December 2005

Thomas R. DeGregori, professor of economics, was a keynote speaker and delivered his paper titled “The All-Natural BioEngineered Future of Humans as Omnivores: The Past as Prologue” at Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization Third Annual Livestock Sciences Conference. He also delivered a public seminar, “From the Green Revolution to the Gene Revolution,” at China Agricultural University and made a presentation at the University of Nationalities in Beijing.

Dick Dickerson, assistant librarian, has been selected to serve on Mayor Bill White’s task force on Houston history.

Israel Gonzales, custodial equipment mechanic 1, received the Custodial Management Association of Texas Award for Excellence.

The St. Luke’s Chamber Ensemble in New York City premiered Marcus Karl Maroney’s “Husdon,” a composition for flute and string trio. The orchestra commissioned the work. Maroney is professor of music.

David Ashley White’s composition “Triptych” for brass quintet and organ was featured at the Third International Romantic Trumpet Festival in St. Petersburg, Russia. His choral works “Songs from Old Plum Grove” for mixed chorus and piano was premiered at the American Festival of the Arts (AFA) in Houston. AFA commissioned the piece to celebrate its 10th anniversary. White is the director of the School of Music.

November 2005

Joel Bloom, associate professor of health and human performance, is the 2005 recipient of the Recreation Professional of the Year Award given annually by the Texas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.

Richard Browne, visiting research professor in urban design and planning at the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture, was invited by the International Council of Shopping Centers to discuss the fifth dimension of design at the organization’s “Leading Edge Conference.”

The College Reading and Learning Association International Tutor Program certified the Department of Learning Support Services’ tutoring program for another five years.

John Wiley and Sons Publishing Company announced the publication of the second edition of “Separation Process Principles,” a textbook co-written by Ernest J. Henley, professor emeritus of chemical engineering.

Charles W. Bailey Jr., assistant dean for digital library planning and development, has published the book “Open Access Bibliography: Liberating Scholarly Literature with E-Prints and Open Access Journals.”

Peter T. Hoffman’s clinical programs have been awarded a $45,000 grant from Victims of Domestic Abuse to create a domestic violence clinic. Hoffman is the Newell H. Blakely Chair in Evidence and director of the Blakely Advocacy Institute at the UH Law Center.

The Journal of Portfolio Management published “Oops, Our Earnings Were Indeed Preliminary,” an article written by Dana Hollie, assistant professor of accounting.

Gerry Moohr’s article, “Defining Over-Criminalization Through Cost-Benefit Analysis: The Example of Criminal Copyright Laws,” was published in the American University Law Review. Moohr, professor of law, also presented a paper on overcriminalization at the American University’s symposium.

Thomas Oldham, professor of law, has co-authored an article about the UH Law Center’s North American Consortium on Legal Education-generated course that will be published in the Iowa Journal of Transnational Law and Contemporary Problems.

Michael A. Olivas, William B. Bates Distinguished Chair of Law and director of the Institute of Higher Education Law and Governance, published the article “Law School Admissions After GRUTTER: Student Bodies, Pipeline Theory, and the River” in the Journal of Legal Education.

Robert Schuwerk, professor of law, participated in an Institute of International Education panel that explored the collapse of Enron and the regulation of financial markets.

Rives Taylor, Kiersky Chair for Sustainable Design at the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture, is a recipient of the 2005 Synergy President’s Award from the Citizens’ Environmental Coalition. He was one of two people recognized for work in advancing green building awareness.

Joseph A. Vail, clinical associate professor of law, spoke about immigration court proceedings at the American Immigration Lawyers Association litigation conference and presented a paper on appellate procedures at the University of Texas-San Antonio immigration conference.

October 2005

Christine L. Agnew, assistant professor of law, was elected secretary of the American Bar Association Section of Taxation. She also published the article “Recent Developments and Observations” in the Journal of Passthrough Entities.

Lisa L. Alastuey, visiting assistant professor of health and human performance, was elected Texas School Health Association president. The one-year term begins in 2006.

