- ISEC brings new programs to campusLast December, President Jennifer Cowley and Lowell Davis, vice president for Student Affairs, announced the creation of the Intercultural Student Engagement Center. Focused on integrating student-success efforts across academic and student affairs, the center’s opening came in response to the Texas Senate Bill 17 restrictions on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives. The ISEC aims to create opportunities for people to build social connections, engage with academic support resources and participate in leadership development, according to previous Shorthorn reporting. All students have access to open study and swing spaces, peer mentoring, academic coaching, tutoring, Counseling and Psychological Services and various skill-building workshops. After hosting its first open house in February, ISEC faculty and student members have gotten comfier in their space. Now working towards a year of operation, they’ve steadily advertised programs offered by the ISEC from summer through fall. Aysia Nguyễn, ISEC coordinator of student development and outreach, began working at the center in June after moving to Arlington from Arkansas. She’s responsible for relationship building and connections within student organizations. Additionally, she oversees the Peer Empowerment and Academic Knowledge Mentor Program and the Intercultural Student Programming Board. The P.E.A.K. Mentor Program connects first-year students with upperclassmen who guide them through UTA’s different resources, giving them the confidence to navigate college. The program teaches students skills like time management and class schedule building while highlighting community through campus connections. “I think these are really crucial ideas, resources and support that a lot of first-year students often need, but [are] not 100% sure how to seek out,” she said. “Having them paired up with one other person on campus who’s been there before with them is really the biggest goal.” The ISPB is a council of student leaders who organize and plan different programs, events and initiatives for cultural heritage and history months. “The goal is to connect our different student organizations on campus to collaborate and find intersectionality in the different cultures on campus,” Nguyễn said. Mireya Contreras, ISEC coordinator for retention, is responsible for events and marketing for Hispanic Heritage Month and Women’s History Month. She also oversees retention-based programs like MPower and Mavericks of Distinction. MPower focuses on women from historically underserved communities, but anyone can join. The group helps with professional and academic development, offering mentorship and networking as well. Mavericks of Distinction, centered on historically underserved men, provides the same resources. Each organization will have different meeting topics, though the groups will occasionally convene, Contreras said. Both have a residential learning community component, allowing new Mavericks out of high school to join once enrolled in their first UNIV course. Those who graduate within the program get a commencement cord and custom padfolio. “We try to do things and make it, for both groups, a home away from home because they are here for a good time of their lives,” she said. Another residential learning community the ISEC houses is Lavender Legacies. The group hosts an environment where students interested in LGBTQ+ history and culture can live, thrive and feel supported in their first year on campus, according to the center’s website. Contreras said having support groups, whether among peers, faculty or within themselves, is important when considering retention-based programs. The easiest way to get involved in ISEC programs is through social media where interested students can find applications and interest forms. The ISEC is also responsible for achievement celebrations like Celebrando el Éxito, An Evening of Black Excellence, Lavender Graduation and the Lotus Laureate Graduation. As a first-generation student herself, Nguyễn said finding her own community on campus was important to her. The center is uniquely able to provide these spaces for people, ultimately building confidence from their experiences. “I know that here in ISEC, we do everything we can to provide as much, and the best resources as possible for our students,” she said. “Whatever your needs may be, we want to prioritize those. Especially as you navigate such a large campus like this.” @hjgarcia0 news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
- Meet Student Government’s leadership teamFresh faces, new ideas and a commitment to making positive changes on campus: Meet the 2024-25 Student Government leadership team. Leading the charge are Student Body President Deon Rodrigues, Vice President Areeb Khan, Speaker of the Senate Gaven Lopez, Chief of Staff Effua Jordan and Chief Justice Kaitlyn Clay. “Student Government is a place where leaders are truly made, and your character is tested at every corner. It’s a place where we grow together as people and during that growth, we make everlasting relationships,” Lopez said in an email. The team set a collection of goals, which include making UTA a positive student environment by caring for everyone and increasing Fraternity and Sorority Life initiatives. As president, Rodrigues represents students in various ways, including enacting and executing legislation. He is the student liaison between university administration, the UT System Board of Regents, the City of Arlington, and the Texas Legislature. Additionally, he appoints students to committees and boards, updating the Senate on university matters, Rodrigues said in an email. He also oversees the organization and holds weekly meetings with Lowell Davis, vice president of Student Affairs, to discuss student initiatives, concerns, feedback and campus changes. “To me, Student Government is more than just an organization; it is the voice of the students,” Rodrigues added. “It’s a platform where students can express their concerns, advocate for change and work together to improve the university experience for everyone.” Rodrigues is most excited about working with a diverse group of students and leaders, as he feels the potential to create lasting impacts on the university and its students is incredibly motivating. As vice president, Khan shared in an email that his role involves managing the Student Government team and focusing on internal