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NSF GRANT SUPPORTS NANOSCALE RESEARCH
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| Igor Tsukerman |
A University professor will help to explore the use of magnets to assemble nanoscale devices through a recent $1.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation.
Igor Tsukerman, an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering, is part of a team of researchers that was awarded a four-year grant of $1,228,000 through the NSF’s Nanoscale Interdisciplinary Research Teams program.
Tsukerman joins a group of researchers from Drexel University, Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh for the project, titled “Magnetically Driven Assembly of Heterogeneous Nanosystems.”
The nanoscale technology and computer simulation tools being developed in the project are expected to lead to advances in nanoscale devices. The team is exploring magnetically driven assembly, a new method for building multicomponent systems out of diverse types of nanodevices. The assembly of nanodevices into multicomponent systems is a critical element of nanotechnology, which involves working with structures in the scale of one billionth of a meter.
“It's a thrill to be part of a superb team working on cutting-edge problems in nanotechnology, where the engineering challenges are inseparable from the deep mysteries of nature,” says Tsukerman, who joined the University in 1995.
He is one of several engineering faculty members involved in cutting-edge research, says George Haritos, dean of the college.
“This major award provides a real opportunity for important advances in the assembly of nanoscale devices, a critical component of the nanotechnology revolution,” adds Haritos. “We expect this effort to grow in the future, and anticipate important breakthroughs from our faculty and students.”
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OBR TEACHING FELLOWS ON CAMPUS
Two faculty members have been chosen to participate in the second phase of the Ohio Board of Regents Teaching Fellows Program. Joining the program are Lynne Pachnowski Jurczyk, associate professor of education, and Antonio Quesada, professor of mathematics.
The Title II project pairs high-quality faculty from both education and arts and sciences to work together in providing assistance to improve the quality of teacher preparation in mathematics and science.
The program, which began in the 2002-03 academic year with four teams of educators, is expanding by four more teams. During the second phase, fellows will concentrate on several strategic initiatives that address the educational challenges of the state of Ohio and develop infrastructure and policy issues.
“The Ohio Board of Regents Teaching Fellows designation recognizes the leadership provided by Drs. Jurczyk and Quesada by enlisting their assistance with statewide initiatives,” says Elizabeth Stroble, senior vice president and provost. “This award follows the recent national recognition of The University of Akron as a Carnegie Cluster Leader, one of only 12 clusters in the Carnegie Campus Program, and the Ohio Board of Regents designation of UA as the host site and fiscal agent of the Northeast Ohio Center of Excellence for Mathematics and Science Education.”
Pachnowski Jurczyk, who joined UA in 1993, teaches and does research in the areas of math teaching and teaching using technology. She also serves as the Harrington Professor, an endowed chair in the College of Education. In this role she focuses on technology in teaching and urban teaching.
“The model that the Ohio Board of Regents has endorsed of effecting change in K-12 math and science teaching by improving math and science teaching at the college level is one that The University of Akron has already espoused for several years and has proven successful,” she says. “I am looking forward to working with Dr. Quesada, a longtime partner in math education, on this endeavor.”
Quesada, a 20-year faculty member, is a recent recipient of UA’s Outstanding Teacher-Scholar Award, among others. He also has received many grants in math education and collaborated with area school districts by offering workshops at different levels. His latest research involves the use of inquiry-based activities and distance learning.
“I am honored to be selected to the OBR Teaching Fellows Program, and delighted to see that the state is promoting that the content disciplines and the education specialists work side by side,” Quesada says. “I believe in the motto of ‘Expectations no Remediation' that successful programs in the country have shared, and will work to increase the level of mathematics education in the state.”
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2004 BLACK HISTORY LECTURE SERIES BEGINS FEB. 5
The 50th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision will be one of the subjects covered in the 2004 Black History Lecture Series.
Presented by UA’s Pan-African Center for Community Studies, the Akron Beacon Journal and Alltel Mobile, the series will take place on Feb. 5, Feb. 26, April 8 and April 22 from 7 to 10 p.m. The lectures are free of charge and open to the public. For more information, call the center at ext. 7030.
Juan Williams, National Public Radio correspondent and Fox Television political analyst, launches the series on Feb. 5 in Martin University Center with his lecture “Thurgood Marshall: American Revolutionary.” The talk will be based on Williams’ book of the same title. Williams also penned the nonfiction bestseller, “Eyes on the Prize.”
