INNOVATIONSAUGUST 2015

Innovations is published by the University of Houston College of TechnologyMarketing and Communications Department.

EDITORMarilyn H. JonesManager of Communications and Marketing, UH College of Technology

GRAPHIC DESIGNERCrystal N. SmileyGraphic Designer, Communications and Marketing, UH College of Technology

If you would like to receive the monthly Innovations e-newsletter at your home or business email address, please subscribe at www.uh.edu/news-events/mailing-lists.

GREETINGS

With genuine UH pride, I am pleased to share that our College continues to grow at an unprecedented pace.

We off er unmatched opportunities for innovation and academic success. Our students enthusiastically enrich their learning experiences at UH and in the College of Technology in many innovative ways - from exploring new power sources for wireless sensor networks to uncovering new ways to improve industrial construction processes.

Please take a moment to read the top stories, engage with us on social media, and learn about the achievements and contributions of our students and alumni. You are invited to become acquainted with our talented faculty – exceptional teachers, technologists, and researchers who have real-world connections to the business and industry communities.

On behalf of our faculty and staff here, we are looking forward to the continuing involvement and support from our alumni and friends.

We will keep you updated on our growth and progress, and invite you to take part.

With warm regards,

Dr. William E. Fitzgibbon IIIDean, UH College of Technology

With warm regards,

FROM THE DEAN

TABLEofCONTENTSUH Professor Chosen as Fulbright Specialist to Participate as Field Expert

Study Unveils the Challenges of Imposter Phenomenon among Academics

NSF Grant Advances Cyber-Security Research and Education

$1.2 Million NSF Grant Boosts Effort to Increase Engineering Technology Scholars

Technology Center Forms a Fitting Partnership for Training

STEM Education: College of Technology Welcomes Young Emerging Technologists

Construction Management Scholarship Established

UH Construction Management Student Earns Top Score in the Nation

INNOVATIONSMAGAZINE August 2015

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RESEARCH PROGRAMS

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Students Earn Top Awards in Four Competitions at 2015 AITP National Collegiate Conference

Faculty Excellence Award Winners Honored

Veteran Advisor Recognized for Staff Excellence

Celebrating Our Graduates

Innovation is Always in Style Victor Costa Scholarship Fund Established

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ACCOLADES & HONORS ADVANCEMENT

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25 OF THE 50 BEST JOBS IN AMERICA

CNNMoney publishes a list of the best jobs in America, and the

College of Technology prepares graduates for half of the fastest

growing top careers.

Software Architect

Video Game Designer

Landman

Continuous Improvement Manager

Database Developer

Information Assurance Analyst

Portfolio Manager

User Experience Designer

IT Program Manager

Project Control Specialist

Quality Assurance Coordinator

Strategy Manager

Product Development Director

Product Management Director

Facilities Director

Software Quality Assurance Manager

Biomedical Engineer

IT Security Consultant

Telecommunications Network Engineer

Technical Consultant

Customer Service Director

Operations Director

Construction Manager

Research & Development Engineer, IT

Proposal Manager

Although many of these jobs may require additional training, a few

years of experience, and sometimes a graduate degree, it’s great to

see that there is a world of possibilities for our graduates. Contact the

Academic Services Center at 713-743-4100 or asc@uh.edu to learn

more about College of Technology degree programs.

Software Architect

Video Game Designer

Landman

Continuous Improvement Manager

Database Developer

Information Assurance Analyst

Portfolio Manager

User Experience Designer

IT Program Manager

Project Control Specialist

Quality Assurance Coordinator

Strategy Manager

Product Development Director

Product Management Director

Facilities Director

Software Quality Assurance Manager

Biomedical Engineer

IT Security Consultant

Telecommunications Network Engineer

Technical Consultant

Customer Service Director

Operations Director

Construction Manager

Research & Development Engineer, IT

Proposal Manager

UH Professor Chosen as Fulbright Specialist to Participate as Field Expert

“Dr. Iyer’s appointment as a Fulbright Specialist is a

tribute to her distinguished career in biotechnology and adds an esteemed honor to a full list of achievements at the University of Houston.”

- Dr. Paula Myrick Short, Senior Vice President for Academic Aff airs and Provost.

Dr. Rupa Iyer, Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies of the College of Technology at the University of Houston has been recommended for the Fulbright Specialist Roster after receiving the endorsement from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Aff airs (ECA) and the Institute of International Education’s Council for International Exchange of Scholars (CIES). The Specialist Roster is a prestigious list of experts who provide assistance with projects requiring their specialized knowledge, skills, or research. The roster includes a list of all candidates who are eligible to be matched with incoming project requests from overseas academic institutions for Fulbright Specialists.