Darren Bush, assistant professor of law, and Betsy Gelb, professor of marketing, co authored an article titled “Marketing Meets Antitrust: Cautions for Dominant Companies,” which was published in MIT Sloan Management Review’s summer 2005 issue. The journal is scheduled to publish another article by Bush and Gelb titled “The Marketing Consequences of Competitor Lawsuits.”

Martha Haun, professor of communication, co-authored the manuscript “From Reactive to Proactive: Avoiding Costly Mistakes,” which was accepted for publication in the April 2006 issue of Parliamentary Journal. She also completed a review of the book “Selected Readings in Health Communication.”

Robert Heath, professor of communication, published a review of the book “Public Relations in Britain: A History of Professional Practice in the 20th Century” in the Public Relations Review journal. He and Shannon Bowen, assistant professor of communication, published “Issues Management, Systems, and Rhetoric: Exploring the Distinctions Between Ethical and Legal Guidelines At Enron,” the lead article in the Journal of Public Affairs. Shannon also published the lead article, “A Practical Model for Ethical Decision Making in Issues Management and Public Relations” in the Journal of Public Relations Research.

Laura D. Hermer, research professor in the Health Law and Policy Institute, wrote “EMTALA and the Private Market in Health Care,” an article which has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Law and Policy.

The Western New England School of Law has invited Douglas Moll, Beirne, Maynard and Parsons Law Center Professor of Law, to speak as part of the Law and Business Center for Advancing Entrepreneurship’s inaugural speaker series.

Jim Query, associate professor of communication, made a presentation to the Department of Veterans Affairs on developing a health campaign that targets Hispanic caregivers.

The Harris County Alliance (Community Resource Coordination Group) has elected Shelley Townsend, senior technical assistant in Learning Assessment Service’s Parent Education Project, as co-chairwoman.

NEWSMAKERS

On KTRK-TV, Channel 13, Richard Alderman, Dwight Olds Chair in Law and director of the Consumer Law Center, discussed legal questions surrounding Hurricane Katrina and explained upcoming changes in bankruptcy law.

On KHTV-TV, Channel 39, John J. Douglass, professor of law, was quoted in a story about Mayor Bill White’s popularity in dealing with Hurricane Katrina victims.

Michael Economides, professor of chemical engineering, discussed the price of oil on CNBC’s “Power Lunch.”

In a Houston Chronicle article, Todd Helwig, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering, and Reagan Herman, assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering, discussed their project to develop a more effective, less expensive way to construct highway bridges

Forbes.com published an article regarding the election of Leroy L. Hermes as UH System Board of Regents chairman.

On KTRH-AM 740, Richard Murray, professor of political science, discussed same sex marriages.

On KXLN-TV, Channel 45, Nestor Rodriguez, professor of sociology, was quoted on the impact of the thousands of displaced New Orleans citizens arriving in Houston.

USA Today published an article on the College of Optometry’s efforts to extend its services to Hurricane Katrina evacuees.

The University of Houston was noted in a Houston Chronicle article about Texas schools offering in-state tuition to students displaced by Hurricane Katrina. Several newspapers and television stations, including the Houston Chronicle and the Brown Daily Herald, reported that the UH Law Center will host Loyola University law students for the fall semester and that hundreds of displaced students had enrolled at UH.

September 2005

William E. Fitzgibbon, College of Technology dean, represented the University of Houston an international conference honoring the 60th birthday of Yuri Kuznetsov, M.D. Anderson Professor of Mathematics. Fitzgibbon presented proclamations from Gov. Rick Perry and Mayor Bill White, who proclaimed Sept. 16 as Yuri Kuznetsov Day in the city of Houston.

The College of Optometry awarded Adrian Glazer its Benedict/Pitts Professorship and Yuzo Chino, Benedict/McFadden Professorship.

