DESIGN SENSE Something as simple as putting a logo in the right corner rather than the left corner can make or break the success of a company’s Web site. UHCL’s applied cognitive psychology program teaches future usability or ergonomics professionals how to make technology more user friendly and, sometimes, even safer. In its second year at the university, the sub-plan is an option for those pursuing a Master of Arts in General Psychology. Assistant Professor of Psychology Camille Peres coordinates the applied cognitive psychology sub-plan and works with Assistant Professor of Industrial Hygiene and Safety Magdy Akladios to oversee the human factors/ergonomics certificate. The pair recently received a $100,000 one-year continuing award from Schlumberger Inc. for a project titled “Software Ergonomics Assessment Tools.”

MATH ON THE BRAIN Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science Lie June Shiau received a $152,772 three-year award from the National Science Foundation for her project, “Applied Bifurcation Theory.” Neuroscience and biological science have benefited from insights gathered from mathematical models and studies. For example, models that indicate a pattern can be helpful in future studies of epilepsy, coma and brain injury. Graduate students involved in this research will receive training in an interdisciplinary field and gain perspectives on mathematical neuroscience.

CZECH MATE Expanding relationships with artists throughout the world remains important to Professor of Fine Arts Sandria Hu, who has established a collaboration with the Czech Center Museum Houston. This collaboration builds on the university’s International Consortium, a group that includes UHCL; Universidad de Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico; University of Hawaii, Hilo; and University of West Bohemia, Pilzen, Czech Republic. The new partnership will focus on UHCL’s international artist exchanges from the Czech Republic, with artists presenting lectures and workshops at the museum in conjunction with the UHCL International Consortium.

AQUATIC STUDIES continue George Guillen, executive director of the Environmental Institute of Houston, received grants totaling more than $250,000. Awards include $95,473 from Trinity River Authority for “Trinity River Basin Literature Review” and $54,554 from Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for “Central and Southeast Texas Recreational Use Attainability Analyses Project.”

ART SCHOOL GRANT Kinder Morgan Foundation contributed to more opportunities for drawing, painting, sculpting and other art making through a $5,000 award to the UHCL Art School for Children and Young Adults, headed by Director Ann Waltz. The grant will be used for equipment, salaries and student scholarships.

WRITE ON Each summer, educators have the opportunity to improve their writing and teaching of writing through the Greater Houston Area Writing Project at UHCL. Kathryn Matthew, associate professor of reading and language arts, received a $46,000 continuing award for “Greater Houston Area Writing Project 2009-10” from the National Writing Project.

GREEN LIGHT A number of Environmental Institute of Houston programs teach K-12 students about the environment by building and exploring schoolyard habitats. Brenda Weiser, director of environmental education, received three grants to continue this work, including a $148,523 one-year award from Texas Regional Collaboratives for “EIH/UHCL Regional Collaborative.”

IN MEMORY The UHCL community mourns the passing of a distinguished and respected colleague. Hilary Karp, division chair of psychology and fitness and human performance, associate professor of psychology, passed away June 2009. Karp joined the faculty at UHCL in 1975, one year after the university opened. Karp and her husband, Charles South, established the Hilary Jo Karp and Charles South Scholarship Endowment in Psychology at UHCL. A fundraising initiative to name a room in Karp’s honor is under way. For details contact 281-283-2021 or gifts@uhcl.edu.