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(04/08/09 4:00am)
William Vizuete isn't satisfied with working in a lab. He wants to see his research benefit the world.Vizuete a researcher and professor in the Gillings School of Global Public Health is working toward reducing the effects of air pollutants on human health.He hopes to identify the chemical reactions causing toxicity in the air" but his ultimate goal is to develop effective policy to control and reduce the sources of pollutants.""I don't like science and chemistry for its own sake — only if I can use science to do something I feel good about" improving public health" Vizuete said.Vizuete knows naturally occurring chemical reactions are making air pollutants more dangerous than they would normally be.So far, his research points toward sunlight as the factor that enables this reaction.Vizuete and fellow researcher Harvey Jeffries have been using the UNC outdoor smog chamber — an air research laboratory on the roof of McGavran-Greenberg Hall — to measure the effects of air pollutants on human lung cells. The smog chamber is the only model of its kind in the U.S., and was developed at UNC about 40 years ago.Vizuete and Jeffries discovered diesel engine emissions that had been aged in sunlight became up to 10 times more harmful than the original emissions.But Vizuete said it's an open question how the more harmful products affect human health overall.Our hypothesis is that it's not just the pollutant that's causing the deaths — it's the atmospheric chemical products"" he said. So we're now trying to isolate the magic species causing that increase in toxicity.""In addition to finding this reactant" he is also trying to create a more usable tool to measure air quality.Vizuete uses a device called a biosensor to measure the effects that pollutants have on people's lung cells.Now he wants to develop a portable tool similar to the biosensor to measure air quality and toxicity.Having this mechanism would allow him to measure air quality in cities and its effects on people.And when the element causing the chemical reaction is determined" this new biosensor can be used to help the public.""The idea is to identify" and then I can build and incorporate that chemistry going on into an air quality model" Vizuete said. Then we can predict and make effective targeted control strategies that will affect the everyday person who breathes in these pollutants.""The smog project has also drawn attention from the Environmental Protection Agency"" which has chosen to collaborate with Vizuete. The EPA will soon provide mice to test the cardiovascular effects of emissions aged in the smog chamber.Results of Vizuete's past research projects have been used to provide policymakers with advice.The results of his dissertation involving atmospheric chemistry and regional ozone formation were incorporated into a plan to improve Texas air quality to meet federal ozone standards in Houston.""What excites me most about my research is that I am doing something that makes a real impact on society" he said. I've seen the results of research be incorporated" and that's the most satisfying.""Vizuete is also involved with air quality research in the United Arab Emirates.In lieu of its own facilities and researchers" the United Arab Emirates has signed a contract with researchers from the school of public health to assess the impact of its poor air quality on its citizens' health.Vizuete works with an outdoor air quality team in this project. They are exploring pollutant sources and transportation in the country and hope to apply their findings to decrease exposure and create a public health plan.Vizuete's research at UNC is funded by the Gillings Innovation Labs and is being conducted through collaboration between the school of public health and the UNC School of Medicine.The funding is $300000 for two years which began July 1 2008 and is slated to end on July 1 2010.Besides his research Vizuete also has a passion for jazz.Vizuete has been a radio disc jockey since 1995" and currently hosts ""Jazz Incognito"" for WCOM 103.5 in Carrboro.He cites jazz as an inspiration for his work in the lab.""I'm always striving to give examples of improvisation in music and show an appreciation for the experimental"" he said. I'm interested in innovation in jazz and science. Attacking a problem in a new way adds something unique that moves the field in a whole new direction. That reflects my need and desire to move the community ahead.""Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.