“Dr. Iyer’s appointment as a Fulbright Specialist is a tribute to her distinguished career in biotechnology and adds an esteemed honor to a full list of achievements at the University of Houston,” said Paula Myrick Short, Senior Vice President for Academic Aff airs and Provost upon learning the news of Iyer’s candidacy.

Iyer earned a Ph.D. in Botany and Plant Pathology from Michigan State University and obtained a Master’s degree in Biotechnology from the University of Mumbai in India. She conducted her postdoctoral studies in the M.D. Anderson Cancer Research Center, Houston. Iyer has been part of the College of Technology since 2005 as a credentialed associate professor with an impressive curriculum vitae.

Iyer was named Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies in 2014, in addition to her appointment as the Director for Center for Life Sciences Technology and the founding director for Biotechnology programs. Her research is in the area of environmental biotechnology with applications in bioremediation.

Iyer has received a multitude of recognitions, awards, and grants for her outstanding contributions to the university and her fi eld, including the University of Houston Excellence in Teaching Award, 2014; Fluor Award for Service Excellence, College of Technology, 2013; Summer Undergraduate Research Award (SURF) Mentor Award, 2013; and the Outstanding Indian Award, teaching, India Culture Center, 2011; among others.

“Rupa joins the ranks of the elite with this nomination. She is the fi rst Fulbright Specialist Roster candidate we have had since I came to UH. As a result, we expect to see many more accomplishments coming from her program and the College of Technology,” said Jaime Ortiz, Vice Provost for Global Strategies and Studies.

“I am very excited and look forward to implementing and disseminating the interdisciplinary research based program created, designed, and developed right here in UH. Dr. Ortiz’s assistance during the application process was very crucial to my success,” Iyer said of her achievement.

RESEARCH

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- Dr. Paula Myrick Short, Senior Vice President for Academic Aff airs and Provost.

Study Unveils the Challenges of Imposter Phenomenon among Academics

RESEARCH

Doubts of professional role confi dence or “imposterism” is a rarely explored issue among academics. A research study conducted by Dr. Holly Hutchins, “Outing the Imposter: A Study Exploring Imposter Phenomenon (IP) among Higher Education Faculty,” was published in the journal, New Horizons in Adult Education and Human Resource Development (Spring 2015).

Results of the pilot study (61 faculty) suggest that higher education faculty experience moderately high levels of imposter phenomenon, with the highest reported by untenured faculty. Findings also indicated that emotional exhaustion is positively related to IP, and faculty reporting moderate-high levels of IP also reported greater use of adaptive coping skills to address imposter thoughts.

Hutchins’ other research, “Coping with the Imposter: The Role of Mentoring and Other Coping Skills among Academic Faculty,” is an extension of a much larger comparative

study involving over 300 faculty at two major research institutions. Dr. Hutchins and her graduate assistant Hilary Rainbolt presented their study results at the University Forum for Resource Development (UFHRD) 2015 conference, held in the School of Management and Marketing, University College Cork, June 3-5, 2015.

The study focused on critical incidents gathered during faculty interviews that focused on the events that triggered imposter experiences and the role of social support (mentoring) and other coping (self-directed) that helped mitigate such experiences. The paper was recognized as a fi nalist for the Alan Moon Memorial Prize, which honors the best refereed paper at the conference.

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RESEARCH

Dr. Holly M. Hutchins, associate professor, human resource development, and graduate assistant, Hilary Rainbolt, attended the University Forum for Human Resource Development (UFHRD) conference in Cork, Ireland to present results from their research study on imposter phenomenon.

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NSF Grant Advances Cybersecurity Research and

Education

University of Houston professors William Arthur Conklin and Chris Bronk, received a three-year, $286,000 National Science Foundation (NSF) award that will support the creation of a cybersecurity community based on a wiki.

Their project, “SaTC-EDU: EAGER: A Wiki Space for Information Security Education Exchange,” will foster a sharing community of educators from institutions in the Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE) program and others interested in improving their cybersecurity education resources.

The community will maintain a mediated online wiki platform that will assist with mapping resources and tools to the Knowledge Unit (KU) system designed to cover required learning areas in cybersecurity.

Through the wiki, participants will share a variety of educational materials such as texts, labs, tools, and exams. This project will help reduce the amount of work required to build and retool classes to the rapidly evolving fi eld of cybersecurity.