“Digital History” placed second in the Center for Digital Education’s Best of the Web and Digital Education Achievement Awards in the integrated/multi-focus category. Steven Mintz, John and Rebecca Moores Professor of History and director of the American Cultures Program at UH, and Sara McNeil, specialist in instructional technology and associate professor of curriculum and instruction, are creators of the site. The National Endowment for the Humanities has listed the Web site as an exemplary online resource on its EdSITEment. Best of History Web Sites ranked Digital History among the top five sites on U.S. history.

The University of Houston Department of Public Safety’s Visteon Smart Vehicle placed second in the Live Oak Third Annual Patch and Memorabilia Show’s specialty vehicle category.

Ira Wolinsky, education professor emeritus, co-edited the new book “Sports Nutrition: Vitamins and Trace Elements.”

The Texas Bandmasters Association named Tom Bennett, associate professor of music and director of bands, Texas Bandmaster of the Year for his dedication to music and his students.

John David Powell, assistant to the chancellor/president for communication, won first place for the fifth year in a row in the Houston Press Club’s Lone Star Awards in the category of Internet opinion writing.

NEWSMAKERS

On KTRK-TV, Channel 13, Richard Alderman, Dwight Olds Chair in Law and director of the Consumer Law Center, discussed the legal protections that consumers have when buying a house.

The Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture’s Design/Build Studio’s outdoor performing arts venue project for Alexander Hamilton Middle School was featured on Houston Public Radio, KUHF 88.7 FM and in an article in the Houston Chronicle.

Suncica Canic, professor of mathematics, was featured in a Houston Chronicle story about her receiving the 2005 Top Houston Women in Technology Award from the Association for Women in Computing.

Michael Economides, professor of chemical engineering, discussed oil prices on CNBC’s “Power Lunch” program. He also explained Saudi Arabian politics in the wake of the death of the king’s half brother on Houston Public Radio, KUHF 88.7 FM.

Yuriy Fofanov, assistant professor of computer science and of biology and biochemistry and director of the UH Bioinformatics Lab; George Fox, professor of biology and biochemistry and adjunct professor of chemical engineering; and Richard C. Willson, professor of chemical engineering and professor of biology and biochemistry, were highlighted in a Houston Chronicle article. The article focused on the Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency grant they received to study DNA probes for
detecting emerging or engineered pathogens.

Frank Holt, professor of history, appeared on the History Channel program “The Mystery of the Afghan Gold.”

The Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management was mentioned in a Houston Chronicle article about its five-day camp for high school students interested in hospitality careers.

Lynn Mitchell, director of the religious studies program, discussed the opening of Lakewood Church on “Paula Zahn Now” on CNN.

A UH program that provides free English classes for UH staff who speak only minimal English was featured in a Houston Chronicle article.

August 2005

Suzanne Bloom, professor of art, and Ed Hill, professor emeritus of art, completed the multimedia project “Archive Fever: A Digital Wonder Room” for Dartmouth College’s Hood Museum of Art’s permanent collection. The computer-driven piece consists of 113 animation sequences that are projected onto a wall and audio segments highlighting 413 instruments. Part of the installation, “Opus CXXV,” is a video featuring museum patrons observing works of art.

Oxford University Press recently published “Weaving the Past: A History of Latin America’s Indigenous Women from the Prehispanic Period to the Present,” a book written by Susan Kellogg, associate professor of history.

Steven Mintz, John and Rebecca Moores Professor of History and director of the American Cultures Program at UH, was interviewed by ABC News on parental outsouring, the phenomenon in which parents hire coaches and tutors to potty train their children, teach them to ride bikes and organize their birthday parties. The Society for the History of Children and Youth sponsored a special session devoted to Mintz’s book “Huck’s Raft: A History of American Childhood.”

Mintz also will deliver two keynote addresses: one at a workshop for journalists sponsored by the Casey Journalism Center on Children and Families and the other at the New England History Teachers Association meeting at the American Antiquarian Society. In addition, he will co-host a conference for social scientists and historians at the University of California-Berkeley and a John S. and James L. Knight Foundation conference.

