Innovations December 2014

The College of Technology Newsletter

DE CE M B E R 2 0 14

ONE COLLEGE – A WORLD OF

OPPORTUNITIES Sophia Funes Graduate Student Supply Chain and Logistics

TECHNOLOGY

INNOVATIONS FALL 2014

GREETINGS With genuine UH pride, I am pleased to share that our College continues to set enrollment growth records at about 4,800 students, nearly 20 percent more than last fall.

The College offers unmatched opportunities for creativity and innovation with a diversity of projects that touch myriad aspects of our everyday lives. Our students enthusiastically enrich their academic experiences at UH and in the College of Technology in innovative ways–from volunteering to build a playhouse for neglected children, to designing the future’s fuel-efficient cars, and inventing new methods for eliminating environmental waste. Students are encouraged to form new professional relationships through events like the Halliburton Petroleum Industry Lectures Series, the fall and spring career fairs, and the semiannual Merchandising Star Awards.

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 the realworld connections to the business and industry communities.

On behalf of our faculty and staff here, we are looking forward to another successful semester, and anticipate that we will continue to experience increasing involvement with our alumni and friends. We will keep you updated on our growth and progress —and how to take part.

With warm regards,

College of Technology Innovations Office of Marketing Communications Marilyn Howard Jones, Editor Crystal Smiley, Graphic Designer On the cover: Dr. George Zouridakis Professor and Director of the Biomedical Imaging Lab

Dr. William E. Fitzgibbon III Dean, UH College of Technology

COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY

BY THE NUMBERS The Technology Annex or T1 building was the third building constructed on campus in 1941 with more than

$100,000 raised by the Houston community

With nearly 5,000 students, the College of Technology is on the fast track for becoming one of the largest colleges on the UH Main Campus

Nearly half of the 50 best jobs in America are accessible through our degree programs according to CNNMoney College of Technology alumni total 16,382. Of that number, 61% live in the

Houston area, and 72% live in Texas

1500 employers are

65 enthusiastic and

registered in our career database TechConnect, and post an average of 600

knowledgeable faculty teach in 23

degree programs

jobs and internships annually

10 industry advisory boards for construction management, engineering technology, human development and consumer sciences, and information and logistics technology programs provide guidance and support

15 industry-related student organizations help build leadership skills with unmatched networking opportunities

6 research centers and

5 degree programs are nationally accredited – proof that our graduates our among the best prepared to enter their professions

institutes drive the future for health, information security, life sciences, technology literacy, and manufacturing

12 professional training programs offer opportunities for certification and to expand and upgrade technical skills

STUDENT SUCCESS

INNOVATIONS FALL 2014

TECHNOLOGY CAREER FAIR ATTENDANCE REACHES ALL-TIME HIGH An event growing in popularity among enthusiastic, job seeking technology students and alumni, the University of Houston College of Technology Fall Career Fair held Tuesday, September 16 at the University of Houston Hilton – Conrad Ballroom provided a unique opportunity to network with company representatives from more than 70 companies across a diverse range of industries. Targeted specifically for College of Technology students, the career fair attracted 631 students.

“This career fair has been our largest yet, with more than 150 recruiters, who were thrilled about the attendance and impressed with the preparation of our students,” said Cynthia Olmedo, career counselor for the College of Technology.

The spring career fair will be held in February 2015. Employers and recruiters are invited to use TechConnect to register and post position openings.

SPRING

Wednesday, February 15, 2015, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

University of Houston Main Campus–Student Center

INNOVATIONS FALL 2014

STUDENT SUCCESS

INNOVATIVE UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHERS PROUDLY DISPLAY ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS The University of Houston held its tenth annual Undergraduate Research Day at the Rockwell Pavilion, in the M.D. Anderson Library on Thursday October 9, 2014.

More than 150 undergraduate students from the University of Houston displayed their research experiences through various presentations and interactive demonstrations.

Proving that innovation is thriving in the College of Technology, several student groups guided by Dr. Mequanint Moges and Professor Raresh Pascali, presented detailed research projects such as an automated pill dispenser, a substation security drone, an integrated control unit system, and an adaptive multifactor routing with constrained data sets.

The user-friendly automated pill dispenser, will simplify the lives of people who juggle multiple medical prescriptions, using a single device for monitoring and retrieving dosages. This senior project proposal was created by Travis Alexander, Evan Bass, Eric Diaz, Raphael Freas and Rodolfo Reyes.

(Left to right) Eddie Gil, David Nguyen, Michael Vo, Joseph Sanchez, An Nguyen with Professor Mequanint Moges

A substation security drone was created by Eddie Gil, An Nguyen, David Nguyen, Joseph Sanchez and Michael Vo. With the drone, their goal is to prevent impractical repair costs that could be passed onto the user or be taken on by the company provider. Substations are being vandalized throughout the U.S. causing disruptions in services, massive repairs, and labor costs. The drone would survey and monitor these substations.

(Left to right) Kayode Gbadamosi, Jared Lindsey, Paul Tidjon, Michael Prerot

STUDENT SUCCESS INNOVATIONS FALL 2014

(Left to right) Lawrence Dang, Cuong Ngo, Jack Foster, Ike Katshungu, Professor Bret Detillier, Tin Van, John Lopez, Salman Butt, Eduardo Aranda, Jay Bustos and Daniel Teran. Not present for photo: Gagandeep Singh and Tahmid Mahmud

COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS STUDENTS WIN TOP AWARDS AT REGIONAL CONFERENCE The University of Houston’s Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP) Student Chapter earned top awards at the 2014 AITP Region 3 Student Conference, which was held October 2-4, 2014 at Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma. AITP's Region 3 represents more than 60 university student chapters from seven states (Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arkansas, Mississippi and Missouri).

The University of Houston was named second best overall school, with Cameron University ranking first and Missouri State University placing third.

UH students competed in various academic contests including Database Design, Java Programming, Systems Analysis and Design, Security Scenarios, PC troubleshooting, Network Design, Mobile Applications and Microsoft Office.

College of Technology student, Cuong Phu Ngo, won first place for Data Base Design; Jack Foster and Ike Katshungu as a team won the third place award out of the 40 teams that competed.

Tin Van won first place; and Tahmid Amer Mahmud and Gagan Singh as a team won second place awards for Java Programming out of the 25 teams that competed.

In addition, one student, Lawrence Dang, achieved master's level certification in the Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals (ICCP) Information System Analysis (ISA) Exam. Master's level is usually only attained by seasoned industry professionals.

