PhD in public policy and political economy, but she wasn’t the only person in her family receiving a degree from UT Dallas. Rubia’s youngest sister, Sarah, finished her master’s degree in the humanities this semester, majoring in studies in literature and concentrating in translation and Holocaust studies. “This is very exciting for our family, we have really found a home at UT Dallas – it’s a place we have shared together,” said Rubia.

UT Dallas electrical engineering major Michelle Corn describes her junior year as “an amazing experience.” Through the Green Fellows Program, Corn was one of a dozen UT Dallas students who recently completed a semester of full-time research with faculty mentors at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. “I had the opportunity to be in an operating room during brain surgery and to work in a neuro-oncology laboratory, which is completely outside my area of study,” Corn said.

Dr. Sandra Bond Chapman, founder and chief director of the Center for BrainHealth, presented Make Your Brain Smarter: It’s Not What You Think at a TEDx conference earlier this month in Washington D.C. Her 10-minute talk took aim at long-standing beliefs about what smart is and provided proven strategies to expand “brain span” to more closely match the lengthening human lifespan. 

If your GPS navigation system goes on the fritz in the coming days, you might have the sun to blame. Early this week, the sun released three X-class solar flares, the strongest type of flare. Forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predict a 40-percent chance of more X-class flares in the coming days, some possibly pointed toward the Earth.

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. 

A promising display of carbon-free energy has been quietly humming along for three months on the UT Dallas campus. Specialized solar-powered golf cart charging stations placed in January have withstood the elements and created a tantalizing example of the effectiveness of alternative energy sources.

Recent research on concussions and the impact of those findings on NFL football will be the topic of a talk set Tuesday by former Dallas Cowboys fullback Daryl “Moose” Johnston and the Center for BrainHealth’s medical science director, Dr. John Hart Jr. The breakfast lecture, titled “Beyond the Game: Boosting Brain Performance,” will be at 7:15 a.m. at the center.

Even in an academic career spanning more than five decades, there still is room for a few firsts. For UT Dallas professor Dr. Brian J.L. Berry, the unprecedented feat took shape this spring when nine of his doctoral candidates completed their PhDs. Dr. Berry, the Lloyd Viel Berkner Regental Professor in the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences, took the stage in Clark Center last week to recognize his nine students’ academic achievements and presented them with their doctoral hoods.

Rubia da Rocha Valente graduated this year with a PhD in public policy and political economy, but she wasn’t the only person in her family receiving a degree from UT Dallas. Rubia’s youngest sister, Sarah, finished her master’s degree in the humanities this semester, majoring in studies in literature and concentrating in translation and Holocaust studies. “This is very exciting for our family, we have really found a home at UT Dallas – it’s a place we have shared together,” said Rubia.

The Center for Values in Medicine, Science, and Technology will host a three-day conference on May 22-24, which will conclude its 2013 lecture series, “The Heart of Medicine.”  The conference will delve into the world of ethics, morals, and medicine with presentations, discussions, panels and workshops.

Olympic swimmer and cancer survivor Eric Shanteau held his gold medal up, urging the audience to become champions in their own right – to become champions of diversity. Shanteau was speaking as master of ceremonies for the Office of Diversity and Community Engagement’s 4th annual Diversity Awards Gala, which honors students, staff, faculty and community members for their commitment to diversity and inclusion. 

Veteran UT Dallas professor and administrator Dr. Andrew Blanchard has been named the University’s next dean of Undergraduate Education. Blanchard, who joined the UT Dallas faculty in 2001, has served in a succession of key University positions.  He currently serves as vice president for Information Resources, following five years of service as vice provost. .

Thousands of families attended a record seven graduation ceremonies at The University of Texas at Dallas from May 16 to 18. Dr. David E. Daniel, president of UT Dallas, presided over the ceremonies for more than 3,000 graduates, the largest spring graduation cohort in University history and a nearly 15-percent increase over last year.

UT Dallas electrical engineering major Michelle Corn describes her junior year as “an amazing experience.” Through the Green Fellows Program, Corn was one of a dozen UT Dallas students who recently completed a semester of full-time research with faculty mentors at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. “I had the opportunity to be in an operating room during brain surgery and to work in a neuro-oncology laboratory, which is completely outside my area of study,” Corn said.

Five students, an advisor and a student organization at UT Dallas were recently recognized for their outstanding contributions to campus life at the annual Student Leadership Awards presentation. The event recognized individuals who make an impact on the UT Dallas community and beyond.

UT Dallas marketing students recently won a case study competition so rooted in business reality that they had to sign a non-disclosure agreement to participate. What the first-place team of four graduate students could say was that they analyzed data on social media sentiment for a Coca-Cola brand and then developed a marketing campaign based on their findings. The top team won $8,000 in the competition that was sponsored by Coca-Cola, NetBase and UT Dallas. 

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.

Like many business ideas, MBA graduate Chakri Paila’s startup solves a problem: protecting sick or injured pets from the dreaded “cone of shame.” The UT Dallas Naveen Jindal School of Management graduate MBA’03 owns and operates Hagar Collars, which advertises a less mortifying alternative to the Elizabethan-style collar often used by veterinarians.