RESEARCH

Recognized by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security.

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The Engineering Technology Department is one of two departments at the University of Houston that has received a combined $1.2 million from the National Science Foundation to support scholarships for students in engineering technology and computer science.

The money comes from the NSF’s S-STEM (Scholarships for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) program. Initiated several years ago, the program is intended to improve education opportunities and support programs for academically talented students with fi nancial need in an eff ort to boost the nation’s STEM workforce.

Dr. Xiaojing Yuan, associate professor of engineering technology in the UH College of Technology, is principal investigator for a $639,895, grant. She said it will be used to provide scholarships for an estimated 40 engineering technology students over the next fi ve years, within the disciplines of computer engineering technology, mechanical engineering technology, and electrical power engineering technology. Rakesh Verma, professor of computer science, received $583,597 to provide scholarships for computer science students.

A number of national reports have identifi ed a clear national need for more STEM graduates. A 2012 report by President Obama’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology recommended that the nation graduate 1 million new scientists and engineers by 2022 in order to be competitive in the 21st century. A 2013 Brookings Institute report found that Houston ranked 5th out of 100 U.S. cities for STEM career demand, but 72nd in supplying STEM workers. About two-thirds of the local STEM workforce

with at least a bachelor’s degree comes from outside of Texas; almost one-fourth were born outside of the United States.

UH and other universities are working to address the need; enrollment in the Department of Engineering Technology has jumped by about 35 percent over the past fi ve years, and the NSF scholarships will help to boost the STEM workforce even more.

Realizing that addressing the need will take more than simply off ering a scholarship, the Department of Engineering Technology has designed a program, Succeed in Engineering Technology Scholars, or SETS, to identify and develop future leaders in the fi eld. Students will be selected for the scholarships, worth up to $5,000 and renewable for up to three years, based on academic ability or promise and fi nancial need.

Dr. Yuan and Dr. Heidar Malki, professor of engineering technology and a co-PI on the grant, said the scholarships are only part of the program. SETS is designed as an active learning community, with scholarship recipients gaining regular interaction with faculty, as well as a deeper understanding and relationship with local industry through meeting with guest speakers and networking professionals from local companies. SETS participants also will showcase their projects in the biannual design symposium.

Malki said organizers hope to have the fi rst cohort chosen by fall 2015. Once students are selected, they must maintain a 3.0 grade point average to remain in the program the following year.

$1.2 Million NSF Grant Boosts Eff ort to Increase Engineering Technology Scholars

PROGRAMS

Technology Center Forms a Fitting Partnership for Training

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PROGRAMS

Realizing that virtual online courses have become the norm for many working professionals, Piping Technology & Products is leveraging more than thirty years of manufacturing experience with expertise within the UH Center for Technology Literacy (CTL) to train engineers in piping design.

The Center for Technology Literacy (CTL), promotes education and training in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). In addition, it focuses on the educational needs of the energy business sector within Houston, Texas. Dr. Gary Whittredge, coordinator of energy education and training for the CTL, said, “We have the capability to develop a wide ranging educational curriculum, with courses that address fi rst level supervisory training and the basics of entrepreneurship.”

The course, Piping Design and Analysis Infl uence on Pipe Support Selection and Design, is an overview of piping design and analysis, including factors that aff ect overall confi guration, piping layout, the total system, as well as an introductory into pipe stress analysis (fl exibility concerns and other design considerations); and how all those factors ultimately infl uence pipe support and pipe hanger design.

Field engineers, maintenance engineers, piping designers, process engineers, operations managers, operators, anyone working with new construction, or new engineers just starting out are taking the course. Essentially anyone

needing to design a new piping system, changing a current system, surveying a system or just needing to spec out pipe supports can benefi t from the course.

“We are seeing an increased need for piping designers and engineers as a good amount of retirees are exiting our industry. There are few avenues for an up and coming piping designer or engineer, and our piping design course is one of the few programs available,” said UH alumnus Randy Bailey, vice president of Piping Technology & Products.

The 30-day online course is approved for eight professional development credit hours.

Contact UH Continuing and Professional Studies at 713-743-1060 for more information.

Dr. Gary Whittredge coordinates energy education and training for the Center for Technology Literacy at UH.