management like recruiting, onboarding, training and tracking member progress. While Rodrigues handles external relations, he assists Khan in meetings with UTA President Jennifer Cowley, Davis and other administrations. He also chairs the Assembly of College Councils, where representatives from each college constituency collaborate on shared initiatives. Additionally, he manages the Maverick Discounts Program, partnering with local businesses to offer student discounts and accompanies Rodrigues in the Undergraduate Assembly and the UT System Student Advisory Council. Khan added that he never expected to be in this role when he started college. Originally from Pakistan, he came to the U.S. three years ago. He was shy and uninvolved, but Student Government helped him break out of his shell. He said he went from being the quietest person in the room to the voice of over 40,000 students, making many friends along the way. The organization holds a special place in his heart. When Rodrigues and Khan campaigned, they aimed to leave a legacy by advancing FSL, improving student life on campus, representing underrepresented communities and enhancing student welfare. So far, they have been successful, achieving the best recruitment season post-COVID-19 with nearly 200 applications — a more than 150% increase from last year, Khan said. “This is my last year of undergrad, so my main goal is to have fun and meet new people. School can be stressful, and organizations like Student Government offer the perfect balance of doing something meaningful that helps students and the community, while also getting to know people and having a great time.” Khan added. Lopez’s role as Speaker of the Senate includes chairing all general body meetings and coordinating the four committees and resolution process. He also appoints members to the Senate and coordinates all activities within the legislative branch. “I’m excited to meet new people and teach them about Student Government and what it does,” Lopez said. “Being the speaker allows me to be a teacher for others and provide them with an experience of personal growth.” One of Lopez’s goals is to provide a structured position. He has a binder dedicated to his successor consisting of all his mistakes, tips and tricks, personal notes and ways to go through all the legislative processes. He said it will document everything he learned throughout his time in the role so the next speaker can be better prepared. As Chief Justice Clay practices and enacts the Registered Student Organizations allocation process, which involves funding for campus organizations to host events and coordinate elections. Clay aims to create a strong foundation for future chief justices by defining the position and improving the onboarding process. Her goal is to establish systems for efficient student government and judicial branch operations. “To me, Student Government means representation or leading by example; being a representation. I think one of the biggest things I’ve learned and/or am learning is that we want to make this organization into a legacy of leaders who actively want to participate and grow in their professional stature and make decisions that will advance their leadership skills,” Clay said in an email. Jordan plans and runs all Student Government events, manages executive branch meetings and oversees Maverick Opinion Boards. The boards gather student feedback on campus issues and upcoming resolutions, helping to address student needs effectively. She also coordinates outreach to local vendors for the Maverick Discounts Program. “This year as Chief of Staff, I hope that we will be able to increase our engagement between different organizations on campus as well as the entire student body at UTA. I also hope to create new events that no one has ever seen before, that hopefully can put UTA on the map as the school to be,” Jordan said in an email. She said Student Government is a place where voices, concerns and opinions can be heard and addressed. As one of the bigger organizations on campus, she said they can have conversations that aren’t happening in other spaces. Involvement in Student Government is crucial because, without student feedback, she said there’s no way to improve campus life. Additionally, people don’t need to be members to create change. The resolution process requires a senator’s backing to be introduced into the Senate, and this process can be found on its website. “I’m also excited about the challenges that come with this role. Each challenge is an opportunity to learn, grow and find innovative solutions,” Rodrigues said. “Working with administration, faculty and students to navigate these challenges is something I’m looking forward to.” @taylor._.sansom news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
- ISEC brings new programs to campusLast December, President Jennifer Cowley and Lowell Davis, vice president for Student Affairs, announced the creation of the Intercultural Student Engagement Center. Focused on integrating student-success efforts across academic and student affairs, the center’s opening came in response to the Texas Senate Bill 17 restrictions on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives. The ISEC aims to create opportunities for people to build social connections, engage with academic support resources and participate in leadership development, according to previous Shorthorn reporting. All students have access to open study and swing spaces, peer mentoring, academic coaching, tutoring, Counseling and Psychological Services and various skill-building workshops. After hosting its first open house in February, ISEC faculty and student members have gotten comfier in their space. Now working towards a year of operation, they’ve steadily advertised programs offered by the ISEC from summer through fall. Aysia Nguyễn, ISEC coordinator of student development and outreach, began working at the center in June after moving to Arlington from Arkansas. She’s responsible for relationship building and connections within student organizations. Additionally, she oversees the Peer Empowerment and Academic Knowledge Mentor Program and the Intercultural Student Programming Board. The P.E.A.K. Mentor Program connects first-year students with upperclassmen who guide them through UTA’s different resources, giving them the confidence to navigate college. The program teaches students skills like time management and class schedule building while highlighting