The Harris County Medical Society and the Houston Academy of Medicine presented its 2005 Francis C. Moore M.D. Medical Journalism Awards to KUHT-TV, Houston PBS. KUHT-TV staff members Patricia Gras and Fujio Watanabe received an excellence award for “Weight Loss Surgery.” Gras, Watanabe, Joe Brueggeman and Gordon Luce were honored with a merit award for “Miracle Coach” and an excellence award for “F.I.R.S.T. Psychiatric Response Team.” They also received a Crystal Award of Excellence at the 2004 Communicator Awards for “Miracle Coach.”

The Harris County Medical Society and the Houston Academy of Medicine also honored Houston Public Radio, KUHF 88.7 FM with two 2005 Francis C. Moore M.D. Medical Journalism Awards. Staff members Paul Pendergraft received a merit award for his story “Nanoshells,” and Capella Tucker received a merit award for her story “Children’s Mental Health.”

KUHF’s news team also earned 11 journalism awards in a statewide competition sponsored by the Houston Press Club, a non-profit organization devoted to communications excellence. The awards were presented at the Houston Press Club’s 2005 Lone Star Awards. For more information on station’s Houston Press Club awards, visit the KUHF Web site.

Janis Faye Hutchinson, associate professor of anthropology, has written two books: “The Coexistence of Race and Racism Can They Become Extinct Together? and “Power, Race and Culture: The Evolution of a Black Anthropologist.”

July 2005

C.T. Bauer College of Business has teamed up with Success in the City, an organization that works to educate and empower entrepreneurial women both personally and professionally. The college is one of 25 partners who will offer expertise to the winner of the Chrysalis Award, which recognizes a Houston woman who hopes to improve her business and personal life. The college will help the winner create a four-member personal board of directors that will serve as mentors.

Melissa Abram, coordinator of student development for the Department of Residential Life and Housing, was awarded a Certificate of Recognition for Research and Competitions from Texas Southern University for her research project “From the Mouths of Babes: Violence in Schools.” Abram also was recognized for scholastic achievement.

Joseph A. Vail, associate clinical professor of law and director of the UH Law’s Center Immigration Clinic, received the Elmer Fried Excellence in Teaching Award from the American Immigration Lawyers Association. The award honors outstanding professors in immigration law.

NEWSMAKERS

The Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture’s Design/Build Studio’s outdoor performing arts and film projection canopy for Alexander Hamilton Middle School was featured in July’s Texas Architect magazine.

Richard Armstrong, associate professor of modern and classical languages and director of the classical studies program, discussed ancient Greece on Chicago’s WBEZ-FM, 91.5.

Geoffrey Brune, associate professor of architecture, wrote an article on the design of a local building in July’s Texas Architect magazine.

Jill Bush, assistant professor of exercise and physiology, discussed females using steroids on KHOU-TV, Channel 11, and Texas Cable News Network.

Michael Economides, professor of chemical engineering, discussed oil trading in a New York Times article.

Seth J. Chandler, vice dean for academic affairs and professor at the UH Law Center, discussed life support issues on KHOU-TV, Channel 11.

Craig B. Clayton, director of the Institute for Diversity and Cross-Cultural Management, discussed efforts to diversify the corporate workforce in the Dallas Morning News.

Sarah Fishman, associate dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, discussed SAT’s new handwritten essay in a Houston Chronicle article.

Julie Grob, M.D. Anderson Library’s Special Collections librarian, discussed “The Teachings of Don B.: Selections from the Donald Barthelme Papers” exhibition at the library in the Houston Chronicle.

Rebecca Lee, assistant professor of health and human performance, discussed lifestyle choices that affect health in a Houston Chronicle article. Lee also discussed her $3 million grant to study obesity and the cultural factors that lead to the condition in Houston Style magazine.

Tatcho Mindiola, director of the Center for Mexican American Studies, discussed Cinco de Mayo on 740 KTRH-AM.

Steven H. Mintz, professor of history, discussed parental duties in the Wichita Times-Record and childhood during the 1950s on Minnesota Public Radio, 89.3 FM.

Lynn E. Mitchell, director of the religious studies program, professor and resident scholar, discussed Nostradamus’ prophecies on KXLN-TV, Channel 45.