Wayne Embry, former general manager of the Cleveland Cavaliers, will draw on his vast experience in sports management and as a basketball player and coach to present “Race and Sports — an Insider’s View” on Feb. 26 in Martin University Center. Embry, who played 11 professional seasons with the Cincinnati Royals, Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks, was named general manager of the Bucks in 1971 — the first African American to hold that position in the NBA. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1999.
“Mound Bayou and the Tuskegee Machine” is the topic for the talk by David Jackson, associate professor of African-American history at Florida A&M University, on April 8 in the Student Union, Ballroom B. Jackson has written extensively on Charles Banks, a black activist who was an important cog in Booker T. Washington’s powerful Tuskegee Machine. The talk will provide new information on the relationship between all-black towns and Washington’s program of racial uplift.
Minnesota Supreme Court Associate Justice Alan Page will close the lecture series on April 22 in the Student Union, Theatre with a discussion on the significance and legacy of Brown v. Board of Education.
Once a defensive tackle for the Minnesota Vikings, Page attended law school at the University of Minnesota during the height of his football career. He has established a foundation to provide college tuition for underprivileged students and has co-sponsored a national essay-writing contest to promote literacy.
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FOREIGN POLICY IS TOPIC FOR GUEST LECTURE
Walter Hixson, UA professor of history, has been invited to close out the 2004 Great Decisions lecture series at the College of Wooster on Feb. 24 in Gault Recital Hall in the Scheide Music Center at 525 E. University St.
“American Cultural Hegemony?” is the title for Hixson’s lecture, which begins at 7:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public.
“The roots of U.S.-American global hegemony are cultural,” says Hixson. “They spring from a national identity founded in a ‘myth of America.’ As an ‘imagined community,’ the United States has depended heavily throughout its history (and prehistory) on the creation and persistent reaffirmation of a self-righteous and militant culture.
“U.S. foreign policy has been remarkably continuous yet at the same time often strikingly at odds with the nation’s higher ideals,” adds Hixson. “The culturally rooted ‘myth of America‘ distorts and impedes broad understanding of the nation’s foreign policy, which appears headed for crisis in the century ahead.”
Hixson’s areas of interest include United States foreign relations, the Cold War and the Vietnam War. His most recent book, “Murder, Culture, and Injustice: Four Sensational Cases in American History, was published in 2002.
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UA PROFESSORS CONTRIBUTE TO ‘BEYOND SEPTEMBER 11TH’
The work of four University of Akron researchers is featured in a new book on disaster research following the events of Sept. 11, 2001.
“Beyond September 11th: An Account of Post-disaster Research” includes “The Crash of United Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania,” a chapter written by Nancy Grant and David Hoover, co-directors of UA’s Center for Emergency Management and Homeland Security Policy Research; Stacy Willett, an assistant professor of emergency management; and AnneMarie Scarisbrick-Hauser, an adjunct faculty member and research associate for the center.
The recently established center is part of the Community and Technical College.
The book is a cooperative project of the Natural Hazards Research and Applications Information Center at the University of Colorado; the Public Entity Risk Institute in Fairfax, Va.; and the Institute for Civil Infrastructure Systems, which is a partnership of New York University, Cornell University, Polytechnic University and the University of Southern California.
The chapter written by the UA researchers examines the initiation of local emergency responders, the impact of emergency response plan exercises, personal knowledge of and trust in fellow emergency responders, and external site control and its impact on local responders. The UA team conducted the only reported on-site research in Shanksville immediately after Sept. 11.
The research from that tragic day in American history can lead to the development of new solutions and improved emergency response service to citizens across the country, notes Hoover.
“The nature of disaster research is such that the academic researchers in this field must be ready at a moment’s notice to go to the scene of a disaster to collect data. This requires competency and preparedness,” he explains. “In turn, the public as well as the emergency response sector benefits from on-scene investigation and analysis.”
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WAYNE COLLEGE TO HOST LEO KOTTKE
The University of Akron Wayne College will welcome guitar virtuoso Leo Kottke on Feb. 6 at 8 p.m. in its Boyer Gymnasium.