College of Technology Welcomes Young Emerging Technologists

LEMELSON-MIT JV INVENTEAMS PROGRAM VISITS UH

PROGRAMS

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Sponsored by the Lemelson-MIT JV InvenTeams program, more than 100 inquisitive high school students toured the University of Houston College of Technology labs and the College of Architecture on April 14. Houston’s stormy spring skies did not dampen their spirits as they enthusiastically interacted with technology faculty, staff , and student ambassadors.

The students and their advisors came from several Houston area high school campuses, which included KIPP Sunnyside High School, KIPP Houston High School, Cypress Springs High School, The Energy Institute, Waller High School, YES Prep West Campus, Galena Park High School, and Sharpstown International School.

The Lemelson-MIT Program celebrates outstanding inventors and inspires young people to pursue creative lives and careers through invention. It recognizes students who show promise as emerging inventors that impact important sectors of the global economy and honors mid-career inventors with a prestigious cash prize. The program also encourages youth to invent and develop

their hands-on skills in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) through two national grants initiatives for grades 9-12 - JV InvenTeams and InvenTeams.

The opportunity to work with the Lemelson-MIT Program evolved from relationships formed between Leigh Estabrooks, Invention Education Offi cer at Lemelson-MIT, Karen Cohen, Program Coordinator of the Coordination of Robotics Education outreach program in the College of Technology, and Dr. Ray Cline, Chair of the Department of Information and Logistics Technology.

PROGRAMS

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Professor Medhat El Nehas takes students on a tour through the mechanical engineering technology lab.

UH Program Manager, Karen Cohen (left) arranged the event, working with Leigh Estabrooks, Invention Education Offi cer,Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Construction Management Scholarship Established

PROGRAMS

The construction law section of the State Bar of Texas has agreed to fund a $5,000 per year scholarship to a construction management student(s) at the University of Houston. The scholarship will be off ered in fall 2015.

Attorneys Richard Flake and Denis Ducran, adjunct professors in the construction management program at UH, were instrumental in establishing the scholarship. Realizing that earning a college degree is becoming an increasingly sizable investment, especially with the deregulation of tuition, their goal is to help students get into this dynamic industry in the City of Houston, where the future is virtually limitless.

Flake’s connection to the construction business began early, when he went to work in the construction industry for his dad’s small electrical business. After graduating from the UH Law Center in 1981, he served as a prosecuting attorney before becoming general counsel at SpawGlass Inc., a longtime construction company based in Houston.

Now a principal at Cokinos Bosien & Young law fi rm with more than 30 years of experience, Flake is thrilled about being in a position to mentor and nurture the careers of the construction industry’s future professionals.

Also a UH alumnus, from the College of Architecture, Denis Ducran is now vice president and general counsel at Satterfi eld and Pontikes Construction Inc. He is active in the company’s recruitment of UH construction management students on campus. Now in their ninth semester of teaching undergraduate construction law and ethics, both Flake and Ducran serve on the Council of the Construction Law Section of the State Bar of Texas, working together on securing the approval for the UH scholarship.

From left: Richard Flake and Denis Ducran18

By Jeannie Kever

For the third time, a student from the University of Houston’s Construction Management Department has earned the highest score on a national certifi cation exam.“I think that’s the expectation,” Rebecca Done said of earning the top mark. “But I just wanted to pass on the fi rst time.”

She did that and more on the eight-hour American Institute of Constructors’ national exam earlier this spring, scoring 266 points out of a possible 300.

Neil Eldin, chairman of the Department of Construction Management, said the accomplishment, coupled with that of previous graduates Nicole Rawlins and Eric Talley in 2013, is evidence of the program’s strength. “In the last couple of years, three of our students have earned the highest score in the nation on this exam,” he said. “The national passing percentage is less than 50 percent. Passing this exam is not a small accomplishment.”

For the most recent exam, administered in March, 788 students took the exam; 70 percent of the UH students passed, compared with a national passing rate of 48 percent. Eldin’s goal is 80 percent.

All UH construction management students must pass the test to graduate. Although many accredited construction

management programs require their students to take the test, the UH program in the College of Technology is the only one to require it for graduation.

“Our message to the industry is, if you hire from UH, you are guaranteed zero faulty product,” Eldin said. Earning the top score is another benchmark of quality. “With this accomplishment, Rebecca has positioned herself to join

any of the best national and international employers in the world,” he said.

A senior scheduled to graduate in December 2015, Done came to the construction management department with real-world

experience. She had worked in the industry in Tucson, both as a heavy equipment operator and on the administrative side, before moving to Houston and deciding to complete her degree.