“I am very proud of our AITP Student Chapter for all of their hard work,” said Bret Detillier, computer information systems professor and mentor. “It is rewarding to experience this outcome. It is a testament to the CIS faculty and all of our hard work in preparing our students,” he said. Professor Detillier also expressed thanks to the College and the Information and Logistics Technology Department for their continued support. “In addition, we also want to thank Chevron, Inc. for their continued financial support of our AITP Student Chapter,” he added. The students’ registration and travel expenses were reduced as result of Chevron’s contribution to AITP.

ONE COLLEGE – A WORLD OF

OPPORTUNITIES

STUDENT SUCCESS INNOVATIONS FALL 2014

CM STUDENT EARNS HIGHEST SCORE IN THE NATION ON CONSTRUCTION EXAM Eric Talley knew it was possible.

After all, classmate Nicole Rawlins did it last year.

But when friends started suggesting his score on the American Institute of Constructors’ (AIC) national certification exam – 278 out of a possible 300 – could be the highest in the nation, he shrugged it off. “I thought surely somebody did better,” he said.

They didn’t. For the second time in a row, a student in the University of Houston’s Construction Management Department had earned the highest score in the nation on the rigorous exam.

Neil Eldin, the department chairman, incorporates a review into the capstone course he teaches during the final year of the program. Several years ago, noticing that students seemed unaware of some elements covered on the test, he asked faculty to make sure those elements were covered in their classes.

It is beginning to pay off, he said, as is a conscious effort to “raise the bar” by requiring students to have a 2.5 grade point average before entering the program, as well as to graduate, up from the previous 2.0 requirement. Nicole Rawlins, who graduated with a construction management degree in December 2013, began the streak when she became the first UH student to earn the nation’s top score.

Many accredited construction management programs require students to take the 8-hour AIC certification exam, but Eldin said the UH is the only one to require it for graduation. Nationally, the passing rate is about 50 percent.

That was true of UH students, too, Eldin said, although most passed on the second attempt. Last fall, he said 47 percent of students nationally passed; 67 percent of UH students passed. His goal is 80 percent. Nearly four years ago, UH became the first program in the nation to offer a specialization in process and industrial construction management, geared toward the oil and gas industry. It prepares students to work for companies building industrial

facilities and petrochemical plants such as those going up along the Gulf Coast to take advantage of the abundant natural gas and natural gas liquids produced by the boom in shale drilling.

Other students focus on commercial construction that adds to Houston’s critical assets, such as medical facilities and premier hotels. Talley, graduated in May 2014, but took a circuitous route to get there. “The first time I went to college, I had no idea what I wanted to do,” he said.

A native of Montgomery, just north of Houston, he attended Mississippi State University for two years and then worked for a few years before moving back to the Houston area. He took community college classes to become certified as an electrician and, while working for a local firm, learned about the construction management degree. The UH program offers classes in the evening, which made it work for Talley. “There’s no way I could have done it if it had been a more traditional program, with classes in the day,” he said, because he continued to work fulltime, first as an electrician and now as a project coordinator for Pfeiffer & Son, a commercial and industrial electrical contractor in La Porte.

He took the certification test seriously, studying for six weeks before the test in the hope that he wouldn’t have to retake it in the spring. He said it covers every aspect of construction and the management of construction projects: engineering, ethics, scheduling, cost controls and estimating.

And when it was over, he knew he had done well. “But I never thought I had the highest score.”

Talley credits the University’s location – “We’re in Houston.

There’s a lot of industrial construction here.” – with making available instructors with a wealth of experience. That’s a huge asset for students, he said.

Contributed by Jeannie Kever, UH

INNOVATIONS FALL 2014

STUDENT SUCCESS

SENIOR MECHANICAL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS GET READY FOR 2015 SAE COMPETITION Jonathon Fulbright, Rajeev Bhattacharya, Daulet Urkenbayev, and Paul Orieukwu are building a vehicle to enter into the Formula Hybrid Competition. It is one of the competitions in the Society of Automotive Engineer’s Collegiate Design Series, which will take place on April 27, 2015 in Loudon, New Hampshire. The competition sees many teams from different universities build and test a formula hybrid vehicle. The UH Red Devils team formed this past summer and has been hard at work since.

“The Formula Hybrid Series is well-known among engineering community, because it is one of the most challenging competitions in the SAE’s Collegiate Design Series,” Urkenbayev said.

Urkenbayev, Orienukwu and Bhattacharya began their project in the summer of 2014 at a workshop designed to help them become familiar with the Formula Hybrid model by troubleshooting the vehicle of last year’s team, Team Hybrid. Team Hybrid was set to compete until electrical problems and time constraints held them back. “(We) were not experienced enough with electrical systems, so the team was looking for someone with experience in electrical system,” Urkenbayev said. “The team found Jon, who had required knowledge and experience about the electrical system for the car. Jon was also an underclassman in Team Hybrid’s team, so he knew about the car more than any of us at that time.”

The Red Devils will be the first team from UH to participate in the competition. Beyond winning the competition, the team also hopes to bring UH into the spotlight among other frequent competitors.

“We would like to win the competition, but we stay realistic,” Fulbright said. “We will be the first team from UH to even race. That much will be a victory to me. I think what we’re really trying to do is get our school known by competing in this international competition.”

The road to the competition is anything but easy. With the difficulty of the competition comes a significant time commitment from each team member and at least 2,000 hours total will be spent on it. Add to this is the team’s relatively small size of four, compared to teams from other schools at ten and twenty.

The Formula Hybrid Competition’s formidable challenge is reflected in the numbers of participants. While other competitions in the SAE Design Series can see hundreds of teams competing, Formula Hybrid only has 35 slots, and even those have trouble filling up. This hasn’t deterred the Red Devils.

“The Formula Hybrid is also a very complex project that requires you to learn different engineering disciplines in a short period of time,” Urkenbayev said. “It is very challenging and that is exactly what made me to join the team. Indeed, the project pushes me to the boundaries, I have never reached before.” But, it isn’t just about elevating themselves to a higher level. For the Red Devils, it is a chance to apply what they have learned to their passion, and for them to take their passion and make a name for themselves.

“I personally joined Team Red Devils because of my passion for cars, engineering and understanding how much goes into car development,” Bhattacharya said. “I wanted to apply my mechanical knowledge gained while in the military to the engineering learned in the MECT program.”

