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Education News
HISD Celebrates Community Volunteers at 53rd Annual VIPS Awards Ceremony
HISD recently hosted its 53rd annual Volunteers in Public Schools (VIPS) Awards Ceremony to honor the contributions of volunteers from various sectors within the community. The event, which took place on April 25, saw a gathering of volunteers including parents, teachers, community members, and students who were recognized for their dedication and service.Najah Callander, Senior Executive Director of External Engagement with HISD’s Family and Community Engagement Department, emphasized the significance of volunteers in HISD schools, stating, “Volunteers are so important...
2024 UH Faculty Awards Recognize Teaching, Research, Service
The University of Houston recently honored its outstanding faculty members at the 2024 Faculty Awards ceremony, acknowledging their dedication to teaching, research, and service. The event celebrated the achievements of educators who have made significant contributions to the university and the community.One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the Esther Farfel Award, the highest faculty honor at UH, to Zhifeng Ren, the Paul C. W. Chu and May P. Chern Endowed Chair in Condensed Matter Physics. Ren expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating,...
Latest News
Treatment for Deadly Superbug C. diff May Be Weakening
By Houston Daily | Apr 25, 2024
The antibiotic vancomycin, recommended as first-line treatment for infection caused by the deadly superbug C. difficile (C. diff), may not be living up to its promise, according to new research from the University of Houston College of Pharmacy."Despite the increasing prevalence of data showing reduced effectiveness of vancomycin, there is a significant lack of understanding regarding whether antimicrobial resistance to these strains may affect the clinical response to vancomycin therapy," reports Anne J. Gonzales-Luna, research assistant professor in the Department of...
Sustainable Clean Future Possible with Innovative High-Energy-Density Capacitors
By Houston Daily | Apr 24, 2024
In a recent breakthrough, a multi-university research team, including experts from the University of Houston, Jackson State University, and Howard University, has made significant strides in capacitor technology. The team's innovative work has led to the development of a new type of flexible high-energy-density capacitor, holding great promise for various industries.Capacitors are crucial components in electronic devices and energy storage systems, known for their ability to discharge high amounts of energy quickly. Alamgir Karim, a prominent figure in the research team,...
UH Wins National Wheelchair Tennis Championship
By Houston Daily | Apr 23, 2024
The University of Houston celebrated a historic victory at the 2024 ITA National Wheelchair Tennis Championships, emerging as the national champions in collegiate wheelchair tennis. The triumph came after a thrilling showdown against No. 1 San Diego State, where the No. 3 Cougars displayed exceptional skill and teamwork to claim their first wheelchair tennis national title.Leading the charge for UH were Jose Arriaga and Nicholas Tijerina, who secured the championship with a stellar performance. Arriaga sealed the victory with a hard-fought singles match, while the duo...
HISD to Host May Campus Hiring Events for NES and Non-NES Positions
By Houston Daily | Apr 23, 2024
The HISD Teacher Recruitment and Selection Team is gearing up to host a Campus Hiring Event on May 4th, giving K-12 educators the opportunity to learn about the work underway at Team HISD. The event will take place at two locations: Delmar Fieldhouse for non-NES positions and Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center for NES positions.According to the announcement, starting teacher salaries vary depending on the school level and designation. For non-NES schools, the starting salary is $64,000, while NES schools offer higher salaries, ranging from $75,435 for elementary...
Life Goals and Their Changes Drive Success
By Houston Daily | Apr 22, 2024
The existence of high prestige and education goals, as well as their positive development, can drive success. A study conducted by the University of Houston reveals that the evolution of life goals from adolescence to young adulthood plays a significant role in shaping future outcomes. Associate professor of psychology at the University of Houston, Rodica Damian, emphasizes the importance of life goals, stating, "Life goals are expected to change over time and these changes are expected to have consequences for future life outcomes, including occupational outcomes."The...
Energy and Sustainability Department Launches Zero-Waste Initiative at HISD
By Houston Daily | Apr 19, 2024
HISD’s Energy and Sustainability Department is making strides towards a waste-free future with its collaborative Zero-Waste Initiative. Analyst Stephanie Walker and her team have been working diligently to educate and inspire teachers and administrators across HISD campuses."The initiation of the zero-waste program at HISD was inspired by the District’s commitment to environmental stewardship," stated Walker. "We aim to achieve several key goals throughout this initiative, including reducing the amount of waste sent to the landfills, minimizing the District’s...
Texas Music Festival Announces 33rd Season at the University of Houston
By Houston Daily | Apr 18, 2024
The Immanuel and Helen Olshan Texas Music Festival is set to return for its 33rd season at the University of Houston's Moores School of Music from June 4 to June 22, 2024. The festival, a platform for classical and jazz music, promises intensive musical training for aspiring musicians and over 25 public performances for the community to enjoy.Highlighted in the 2024 season are performances by acclaimed artists such as the Formosa Quartet, pianists Kenny Broberg, William Wolfram, and Vadym Kholodenko, who will grace the stage alongside the Festival Orchestra and Festival...
Kaushik Rajashekara Elected International Fellow of the Engineering Academy of Japan
By Houston Daily | Apr 18, 2024
Kaushik Rajashekara, a Distinguished Professor of Engineering at the University of Houston Cullen College of Engineering, has been elected as an International Fellow of the Engineering Academy of Japan. He is being recognized for his significant contributions to power conversion and the electrification of transportation.According to the academy, Rajashekara's election as an International Fellow is in honor of his outstanding scientific research and technical developments in the field of energy, focusing on promoting greater efficiency and environmental security for energy...