The department off ers two programs, an industrial track, geared to training leaders for large-scale projects, including refi neries and petrochemical plants, and a commercial building track. Done is taking courses for the industrial track. “I met with Dr. Eldin, and I’ve never looked back,” she said. “I want to be part of the building process.”

PROGRAMS

Construction Management Student Earns Top Score in

the Nation

From left: Richard Flake and Denis Ducran

Rebecca Done earned the nation’s top score on the American Institute of Constructors’ national exam this spring.

“Our message to the industry is, if you hire from UH, you are guaranteed zero faulty product.” - Dr. Neil Eldin

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ACCOLADES & HONORS

University of Houston students scored major victories at the Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP) National Collegiate Conference in Omaha, Nebraska, March 26-29, 2015. The UH AITP Student Chapter sent 12 student members to this year’s event, including 10 students from the College of Technology’s Computer Information Systems (CIS) Program in the Department of Information and Logistics Technology. The novice chapter, having only competed in one prior AITP National Collegiate Conference, was up against 481 students from 58 universities from around the country. Despite the formidable competition, the UH team’s hard work ultimately paid off .

The students were honored in the following competition categories:

In addition to the individual student achievements, the UH AITP Student Chapter received recognition at the event. The team tied for third Best Overall School based on the high student placements at the competition. The chapter was one of the top four recognized for the title of Outstanding Student Chapter for the 2013/2014 Academic Year.

Impressed by the students’ performance, Dean William Fitzgibbon commended the team for their “exceptional collaboration” between the College of Technology and the Department of Computer Science in the College of Natural Science and Mathematics.

Professor Bret Detillier, CIS Instructional Associate Professor and AITP Faculty Advisor, attributed the success to the students. “I am very proud of our AITP Student Chapter for all of their hard work in sending such an enthusiastic group to compete on the national level,” said Professor Detillier. “It is further proof of the caliber of our students who continue to impress others with their knowledge and their conduct in competitive situations.”

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• Visual Studio.Net — First place, Tahmid Mahmud and Gagan Singh, Computer Science Majors• Mobile Application Development — Second place, Cuong Phu Ngo and Tin Van, CIS Majors• Microsoft Applications — Second place, Zack Blasier and Cuong Phu Ngo, CIS Majors• Database Design — Honorable mention, Cuong Phu Ngo and Lawrence Dang, CIS Majors

Students Earn Top Awards at AITP National Collegiate Conference

ACCOLADES & HONORS

He also gave credit to the faculty who provided the students with the foundational skills and knowledge to succeed. “It is a testament to the CIS and Computer Science faculty, and all of our diligence in preparing our students,” he said.

UH student winner, Tin Van, praised the value of joining the organization on campus. “The AITP has allowed me to connect with other students, professionals, and mentors,” Van said. “The national competition allowed us to delve deeply into technical challenges while learning to work with a team.”

The UH AITP Student Chapter received sponsorship for the competition from Chevron, in addition to the University of Houston’s Information and Logistics Technology Department, the Center for Information Security Research and Education, and the Computer Science Department.The Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP) is a professional association that focuses on advancing information technology through professional development, education, and national policies. The group

is a non-profi t group that is made up of 62 local chapters organized on a geographic basis, and 286 student chapters at colleges and universities.

The UH AITP Student Chapter is open to any UH student with a passion for information technology. www.aitpuh.com

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FACULTY EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNERS HONORED

In celebration of their exceptional accomplishments, four faculty members in the University of Houston College of Technology were recognized with awards for research, teaching, and service on May 1, 2015 at the UH Sugar Land campus.

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ACCOLADES & HONORS

Dr. Holly Hutchins, Associate Professor of Human Resource Development (HRD) and coordinator

of the HRD undergraduate

program, received the award for Faculty Research Excellence, which recognizes a tenured or tenure-track faculty member for scholarly contributions.

Dr. Hutchins is an established scholar who has been widely cited in nearly all of the leading journals. She has published seven peer-reviewed publications and eight peer-reviewed domestic and international conference publications related to e-learning and learning transfer within the last two years.

Among 550 submissions at the 2014 Southern Management Association conference, she earned the best paper award in the human resource management track. She has published chapters in The Routledge Companion to Human Resource Development and The Psychology for Business Success.

Dr. Hutchins has published four refereed conference proceedings related to learning transfer. Hutchins serves on the editorial board of prominent human resources development journals. Her work has been

cited more than 1,000 times (reported by Google Scholar), and her infl uential article on training transfer has ranked among the top fi ve “most cited” papers in the Human Resource Development Review since 2008.