The team hopes their hard work allows future teams to form and that their work serves a similar purpose to what Team Hybrid’s project served for them. “We hope our accomplishments in this upcoming competition will inspire next teams to participate in the projects like SAE Formula Hybrid,” Urkenbayev said.

Contributed by Kyle Horn, UH

STUDENT SUCCESS INNOVATIONS FALL 2014

FROM HOUSTON TO NEW YORK CITY Members from the University of Gap, Inc. Design Center provided for Houston’s Collegiate DECA attended students a look at the designs being the annual Collegiate DECA Leadership worked on for fall 2015. Tour leaders Conferenece in New York City provided visual examples of the November 14-15, 2014. Undergraduate progression from concept to finished and graduate student attendees product. included Asia Alvarez, Grace Brann, Students also competed in caseKayla Cline, Mayra Espinoza, Courtney Forey, Amanda Garza, Yana Grodskaya, Ami Hazel, Orlando Herrera, Ebony Limrick, Nia Mitchell, Paige Olexa, Cristina Ramriez, Nancy Tello, Tatiana Todd, and Veronica Tristan.

Faculty members in attendance from the Department of Human and Development and Consumer Sciences included Dr. Shirley Ezell, Associate Professor, and Dr. Marcella Norwood, Department Chair and DECA Faculty Advisor.

A portion of the conference UH’s Ami Hazel with the winning group for the Fashion Merchandising and Retail Event. involved touring local NYC companies. Store executives handled the store tours, which study team competitions. Ami Hazel, included Banana Republic, Gap, Inc. Retailing and Consumer Science major, Design Center, and Bloomingdale’s. and her case-study team won first Jorge Mendoza, District Manager of place for their efforts in the Fashion Banana Republic, ran half of the tour Merchandising and Retail Event through his locations, one of which which competed against 15 other makes $14.5 million per year. The teams. Mike Sins, Director of Special

Events for Men’s Warehouse, provided students with a real world case problem. Mr. Sins judged the team events for the Fashion Merchandising and Retail Event. Sins said, “[the UH DECA students] were the strongest retailing students at the conference.”

Attendees of the annual event were able to gain leadership skills, access jobs and internships while networking with industry professionals, and build lifelong relationships while in New York City.

The trip was a once in a life time opportunity for many students. UH DECA members helped raise money to off set the cost of attendance through fundraisers, one of which inlcuded working at several of the Texans’ football games as runners to ticket holder suites. For more information on UH’s Collegiate DECA, email DECAUH@gmail.com.

L to R: Courtney Forey, Kayla Cline, Amanda Garcia, Mike Sins of Men’s Wearhouse, Ami Hazel, and Paige Olexa

DECA students and HDCS faculty members touring Bloomingdale’s in NYC

UH student Nia Mitchell at Bloomingdale’s

Contributed by Jamie Thomas, UH

INNOVATIONS FALL 2014

STUDENT SUCCESS

GLOBAL RETAILING GRAD STUDENTS SHOWCASE CONSUMER RESEARCH The University of Houston Graduate School hosted its first annual Graduate Research and Scholarship Projects (GRaSP) Day on October 31, 2014 in the University Center at the University of Houston. The event attracted an impressive variety of graduate research-related projects that encompassed many disciplines.

As they proudly engaged in discussions with attendees about their research goals, methodologies, and outcomes, graduate students enjoyed unmatched networking opportunities.

Global Retailing program graduate students, Jiseon Ahn, Jingwei Cai, and Tuan Pham presented their research during the poster session. Dr. JungKun Park, Associate

Professor in Human Development and Consumer Sciences, was the faculty advisor on all of the research. All three of the students presented data that focused on consumers.

Ahn’s research addressed connections to medial tourism while Pham analyzed an effect of social media usage. Cai’s research examined the impact of information technology on consumer value and usages.

Contributed by Jamie Thomas, UH

AN IPHONE APP OFFERS QUICK AND INEXPENSIVE MELANOMA SCREENING

INNOVATIONS FALL 2014

The idea sounds simple: Take a photo of a suspicious mole or lesion with your phone, run it through an embedded software program and find out within a few seconds if it is likely to be cancerous.

But it could make quick and inexpensive screening a reality for millions of people who lack access to medical specialists. A University of Houston College of Technology professor created the app, called DermoScreen, which is now being evaluated for further testing at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

George Zouridakis, Professor of Computer Engineering Technology and Network Communications, has worked on the project since 2005, moving it to an application for a mobile phone after the iPhone became ubiquitous. “The goal is to provide quick screening in rural areas or in the developing world, where specialty medical care generally isn’t available,” he said.

“Early testing found the device to be accurate about 85 percent of the time,” Zouridakis said, similar to the accuracy rate for dermatologists and more accurate than primary care physicians. Patients would be referred for follow-up if the lesion were suspected to be cancerous.

In addition to a mobile phone, the technology uses a dermoscope attachment, a special magnifying lens, which costs about $500 and provides special illumination of the area being photographed.

DermoScreen could be commercialized soon; investors began expressing interest more than a year ago after a student team from the University’s Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship produced a business plan that won the $60,000 Grand Prize at the 2013 California Dreamin’ National Business Plan Competition and successfully pitched it in competitions around the country.

But Zouridakis, wanted to wait, both to pursue other diagnostic uses for the technology and to ensure that it was as accurate as possible.

The testing at MD Anderson is a step toward the latter goal, he said.

Dr. Ana Ciurea, assistant professor of dermatology at MD Anderson, said the project is in the early stages.

“Our research with Dr. Zouridakis on his promising

RESEARCH

iPhone app will focus on evaluating its use for risk assessment and as a screening tool for early detection of melanomas,” she said. “We are in early stages of planning and approval for this project, but such an application, if validated, has the potential for widespread use to ultimately improve patient care.”

Research into other uses of the technology continues.

A $412,500 grant from the National Institutes of Health allowed testing of the device’s ability to screen for Buruli ulcer, a flesh-eating bacterial disease, in Africa.

A patent has been issued for the software and related technology used to diagnose melanoma, which develops when skin cells become abnormal and multiply, usually because of too much exposure to the sun.

Keith Lancaster, instructional assistant professor in the UH College of Technology, is working on the project with Zouridakis, helping to upgrade the software so it can handle the different diagnostic components. A longtime professional in the software industry before returning to academia to earn his Ph.D., Lancaster said his work involves “training” the software to allow it to make certain decisions after reading an image.

Zouridakis said the program is “an intersection” of engineering, physics, biology, computer science and medicine.

