MONDAY, OCT. 23 – SUNDAY, OCT. 29
RESEARCH
UA, ALDOT LAY GROUNDWORK FOR FUTURE SELF-DRIVING VEHICLES – Advanced technology used to make traveling safer and more efficient is the focus of a new project led by UA and the Alabama Department of Transportation. Tuscaloosa is the first city in Alabama to install the technology that will collect data for research used to decrease travel time, reduce vehicle crashes and lay the groundwork for future self-driving vehicles. The project involves installing infrastructure components, known as dedicated short-range communication radios, or DSRC radios, into 85 traffic signals throughout Tuscaloosa and Northport. The first 50 units are scheduled to be implemented this fall. Watch for a news release with more details or contact Alana Norris, communications specialist, College of Engineering, 205-348-6444 or anorris@eng.ua.edu.
UA RESEARCHER ON TEAM EXPLORING POTENTIAL LUNAR HABITATS FOR HUMANS — An engineering researcher at UA is part of a project garnering international attention to potential sites for future habitats on the moon. For more information, contact Adam Jones, UA communications, 205-348-4328 or adam.jones@ua.edu.
BEST BETS
UA TO LAUNCH SUPPORT FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING VICTIMS THROUGH DOJ GRANT — Many people and agencies work to combat human trafficking in Alabama, but resources and infrastructure vary by region. And, as perpetrators of human trafficking evolve, so must police, prosecutors and social workers. UA’s School of Social Work will soon begin a statewide program to align resources, improve training and strengthen treatment and services for child victims through a three-year Department of Justice grant titled, “Improving Outcomes for Child and Youth Victims of Human Trafficking: A Jurisdiction-wide Approach.” For more information, contact David Miller, Strategic Communications, at 205-348-0825 or david.c.miller@ua.edu.
BEAT AUBURN, BEAT HUNGER – The annual food drive to benefit the West Alabama Food Bank is underway. For more details, contact Richard LeComte, communications, richard.lecomte@ua.edu or 205-348-3782 or go to the Facebook page here.
QUICK HIT
LOOKING FOR A FEEL GOOD PHOTO OR VIDEO OPPORTUNITY? — Capstone Village, a residential community on UA’s campus that caters to active living for those 55 and older, hosts multiple events this month of potential interest. On Mondays throughout October, at 2 p.m., UA dance students lead a dance exercise class for residents in the Activity Room. Each Thursday at 2 p.m., throughout October, two trained, four-legged therapists visit residents at Traditions Way and Hallmark Manor in Capstone Village Healthcare. Pet therapy shows particular promise for residents, organizers say. For more information on covering any of these events, contact Troy Cannaday, executive director of Capstone Village, at 205-347-0084 or tcannaday@capstonevillage.ua.edu or Jamon Smith, UA communications, 205-348-4956 or jamon.smith@ua.edu.
EVENTS
HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS TO LEARN COMPUTER SCIENCE TEACHING STRATEGIES – More than 70 high school teachers from across Alabama will participate in a two-day computer science workshop Oct. 27-28 at UA. The workshop is in its second year and is funded by a grant from Google. Both veteran teachers and newcomers will attend the conference, said Dr. Jeff Gray, professor of computer science at UA and workshop organizer. The workshop is the latest in UA’s efforts to expand computer science access in K-12 education in the state of Alabama, which has seen its number of students learning computer science and taking the College Board exam increase from 27 to more than 1,400 over the last 10 years. For more information, contact David Miller, UA Strategic Communications, at 205/348-0825 or david.c.miller@ua.edu.
UA JOINING FORCES WITH CHAMBER TO OFFER TRAINING – UA has joined forces with the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama to provide professional development and training courses to Tuscaloosa citizens. Through its corporate engagement division, Bama At Work, the University will offer half-day programs designed to develop leadership capabilities and hone the skills of seasoned professionals as well as newcomers to management roles. Monthly training programs kick off Wednesday, Oct. 25, with a workshop on Training and Interviewing Employees. For additional information and a listing of upcoming workshops, visit trainingtuscaloosa.ua.edu or phone 205-348-7049. For more information, contact Kevin Lake, UA communication specialist, 205-348-4632 or ktlake@ccs.ua.edu.
LOOKING AHEAD
RIVER PITCH EVENT TO SPARK TUSCALOOSA ENTREPRENEURSHIP — Do you have a new business idea worth sharing? Can you “pitch” it in three minutes or less? If so, come to the Tuscaloosa River Market Nov. 14 from 5-9 p.m. and take part in the 2017 River Pitch Business Idea Competition. It allows students and community members to pitch business ideas to judges for chances to win one of eight $1,000 prizes. Participants also receive feedback on their ideas and potentially meet experts in entrepreneurship. River Pitch is a joint effort of the Alabama Entrepreneurship Institute and the EDGE Entrepreneurship Center, both of which are extensions of the UA’s Culverhouse College of Commerce, the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama and the city of Tuscaloosa. Registration, which is required to pitch business ideas, is available on the AEI’s website at www.culverhouse.ua.edu/aei. For more information, contact Dr. Theresa Welbourne or Tommie Syx at 205-722-5179 or aei@cba.ua.edu or Zach Thomas at rzthomas@cba.ua.edu or 205-348-8318.