community through campus connections. “I think these are really crucial ideas, resources and support that a lot of first-year students often need, but [are] not 100% sure how to seek out,” she said. “Having them paired up with one other person on campus who’s been there before with them is really the biggest goal.” The ISPB is a council of student leaders who organize and plan different programs, events and initiatives for cultural heritage and history months. “The goal is to connect our different student organizations on campus to collaborate and find intersectionality in the different cultures on campus,” Nguyễn said. Mireya Contreras, ISEC coordinator for retention, is responsible for events and marketing for Hispanic Heritage Month and Women’s History Month. She also oversees retention-based programs like MPower and Mavericks of Distinction. MPower focuses on women from historically underserved communities, but anyone can join. The group helps with professional and academic development, offering mentorship and networking as well. Mavericks of Distinction, centered on historically underserved men, provides the same resources. Each organization will have different meeting topics, though the groups will occasionally convene, Contreras said. Both have a residential learning community component, allowing new Mavericks out of high school to join once enrolled in their first UNIV course. Those who graduate within the program get a commencement cord and custom padfolio. “We try to do things and make it, for both groups, a home away from home because they are here for a good time of their lives,” she said. Another residential learning community the ISEC houses is Lavender Legacies. The group hosts an environment where students interested in LGBTQ+ history and culture can live, thrive and feel supported in their first year on campus, according to the center’s website. Contreras said having support groups, whether among peers, faculty or within themselves, is important when considering retention-based programs. The easiest way to get involved in ISEC programs is through social media where interested students can find applications and interest forms. The ISEC is also responsible for achievement celebrations like Celebrando el Éxito, An Evening of Black Excellence, Lavender Graduation and the Lotus Laureate Graduation. As a first-generation student herself, Nguyễn said finding her own community on campus was important to her. The center is uniquely able to provide these spaces for people, ultimately building confidence from their experiences. “I know that here in ISEC, we do everything we can to provide as much, and the best resources as possible for our students,” she said. “Whatever your needs may be, we want to prioritize those. Especially as you navigate such a large campus like this.” @hjgarcia0 news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
- Meet Student Government’s leadership teamFresh faces, new ideas and a commitment to making positive changes on campus: Meet the 2024-25 Student Government leadership team. Leading the charge are Student Body President Deon Rodrigues, Vice President Areeb Khan, Speaker of the Senate Gaven Lopez, Chief of Staff Effua Jordan and Chief Justice Kaitlyn Clay. “Student Government is a place where leaders are truly made, and your character is tested at every corner. It’s a place where we grow together as people and during that growth, we make everlasting relationships,” Lopez said in an email. The team set a collection of goals, which include making UTA a positive student environment by caring for everyone and increasing Fraternity and Sorority Life initiatives. As president, Rodrigues represents students in various ways, including enacting and executing legislation. He is the student liaison between university administration, the UT System Board of Regents, the City of Arlington, and the Texas Legislature. Additionally, he appoints students to committees and boards, updating the Senate on university matters, Rodrigues said in an email. He also oversees the organization and holds weekly meetings with Lowell Davis, vice president of Student Affairs, to discuss student initiatives, concerns, feedback and campus changes. “To me, Student Government is more than just an organization; it is the voice of the students,” Rodrigues added. “It’s a platform where students can express their concerns, advocate for change and work together to improve the university experience for everyone.” Rodrigues is most excited about working with a diverse group of students and leaders, as he feels the potential to create lasting impacts on the university and its students is incredibly motivating. As vice president, Khan shared in an email that his role involves managing the Student Government team and focusing on internal management like recruiting, onboarding, training and tracking member progress. While Rodrigues handles external relations, he assists Khan in meetings with UTA President Jennifer Cowley, Davis and other administrations. He also chairs the Assembly of College Councils, where representatives from each college constituency collaborate on shared initiatives. Additionally, he manages the Maverick Discounts Program, partnering with local businesses to offer student discounts and accompanies Rodrigues in the Undergraduate Assembly and the UT System Student Advisory Council. Khan added that he never expected to be in this role when he started college. Originally from Pakistan, he came to the U.S. three years ago. He was shy and uninvolved, but Student Government helped him break out of his shell. He said he went from being the quietest person in the room to the voice of over 40,000 students, making many friends along the way. The organization holds a special place in his heart. When Rodrigues and Khan campaigned, they aimed to leave a legacy by advancing FSL, improving student life on campus, representing underrepresented communities and enhancing student welfare. So far, they have been successful, achieving the best recruitment season post-COVID-19 with nearly 200 applications — a more than 150% increase from last year, Khan said. “This is my last year of undergrad, so my main goal is to have fun and meet new people. School can be stressful, and organizations like Student Government offer the perfect balance of doing something meaningful that helps students and the community, while also getting to know people and having a great time.” Khan added. Lopez’s role as Speaker of the