He received $50,000 in gap funding from the UH Division of Research to upgrade the software, part of a program the division instituted to help faculty inventors make the leap from an initial idea to commercialization.

Awards and Honors

INNOVATIONS FALL 2014

TECHNOLOGY PROFESSORS RECOGNIZED FOR TEACHING EXCELLENCE AT UH

(Left to right) Jerry Waite, Rupa Iyer, Gary Richardson, Mequanint Moges.

The University of Houston selected four College of Technology faculty members for the 2013-2014 University of Houston Teaching Excellence Award. Award winners Dr. Rupa Iyer, Dr. Mequanint Moges, Dr. Gary Richardson, and Dr. Jerry Waite accepted their awards during a ceremony at UH. “Outstanding teaching is an integral part of our mission and is deserving of significant recognition,” said Dean William Fitzgibbon. “I am extremely proud that all four have won university wide teaching awards this year. Each of these individuals is exceptional and the awards are well deserved.

They are very different individuals who work in diverse areas representing the intellectual breath of the College of Technology. Their awards are a testimony to excellent work that transpires in the College,” said Fitzgibbon.

The Teaching Excellence Awards are recognition and a monetary acknowledgement of the significant work that our faculty members devote to course planning and preparation; curriculum development; and innovative teaching, advising, and undergraduate mentoring.

INNOVATIONS FALL 2014

Awards and Honors

KOVACH WINS BEST PAPER AWARD AT INTERNATIONAL QUALITY ENGINEERING CONFERENCE

Dr. Jamison V. Kovach earned the Best Paper Award at the 1st International Conference on Quality Engineering and Management, which took place at the University of Minho in Guimarães Portugal, September 14-16. Co-authored by project management graduate student Erin M. Mitchell, the paper “Improving Supply Chain Information Sharing Using Design for Six Sigma,” examined ways to improve information sharing within supply chain operations for one marine transportation services organization.

Created this year, the Best Paper Award in Quality Engineering and Management is sponsored by the European Academy of Management and Business Economics (AEDEM) and the European Research on Management and Business Economics Journal (IEDEE).

Jamison V. Kovach is an associate professor in the Department of Information and Logistics Technology. She received her Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from Clemson University. Her industrial experience includes several years as a process improvement engineer in the U.S. textile industry. Dr. Kovach is certified in Six Sigma Black Belt training and directs the UH College of Technology Lean Six Sigma professional training program. Her research interests include investigating methods for improving

organizational performance, particularly in projects and non-routine processes. Dr. Kovach received the 2010 ASQ Feigenbaum Medal and was inducted into the International Academy for Quality in 2011. Her research in quality engineering and process improvement/redesign has been published in a wide variety of peer-reviewed journals and books.

Awards and Honors

INNOVATIONS FALL 2014

(Left to right) Gordon Taylor, Wajiha Shireen, Medhat El Nahas, Lu Gao, Raresh Pascali, Anderson Okonkwo

STUDENT EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNERS NAMED In celebration of their exceptional accomplishments, six individuals in the University of Houston College of Technology were recognized with awards for research, teaching, and service. Held on April 30, 2014, the awards program is made possible through the generosity of Baker Hughes and Fluor Corporation. Dean William Fitzgibbon presented the awards and acknowledged Baker Hughes and Fluor Corporation for their support and partnership.

Dean Fitzgibbon also expressed pride and appreciation for faculty, staff, and students who are dedicated to the advancement of innovative research, excellent teaching, and steadfast commitment to service.

Honored for his demonstration of scholarly contributions, Dr. Lu Gao received the Research Excellence Award. Within recent years, his work has secured more than $370,000 in research grants to support research in transportation infrastructure management, complex systems, pavement engineering, and information management. Dr. Gao is a principal investigator (PI) in a two-year Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) project, “A Study of Short Term Skid Improvements by Light Texturing with a Milling

Machine.” He recently completed another TxDOT funded project, “Managing the Transportation System,” as a CoPI. Dr. Gao has published in 17 highly reputed refereed publications and conference proceedings.

Dr. Wajiha Shireen was recognized with the Award for Exceptional Teaching, tenure-track. As the Coordinator of the Electrical Power Engineering Technology Program, Dr. Shireen plays a pivotal role by introducing new courses, securing funding for labs from the National Science Foundation and industry, and determining the focus of the undergraduate curriculum. She developed new undergraduate and graduate courses, serving as a well-regarded mentor and supporter of students as displayed by high-scoring teaching evaluations. Technical and pedagogical articles in top ranking national journals and conference proceedings complement her record of outstanding teaching.

As recipient of the Award for Service Excellence, Professor Raresh Pascali has played a major role in the near tripledigit enrollment growth of the Mechanical Engineering

INNOVATIONS FALL 2014

Technology Program. With his personal funds, Professor Pascali started and vested the first endowments for the program and for the University of Houston - Northwest Campus; created a dedicated engineering technology lab at the Northwest Campus, and developed and taught numerous courses. His implementation of a two-semester capstone course sequence has attracted significant involvement and funding from industry leaders such as FMC Technologies.

Pascali serves as a faculty advisor for the student chapters of the American Society for Mechanical Engineers, Marine Technology Society, Society of Automotive Engineers, the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology, and Tau Alpha Pi. As a member of the steering committee for the Shell Eco-Marathon America, he remains actively involved and contributes many hours of his personal time as an inspiring mentor to the students.

His service extends even farther as a member of the Advisory Committee for the Engineering Technology Program at Lone Star College-CyFair Campus, and the Energy and Manufacturing Technology Advisory Committee of the Lone Star College System.

Dr. Medhat El Nahas was honored with the Teaching Excellence Award as Instructional Assistant Professor in the Department of Engineering Technology. Since joining the department in 2007, Dr. El Nahas has demonstrated unparalleled enthusiasm and energy in his teaching a wide range of mechanical engineering topics at all levels. With a teaching philosophy that is a way of life, Dr. El Nahas establishes strong relationships with students in many ways. He learns and memorizes their names, maintains an open door policy to be available to them as much as possible, meets with all students individually to discuss their course progress and performance or concerns about the course materials, and even attends their association social activities.

His motivation is marked by excellent to exemplary evaluations and reviews that consistently mention his thoughtfulness. His active engagement with the development of the mechanical engineering technology curriculum has led to dedicated service on several graduate degree defense committees.

Dr. El Nahas introduces novel approaches for design project courses and serves an academic advisor who has inspired

Awards and Honors

several senior design teams. His collaboration with the oil and gas industry, especially the subsea engineering professionals, paves the way to sponsorships for senior design projects, funding for the mechanical engineering technology program, and internships.