Amaury Nora, professor of educational leadership and cultural studies and associate dean for research and faculty development in the College of Education, was acknowledged in the magazine Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education for being named a Senior Scholar by the American College Personnel Association.

Nestor Rodriguez, chair and professor of sociology, discussed Mexico’s proposal to seal the border on WALA-TV, Channel 10, in Pensacola, Fl.

Robert Sheridan, executive director of student financial aid, discussed refinancing education loans in the Houston Chronicle.

Barton Smith, professor of economics, was quoted on the impact of rising interest rates on the local economy and real estate in a Houston Chronicle article and on KRIV-TV, Channel 26, 740 KTRH-AM and Houston Public Radio, 88.7 FM-KUHF.

Joseph A. Vail, associate clinical professor of law and director of the UH Law’s Center Immigration Clinic, discussed U.S. asylum standards in a Toledo Blade article.

June 2005

Johnny Buckles’ book “Reforming the Public Policy Doctrine” has been published in University of Kansas Law Review, Volume 53. Buckles is an assistant professor of law.

The World Wildlife Fund has selected Sanford E. Gaines, Law Foundation Professor of Law, to be the writer of a report of seven studies evaluating the effects of trade on rural sustainable development and the environment in China, Vietnam, India, Madagascar, South Africa, Mexico and Chile.

David Maggard, director of athletics, received the National Consortium for Academics and Sports Outreach and Community Service Program and Degree Completion Program Honor Roll Award.

Richard Olenchak, professor and director of the Urban Talent Research Institute in the College of Education, was the keynote speaker at a two-day conference of the New Jersey Association for the Gifted. He is the president of the National Association of Gifted Children.

Jack Williams, news reporter at Houston Public Radio, 88.7 FM-KUHF, won a regional 2005 Edward R. Murrow Award for journalistic excellence. This is Williams’ second Murrow Award and the station’s eighth regional Murrow Award.

Williams was honored for a sports profile he produced on Juan Diaz, UH-Downtown student, who is pursuing careers in both boxing and law. Williams has worked as a radio journalist for 10 years.

The UH student branch of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) received high honors at the IEEE Region Five Conference. For the second consecutive year, the organization won all four awards for which it was eligible. Professor and advisor Ovidiu Crisan received the award for the Outstanding Student Branch Counselor of the Year, professor David Jackson for the Outstanding Educator of the Year, Wahad Mehmood for Outstanding Student Member of the Year and the student branch took home the award for Outstanding Large Student Branch of the Year.

EunSook Kwon, associate professor of architecture, has been selected to make a presentation on her class’ tsunami designs at the Industrial Designers Society of America’s 2005 National Conference. Kwon’s class responded to the recent tsunami devastation by creating utensils, plates, bowls and tables for use during such emergencies. Inspired by the art of origami, the items were made entirely of biodegradable materials for easy shipping and disposal.

Karen Bradshaw, career counselor, has been named the recipient of the Houston Area Consortium of Career Centers’ Management Leadership Institute Scholarship.

Edward Albee, Distinguished Professor of Theatre, received a special Tony Award for lifetime achievement in theatre. Albee’s play, “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?,” has been nominated for six Tony awards.

Nick Flynn, assistant professor of English, recently was awarded the PEN/Martha Albrand Award for the Art of the Memoir for his book “Another Bullshit Night in Suck City.”

Dina Gonzales, sergeant with the UH Police Department, participated in the Special Olympics Texas Law Enforcement Torch Run. Gonzales and other officers from the region carried the torch through Houston and other cities, until finishing in San Marcos, Texas.

Jerald Strickland, interim senior vice president for academic affairs and provost, received the Dean’s Award for Meritorious Service from the University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Optometry for his devotion and service to optometric education and the delivery of eye and vision care services to the citizens of Missouri and the region. The UH Faculty Senate also presented Strickland with a plaque, honoring him for outstanding leadership.