Senate includes chairing all general body meetings and coordinating the four committees and resolution process. He also appoints members to the Senate and coordinates all activities within the legislative branch. “I’m excited to meet new people and teach them about Student Government and what it does,” Lopez said. “Being the speaker allows me to be a teacher for others and provide them with an experience of personal growth.” One of Lopez’s goals is to provide a structured position. He has a binder dedicated to his successor consisting of all his mistakes, tips and tricks, personal notes and ways to go through all the legislative processes. He said it will document everything he learned throughout his time in the role so the next speaker can be better prepared. As Chief Justice Clay practices and enacts the Registered Student Organizations allocation process, which involves funding for campus organizations to host events and coordinate elections. Clay aims to create a strong foundation for future chief justices by defining the position and improving the onboarding process. Her goal is to establish systems for efficient student government and judicial branch operations. “To me, Student Government means representation or leading by example; being a representation. I think one of the biggest things I’ve learned and/or am learning is that we want to make this organization into a legacy of leaders who actively want to participate and grow in their professional stature and make decisions that will advance their leadership skills,” Clay said in an email. Jordan plans and runs all Student Government events, manages executive branch meetings and oversees Maverick Opinion Boards. The boards gather student feedback on campus issues and upcoming resolutions, helping to address student needs effectively. She also coordinates outreach to local vendors for the Maverick Discounts Program. “This year as Chief of Staff, I hope that we will be able to increase our engagement between different organizations on campus as well as the entire student body at UTA. I also hope to create new events that no one has ever seen before, that hopefully can put UTA on the map as the school to be,” Jordan said in an email. She said Student Government is a place where voices, concerns and opinions can be heard and addressed. As one of the bigger organizations on campus, she said they can have conversations that aren’t happening in other spaces. Involvement in Student Government is crucial because, without student feedback, she said there’s no way to improve campus life. Additionally, people don’t need to be members to create change. The resolution process requires a senator’s backing to be introduced into the Senate, and this process can be found on its website. “I’m also excited about the challenges that come with this role. Each challenge is an opportunity to learn, grow and find innovative solutions,” Rodrigues said. “Working with administration, faculty and students to navigate these challenges is something I’m looking forward to.” @taylor._.sansom news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
- Professor hatches new fish researchBiology professor Matthew Walsh has worked with Trinidadian Killifish for 20 years. Because killifish are semi-amphibious, they have the ability to be outside of the water and are naturally found in sites with and without predators. His most recent research covers the time it takes eggs to hatch in an environment of predators versus an environment with no predators. After observing the killifish in their environment, he found that they have the ability to jump and are content being outside of the water. Walsh then began questioning if they would begin to adapt to a more semi-amphibious lifestyle rather than a fully aquatic one. “I thought that there’s a likelihood that their eggs would be exposed to air during periods of time,” he said. “I wanted to fundamentally ask, can their eggs develop when they’re just exposed to air but being maintained moist?” He started by testing fish eggs that were laid on moist peat moss, compared to those laid under the water. The goal was to determine which set of eggs would hatch faster. Walsh said they found that fish eggs on land develop faster than those developed purely in water. “There’s something about being exposed to air that leads to an acceleration in how quickly they’re developing,” he said. “It could just be due to higher levels of oxygen in air versus in water. We don’t know the mechanism yet.” Similarly, the eggs living with predators developed faster than the sites that lacked predators. Walsh described the phenomenon of the different egg-laying patterns as an example of local adaptation or microevolution. “This is more broadly important beyond killifish, beyond Trinidad, because it’s providing new insights into how organisms kind of adapt to challenging environments, including kind of transitioning between aquatic and terrestrial habitats,” Walsh said. “It’s a model to understand kind of how organisms can kind of bridge that gap between the two environments.” Once the eggs hatched, there was a slight trend where the eggs on peat moss hatched and matured faster, compared to the eggs that were fully submerged underwater. While the data from the experiments answered his initial hypothesis, Walsh said that this research is just the first step of the overall research process. “This is just a first step because now we have a pattern, but we don’t understand kind of why that pattern exists,” he said. “Why does exposing fish eggs to air lead to faster rate of development that we don’t understand. And then more broadly, what other features of the killifish life history is also adapted for the terrestrial environment?” The National Science Foundation funded the research in 2023, with a $686,321 grant that will be used for multiple studies involving killifish by Walsh and his lab for a few years. Walsh said these prolonged studies are important because they continue to provide new insights that are exciting for him personally and scientifically. “It’s exciting that you continue to learn and publish new things regarding these fish, and that there’s always new things and new things to address in this study system,” he said. “It’s something I plan to continue to study for, you know, the foreseeable future, probably the rest of my career.” @wall035203 news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
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