The Department of Engineering Technology Laboratory Manager, Gordon Taylor, was recognized for his excellence as a staff member. Committed to insuring compliance with safety and environmental standards, Taylor responsibly and efficiently maintains the utilities, electrical equipment, and instrumentation - vital to students who are required to use the engineering technology labs. He assumes personal responsibility for managing the academic network component of the information technology server and conducts comprehensive training on BlackboardŽ and student assessment processes for all teaching and research assistants. Gordon’s knowledge of the College of Technology courses, syllabi, instructional materials, engineering software and laboratory experimentation procedures extends well beyond expectations and the call of duty.

Anderson Okonkwo’s passion, creativity, and dedication to research were recognized with the Graduate Student Excellence award. He served as a graduate research assistant in the Mechanical Engineering Technology Department, earning two Master of Science degrees in the College of Technology this spring - the M.S. in Mechanical Engineering Technology and the M.S. in Technology Project Management.

Okonkwo demonstrated an outstanding commitment to his work, which includes a uniquely impressive portfolio of 16 publications in addition to a patent. Anderson plans to continue his studies at the University of Houston by pursuing a Ph.D. in Materials Science.

PROFILE

INNOVATIONS FALL 2014

NEW FACULTY SPOTLIGHT: MEET DR. AHMED SENOUCI for onshore and offshore oil and gas pipelines, having developed performance models that optimize the lifetime planning of maintenance and rehabilitation of oil and gas pipelines.

His current research centers on asset management models for sustainable water infrastructures, where using the web as a platform will increase the effectiveness of organizational communication among various layers of management in the municipalities by accelerating decisionmaking processes.

Senouci has a proven record of accomplishment of research in sustainable construction materials and environmentally friendly solutions, such as replacing coarse and fine aggregates with recycled rubber tires, which ultimately will reduce the stockpiling and disposal of tires.

Dr. Ahmed Senouci joined the Construction Management Department this fall. Dr. Senouci earned his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison after receiving his M.S. in Construction Engineering and Management. In addition, he holds a M.S. in Structural Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a civil engineering degree from National Polytechnic School of Algiers, Algeria.

Prior to joining UH, Dr. Senouci served as Professor of Civil and Architectural Engineering at Doha, Qatar and held visiting professor positions at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois and Purdue University at Indianapolis. His teaching and research experience includes the University of Illinois, Ohio State University and Oregon State University.

Senouci has published in numerous industry journals.

Extensively experienced in optimization modeling, for the scheduling of construction projects, his paper, “Optimizing Post-Disaster Reconstruction Planning for Damaged Transportation Networks,” won the Best Journal Paper Award, published Journal of Construction Engineering and Management in 2010.

He is a noted expert in innovative asset management

His research interest in sustainable building and new “green materials” is continuing through exploration of nanotechnology-based materials such as carbon nanofibers and carbon nano-tubes in cementitious materials to improve their tensile strength and ductility. In 2011, the Qatar Foundation awarded a $901,000 grant to further his research in this area.

New to Texas and the University of Houston, Dr. Senouci looks forward to challenging students with projects that will focus on learning with hands on experience and design.

“My hope is to guide students in their acquiring deep knowledge of the construction aspects of steel design and to develop their understanding of the terminology that will improve their contributions to architectural and design teams,” said Dr. Senouci.

INNOVATIONS FALL 2014

PROFILE

PREPARING PROFESSIONALS TO MAKE MORE CREATIVE, INNOVATIVE, AND FORWARD-LOOKING DECISIONS Dr. Andy Hines is Foresight Graduate Program Coordinator and lecturer in the UH College of Technology Department of Human Development and Consumer Science.

A seasoned consultant, and organizational futurist, Dr. Hines brings a wealth of diverse experience including a role as Managing Director of Social Technologies/Innovaro, and as a partner with Coates & Jarratt, Inc., a think tank and consulting firm that specialized in the study of the future. In addition, he served as Futurist and Senior Ideation Leader at the Dow Chemical Company, using futures tools and knowledge to turn ideas into new business opportunities.

Before that, Hines established and ran the Global Trends Program for the Kellogg Company.

“The work that we are doing here in the University of Houston Foresight program is important. The world needs more foresight, and it is our job to help provide that,” said Hines. “Our big vision is that Foresight becomes a disseminated practice with widespread use. In the meantime, we will work toward making our program the premier training ground for professional futurists and for those seeking to meet future challenges in their lives and organizations.”

Dr. Hines completed his dissertation on “The Role of an Organizational Futurist in Integrating Foresight into Organizations” in 2012. He has authored five books: Teaching about the Future: The Basics of Foresight Education (Palgrave Macmillan, 2012); ConsumerShift: How Changing Values Are Reshaping the Consumer Landscape (No Limits Publishing, 2011); Thinking About the Future: Guidelines for Strategic Foresight (Social Technologies, 2007); 2025: Science and Technology Reshapes US and Global Society (Oak Hill, 1997); and Managing Your Future as an Association (ASAE, 1994).

Also, he has authored dozens of articles, speeches, and workshops, earning the 2003 Emerald Literati Awards’ Outstanding Paper accolade for best article published in Foresight for “An Audit for Organizational Futurists” and the 2008 award for “Scenarios: The State of the Art.” Hines has appeared on several radio and television programs, PBS Houston, KRIV-26 News, and the CBS “Early Show.” He also co-founded and served as Chair of the Association of Professional Futurists.

Connect with Dr. Hines at www.andyhinesight.com

PROFILE

INNOVATIONS FALL 2014

LOGISTICS AND TRANSPORTATION CENTER WELCOMES NEW DIRECTOR The College of Technology Center for Logistics and Transportation (CLTP) welcomed its new director, Professor Maria Burns, this fall.

Recognizing the University of Houston as a regional powerhouse that brings tremendous value to the industry, Burns said her attraction to UH and the College of Technology are the sustainable efforts of the leaders, faculty and staff, combined with academic excellence and handson experience that incorporates latest industry practices.

Multilingual, with global work experience in Europe and Americas, she has a proven record of accomplishment of building and retaining international clientele. “My relocation to Texas from Europe brought me to an unparalleled socioeconomic environment where corporate excellence appears to be the norm. Houston is the city of the future, and is becoming well known as a dynamic economic, energy, trade and transport capital of international appeal,” said Burns.