(03/18/09 4:00am)
There are some things that professional study abroad advisers can't tell you.The best place to get local cuisine good professors to take classes with social situations to avoid and the best place to get a beer are among them.But next semester" students wishing to study abroad will be able to seek advice from peers who have volunteered to share their experiences.Peer advising will supplement the professional advising already offered through the Study Abroad Office and will give students insight from firsthand experiences with UNC's programs.Student Body President J.J. Raynor and academic affairs committee co-chairman David Bevevino included a proposal for study abroad peer advisers in Raynor's campaign platform. They have been working with the Study Abroad Office to create the program this year.""Studying abroad is one of the best experiences a student can have at Carolina"" Raynor said. This makes it more accessible to students and helps them feel more comfortable through direct contact with someone's relevant perspective.""Peer advisers will share their experiences but will be trained to refer students to the professional advisers concerning issues such as financial aid" course credits and obtaining a visa.Kathryn Goforth associate director for advising in the Study Abroad Office said students have been requesting peer advising for a while. Peer advising had been implemented with the Honors Program" which made the Study Abroad Office more open to implementing the program.""We're really" really excited about it but beforehand we were a little cautious" Goforth said. It was encouraging that it had been tried somewhere else and worked.""The positions are voluntary" and students who have studied abroad in spring 2008 or after are eligible to apply for peer advising positions. Advisers will serve a minimum of one year" but no longer than two years.""The programs we offer change so much that we want to keep getting in fresh advisers" but not a completely new group every year" Goforth said.The application will be released on the Study Abroad Office's Web site late in the summer. While most students study abroad in Western Europe, an increasing number have shown interest in programs in Africa, Asia and South America. This new advising program aims to have a diverse group of advisers to represent these different regions.Students going to these nontraditional locations need to be able to access the same amount of information as those visiting Europe" Raynor said.Students who have previously studied abroad think accessible advising from peers could be beneficial.I think any supplement to the resources they already have is good" said sophomore Anna McCreight.Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.
(03/15/09 4:00am)
UNC is trading professor Chris Roush for University of Navarra professors Alfonso Vara and Angel Arrese as part of a swap that will expose UNC students to European business journalism.For two weeks Vara and Arrese will teach Roush's business journalism classes while Roush will teach Vara's similar classes in Spain.This arrangement is the first project of its kind at UNC and was developed and organized for nine months by Roush. In 2008 the School of Journalism and Mass Communication received a grant from the Carnegie and Knight foundations" which are completely funding the swap.""I think my students need exposure to what's happening in the journalism and business world outside the U.S. It's not my area of expertise"" Roush said. This seemed like the easiest way to do that.""These professors have known each other for about five years"" and Roush has visited the University of Navarra for conferences to speak about business journalism.""We both thought it could be a really interesting experience in order to share different knowledge" perceptions about business journalism Vara stated in an e-mail. Not only for the students" but also with the professors.""Roush has been in Spain for the past week" teaching Vara's classes and touring the city of Pamplona. He said he's glad the University of Navarra is an international school so classes can be taught in English.Roush created the itinerary for Vara and Arrese" while they developed his itinerary in Pamplona. He was greeted in Spain with a copy of the new U2 CD from Vara.""It will be very interesting to see the perception of American students about European media and issues" especially those related to business and the economy he stated in an e-mail. I have very good references about the excellence and quality of journalism education at UNC" and I expect to confirm them.""In an e-mail" Roush noted some of the differences between the two universities including that Navarra's on-campus cafeteria serves beer and wine" and that he has had a glass of red wine at lunch two days this week.""I feel as if I have lost about 10 pounds"" he said. Spanish food and I have not interacted well.""He also mentioned that he misses his wife and kids"" and the struggle of trying to watch UNC basketball games.""It was difficult to find a way to watch the Duke-UNC game and the ACC tournament"" he said. A UNC student who is here this semester gave me a link to watch UNC games live.""That has been a life saver."" Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.
