Nanotechnologists come in small sizes too.

My 5-year-old daughter and her best friend are future nanotechnology scientists. Or at least that's what they said yesterday after exploring the Museum of Discovery's nanotechnology exhibit. It's a large statement for a small child, but explaining the tiny subject in a big way is exactly what the exhibit did - not to mention lots of hands-on fun. Yesterday kicked off "Nano Days," four days of presentations, lab classes and interactive demonstrations that enhance the present exhibit.



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:

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.

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!

Taste.

In an effort to be a hardworking communications employee, I tried very hard to focus on the sights and sounds of last night's Alumni Association fundraiser. Don't get me wrong; I was impressed with what I saw and heard, but I was repeatedly distracted by one of my other five senses... 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.

As a member of the planning committee, I'll admit that I, too, was a little uncertain about the appeal of Irish food. But that uncertainty flew out of my mind faster than I could get the Bailey's cheesecake in my mouth. My date and I hit up the fresh seafood bar first, admiring the clover ice sculpture before noticing the pub-style bar on the other side. With an assortment of Irish whiskeys, it seemed to be a popular party spot, along with the beer bar outside on the, uh-hmm, Paddy-O. 

As the sun set outside, I watched party-goers of all ages shake hands and toast their mugs while listening to the spirited sounds of the Celtic Music Society. My date convinced me to suppress my urge to do a little jig, but around the place, I saw feet tapping... that is, when they weren't on their way back to the potato pancakes or a Guinness.

When I left the party at its scheduled ending time of 8 p.m., there was still quite a crowd at the Alumni Center. Maybe it was the luck of the Irish, but I think it was more than just the food and drink that drew them to the event. It was the students and the need for scholarships. As a former alumni association scholarship recipient, I know first-hand how this event helps students with the stressful and rising costs of education. I am confident that many of the attendees came to the event to support the Alumni Association and the students it so graciously helps. I heard that from many, and it speaks highly of our university. But hey, while you're there, you might as well enjoy the taste.

Here's a glimpse of some of the party-goers:

Come on in. We're open.

Saturday's Open House made me see UALR from a new perspective. I was truly impressed with the number of students and parents that drove a good distance to visit the campus. Of course, Central Arkansas was well represented, but I also observed folks signing in from places like West Memphis, El Dorado, and Ashdown. So many of these high school juniors and seniors, with fresh smiles and nervous laughter, exhibited an almost tangible excitement to find their future here. It will be a pleasure to welcome them again in the Fall.

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.

UALR Artists Shine in the Delta

The 52nd Annual Delta Exhibition includes works by thirteen talented UALR artists. Quite a feat, considering the Delta is one of the longest running, juried contemporary art exhibitions outside New York City. It’s one of my favorite annual exhibits at the Arkansas Arts Center because it’s always exciting to see that a friend or a favorite artist has been selected for this great honor.





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

A Hard-Fought Battle

Yesterday Joe Foley’s Trojan women suffered a heartbreaking loss to Middle Tennessee in the final round of the Sun Belt Conference tournament. Today mourning is over, and I couldn’t be more proud of this amazing Trojan team.

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.

Pakko Has His Finger on the Pulse

KARK's Matt Mosler sat down with Dr. Michael Pakko to take the "economic pulse" of the Arkansas marketplace. Dr. Pakko is the right person to ask. Writing in his blog, he correlates increasing gas prices with a growing economy. Now that's good spin! And he uses some great terms like "contango" and "backwardation."



Visit his blog to read his explanation of these terms and see a comparison of gas prices in neighboring states.



Here's the clip of his appearance on KARK Today:

UALR’s Biggest Fan

The Sun Belt Tournament gets under way in this weekend in Hot Springs and no one is more excited than Curtis Williams. You may not recognize his name but if you’ve attended a Trojan basketball game in Jack Stephens Center you’ve seen him dance! I met Curtis a little more than 20 years ago when he became a member of the student-led Homecoming committee. He was a shy freshman who wanted to get involved. He quickly came out of his shell and we saw him blossom right before our eyes. He had great ideas and a big heart for his alma mater.