The career of the Minnesota-based musician spans more than three decades. His music is a unique mixture of influences, ranging from folk and blues to classical and jazz, and his career has earned him membership in the Hall of Fame of Guitar Player magazine. His music has been featured on “Austin City Limits” and PBS did an hour-long documentary on his work titled “Leo Kottke: Home and Away.”
Tickets are $17.50 and are available at the Wayne College cashier’s window. For more information or to order, call 330-683-2010 or toll-free, 1-800-221-8308.
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PSYCHOLOGY ARCHIVES HELPS CREATE NEW EXHIBIT
“Psychology: It’s More Than You Think” — a collaboration between the Archives of the History of American Psychology at the University and the National Inventors Hall of Fame, is now on exhibit at the hall, located at 221 S. Broadway in Akron.
The exhibit, which runs through Aug. 31, has a variety of interactive stations. Visitors of all ages can participate in activities related to competition, concentration and many other psychological phenomena. They also can take an ancient psychological exam developed and used by the Chinese to determine who was fit to govern. Simple behavioral activities designed for preschoolers, and displays of unusual inventions related to psychology, are included in the exhibit as well.
“The exhibit presents a view of psychology that the public often does not get to see,” notes David Baker, director of the archives. “Psychological science informs so much of our everyday life, and it is amazing to see this demonstrated in a way that is engaging and interactive. We all want to know about ourselves and each other, and this exhibit offers that opportunity.”
The National Inventors Hall of Fame is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. It is closed Mondays. Admission prices are $6 and $7.50.
For more information, call 330-762-4463 or visit www.invent.org .
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AREA BOOKWORMS BREAK RECORD
Denise Stuart, an assistant professor of education, settled in at the University’s Center for Literacy for a good read.
Akron became the “Reading Capital of the World” on Jan 14 as more than 40,000 children and adults broke the record for the most people reading simultaneously. Around campus, students, faculty and staff participated in the light-hearted event.
The event kicked off “This City Reads!” — a project to mobilize the community to dramatically increase literacy among children and adults. The University of Akron has joined more than 50 community organizations in a yearlong drive to launch new literacy programming, including a Reading Hotline, Family Reading Network and Reading Corners.
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UPCOMING INSTITUTE FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING SESSIONS
A series of lunchtime sessions are planned by the Institute for Teaching and Learning as the spring semester gets under way. All will meet in Leigh Hall 414. To R.S.V.P., e-mail itl@uakron.edu . Lunch will be provided for those who R.S.V.P. by the deadline indicated.
“Freshmen Zips and Critical Thinking Scripts” will be presented on Feb. 4 from noon to 1:30 p.m. by Gregory Wilson, assistant professor of history and a SoTAL Fellow. R.S.V.P. by Feb. 2.
“How Engaged Are UA Undergrads? Highlights of the 2002 National Survey of Student Engagement Report,” will be presented by Richard Stratton, associate professor of economics and a SoTAL Fellow, and Thomas Angelo on Feb. 6 from noon to 2 p.m. R.S.V.P. by Feb. 4.
On Feb. 9, Office of Accessibility staff will present “Access 101 — Removing Barriers to Learning” from noon to 2 p.m. R.S.V.P. by Feb. 5. Presenters will be Sally Gamauf, director and psychologist; and Amy Liikala Conwi, Mara Byers and Jason Tomlinson, disability specialists.
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GUITAR FESTIVAL COMES TO CAMPUS
The Rantucci International Guitar Competition and the Northeast Ohio Guitar Festival will merge Feb. 19-22 at the School of Music.
Concerts and competitions, master classes, lectures, a trade show and a jazz brunch will fill the four-day Rantucci Competition/Northeast Ohio Guitar Festival at Guzzetta Hall.
Classical guitarists Roland Dyens of France, Stanley Yates of Great Britain and Duo Cavatina of Yugoslavia will be among the featured performers.
Based in Buffalo, N.Y., The Rantucci International Guitar Competition now is in its 10th year. Founded and directed by Mir Ali, president of the Buffalo Guitar Society, the Rantucci has become one of America's most important classical guitar competitions. It draws guitarists from around the globe for the competition as well as hundreds of audience members for the concerts and other events.
The Northeast Ohio Guitar Festival now is in its fifth year. Founded and directed by Stephen Aron, chair of the guitar program in the School of Music, it has built a regional reputation for the high quality of its classical guitar events.