(02/19/09 5:00am)
In the election last week Jasmin Jones got 1742 votes. Tuesday night Jones received 3139 more to clinch the student body president election — the highest student election voter turnout in UNC history.Although it is unclear whether the Child Care Services Fee referendum passed the controversy it stirred up might have pushed more students to vote Tuesday.Student Congress Speaker Tim Nichols issued an injunction against Student Body President J.J. Raynor on Monday accusing her of illegally advocating for the referendum's presence on the ballot.Junior Christopher Jones also sent an e-mail to the student body arguing against the fee referendum — giving it even more publicity.In last week's election8730 votes were cast. In Tuesday's runoff10240 students voted.Ryan Morgan chairman of the Board of Elections said about 9400 students voted on the referendum and about 9"600 cast votes for student body president in the runoff.He said he did not yet know how many students voted both on the referendum and for Jones.""I think the BOE did a good job publicizing it" but I was still actually really surprised by the high turnout" Morgan said. Nichols said he definitely thinks the referendum encouraged more students to vote, but said he isn't sure about its impact on Jones' win.Yes" it definitely got more students to log on and vote but I have no idea if it helped Jasmin get more votes Nichols said. Jones said she definitely thinks the fee referendum helped her gain more votes.Our biggest fear was that people weren't going to revote Jones said. But the referendum gave an incentive to vote" and students gave their input.""She also attributed the high voter turnout to her endorsements from the other student body president candidates who were not in the runoff.She said she thinks a lot of students reconsidered their vote after the original election. ""Half the undergraduates voted"" Morgan said. That's a pretty big deal.""Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.
(01/23/09 5:00am)
UNC's Muslim Students Association and N.C. Hillel a campus Jewish organization are teaming up in an untraditional Habitat for Humanity interfaith project starting Sunday.Habitat for Humanity workdays are traditionally on Saturdays — the Jewish Sabbath.But Susan Bourner director of partner relations for Orange County's Habitat for Humanity" said that building days for this particular project will be on Sundays.""We accommodate different holy days by building on other days than just Saturday"" said Bourner. We try to be as inclusive as possible in as many ways as possible.""Habitat houses" which are built mostly by volunteers are created for low-income families. Volunteer groups typically commit 16 consecutive weekends to complete a house.About 16 people work in two shifts one from 8:30 a.m. until noon and another shift from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. In 2007 Habitat for Humanity celebrated the construction of its 150th house in Orange County.Sheila Katz" N.C. Hillel's program director for Jewish student life is excited about more Jewish students being able to get involved with this project.""The concept of Tzedek" social justice is at the very heart of this community service project" Katz said. We are honored to participate in this important project that we hope will improve the lives of a local family while also building relationships that cross cultural and religious boundaries.""Many other campus groups also participate in Habitat house builds.The senior class traditionally builds one every year.And four Christian religious groups also list themselves as affiliated with Habitat for Humanity.Despite Saturday being regarded as a day of rest and contemplation" some Jewish students are not opposed to participating in service projects on Saturdays.Matt Ross a former UNC graduate student and regular Hillel attendee" has volunteered for Habitat for Humanity on Saturdays in the past.""It definitely wasn't a problem for me" but I'm open about it Ross said. I do respect certain traditions like holidays" though.""Ross said he became involved with Habitat for Humanity because it was an activity beyond his studies that led him to meet people and help others.Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.