May 2005

Darren Bush was named to the American Antitrust Institute’s Advisory Board. He will also serve on their working group on antitrust exemptions and immunities. Bush also moderated the Environmental & Energy Law & Policy Journal’s first symposium, “Creating Competitive Wholesale Energy Markets,” and will provide the written introduction to the published proceedings.

Seth J. Chandler’s paper, temporarily titled “The Network Structure of Supreme Court Jurisprudence,” has been accepted for presentation at the Seventh International Mathematica Symposium to be hosted at the University of Western Australia (Perth) this August. Chandler is vice president for academic affairs of the UH Law Center and professor of law.

Monit Cheung, professor of social work, was selected to receive the 2005 Asian Pacific American Unsung Hero Award by KHWB-TV, Channel 39, for her work with Catholic Charities.

George Fox, professor of biology and biochemistry, was recently named the recipient of the 2000 Sigma Xi Faculty Research Award by the Houston chapter.

Geraldine Moohr’s article, “Prosecutorial Power in an Adversarial System: Lessons from Current White Collar Cases and the Inquisitorial Model,” was published by the Buffalo Criminal Law Review. She is Alumnae College Professor of Law.

The Senegalese Agency for Telecommunications Regulations appointed Alex Freundlich, research professor of physics and a Texas Center for Superconductivity and Advanced Materials project leader, to the International Scientific Council for Veille Telecom magazine. Freundlich also presented a speech, “Photovoltaics: An answer to the Energy-Telecommunications Dilemma of Rural Africa” at the Third Annual Conference of West African Telecom Regulators.

The International Association of Audio Information Services has selected Houston Taping For The Blind Radio to receive an award for quality programming in the category of pre-recorded narrative reading for “Booked to Die,” which was read and produced by Joan Gallo, secretary 2 in the Office of University Communication.

April 2005

UH Chapter of International Scholars Society Inducts New Members
The UH Delta Iota chapter of Phi Beta Delta, the honor society for international scholars, named Abdul Aziz Aldriss, Consul General of Saudi Arabia in Houston, and Larry Napper, diplomat-in-residence at UH’s Department of Political Science, honorary members at its April 20th induction ceremony at the Athletics/Alumni Center’s O’Quinn Great Hall. Napper also was the keynote speaker.

Harrell Rodgers, chairman of the Department of Political Science, was recently elected International President-Elect of the society, and Oscar Gutierrez (’67), director of university advancement projects, was named the chapter’s president. Also at the event, the chapter inducted 30 new members.

Recently, the UH chapter was recognized by the national organization as the outstanding chapter from among 150 chapters worldwide.

UH’s chapter of the Students in Construction-Related Industries placed first in the safety division of the Associated Builders and Contractors’ Student Construction Management Competition. This year’s team consisted of Isaias Alonso, Manuel Galindo, Garrett Jurica and Greg Martin. Alternates were Justin Johnson and Nolan Sims.

Kenneth Arfa, psychiatrist at the University of Houston’s Health Center, was named president-elect of the Houston Psychiatric Society. Arfa also was chosen the secretary of Mesorah, the national organization for traditional Judaism and psychiatry.

Jim Johnson, assistant professor of voice, speech and dialect in UH’s School of Theatre, is starring in “Billy Bishop Goes to War” at Stages Repertory Theatre. The play runs from Thursday, April 7 – Wednesday, May 1.

Steven Mintz, John and Rebecca Moores Professor of History, was elected co-chair of the Council on Contemporary Families. Mintz also received the R.R. Hawkins Award for the most outstanding scholarly work of 2004 from the Association of American Publishers for his book, “Huck’s Raft: A History of American Childhood.” He also has been selected to receive the Organization of American Historians’ 2005 Merle Curti Award for the book. The award recognizes the best book in social, intellectual and/or cultural history

The University of Houston David M. Underwood Chapter of American Humanics is the 2005 recipient of the Outstanding Fundraising Award from American Humanics, a national alliance of colleges, universities and non-profits dedicated to educating, preparing and certifying professionals to strengthen and lead non-profit organizations. Under the direction of Margaret O’Donnell, program director, UH has raised nearly $250,000 for the chapter and the endowment.