Inspired by founder Joy Lloyd, Burns envisions the Center of Logistics and Transportation Policy as a convergence between academia and the industry. Since her recent affiliation with the center, a number of federal research proposals have been submitted. “We need to establish a robust research environment as a means of contributing to the knowledge gap between the academia, public and private sectors,” said Burns.

In addition to research, Burns said that the center will address the critical needs for support of supply chain, transportation, and maritime industry partners by offering solutions that help boost productivity, eliminate waste and errors, and training for emergency response and regulatory compliance.

Burns is an Honorary Member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, and the author of “Port Management & Operations” (2014), and “Logistics and Transportation Security: A Strategic, Tactical and Operational Guide to Resilience” (in print).

She serves as chair of the Supply Chain Security subcommittee of the Transportation Research Board of National Academies, chair of education for the Houston Maritime Museum, and editor of the Journal of Transportation Security (Springer).

Burns is an active member of the American Society of Transportation and Logistics, the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, the International Association of Maritime Economists, and the Lone Star Safety Committee.

Before embarking on an academic career, Burns worked for major maritime corporations in Europe, and subsequently served as a senior trainer and certified auditor for the American Bureau of Shipping.

She has conducted training, audits and research pertaining to regulatory compliance, including maritime security (ISPS), safety (ISM), occupational health and safety (OSHA), environmental protection (ISO 14001, VGP) and quality (ISO 9001).

Extensively experienced in global trade and maritime transportation, Burns has developed numerous training materials and industry drills approved by the US Coast Guard/National Maritime Center and the American Bureau of Shipping. A strategic thinker in global business, her expertise includes hazardous materials, crisis management and emergency response, transportation economics, banking and asset finance, budget monitoring and controlling, legal and insurance principles, hub port operations and management, and ship broking. She has participated in FEMA and US Coast Guard Auxiliary tabletop exercises and emergency response drills for security, safety, environment and quality.

Maria earned a Master of Science (best dissertation award) in International Trade & Transport from the London Metropolitan University, while completing her doctoral research with Vrije University. Her PhD thesis investigates the interaction between economy and ecology in maritime industrial development areas.

“I firmly believe that a “hands-on leadership” approach will make our center unique as we help our students understand the industry, its working practices, technologies, regulations and methods,” she said.

ONE COLLEGE – A WORLD OF

OPPORTUNITIES

FACULTY AWARDS

INNOVATIONS FALL 2014

Associate Professor, Dr. Hutchins (right) and her colleague Dr. Lisa Penney are among the faculty involved in changing the dynamics for the university with a new $3.3 million grant from the National Science Foundation.

UH RECEIVES $3.3 MILLION GRANT TO PROMOTE WOMEN IN STEM FIELDS The University of Houston has received a $3.3 million grant from the National Science Foundation to increase the number of women faculty in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, as well as to ensure they have opportunities to move into leadership roles.

track STEM faculty at UH were women, many of those at the assistant professor level; 3 percent were women of color.

The increase of gender equity for women in the STEM academic workforce is important for the students as well as the faculty.

The five-year grant is part of the foundation’s ADVANCE program, which is intended to increase the number of women in academic science and engineering careers.

The University has established a Center for ADVANCING Faculty Success to oversee its goal of increasing female faculty recruitment in STEM fields, especially among women of color.

“It’s so important that our faculty is representative of our student body, and so faculty of color, women of color, that is something that we’re focusing on within the STEM faculty,” said Dr. Holly Hutchins.

Renu Khator, president of UH and chancellor of the University System, will serve as principal investigator on the grant. Co-investigators on the grant are Bonnie Dunbar, M.D. Anderson Professor of mechanical and biomedical engineering, director of the UH STEM Center and the aerospace engineering program; Joseph W. Tedesco, dean of the Cullen College of Engineering; Dan Wells, interim dean of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics; and Holly Hutchins, associate professor of human development and consumer sciences in the College of Technology. Paula Myrick Short, senior vice president for academic affairs and provost, will serve as director of the new center.

While Khator, a political scientist, and Short, an education policy expert, are both in STEM fields according to the NSF criteria and fill the two top academic positions on the UH campus, other senior leadership positions on campus are predominantly male. In fall 2012, when the grant application was prepared, 23 percent of tenured or tenure

“For the U.S. to remain competitive in technology, it’s important for us to have more people involved in STEM, and the big part of that initiative is attracting more women, and more women of color into STEM fields,” said Dr. Lisa Penney.

INNOVATIONS FALL 2014

PROGRAMS

EXECUTIVE HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAM WELCOMES INCOMING LEADERS OF CHANGE The University of Houston Executive Human Resource Development (ExHRD) Program welcomed eleven participants in the Fall 2014 cohort.

makes it unique. The primary delivery format is face-toface, using Blackboard Learn and Adobe ® Connect, which are well suited for business travelers.

These leaders of learning and change serve in various capacities across their organizations, with diverse professional backgrounds such as engineering, geology, tax management and human resources. Their employers are as varied as their backgrounds, including Conoco Phillips, Hess, Wood Group Mustang, Toshiba International, BPZ Energy, Applus RTD, Technip, Texas Children’s Hospital, Memorial Herman, Bechtel, and the Elliot Group.

The UH College of Technology at the main campus administers the program and classes are held at UH Sugar Land.

Recent graduate, Kolby Ivanhoe said, “The executive human resource development program strengthened my consulting skills. By doing that, it has helped me to serve clients better and to be considered a strategic HR partner and leadership expert.” Another graduate, Lisa Olmeda noted, “The UH staff is professional, dedicated and committed to the program. The wealth of information and the expertise are invaluable.”

The one-year experiential program includes 12 courses, emphasizing immediate workplace application, which

PROGRAMS

INNOVATIONS FALL 2014

PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY LECTURE FEATURES GLOBAL DEEP-WATER DEVELOPMENT EXPERT

Christopher Barton, Senior VP of Wood Group Mustang (left) and Jack Christiansen, Director of the UH Petroleum Technology Initiative

The University of Houston College of Technology welcomed 160 students, faculty, and alumni and 19 industry partners to the fall 2014 Petroleum Industry Expert event.

Graciously underwritten by Halliburton, the increasingly popular industry roundtable and networking dinner was held at the Hilton – University of Houston, October 29.

Featured speaker, Christopher Barton, global offshore business development senior vice president of Wood Group Mustang, presented an in-depth view of the petroleum industry, highlighting remarkable innovative engineering technologies that influence the success of deep and ultradeep water projects.

Barton’s interactive discussion with students extended their understanding of concepts and tools and the logic behind deep-water exploration and development.