(01/20/09 5:00am)
Newly inaugurated President Barack Obama has talked about the importance of being ready on day one of his presidency. He got a little help from Terry Sullivan professor of political science at UNC.Sullivan was one of five people invited to the White House to give advice on making the transition go smoothly.Sullivan attended meetings of the Presidential Transition Coordinating Council" created by George W. Bush to help prepare leaders to be ready when they take office. He attended the final meeting of the council Jan. 9.""I was invited to observe the deliberations and offer advice and comment"" Sullivan said. He said he could not discuss his specific contributions.Sullivan is also executive director of the White House Transition Project, a nonpartisan project started in 1997 to aid the transition of presidents and their appointed staff.The group helped the Bush administration beginning in 1999, and worked with the Obama and McCain campaigns, Sullivan said.Martha Kumar, director of the White House Transition Project, also attended the council's final meeting with Sullivan.He's been very important to the project in various ways" and you can see that he worked with the Bush administration when it came in and significantly smoothed that process" Kumar said.His interest in presidential transitions also led Sullivan to create the only data set on the first 100 days in office for Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower through George W. Bush, using presidential diaries from the National Archives.He also took part in a panel in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 14 that offered suggestions for the upcoming 100 days under President Obama.Dee Reid, director of communications for the UNC College of Arts and Sciences, noted that Sullivan is not the first UNC faculty member to be involved with the White House.Over the years UNC has had faculty involved in White House administration"" Reid said. So it's distinctive but not uncommon.""On Jan. 28"" Sullivan will give tours and informational presentations to 19 foreign visitors to the Triangle area. Their visit is organized by the U.S. Department of State and will cover topics of leader transition and the responsibilities of different jobs in U.S. government.""The visitors are from emerging democracies" places like Uganda and Kenya" he said. The U.S. is just lending assistance.""Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.
(01/12/09 5:00am)
The C.D. Spangler Foundation named for the former UNC-system president hand-delivered a surprise $10 million advance payment to UNC-system President Erskine Bowles on Dec. 16.This early payment is part of a program to help UNC campuses add up to 80 distinguished professorships. The foundation hoped the money would encourage others to donate despite hard economic times.The positions will be divided up between the 16 UNC-system campuses. It hasn't been decided yet how many UNC-Chapel Hill will get.The Spangler Foundation has pledged $20 million over five years for the grant program" and the $10 million covers their commitment through mid-2011.The program is intended to help UNC-system campuses recruit and keep talented professors they cannot afford with state funding alone.Spangler said the professorships will be created in ""high-need fields"" in arts and sciences rather than business"" medicine or law because the latter fields have ample alumni who can afford to endow chairs.""Arts and sciences is the core of the University" and it's not likely for their graduates to endow chairs" Spangler said.The advanced payment was a complete surprise to the UNC system, Vice President for Communications Joni Worthington said in an e-mail.But the money will not be released until the N.C. General Assembly provides matching state funds totaling $4.6 million per year through the Distinguished Professors Endowment Trust Fund. Worthington said similar matching programs were enacted with Spangler in 2007, also contingent upon the General Assembly providing matching state funds.David Ammons, who has been the Albert Coates Distinguished Professor in the School of Government for almost a year, said he recognizes the importance of the foundation's commitment.It's very important from the standpoint of professional recognition"" Ammons said. It's a very generous gesture that encourages excellence and signifies appreciation.""Spangler described the program as a good investment for the state and an incentive for others to give.""We're convinced that the program can last a long time" probably forever" Spangler said. We're convinced that it's the best thing for students and the University.""Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.