By merging the two successful programs, says Aron, “we are able to offer an even wider array of classical guitar events and to feature some of the world's most prominent performers.”
The general registration fee of $75 includes admission as an observer to all events except the competition quarterfinals, which are closed to the public. Tickets also may be purchased for individual events, with prices ranging from $5 for lectures; $10 for master classes, concerts, and semi-final and final competitions; and $15 for the jazz brunch. The competition entry fee is $125.
All events will be held in Guzzetta Hall, except for the jazz brunch, which will be held at Café Momus, 491 Brown St., Akron.
For more information call ext. 6188 or visit the festival Web site at www.Mir-Ali.com/Rantucci .
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NEW DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN AVAILABLE
The University has adopted a Section 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan for its full-time employees.
This plan is a voluntary program that allows each employee to have payroll deductions made from his or her paycheck. The plan is available in addition to the one currently available for the Section 403(b) plan. The monies deducted will be placed in an individual account for that employee and will be used to augment the retirement of that employee. This allows the employee to invest additional money in appropriate managed investments as selected by the individual.
The 457(b) plan is designed to ensure that each employee has the opportunity to have salary deferred, up to the IRS limits, in addition to the mandatory standard retirement plan provided to employees.
Current authorized 403(b) providers have been notified and must be authorized for the 457(b) plan. All authorized providers are listed on the Office of the Controller’s Web site and will be updated as new providers are added.
For more information, visit www.uakron.edu/controller and click on “annuities.” For questions, employees should contact their providers or Debbie Beynon in the Office of the Controller at ext. 6570.
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CAMPUS BUILDING DESIGN HONORED
The design of the College of Arts & Sciences building was honored in the postsecondary buildings category in American School & University magazine’s recent “Architectural Portfolio 2003: The Sourcebook for Award-winning and Outstanding Education Design.”
The 127,211-square-foot facility, completed in August 2002, features a four-story glass atrium and high-tech classrooms. The building was designed by URS Greiner Woodward Clyde Architects, and construction was managed by the Ruhlin/Kenmore Joint Venture, both of Akron.
The magazine gathered prestigious education administrators and architects to serve as jurors for the competition, which evaluated more than 200 school and university design projects.
Features of the winning designs included outstanding architecture, support for learning, adaptability/flexibility, integrated and skillful use of site, sustainability, ability to serve as a community resource, regulatory compliance, and attention to security and cost-effectiveness.
“This building was designed to create a strong new archetype for the University's new campus master plan and to anticipate a more collegial vocabulary for a rejuvenated campus,” wrote jury members. “Situated on a significant intersection near the center of campus, the building frames a new campus ‘green' and becomes an architectural gateway.”
The recent honor is a testament to the innovative ideas and collaborative effort behind the University’s $200 million New Landscape For Learning initiative, says Ted Curtis, AIA, UA’s vice president for capital planning and facilities management.
“The College of Arts & Sciences building has truly been a dream project of which to be associated,” Curtis says. “We are pleased that the hard work in creating this amazing facility is being recognized on a national stage.”
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DINING SERVICES WINS NATIONAL AWARD
Foodservice Equipment and Supplies magazine presented its 2003 Catering/Banquet Tabletop Award to University Dining Services on Dec. 11.
This national award was given in recognition of the high standards for food services at the Student Union Ballroom and Martin University Center. The Student Union, with the capacity to host dinners for as many as 800 persons in its ballroom, opened in January 2002, joining Martin University Center as a premier banquet facility.
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GRADUATE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
As of Jan. 1, 2002, employees taking graduate level courses are only taxed on benefits that exceed $5,250 for each calendar year as part of an educational assistance program created by The University of Akron. Prior to Jan. 1, 2002, graduate level courses were fully taxable. It is the intent of the University to exclude all assistance from an employee’s income to the extent allowable under Internal Revenue Code section 127.
This fee reduction educational assistance program is only available to University employees taking courses at The University of Akron. Eligibility accrues from employment as of the first day of the semester.
The program does not apply to graduate assistants who may otherwise qualify for tax exemption with a separate University program. Graduate level fee reduction benefits for spouses and dependent children are still fully taxable.
For more information, call Jim Karas, tax accountant, at ext. 6566.
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