The networking session table hosts included Halliburton,

Repsol, Marathon Oil, Wood Group MCS Kenny, 2H Offshore, Dril-Quip Inc., Premium Valves, FMC Technologies, PEMEX, Deloitte, Quest Offshore, and Stigant Enterprises Inc. Company representatives facilitated discussions ranging from project management and subsea equipment, to reservoir characterization, health, safety and security challenges, and social responsibility.

Since 2008, Halliburton has supported the college through highly valued events such as the lecture series, Camp RED, and through scholarships to students taking courses in the Petroleum Technology Initiative program, led by Jack Christiansen and Galina Sheridan.

INNOVATIONS FALL 2014

PROGRAMS

‘MATTRESS MACK’ ENCOURAGES STUDENTS TO BECOME ‘HASHTAG’ REMARKABLE

Jim McIngvale (left), successful Houston furniture entrepreneur shared his story and priceless wisdom with organizational leadership and supervision (OLS) class at the University of Houston, November 9. Dr. Jerry Evans, OLS professor, organized the event (right).

Jim McIngvale, founder and owner of Gallery Furniture, has not taken his extraordinary business success for granted.

His calling to the retail business began about 35 years ago when he worked as a bagger at a grocery store, making only $3 per hour before moving on to work at a small furniture store in Dallas. McIngvale said, “I found out that I was good at selling and realized that it is all about keeping promises and being transparent to customers.”

inspired the UH students. The common theme among his stories included his personal encounters with unassuming heroes - individuals who proved to have lives built for others, and overcomers who have met challenges by learning how to fight, amid setbacks.

His experiences led to an eventual move to Houston in the early 80’s with what he calls an unfair advantage called desire, mixed with persistence. McIngvale’s determination to make a difference is the impetus for his hard work, commitment, and dedication to customers. “Today Gallery Furniture exists to deliver made in America furniture and provide jobs in retailing, logistics, manufacturing, and exporting. With our customers there are no guarantees (about their satisfaction) unless you become known as “hashtag” remarkable because of the promises you keep,” McIngvale explained.

•

His talk was packed with sage advice and wisdom, cleverly interspersed with remarkable stories that entertained and

McIngvale’s reflections bore encouraging tips for the OLS students and aspiring leaders:

• • • • • •

It is necessary to develop great people skills, regardless of the business.

Find your passion.

By landing a job that you like, you will never have to work a day in your life.

In the spirit of lifelong learning, evaluate what you are doing today to get better.

Embrace technology.

Be open to change that makes a difference.

Aim to become known as extraordinary – #remarkable

PROGRAM

INNOVATIONS FALL 2014

SUPPLY CHAIN AND LOGISTICS ENTREPRENEUR SHARES EXPERIENCE Distinguished entrepreneur, Paul Broussard, (BBA ‘66), is president of Broussard Logistics, captivated students with the history of logistics in Houston during a talk on Thursday, November 6, at the University of Houston College of Technology. Broussard’s fascinating 40-year career started in the 70’s during the highpoint of the Texas oil boom—a period of robust construction and energetic economic growth. It was then that Paul and his cousin, Steve Broussard, Vice President, discovered a market niche in third-party logistics.

“At that time, most of the regional companies were uninformed about in-house transportation and logistics,” said Broussard. Broussard’s intuition, knowledge, and transportation industry expertise drove his commitment to solve the challenges of moving equipment and products and managing freight more efficiently.

Through the years, the business flourished as they realized the significance of focusing on customer needs by offering tailor-made solutions. Their knowledge and buying advantage helped clients to minimize costs and become more

competitive. Broussard Logistics has since expanded into Illinois, Tennessee, and Georgia. A Broussard business unit (BTS) was re-branded as Freight Cowboy, with tremendous commercial success.

“The College of Technology is grateful for Paul Broussard and his leadership and willingness to share his in-depth industry experience with the College of Technology students,” said Maria Burns who directs the Center for Logistics and Transportation Policy.

ALUMNI

INNOVATIONS FALL 2014

TECHNOLOGY ALUMNI RANK AMONG INAUGURAL COUGAR 100 A new program that acknowledges and celebrates the successes of University of Houston Cougar owned and Cougar led businesses, Cougar 100 recognized four College of Technology alumni who are listed among the top companies.

S&V Surveying, Inc. (B.S., Civil Engineering Technology ’72).

The honorees include Joseph Dorsey, Triad Retail Construction, Inc. (B.S., Mapping Technology/Construction Management ’94); Jose Lara, JR2 Energy Services, Inc. (B.S., Electrical Power Engineering Technology ’84); CV Rao, TechOne Centre, (B.S., Technology ’86); and Keith Steffek,

All of the 100 Cougar owned businesses were featured in the Houston Business Journal, November 8, 2014.

The most outstanding businesses owned or led by high achieving UH alumni were recognized during the Cougar 100 Awards luncheon, November 6.

For more information, please contact Bob Leaumont at cougar100@uh.edu or 713.743.9558.

INNOVATIONS FALL 2014

ALUMNI

ALUMNUS AMANDA HEATH NAMED OUTSTANDING ALUMNI ASSOCIATION VOLUNTEER

College of Technology alumnus, Amanda Heath, won the Outstanding Volunteer Award, which was announced during the University Alumni Association 60th Annual Awards Gala, April 26, 2014.

Amanda graduated in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Distribution from the College of Technology.

While at UH, she was secretary of the Student Industrial Distribution Organization (SIDO) and was named their student of the year in 2002. In 2008, she graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with a Master’s in Business Administration focusing on Marketing and International Business.

Amanda became an Alumni Association Life Member in 2008 and has been a member of Cougar Pride since 2011. An avid UH Athletics fan, she has been and a season ticket holder football (since 2011), baseball (since 2014) and volleyball (since 2011).

Her service began as a member of the Dallas Alumni Association board in 2008. Amanda worked with them organizing watch parties and networking events and annual golf tournament. She found it to be an excellent way to meet other alumni who expressed the same interests and UH pride. “I just really loved it and the people wanted to get more involved. Then I moved back to Houston and there were just so many more opportunities,” she said.

Upon moving home to Houston in 2011, she joined the College of Technology Alumni Association board, serving as vice president from 2012-2013 year before becoming the group’s current president.

Amanda also enjoys helping other alumni groups. Since 2011, she has volunteered with Cougar Athletic Alliance at their annual golf tournament and has been an active committee member with Cougar Power Hour. She has volunteered for many other UHAA related events such as the annual poker tournament, the alumni gala, graduation receptions, football road trips and golf tournaments.

