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Friday, April 2, 2010
Nanotechnologists come in small sizes too.
The UALR Nanotechnology Center partnered with the museum for the events, presenting current research projects and hands-on activities, along with coloring sheets, stickers and more. Dr. Enkeleda Dervishi, a research associate in the center, is serving as the "ambassador," leading the presentations with the assistance of UALR nanotechnology Ph.D. students Alokita Karmakar, Meena Mahmood and Lamya Saeed. Dervishi said that the young museum attendees have been interested in the research and asked lots of questions.
The group will continue presentations from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m Saturday. It is a partnership that is educating and entertaining school groups and individuals of all ages. Yes, I said all ages. To my surprise, even my little Brooklyn and her buddy Nora understood aspects of nanoscience. They simply thought they were playing, but anyone else could see that their little brains were working too.We started our adventure by building an imaginary nanobot - a tiny robot. The girls decided they instead had made a "nano dancing fish." They really loved the hands-on activity "Creating Nanomaterials Through Self Assembly." I read them the instructions, and they followed by separating the red and blue "nanoparticles." Then they watched how the nanoparticles spontaneously arranged themselves "under certain conditions" (or for the demonstration's sake, with the push of a button). This was a highlight of the afternoon - spinning the red and blue shapes and watching them magically self assemble into a new arrangement. Every little scientist loves a big orange magnifying lens. Brooklyn and Nora were shocked ("WHOA!") to observe the tiny particles in the smallest test tube and see how many it took to fill up the largest one. The nanotechnology exhibit is the museum's first exhibit to include audio learning in both English and Spanish. The girls decided to listen to both languages! After plenty of learning and giggles, we stopped by the UALR Nanotechnology Center booth, where the best friends stocked up on coloring pages, stickers, bookmarks and more. Whether these future nanotechnology scientists realized it or not, they were learning - learning about science and the fun that one can have at a museum. Perhaps some day these girls - or some of the hundreds of students who will visit "Nano Days" - will don latex gloves ("they feel so funny") and white lab coats while conducting cutting edge research in a lab like the UALR Nanotechnology Center. Until then, we'll have to keep visiting the Museum of Discovery. Here's a few more photos from our adventure:
Thursday, April 1, 2010
UALR on C-Span
It was recently announced that C-Span has uploaded almost every hour of its 23-year video archive. Among that archive are many events filmed on the UALR campus, as well as several occasions where faculty testified for various congressional hearings.
Below are a few selections:
Following a semester-long class on the Clinton presidency and his political career, President Clinton talked to students and others about his political experiences in the White House, current events, and the political process.
Below: Professor Robert Steinbuch testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee about corporate accountability for dangerously defective products:
Below: The directors of ten of the twelve presidential libraries meet at UALR and talk about the latest developments at their libraries, preserving and using presidential papers and memorabilia, and the operation of the presidential library system.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Art for Haiti
There is nothing I love more than shopping for art. I love to buy the works of budding new artists because it’s fun to watch them grow and evolve with their craft. I especially like to buy art when it’s for a good cause so I’m looking forward to attending smART: Artists and Scholars for Haiti art show and sale featuring UALR students.
The show features approximately 100 works by 20 artists in a variety of mediums. All the original artworks created by these caring artists will be sold for $20 or less so everyone is sure to find a treasure that fits their budgets. And, all the proceeds benefit Haiti relief efforts.
The event begins with a reception from 6-8 p.m. Monday, March 29 in the Donaghey Student Center Ledbetter Assembly Hall, Room C. The show continues through March 31 from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. each day. The event is sponsored by the UALR Donaghey Scholars Student Committee and the UALR Art Student Association. If you have questions, contact Eileen Turan at elturan@ualr.edu or 683.7752.
And now, take a sneak peek at the show!
Friday, March 19, 2010
Taste.
The Taste of Ireland, a fundraiser for student scholarships, promised great food, drink and company, and the event didn't disappoint. Alumni, faculty, students and Irish wannabes seemed to arrive at the Bailey Alumni and Friends Center by Paddy Wagon, hungry and curious about the corned beef cabbage rolls, Irish leek and swiss tarts, pub ale cheddar spread, mini lamb sliders on brioche, Irish truffles and other hors d'oeuvres advertised on the invitation.
Here's a glimpse of some of the party-goers:
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Come on in. We're open.
Our recruitment staff deserves kudos for their hard work in creating this event. I saw so many examples of the team extending themselves to make sure both parents and students were accommodated. Director of Recruitment Cleveland James was an entertaining host-- comical, playful, hopeful. He certainly reminded us that we have a lot to be proud of here.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
UALR Artists Shine in the Delta
The Delta Exhibit was created in 1956 to showcase contemporary works by artists of the Mississippi Delta region and is open to all artists living in or born in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas. Works in all media are featured and reflects the region’s strong traditions of craftsmanship and observation, combined with innovative use of materials and an experimental approach to subject matter.
Ted Grimmett, a UALR employee and student, captured this image, “Low Water Bridge.”
The exhibit continues through March 14 at the Arkansas Arts Center. Take a look at this list of UALR featured artists.
Current Students:
- Ted Grimmett
- Anne Haley
- Steve Hollis
- Katherine Monroe
Alumni:
- Latoya Hobbs
- Erin Lorenzen
- Dennis McCann
- Jason McCann
- Mary Shelton
Faculty Members:
- Marjorie Williams-Smith
- Liz Noble
- Carey Roberson
- Dominique Simmons
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
A Hard-Fought Battle
The players never stopped playing, the coaches never stopped coaching, and the fans never stopped cheering, in a game where every pass, every shot mattered. The Trojans had a great season, and the pot-of-gold at the end of the rainbow is that we get to see these Trojan warriors again next year, with the exception of our lone senior, Kim Sitzman.
It’s been fun to watch her grow in the game, beginning as the freshman who shot the big threes to the senior that had her team's back. Best of luck, Kim - you will be missed.
Even though Sun Belt play is over, we still have opportunities to see this team in action at the NIT tournament or, hopefully, at the NCAA big dance. The NCAA Selection show is Monday, March 15 at 6 pm on ESPN.