Her record in obtaining funding from the industry and federal agencies is impressive and commendable Dr. Hutchins is co-Principal Investigator (co-PI) on the $3.3 million National Science Foundation Institutional Transformation ADVANCE grant, to increase the number of women faculty in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fi elds.

She has served as co-PI on the Undergraduate Quality Enhancement Grant, “Developing HRD Competencies through Service Learning – An Instructional Design Project with the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto County.”

She is visibly involved in doctoral and master thesis committees and serves in the Academy of Human Resource Development as vice president of professional development.

Dean William Fitzgibbon presented the awards and acknowledged the faculty advisory committee for their diligence in reviewing nominations and recommendation of award recipients. Dean Fitzgibbon also expressed pride and appreciation for their dedication to the advancement of innovative research, excellent teaching, and steadfast commitment to service. “We are certainly honored to o� er this award program and are proud of our history, and focus on innovation and

technology,” said Dean Fitzgibbon.

DR. HOLLY HUTCHINS

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ACCOLADES & HONORS

Dr. Lingguang Song, Associate Professor of Construction Management, received the

award for Faculty Teaching Excellence, tenure-track.

This award recognizes that exceptional teaching contributes to the success of the College of Technology, the University, and the community. Demonstrating his deep commitment, Dr. Lingguang Song has developed and taught eleven diff erent courses in the broad area of construction engineering and management, such as concrete design, scheduling, estimating, contracting, and computer applications. He has served as the graduate program coordinator for the construction management master’s degree program since 2006, recruiting new students and advising more than 60 students each semester on their study and career development.

He was also instrumental in developing faculty internship programs with Baker Concrete and Fluor Corporation, which have brought valuable insight into trending industry practices.

Further innovation in teaching has been demonstrated through his introduction of several interactive games and virtual learning applications to promote student involvement and active learning. Proof of Dr. Song’s eff ectiveness rests in the consistently favorable feedback and high ratings of his presentations, organization, eff ectiveness, and overall quality. Motivated students have produced award-winning projects and academic publications, including best and outstanding poster

awards and publications in academic conferences organized by American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and Associated School of Construction (ASC).

Dr. Song’s spirit of innovation and research excellence inspired graduate student, Arash Fallahi, to develop a 3-D virtual training environment for construction operations with complex technical, spatial, time-constraints, and logistics. The research was presented at the 2015 ASCE International Workshop on Computing in Civil Engineering in Austin, Texas, June 21-23.

DR. LINGGUANG SONG

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ACCOLADES & HONORS

Professor Phil Snyder, Instructional Assistant Professor in the Digital Media Program, received the Teaching Excellence award, non-tenure track. Since his arrival in January 2013, Professor Snyder has consistently demonstrated excellence in his teaching work, bringing a new dimension to the program as an experienced video producer, voice-over talent for animation and advertising, and Hollywood performing artist – all complementing his years of teaching experience at The California State University. Snyder also brings the uniqueness of being the voice of Disney’s iconic character, Jiminy Cricket and all of the incredible entertainment experience associated with that distinction.

During his brief tenure at UH, Professor Snyder has created three new courses – 2D Animation, Transmedia, and 3D Modeling and Animation. Additionally, he teaches other highly rated courses ranging from visual communications to digital photography and video production.

Demonstrating his philosophical approach of teaching holistically or teaching the “whole student,” he integrates practical knowledge into laboratory sessions, drawing from his many years of industry experience. Students quickly grasp the importance of being innovators as Snyder encourages personal creativity by bringing the “real-world” into the labs, emphasizing

heavy tutorial and hands-on experience. Teamwork and collaboration among the students on deadline-driven projects prepares them for the realities of the job market.

Getting his students ready for the competitive work force, Professor Snyder conceived the “Red VidFest,” a digital video and animation festival competition where the UH digital media program industry advisory board members serve as judges.

PROFESSOR PHIL SNYDER

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ACCOLADES & HONORS

As recipient of the award for Service Excellence, Dr. Jerry Evans,

Instructional Associate

Professor, has a long and distinguished record providing service to the Information and Logistics Technology Department, College of Technology, University of Houston and our community. As a service to the College of Technology, Dr. Evans took over the reins as interim chair of the ILT Department in 2007, until January 2014, when he returned to full-time teaching.