Jack Julius Lamb Jr. BS’90, was the recipient of the first class ring offered to graduates. For him, it was an outward symbol of devotion to his alma mater. After Lamb’s death in 2011, his wife chose to give the ring back to UT Dallas to serve as an enduring inspiration to alumni, students, friends, parents, and prospective students.

Alumni and community leaders took center stage at the University’s 11th annual Awards Gala. More than 300 guests celebrated the honorees’ accomplishments in technology, filmmaking, audiology, business and research.    

A UT Dallas alumnus has helped start up a business that strives to provide random, bizarre and entertaining answers to cold feet. The brain-child of Tom Browning MPA’05, PhD’09 and four friends, Foot Cardigan delivers fabulously strange pairs of socks to subscribers.

Will Rosellini MBA’03, MS’08 was not your typical professional baseball player. When he was pitching for the Arizona Diamondbacks, he was fascinated by neuroscience and neuromuscular aspects of throwing a baseball. Since then he's earned six advanced degrees, founded a company and is completing his PhD in neuroscience.

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. 

Dr. Dmitry Rachinskiy, a professor of mathematical sciences who recently joined the UT Dallas faculty, applies principles of mathematics to natural systems to better understand problems and phenomena in biology, physics, chemistry, technology, geosciences and economics.

Dr. Randall S. Guttery, the Naveen Jindal School of Management’s director of real estate programs, brings a wealth of academic and practical experience from a 30-year real estate career. A new partnership with a worldwide organization brings more good news for the growing program.

Dr. Victor L. Worsfold, associate professor emeritus of UT Dallas, passed away Sunday, April 21, at the age of 69. Worsfold was an inspiring educator and member of the faculty in the School of Arts and Humanities from 1975-2001 and recipient of the University of Texas Chancellor’s Council Outstanding Teaching Award in 1989.

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.

Former player and longtime assistant coach Jason Hirsch has been named the new head men's soccer coach at UT Dallas. Hirsch, who holds two degrees from UT Dallas, was an All-Conference athlete for the Comets during his four-year playing career (2002-2005) and served as the Comets' full-time assistant under former head coach Jack Peel for the past six seasons.

Staff members who handle everything from keeping campus landscaping operations “green” to streamlining administrative processes were honored at the Spring 2013 CARE Awards. The Celebrate Achievement – Reward Excellence Awards honor employees who deserve special recognition for superior performance, outstanding customer service and enhancing the image of the University.

UT Dallas recently won multiple awards of excellence from the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) for projects ranging from News Center stories to magazine and website design. UT Dallas was chosen among the best in several categories of communications outreach at an awards ceremony held in Fort Worth last month. 

Residential life coordinator Kathryn “Kaytie” Farrell’s enthusiasm for mentoring students and developing leadership has earned her the Dan Hallenbeck Service Award, the highest honor a professional staff member can receive in the National Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls. Peer advisors and colleagues who work with Farrell say she frequently goes above and beyond her normal tasks to make life easier for students living on campus.

Dr. Scherry Johnson, associate dean of the School of Interdisciplinary Studies and director of the Teacher Development Center at UT Dallas, will retire March 1 after 25 years at the University. A former classroom teacher and administrator, Johnson came to UT Dallas in 1988 when she was recruited by then-president Dr. Robert Rutford to be vice president of external affairs. In that role she was responsible for fundraising, news and information, publications, internal and external communications, and public and community affairs.

Donors are using bookplates to make a lasting impression on the Eugene McDermott Library and to help move the library closer to its $500,000 goal for Realize the Vision, the University’s first comprehensive fundraising campaign. As a benefit to joining the Friends of the Eugene McDermott Library with a gift of $100 or more, supporters are customizing bookplates that become part of the library’s fastest growing field, the online catalogs.

The Eugene McDermott Scholars Program Alumni Association has made a $100,000 campaign commitment to honor their education at UT Dallas and the beloved donor who made it possible. The association’s contribution to the Campus Enhancement Fund will provide for the support of new trees, water features and gathering areas.

Dallas-area foundations and industry partners in science and technology have provided $2 million to support an innovative program at The University of Texas at Dallas aimed at training the teachers who will inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, doctors and entrepreneurs. The UTeach Dallas program prepares undergraduate students majoring in fields like physics, math, chemistry and biology to be secondary science or math teachers. Established at UT Dallas in 2007 with support from the National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI), the program allows students to earn secondary teaching certification while simultaneously completing bachelor’s degrees.

It’s been one year since UT Dallas launched the public phase of its first comprehensive campaign, and donors have so far shown their support by giving $159.5 million to advance research, bolster student assistance and increase the endowment. With less than two years remaining, the University has entered the most critical stage of the $200 million Realize the Vision campaign, which ends on Dec. 31, 2014.

A scholarship has changed life for Bruna Tavares, who is now able to live in a campus residence hall thanks to help she has received in part from UT Dallas’ Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament. The tournament, set for Thursday, April 25, at Sherrill Park Golf Course, helps fund an endowment that aids three beneficiaries: the Betty and Gifford Johnson Graduate Scholarship, the Patti Henry-Pinch Undergraduate Scholarship and the Academic Bridge Program.