Holly Hutchins, assistant professor of human development and consumer science, presented a paper at the Academy of Human Resource Development International Conference. She also has been selected to speak at the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy Annual Convention.

Carlos Lopez, director of the Small Business Development Center’s International Trade Center, was appointed to the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

David Small, assistant vice president for student services, was appointed to Baylor College of Medicine’s and UH Law Center’s J.D./M.D. program advisory committee.

Gabriela Ventura’s book “U.S. Latino Literature Today” was adopted by the University of California system as a required book for courses on Latino literature. Ventura is an assistant professor of Hispanic literature.

The General Society of Writers of Mexico selected Edna Ochoa’s play “La Paracaidista” (“The Female Parachutist”) for production in Mexico City. Ochoa is a doctoral student in the Department of Modern and Classical Languages’ Spanish graduate program.

March 2005

Michael J. Economides, professor of chemical engineering, and World Energy magazine have collaborated to launch the World Energy Monthly Review. This newsletter offers a discussion forum for the impact of energy geopolitics on the industry.

The first edition, to be released in April, will be published by Economides and his team of journalists and analysts in the Cullen College of Engineering. His son, Alex, also will assist him. The group will publish their analyses on the industry in regions such as Russia, China and North America every month.

Spencer Yantis, interim vice president for university advancement, was selected as the 2005 Texas Tech University’s College of Human Sciences Distinguished Alumnus. Yantis received a bachelor’s degree from the university in 1969.

“Hispanic Literature of the United States: A Comprehensive Reference” written by Nicolás Kanellos, Brown Foundation Professor of Hispanic Literature, was named an outstanding title for 2004 by Choice, an organization that reviews significant current books and electronic media of interest to those in higher education.

Renee Cross, associate director of the Center for Public Policy, assisted with the League of Women Voters of the Houston Area’s health care report, accessible at http://www.lwvhouston.org/Issues/healthcare.pdf.

Elwyn C. Lee, vice president for student affairs, was the keynote speaker, at the J. Don Boney Sr. Image Awards/Book Scholarship luncheon at UH-Downtown. Lee discussed the African Diaspora.

February 2005

Stages Repertory Theater, 3201 Allen Parkway, will present a play written by Bill Monroe, executive associate dean of the Honors College and professor of English, at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 21.

Monroe wrote the play, titled “Primary Care,” in collaboration with Thomas R. Cole, director of The John P. McGovern Center for Health, Humanities and the Human Spirit at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. The play features actress Megan Cole, who appeared in such television shows as “Seinfeld” and “ER.”

The play also showcases the talents of Daintee Glover Jones, alumna and program coordinator for prospect management in the Division of University Advancement’s Office of Development Research; Brandon Hearnsberger, Honors College senior; Lori Johns, Honors College senior; Lawrence Kalinov, Honors College junior; Beth Kungel Borck, alumna; Michael Lassoff, Honors College senior; Tanya Lunstroth, administrative secretary in the Honors College; Andrew Love, School of Theatre senior; and Joyce Murray, box office manager for UH’s Wortham Theatre.

Rebecca Lee, assistant professor of health and human performance, has accepted a position on Mayor Bill White’s Wellness Council. The council was created in response to recent reports ranking Houston as the fattest city in the United States. She will offer her expertise as a researcher on obesity issues as the council strives to make a positive, measurable impact on the health and wellness of those who live and work in Houston.

Moores School of Music faculty and staff Elizabeth Hansen, Peter Jacoby, Dawn M. Padula, Brian Shircliffe, Patryk Wroblewski and the late Debria Brown recently received a favorable review by the American Record Guide (ARG) for their Newport Classic CD “Casanova’s Homecoming,” a live recording of the original Dominick Argento comic opera presented by the Moores Opera Center in 2001. The ARG said, “The performance is an excellent one,” and “Wroblewski sings strongly and Padula makes some dark, lovely sounds as the castrato Bellino.”