Pradeep Sharma Wins PNAS Cozzarelli Prize for Paper on Musical Perception
By Houston Daily | Apr 17, 2024
Pradeep Sharma, the Hugh Roy and Lillie Cranz Cullen Distinguished University Professor of Mechanical Engineering and interim dean of the Cullen College of Engineering, has been awarded the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) 2023 Cozzarelli Prize for his groundbreaking paper on musical perception.Sharma's paper, titled "A minimal physics-based model for musical perception," delves into the intricate world of musical perception and seeks to answer the question of why some individuals have a superior ability to hear music compared to others. The paper...
HISD’s Counseling Department Hosts Virtual Career Information Sessions
By Houston Daily | Apr 17, 2024
HISD’s Counseling Department is hosting two virtual Career Information Sessions for those interested in becoming a school counselor in the District. The sessions are scheduled to take place on Tuesday, April 30, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., and on Tuesday, May 21, from 4 to 5 p.m.According to the HISD’s Counseling Department, the sessions will provide crucial information on various aspects related to the career path, including the recruitment and selection process, eligibility requirements, compensation, and benefits. In the words of the department, "Sessions will include...
Nourishing Hope and Success: Cougar Cupboard Expands to Meet Growing Demand
By Houston Daily | Apr 16, 2024
In January 2020, the Cougar Cupboard first opened its doors at the University of Houston to address food insecurity among students. The program manager, Jessica Haney, reflects on the rapid growth of the initiative, stating, “We went from a few hundred visits per semester to a few thousand visits and gradually took over some offices, but we just couldn’t expand that space any further.”With a 1900% increase in usage from Fall 2020 to Spring 2023, the Cougar Cupboard initiated a search for a new, larger space. Now, after nearly a year, the cupboard is moving to University...
HISD students showcase creativity in 37th Annual Art Car Parade
By Houston Daily | Apr 16, 2024
Students from 26 HISD campuses recently participated in the 37th Annual Art Car Parade in Houston, showcasing their creative talents to the community. The event, which had been canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic, saw students collaborating to design and build unique Art Cars that wowed spectators along the parade route.One of the participating schools, Parker Elementary School, took inspiration from NASA astronaut Shannon Walker for their space-themed Art Car. Art teacher Julie Dickinson shared, “Projects like Art Car have tremendous value in the lives of all people,...
UH’s Mielad Ziaee Named 2024 Truman Scholar
By Houston Daily | Apr 15, 2024
Student Mielad Ziaee has been named the 2024 Truman Scholar from the University of Houston, making him just the third recipient of this prestigious scholarship from the institution. Ziaee's dedication to public service and academic excellence has earned him this esteemed recognition.Ziaee expressed his enthusiasm about the opportunities that come with the Truman Scholarship, stating, “I’m excited to engage with changemakers, stakeholders, and leaders at all levels of public service—to both learn new topics and continue to grow my expertise in others.” He also highlighted...
Trucking Along, Living the Sweet Life
By Houston Daily | Apr 15, 2024
Kayce Ekpenike, a sophomore at the University of Houston, is defying the norm by successfully running her own business, Funnelocity Gourmet Funnel Cakes, alongside her academic pursuits. When asked how she manages it all, Ekpenike humorously admits, “That’s a great question. I’m still figuring that out now.”Ekpenike's journey into the world of funnel cakes stems from her childhood memories in Louisiana. Recalling her early experiences with fairground funnel cakes, she remarked, “They were mediocre... They were small and crispy. But they were sweet, and I was young, so I...
University of Houston Lands 18 Programs in Latest QS World University Rankings
By Houston Daily | Apr 11, 2024
The University of Houston has once again proven its global standing with 18 programs ranking among the top in the world, as per the 2024 edition of the QS World University Rankings by Subject. The rankings were released today by QS Quacquarelli Symonds.Among the highlighted programs, UH’s hospitality programs at the Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership secured a world rank of No. 35, while the petroleum engineering program in the Cullen College of Engineering also made its mark by ranking in the top 100 worldwide (51-100).Diane Z. Chase, senior vice...
HISD to Host Campus Hiring Event April 20
By Houston Daily | Apr 11, 2024
The HISD Teacher Recruitment and Selection Team is gearing up to host a Campus Hiring Event on April 20, as announced by the organization. Educators from kindergarten to 12th grade are encouraged to attend the event at Delmar Fieldhouse in Houston, Texas, to learn more about the opportunities available within Team HISD.According to the event details, starting teacher salaries vary based on school levels and whether they are at Non-NES or NES schools. For Non-NES schools, the starting salary is $64,000, while NES schools offer different rates: $75,435 for Elementary,...
University of Houston and Scotland’s Heriot-Watt University Forge Strategic Energy Alliance
By Houston Daily | Apr 11, 2024
The University of Houston (UH) and Scotland’s Heriot-Watt University (HWU) have formalized a strategic partnership aimed at fostering global collaboration in education, research, and innovation in the energy sector and beyond. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between the two institutions marks the beginning of a joint effort to address pressing energy challenges and drive sustainable innovation on a global scale.Ramanan Krishnamoorti, vice president for energy and innovation at UH, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "I am thrilled to...
UH College of Pharmacy Researcher Examines Trends in Rising Cost of Medicine
By Houston Daily | Apr 10, 2024
Newly published research from the University of Houston College of Pharmacy sheds light on the alarming rise in prescription drug costs, particularly in diabetic medications. According to the study, diabetic medications, including insulin, have been leading the surge in prescription drug prices in the U.S.The research, led by Tyler Varisco, assistant professor of Pharmaceutical Health Outcomes and Policy at the University of Houston, highlighted the concerning trend in diabetic medication expenditures. Varisco, along with Whanhui Chi, a second-year doctoral student in...