Reputed as an action-oriented, inspiring and passionate leader, Dr. Evans seizes opportunities to contribute to the benefi t of society. He was the driving force behind the formation of the University of Houston Cougars for Kids volunteer program, which launched in 2007. This University-wide program promotes volunteering opportunities for students, staff , and faculty members. Hundreds have been inspired to commit to volunteerism that provides benefi ts to children at Texas Children’s Hospital, Shriner’s Hospital, The Methodist Hospital, Memorial Hermann Children’s Hospital, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, and Healthbridge Children’s Hospital.

Leading by example, Dr. Evans personally volunteers in Cougars for Kids, addressing myriad administrative details of engaging hospitals and encouraging support of the program. The hospitals have provided valuable

life lessons to UH students, staff , and faculty by involving them in the care for children who are dealing with serious health issues. With about 150 active student volunteers, the Cougars for Kids program has evolved into mentoring elementary students throughout the City of Houston.

Evans is an active supporter of student athletes, serving as a mentor with the UH Cougar Student Athlete Mentoring program and a member of the UH Athletic Advisory Committee. He chairs a sub-committee on UH Academics that is identifying opportunities for UH Faculty involvement in enhancing the academic success of athletes in all sports.

Dr. Evans represents the College and University as a member of the Texas Medical Center Volunteer Service Advisory Council, and served on the American Diabetes Association’s Houston Steering Committee for several years.

DR. JERRY EVANS

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Wednesday, September 23, 201511:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

University of HoustonMain Campus

University Center - Houston Room

Interested employers and recruiters can register for the career fair online at

Job seekers should use the career management system, TechConnect, to preview companies and post résumés.

The College of Technology hosts a biannual career fair for students interested in internships, part-time, and

full-time employment. This event is open to current majors and alumni.

www.uh.edu/technology713.743.4100

The University of Houston is an EEO/AA institution.

TechConnect: tech-uh-csm.symplicity.com

ACCOLADES & HONORS

Senior Academic Advisor and community liaison offi cer, Carlo Deason received the 2015 College of Technology Staff Excellence award. Deason was honored during the

College of Technology graduate convocation reception on May 14.

In addition to assisting with the coordination of the academic advising activities, Deason is responsible for advising University of Houston Honors students, and student athletes. As a highly decorated competitive distance runner, Carlo mentors the UH Men’s Track and Field and Cross Country Teams. He is also committed to furthering the University’s mission of diversity and inclusiveness in student success through the Cougar ALLY program, the UH LGBT Visibility Project, and the 2014 National Collegiate Athletics Association Inclusion Forum.

Carlo has been dedicated to international initiatives, including serving as a coordinator of the Aarhus School of Marine Science and Technical Engineering student exchange program. His work with international students and with Aarhus was the impetus for his induction into the Phi Delta Beta International Honor Society in 2014.

As the students’ voice, Carlo helps the administration understand each student’s needs to ensure their academic, cultural, and social success.

Veteran Advisor Recognized for Staff Excellence

CARL “CARLO” DEASON

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Celebrating Our Graduates

ACCOLADES & HONORS

Faculty, staff , family, and friends gathered on the morning of Thursday, May 14 to celebrate with graduating College of Technology students on their day of Convocation.

Award-winning students were recognized during the program, including the Dean’s Medal recipients, the honorary College of Technology Outstanding Student, Outstanding Graduate Student, Engineering Technology Outstanding Student, and six graduation ceremony Banner Bearers.

The Banner Bearers represented the entire College, Graduate Studies, and the four departments during commencement ceremony.

Graduate Studies Banner Bearer, Sami Elestwani, earned his Master of Science degree in Global Retailing. Graduate student, Ahmed Hassanin, was honored for his

excellent work as a researcher and teaching assistant. Hassanin is working toward his master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology.

Karolyn Barber and Sarwat Osmani, won the Dean’s Medal of Academic Excellence, an honor that is awarded to the College’s highest-ranking student, graduating with a grade point average of 3.75 or above with the fi nal 66 hours in residence at the University of Houston. A $1000 award accompanies the medal.

Honorary College of Technology Honorary Banner Bearer, Karolyn Barber, earned her B.S. in Organizational Leadership and Supervision in the Department of Information and Logistics Technology and a minor in Business Foundations from the UH Bauer College of Business. Sarwat Osmani earned her B.S. in Biotechnology and a minor in Biomanufacturing and Bioprocessing.