(11/19/08 5:00am)
Instead of opening its doors for the whole Chapel Hill community tonight Spice Street Restaurant will cater to just UNC seniors.The restaurant located at University Mall will be filled with food music drinks and seniors as the class holds its annual semiformal dance.For the past two months" senior officials have been planning the senior semiformal. They have been holding up signs in the Pit and publicizing the event this week.""It's a tradition. They've been doing it for years and years"" said Pinar Gurel, senior class vice president. It's like a high school prom or a Homecoming dance"" that kind of thing."" Senior Class President James Shelly said he and Gurel followed the model from last year's semiformal"" which also was held at Spice Street.""We talked to Veronica (Mora) and Ashley (Shores)" last year's officers and decided to go by ‘if it ain't broke don't fix it'" Shelly said.He said the group made no changes from last year's plan.Shelly said the estimated cost of the semiformal is a couple thousand dollars. There is money set aside for the night from semiformal ticket sales, senior student fees and fundraising events, including senior bar nights. Gurel said the senior class hopes to break even on the event if tickets sell out. The event was close to selling out last year.Spice Street has a capacity of 400 people, and about half that number of tickets have been sold so far. There were 4,912 seniors enrolled at the beginning of the semester.Shelly said he expects the event to sell out, and the remaining tickets are on sale in the Pit today and online.Tickets are not available at the door. If tickets are purchased online, seniors only need to present a copy of their confirmation e-mail.I'm just excited about seeing the senior class have a good time" Shelly said. Now's that time when exams are looming" but they'll be able to enjoy themselves for a night.""Spice Street General Manager Said Kalek said he is glad the class approached him about hosting the event.""We have lots of people from UNC come here"" he said. I think a lot of people come for the drinks and the dancing.""The event will last until 2 a.m." and attendees are expected to wear strictly semiformal attire. Men should not wear jeans" but ties are not required. Women can wear a pantsuit or dress of any length. ""I'm really excited about dressing up"" Gurel said. I really like these kinds of dress-up affairs and dancing.""Seniors will have to pay for drinks" but hors d'oeuvres are free. A free shuttle to the event will run between Morehead Planetarium parking lot and Spice Street from 10:15 p.m. until 2:15 a.m.Stephanie Kane a senior journalism major" said she plans to attend the event with roommates and thinks the shuttle is a great idea.""It's nice not to worry about driving" and it's a fun wintertime event" she said. ATTEND THE SEMIFORMALTime: 10:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. todayLocation: Spice Street, University MallInfo: alumni.unc.edu/secure/student/seniorball09_reg.aspContact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.
(10/31/08 4:00am)
Unless they're science majors" students might not think they have much in common with a biomaterial researcher.But two degrees from UNC and four years of teaching in the chemistry department connect professor Valerie Ashby to the graduates she will address in December.The University Commencement speaker selection committee chose the award-winning chemistry professor Wednesday to speak at the Dec. 14 Commencement ceremony.Chancellor Holden Thorp chose Ashby from a group of faculty members recommended by the selection committee.""Wow" I think it's a little daunting but I'm excited about it" Ashby said. I'm really honored to be asked.""Ashby is the ninth consecutive UNC professor to serve as December Commencement speaker. Commencement speakers do not receive any compensation.Ashby said she is excited about speaking to students because working with them is her favorite part of the job.""What I love the most without a shout of a doubt is the students" she said. I love science" but it wouldn't be enough for me without the students.""To appeal to students"" Ashby said she is considering using her address to speak about service.""I know it's general" but I'm heading in that direction because I want to talk to students about what to do with their degree to make a significant impact" she said.In 2002 the American Chemical Society named Ashby one of the top 12 young female chemists in the country. Her other awards include UNC's Sitterson Award for teaching first-year students, which she received this year.The selection committee consists of four students, four faculty members and the executive associate provost. The committee gives a list of recommendations to the chancellor, who is responsible for making the final decision.Former Executive Associate Provost Steve Allred, who is now serving as Provost at the University of Richmond, served as chairman of the committee when it selected Ashby.She's a great example of somebody from North Carolina to become a distinguished professor" Allred said. She can speak from the heart. She's from UNC" and that's part of her perspective.""Ronald Strauss" the current executive associate provost and chairman of the committee described Ashby as a wonderful" multifaceted faculty member.""She has done an amazing job leading in biomaterials research" and I think she will connect to underrepresented minorities seeking a future in science" Strauss said.Ashby earned undergraduate and doctorate degrees in chemistry from UNC. In 2004, she joined the chemistry department after teaching at Iowa State University from 1996 to 2003 where she was named Teacher of the Year.Ashby said she returned to UNC because she was looking for a change in research direction and knew this campus has a wealth of resources, including the students.I'm a Tar Heel down to the core"" Ashby said. It was good to come back home.""Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.Past speakers:2007 - Hodding Carter III" professor of leadership and public policy2006 -Holden Thorp professor of chemistry2005 - Etta Pisano professor of radiology2004 - George Lensing professor of English2003 - Michael Hunt professor of history
