Focus On Faculty

Focus on Faculty

By Maggie Dwyer

Dr. Jonathan Campbell spoke to a standing room only crowd about the venomous reptiles of the western hemisphere.

Dr. Christopher Scotese (left) spoke with retired UTA math professor James R. Harvey after his talk about tsunamis and supervolcanoes.

Dr. Jonathan Campbell addressed a packed room with his talk “Venomous Reptiles of the Western Hemisphere” at the November 17, 2004 program. Campbell is a Professor and Chair of the Biology Department, and a member of the Academy of Distinguished Scholars (2004).

Dr. Jeanne Gerlach spoke about the evolution of UTA’s education department at the February 2, 2005 meeting with a talk entitled "Building a College of Education: A Look at the Process." Gerlach is Associate Vice President for K-16 Initiatives and Dean of the College of Education.

On February 23, 2005 Dr. Elizabeth Poster, Dean of Nursing at UTA, spoke about the use of simulated patients (SMART Manikins/high fidelity human patient simulators) to overcome the current “patient bound” restrictions on student education and the development of essential competencies. She also discussed plans to build a Smart Hospital and Health System (SHHS).

In a talk that highlighted the Dec. 26, 2004 tsunami that hit Indonesia and several other Indian Ocean nations, UTA Associate Professor of Geology Dr. Christopher Scotese described the process that leads to tsunamis and the workings of supervolcanoes (such as Toba on Sumatra or Yellowstone in North America). Dr. Scotese’s talk was on April 13, 2005, and included information about his award-winning PALEOMAP Project.

Focus on Faculty is a speakers' series established to highlight the research of outstanding members of the UTA faculty. Light refreshments will be served before the meeting. Free and open to all. For more information about this program, contact Tommie Wingfield at wingfield@uta.edu or call 817-272-2658.

Focus on Faculty is a Speakers' Series established in 2002 to highlight the work and research of UTA faculty. It was begun to provide a forum for outstanding faculty to share their research and achievements with students, faculty and staff on this campus and with the citizens of Arlington. Invited speakers have received major awards for research, teaching or service. Every school and college is represented in a two-year cycle.

Six speakers are scheduled each year. Programs are held at noon in the Parlor of the Central Library, typically on the last Wednesday of the month. Light refreshments are served. Focus on Faculty events are free and open to the public.