Since 2002, Amanda has worked for Stewart & Stevenson, a manufacturer and provider of specialized equipment and aftermarket parts and service for the oil and gas and other industries. She started her career in the purchasing department and moved into various roles in the sales department. She currently works as the Marketing and Events Manager.

“My main motivation for being involved is to give back.

Because of my earning a degree at the University of Houston, I have a great career and my volunteer work with the TAA is a way of saying thank you. In addition, I really enjoy the people I get to work with and be around, as well as networking. “Honestly it’s just really fun and does not ever feel like work.”

GIVING

INNOVATIONS FALL 2014

Pictured left to right, back row — John Hayward, Daniel Cassler, Robert Dennen, Can Le Pictured left to right, front row — Woodrow Pennington, Kate Long, Jean Pierce, Dr. Jerry Waite

PACKAGING PROFESSIONALS DONATE TEXTBOOKS FOR NEW DIGITAL MEDIA COURSE Members of the Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP) in Texas have donated 15 copies of Fundamentals of Packaging Technology for use by University of Houston students. The donation supports a newly established packaging technology emphasis in the College of Technology’s Digital Media program.

A globally recognized definitive resource on packaging technology, Fundamentals of Packaging Technology is the basis for IoPP’s Certified Packaging Professional (CPP) Exam. Many major universities require this particular classroom packaging technology textbook, which costs about $300.

During a recent meeting with members of IoPP’s Gulf Coast Chapter, University of Houston Visiting Professor, Jean Pierce, explained the new UH Digital Media Packaging area of emphasis and the College of Technology’s vision to create a minor in packaging. In addition, Pierce related that UH ranks fourth in the nation as one of the 12 top colleges where students get the best bang for their buck. “Based on the university’s commitment and ongoing objective to help offset skyrocketing student debt, this generous donation makes this valuable resource easily accessible to all students,” said Professor Pierce.

“Most people think of “packaging” as pretty graphics on a box, without considering all of the elements inside or how the product will be protected during shipping,” said Pierce. “My goal is to expose the students to a much

broader perspective. Students will learn to create positive experiences for customers and get an overview of this complex industry. I am looking forward to the opportunity to educate Houston’s future workforce about smartly designed eco-friendly packages that support business goals, logistics processes and specifications for shipments.

The IoPP’s support is an integral part of developing this program,” she said.

According to Mike Eastman, Regional Vice President of the IoPP, “IoPP Chapters in Houston and Dallas/Fort Worth see this gift as supporting the UH cost containment objective and it supports future packaging professionals by giving them the best opportunity to be prepared for jobs when they graduate.”

John Hayward, Gulf Coast Chapter President (Houston), and Brendon Quick, Tejas Chapter President (Dallas/Fort Worth), have also pledged ongoing support for the new program.

The Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP) is the leading individual membership organization serving the educational needs of the packaging community.

INNOVATIONS FALL 2014

GIVING

CHANGING THE WORLD THROUGH PHILANTHROPY Paul and Barbara Frison meet scholarship recipient, Lawrence Dang, for the first time.

As the cost of a college education continues to rise, offering scholarship support has become one of the main ways to attract and retain the best and brightest students to the University of Houston, the College of Technology and its programs.

The College recognized the generosity of donors who make it a priority to support students through scholarships during a luncheon on November 4. Students who received scholarships for the 2014-2015 terms were excited about making a personal connection with their supporters for the first time.

Dassalee Richardson, a supply chain and logistics technology major, balances her studies with a full-time position at ExxonMobil. “The philanthropy awards luncheon was inspiring and provided an opportunity for me to network with peers from the College of Technology and to express my appreciation and gratitude for my scholarship. I enjoyed meeting several professors and learned about the other scholarship opportunities,” Dassalee said.

The Technology Philanthropy Awards are where scholarship funds touch and transform students’ lives by providing hope and inspiration. “Our college is fortunate to have donors of all levels who recognize the importance of scholarships.

Many times, the opportunity to receive a scholarship is the deciding factor for an incoming or transfer student in selecting UH over another institution,” said Dean William E. Fitzgibbon. “Sometimes, the scholarship award is what allows the student to continue his or her coursework without interruption or distraction. I am deeply grateful for the generosity of Paul and Barbara Frison,” said Dean Fitzgibbon.

Featured speakers for the awards luncheon, Paul and Barbara Frison, humbly shared their story about what

moved them to create scholarship opportunities for UH College of Technology students. The Barbara and Paul Frison Scholarship, which was started in 2005, evolved from their empathy for students who have a great need for financial assistance, while dealing with the challenges of working and going to college full-time. “We realized that life is now very different from when we went to college,” said Barbara Frison. “I can not imagine being required to work and go to school full-time, and being expected to make the best grades,” said Barbara, who reminisced about her experience as a typical student at the University of California Berkeley in the 60’s.

The Frisons have supported nine different students with scholarships throughout the years. Like all of the other scholarship donors, the Frisons look forward to meeting the students and learning more about their families, and life goals. “Several have launched rewarding careers, which makes us proud. Each student has demonstrated the qualities and character of a winner,” said Paul Frison.

The Paul and Barbara Frison Scholarship recipient, Lawrence Dang, expressed newfound inspiration after meeting the Frisons. “The Frisons are truly inspiring people because they are kind, selfless, and generous. I am very happy that I am the recipient of their scholarship, and I will do everything in my power to pay it forward,” Lawrence said.

ONE COLLEGE – A WORLD OF

OPPORTUNITIES

INNOVATIONS FALL 2014

GIVING

PERRY HOMES SCHOLARSHIP FUND ESTABLISHED

Left to right - Michael C. Brisch, Executive Vice President General Counsel, Wendy Melchor, Vice President Human Resources, William Fitzgibbon, Dean, UH College of Technology

The University of Houston College of Technology has established a scholarship, funded by Perry Homes, for Construction Management majors.

The award is based on both academic merit and financial need and funds can be used to cover expenses for tuition, books, fees, and supplies for the coming academic semester. The recipient can accept other scholarships and grants in conjunction with the Perry Homes Scholarship.

Applicants for the scholarship must be from the Houston area, although Texas residents will be considered if no qualified applicants are recognized. Students should have an interest in new home construction and must display leadership qualities determined by the College of Technology Scholarship Committee.

University of Houston College of Technology 300 Technology Building Houston, TX 77204 -4021