After Homecoming, he became a somewhat “unofficial mascot” exciting the crowd by tumbling across the basketball court during time-outs and encouraging the crowd to get on their feet when the cheerleaders performed. But his legacy will ever be the “Curtis Dance” – a highlight of Trojan basketball games! Check it out. I talked to Curtis recently about his passion for Trojan Basketball and his prediction for the Sunbelt Tournament. Here’s what he told me:

‘Derek Fisher's my all-time favorite Trojan player because he gives so much of himself on the court for the team, while Wimp Sanderson's my all-time UALR coach because he tells it like it is with no apologies whatsoever and I can respect that.



If there is one thing about attending Trojan basketball games over the years that I like the most, win or lose, is when the game's decided in the last minute. That is when I know that both teams are giving it their best for those in attendance. Regarding the women’s basketball team, I believe they’ve come a long way during the past 10 seasons. They definitely had quality players in the first 4-5 seasons, but their play was inconsistent and had more than their fair share of losses.



Now, under Coach Joe Foley, UALR is about ready to become a key player on the national scene, and it shows in players like Kim Sitzmann, Shanika Butler, Asriel Rolfe and Chastity Reed. As far as the Sun Belt Tournament goes, it’s Middle Tennessee’s to lose on the women’s side, but should UALR face them in the finals, UALR is more than ready to win it all and go the NCAA Tournament.



On the men’s side, it’s virtually anyone’s guess. Western Kentucky should be the favorite, along with North Texas and probably Arkansas State. However, watch out for the lower seeded teams such as UALR, who could pull an upset or two before you know. It should be a fun time for basketball in Hot Springs.”

Curtis Williams graduated from UALR in 1988 with a B. A. in Liberal Arts. He’s been employed at the UALR Bowen School of Law for 19 years where he does a variety of jobs, such as sorting and delivering the mail, checking in and updating the library's microfiche collection and state codes, book repair, and book preservation. What he likes most about his job is that there are plenty of things for him to do, which keeps him busy throughout the day.

Tell me about Rhetoric and Writing

In yet another post filed under: Things Found on Youtube, I present this short video produced by the Department of Rhetoric and Writing.

Learn more about the UALR Department of Rhetoric and Writing:

http://ualr.edu/rhetoric/

Interesting facts about the department:

• Courses for the major and minor are divided into three different emphases: persuasive writing, creative non-fiction, and Technical writing.



• The department offers the only Bachelor of Arts Degree in Professional and Technical Writing (PTW) in the state of Arkansas.



• The list of courses Rhetoric and Writing offers is quite comprehensive.

Keep Your Brad Pitt- Just Give Me Tom

You know you're a true journalism student when the thought of seeing Tom Brokaw in person gives you butterflies. That's exactly what happened yesterday when I found out the award-winning news anchor and journalist would be on our campus delivering a stand-up for his upcoming show about baby boomers. Some people get excited thinking about seeing a favorite singer or good-looking actor. But just mention the possibility of seeing Tom Brokaw in person, and it's enough to make me act like a ridiculous five-year-old little girl who can't stop giggling.


Our encounter with Tom began when we stalked him in the food court and took note of his food choices. Orange juice and a fruit parfait. I wanted to stand and watch him eat, but decided I needed to be a bit more professional.

So instead Caroline and I took cheesy pictures of ourselves with him in the background.

Oh, and we also helped out with the purpose of his visit by providing him with an attractive background for his stand-up. That was the point of this visit, right? To find some eager and giddy girls to stand behind him? No problem, Tom. We got you covered.




Finally, we met the man himself. We talked about the Olympics and being mass comm graduates and he asked us to come work for him in New York. Okay, that last part didn't exactly happen, but a girl can dream.


Apparently we weren't the only females excited about meeting him.



It was definitely a day to remember. I'm already setting my DVR to catch my national television debut on CNBC, oh, and to learn about Tom Brokaw's thoughts on the successors to the baby boomers. Check me out at 8 p.m. Thursday, March 4th on CNBC. I'm in the red coat.

Trojan Baseball Opener

The UALR Baseball team opened their season today at home against UAPB. If you've never spent an afternoon or evening at Gary Hogan Field watching baseball and eating hot dogs and nachos. Well, you should.