Faculty researchers earn extra credit

“With the numerous field stops and activities provided through this grant project I am thrilled by the opportunity students will have to enhance their knowledge of agricultural, cultural, economic, environmental, historical, physical and urban geography, as well as resource management,” said Lash.

The 2007 field trip took place May 13-26. To gain the most benefit from their trip, participating students received map making and navigation training, documentary film and photography instruction, and chronicled their experiences by creating digital educational resources. Stops included Enchanted Rock, Fort Davis National Historic Site, Big Bend National Park and Seminole Canyon.

School of Science and Computer Engineering faculty received funding for key projects. Andrew Yang, associate professor of computer science and computer information systems, and Sadegh Davari, interim dean of SCE and professor of computer science and computer information systems, received a two-year $78,675 award from National Science Foundation for “Collaborative Research: Module-based Courseware and Laboratory Development for Teaching Secure Wireless Sensor Networks.”

Damtew Demeke, who joined UHCL as assistant professor of chemistry in fall 2006, garnered a three-year $150,000 award from The Welch Foundation for his proposal, “Total Synthesis of Oculatolide, Cyclolinteninone, Deoxycyclolinteinone and Lintenone.”

UHCL’s Environmental Institute of Houston has many partners who support the institute’s various programs. Recently, Brenda Weiser, lecturer in curriculum and instruction,received a second-year award of $110,000 from University of Texas at Austin’s research program, Texas Regional Collaborative for Excellence in Science Teaching. She also received a $10,000 grant from the National Biological Information Infrastructure’s Central Southwest Gulf Coast Information Node through Houston Advanced Research Center to coordinate and host a Biodiversity Speakers Series and conduct biodiversity workshops for K-12 teachers and teacher mentors.

George Guillen, executive director of EIH and associate professor of biology and environmental science, received a three-year $75,000 award from the Harris County Flood Control District for his proposal, “Evaluation of the Influence of Various Stream Substrates on Aquatic Biota within Harris County.” Other proposals by Guillen that received funding include a second-year award in the amount of $29,942 from the Harris County Soil and Water Conservation District for “Greens Bayou Wetland Mitigation Bank Project,” $16,345 from the Trinity River Authority for “Evaluation of Historical Trends in Trinity River Fish Communities” and $22,345 from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for “Mass Balanced ECOPATH Model for Galveston Bay.”

An EIH program in high schools that monitors air quality received a grant of $190,000 from Houston Endowment Inc. The grant will be paid in two installments, $130,000 in March 2007 and $60,000 in March 2008.

Finding partners that share the vision of UHCL faculty is an ongoing process. No sooner does a project get off the ground than the search begins to provide funds for the future. Establishing a graduate program in biotechnology was an important step in creating a biotechnology corridor in Houston. To continue the progress, Larry Rohde, associate professor of biology and biotechnology, received a $124,227 two-year sub-recipient award from the San Jacinto College District’s National Science Foundation award for his proposal, “The Bay Area Houston Partnership for Innovation in Biotechnology and Life Sciences.” Rohde was UHCL’s 2006-07 nominee for the Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation professor of the year award.

For more information about these or other UHCL programs, visit our Web site at www.uhcl.edu.

Photo by Jean Rudnicki UHCL geography students and Assistant Professor of Geography Jeff Lash, far left in the back row, take a moment to commemorate their 14-day trek to explore the geography of Texas before leaving UHCL May 13. The trip received funding from National Geographic Society Education Foundation.

Liedfried room dedication

Photo by Eddie Hunter After two years in the making, the Dr. Ted Leibfried Seminar Room was dedicated April 27. The formal ceremony brought together donors, friends and family of UHCL retired Professor of Computer Science and Information Systems Ted Leibfried. From left to right are son Christian Leibfried, Ted Leibfried, daughter Lisa Leibfried and her husband Glen LaRocca. Leibfried received emeritus status in 2005. His wife, Betty Leibfried, is a UHCL Distinguished Alumna and noted local artist.

Faculty Bookshelf

Business Statistics: For Contemporary Decision Making, Fifth Edition; By Ken Black, UHCL professor of decision sciences. John Wiley & Sons Inc., New Jersey (2008). The newest edition of this business textbook is reorganized into four units to better help students connect topics and see the big picture. Diagrams help students pick the correct technique to solve problems.

Fundamentals of Environmental Sampling and Analysis; By Chunlong Zhang, UHCL associate professor of environmental science and environmental chemistry. John Wiley & Sons Inc., New Jersey (2007). This unique reference covers both environmental field sampling and laboratory analysis, empowering professionals to select and adapt the proper sampling and analytical protocols for specific contaminants and project applications.

How to Reach Defiant, Resistant, Disrespectful Students through Native American Teachings (K-6); By Darline Hunter, UHCL assistant professor of counseling. YouthLight Inc., South Carolina (2007). Written to use in the counseling of children in kindergarten through sixth grade, this book of Native American stories and exercises teaches confidence, emotional connection, generosity, independence and self-mastery.

Medieval Go-Betweens and Chaucer’s Pandarus; By Gretchen Mieszkowski, UHCL professor of literature. Palgrave Macmillan, New York (2006). The literary tradition of “go-betweens,” those who mediate sexual encounters, is traced through 45 medieval works from three centuries. Contrasting characterizations of gobetweens as either elegant aristocrats who serve idealized consensual lovers or ancient crones who capture women for a price are explored and ultimately brought together in the character Pandarus, from Chaucer’s “Troilus and Criseyde.”

Student Companion to James Fenimore Cooper; By Craig White, UHCL associate professor of literature. Greenwood Press, Connecticut (2006). The author of “The Leather-Stocking Tales,” which includes “The Deerslayer” and “Last of the Mohicans,” is introduced in this volume, part of Greenwood’s “Student Companions to American Writers” series. Cooper’s most frequently assigned novels, his style, concepts and historical context are outlined at a level appropriate for advanced high school and beginning college students. To obtain a copy of the books listed above, call the UHCL Bookstore at 281-283-2180.