(10/24/08 4:00am)
At the request of the N.C. General Assembly UNC is looking into the feasibility of using wind energy from the state's coast to power campus.The project is in its initial phase of planning" and the University is gathering data about placing wind turbines in the waters of coastal North Carolina.""Right now it's a study to see what the real power potential is in Eastern North Carolina"" said Cindy Shea, director of the UNC Sustainability Office.Associate Vice Chancellor for Campus Services Carolyn Elfland has also been involved in talks on this project.She said the study is divided into three groups, and each is examining different components of the project. The groups are composed of faculty members and students.The first group is researching wind as a source of energy, while the second group is studying the potential environmental impact and concerns. Law school faculty members and students make up the last group, to figure out possible barriers to the project.We're trying to divide this into some phases" do some rough calculations and make sure it looks feasible Elfland said. The big deal now is collecting the data" that's one of the bigger pieces of the puzzle.""Elfland said the United Kingdom has constructed offshore wind turbines. Although several states are looking into placing wind turbines in offshore waters"" there are currently no wind turbines in water in the United States.""Some faculty and students in marine sciences have been doing research on winds in the sounds of North Carolina" and we might tap into that information" Shea said.Harvey Seim, a professor of marine sciences involved in the study, said the two biggest environmental concerns right now are birds and bats.Wind turbines might disturb coastal wildlife and interfere with the animals' migratory pathways.Other challenges to the project include economic costs and the ability to transport energy through less developed areas of the state.Although Elfland said that the research phase hopefully should be wrapped up by summer 2009, those involved in the project are still working on compiling all the requisite information.The funding has yet to show up" so we're really just still planning it" Seim said.It should show up soon.""Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.
(09/26/08 4:00am)
UNC awarded more than $915000 in merit-based scholarships this year slightly less than in recent years.This decrease comes at the same time as UNC administrators are trying to figure out how to increase the amount of merit aid given" which they cite as vital for recruiting top students.This year's money was distributed among 145 first-year students.""It's pretty similar" down a little" said Dan Thornton, associate director for scholarships. It's sort of been a mixed year. Some scholarships have seen an increase in yield"" and some scholarships have seen a decrease.""Of the 145 scholars" 119 are from North Carolina and 26 are from out of state. Many of the scholarships were created by private gifts and the primary selection criterion was academic achievement.The numbers do not include two of the largest scholarship programs — the Morehead-Cain Scholars and Robertson Scholars programs — because they are run through external organizations. Those two programs offer full-tuition grants.More than $1 million in merit aid was given to 197 incoming students last year.The year before about $850000 was given to 149 first-year students. It was $950000 in 2005.The UNC Office of Scholarships and Student Aid consistently talks with donors in attempts to increase the amount of money awarded each year" Thornton said. He added that he was unsure whether the ""uneven result"" this year indicates a trend.""I'm hesitant to say ‘this means x' or ‘this means y' but yes" we do look at these things" Thornton said.The ratio of in-state to out-of-state scholars reflects the University's admissions rate, as a vast majority of students are admitted from North Carolina. At the University of Virginia, the amount of money awarded in scholarships is increasing along with the number of students in an entering class.It's increasing modestly"" said James H. Wright, president of the Jefferson Scholars Foundation at the University of Virginia.The amount of money awarded for merit-based scholarships at Duke University has remained constant.Right now" the amount is probably still the same relative to the number of students coming in" said Pegeen Ryan-Murray, staff specialist in the Office of Undergraduate Scholars and Fellows.At Wednesday and Thursday's Board of Trustees meetings, administrators discussed how increasing merit scholarship aid will be vital in ensuring quality as the University grows.Although UNC looks at reasons why students chose to attend peer institutions over UNC, little comparison is done in Thornton's office regarding merit-based scholarships.That's like comparing apples to oranges"" he said. We don't really keep track of that.""Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.