Hosam Aboul-Ela, assistant professor of English, discussed his class topics and professional career in a Houston Chronicle interview.

Richard Evans, Distinguished University Professor and director of the Social Psychology/Behavioral Medicine Research Group, discussed FBI profiling of a suspect in a Rosenberg murder on KTRK-TV, Channel 13.

Mark Haedicke, adjunct professor in finance and visiting professor of business, discussed a solution to the problems confronting the volatile energy industry on KUHF-FM, 88.7.

Joe Mashburn, Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture dean, discussed the Nguyen Family Scholarship, which will provide $1,000 to a first-generation immigrant enrolled in the college, on KUHF-FM, 88.7.

Ralph Metcalfe, professor of mechanical engineering, discussed how Methodist Hospital doctors and UH professors are working together to better identify and treat brain aneurysms on KHOU-TV, Channel 11.

Jordan Paust, UH Law Foundation Professor of Law and director of the Law Center’s International Law Institute, discussed the crash of the Concorde on KTRH-AM, 740.

Bill Price, assistant professor of architecture, discussed how Houston architects and UH students will build shelters for tsunami victims on KRIV-TV, Channel 26.

Nestor Rodriguez, professor of sociology, discussed a booklet that shows illegal immigrants how to safely cross the U.S.-Mexico border on KXLN-TV, Channel 45.

Daniel Stern, professor of English and creative writing, discussed his new book, “A Little Street Music,” in a Houston Chronicle interview.

Amaury Nora, professor of educational leadership and cultural studies and associate dean for research and faculty development in the College of Education, has been named a Senior Scholar by the American College Personnel Association. Nora also was a featured speaker at the 2005 National Conference on Student Recruitment, Marketing and Retention. In addition, he was a panelist at the National Academies and National Research Council’s Ford Foundation Diversity Fellowship’s Dissertation and Postdoctoral Evaluation panel meeting.

A story on the 30-year agreement between the University of Houston System and The Methodist Hospital was aired on KHOU-TV, Channel 11 and KRIV-TV, Channel 26.

Michael J. Economides, professor of chemical engineering, discussed the future price of oil and his advice to Russian oil companies in a New York Times article.

Dmitri Litvinov, an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering, discussed his ideas that could lead to vast storage on computer chips in a Houston Chronicle article.

David Tsai, lecturer in the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture, discussed the selection of his steel side table as a winner in the Modern + Design + Function furniture design contest in “Design Within Reach.”

Leroy Burrell, head track and field coach, discussed the JP Morgan Chase Corporate Challenge event in a PR Newswire article.

January 2005

James Conyers, director of the African American Studies program, participated in a Martin Luther King Jr. holiday symposium at Texas Southern University.

Frank J. “Fritz” Claydon was named associate dean for undergraduate programs and computer facilities in the Cullen College of Engineering. Previously, he was chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

Larry Witte was named associate dean for graduate programs in the Cullen College of Engineering. Previously, he was the associate dean for undergraduate programs.

Richard Bannerot, professor of mechanical engineering, received the Claude Wilson Award for Lifetime Achievement as an Engineering Educator from the South Texas Section of the American Society of Mechanical Engineering.

Karl Sparks, executive director of human resources, was elected to serve on the Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association - College Retirement Equities Fund’s (TIAA-CREF) Customer Advisory Board. TIAA-CREF provides financial and retirement services to companies and institutions in the academic, research, medical and cultural fields.

David Tsai, lecturer in the Hines College of Architecture, was named a finalist in “Modern + Design + Function: Chicago Furniture Now,” a prestigious Chicago furniture design contest sponsored by TenbyTen magazine. His original steel side table was one of 25 pieces selected from a pool of 160.

Rodolfo Casparius, a senior lecturer and program director in the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management, completed his 1,000th column with the Los Angeles newspaper La Opinion. His weekly column, "Burbujas," appears Sundays in the editorial section of the Spanish daily newspaper. He began writing the column in 1983 on issues concerning the Latino community: discrimination, immigration, education, border issues and politics.

2004 Of Note Archives