Banner bearers from left: Andrew Cordova, Sami Elestwani, Ariana Ibarra, Sarwat Osmani, Vi Hua, Karolyn Barber

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ACCOLADES & HONORS

Named College of Technology Outstanding Undergraduate Student, Kadi Kullerkann received her B.S. in Digital Media. This award provides an opportunity to celebrate remarkable academic achievements, considerable research activity, and a strong awareness of social and cultural concerns marked by involvement in organized community service programs or activities. The winning student must have completed a minimum of 54 hours in residence at the University of Houston. A $1000 award accompanied this honor.

In recognition of exemplary performance of an Engineering Technology student, Jesse McDade, who earned his B.S. in Electrical Power Engineering Technology was named the Outstanding Undergraduate Student in the Department of Engineering Technology. A $500 prize accompanied the award.

Banner Bearers for each of the other departments included Andrew Cordova, B.S., Construction Management, Department of Construction Management; Vi Hua, B.S., Retailing and Consumer Science, Department of Human Development and Consumer Sciences; Ariana Ibarra B.S., Supply Chain and Logistics Technology, Department of Information and Logistics Technology; and Sarwat Osmani, B.S., Biotechnology, Department of Engineering Technology.

Dean Fitzgibbon with Kadi Kullerkann Dean Fitzgibbon with Jesse McDade and Dr. Wajiha Shireen

Dean Fitzgibbon and Ahmed Hassanin

31

ACCOLADES & HONORS

ACCOLADES & HONORS

CELEBRATING OUR SPRING 2015 GRADUATESJoin us on Facebook and view more images:

Facebook.com/uhcot Twitter: twitter.com/UHCOT 33

Join us to Salute the Visionaries of the Retailing IndustryNovember 17, 201511:00 a.m.River Oaks Country Club1600 River Oaks Blvd.Houston TX 77019-1299Contact: Vernon King, Director of Development, veking@uh.edu, 713-743-4886

ADVANCEMENT

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Innovation is one of the hallmarks of the University of Houston and is always in style, especially in the College of Technology. Named after the legendary fashion designer, the Victor Costa Scholarship is the brainchild of his wife, Jerry Ann Woodfi n Costa, who shared that she wanted the world to know more about him and his contributions to the fashion and merchandising industry while encouraging people to study fashion design. “I hope that the scholarship will get more people interested in what the University of Houston off ers to its students,” she said.

When fully endowed, the Victor Costa Endowment Scholarship fund will provide approximately $1,000 annually for a student who exhibits a creative fl air and talent, while maintaining the academic standards set forth by the scholarship committee. From concept and design through materials selection, production, and manufacturing of garments, the fundamentals of the fashion industry are rooted deeply in applied technology. As an alumnus of UH, it is not surprising that Victor Costa (’58) is an inspiration to students in the retailing and consumer science program, which has a strong tie to the fashion industry.

Growing up in the City of Houston, in the era of collectible “paper dolls,” Victor Costa expressed an interest in fashion and design, drawing sketches of dresses worn by Hollywood stars. His childhood pastime

of sketching dresses and making the paper versions made way to a long and successful career as a premiere fashion designer.

Costa left

home to study design at the Pratt Institute in New York City during his senior year at UH and continued his studies in Paris, at the famous Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne. He credits the support and encouragement of UH professor, Dr. Edwin B. Roberts.

After graduating, he left for New York and became a designer for a bridal manufacturer. Costa worked with the Suzy Perette line of dresses, often traveling to Paris as he learned to mirror the fi nest collections of haute couture designers. He successfully launched the Victor Costa Company in Dallas, Texas in the early 1970s and became well known in fashion circles. His designs have been featured by retailers around the world, and modeled by numerous celebrities. Costa became an admired icon in the fashion industry, an expert in imitating the work of some of world’s greatest designers. The publisher of the fashion industry’s voice, Woman’s Wear Daily (WWD), John Fairchild, referred to Victor Costa as the “maestro copier,” in his book, Chic Savages.

Through the generosity of legendary fashion designer Victor Costa and Jerry Ann Woodfi n-Costa, innovation always will be in style. The Victor Costa Endowment Scholarship fund, propels UH to the forefront of innovation, with creative, smart, driven, and innovative students sought after by industry.

Contact Vernon King, Director of Advancement, at veking@central.uh.edu, 713-743-4886, for more information and to make a gift to the endowment.

Victor Costa Scholarship Fund Established

Innovation is Always in Style

University of HoustonCollege of Technology

4730 Calhoun Road Room 300Houston, TX 77204 -4021

www.uh.edu/technology

A digital version of this publication is available at www.uh.edu/technology/college/marketing/innovations-e-newsletter/

The University of Houston is an EEO/AA institution.