June 2013: UANews Month in Review

La Monica Everett-Haynes
June 28, 2013

The first full month of summer does not mean the UA is dormant.

Among other things, summer courses are in session, research continues, museums and galleries remain open, new student orientation is underway and the news continues.

Also, the University had made some major administrative hires, has gained national attention for the success of academic and athletics programs and is responding to nationwide charges in ares that include training and product development.

Check out some of the month's news at the UA, featured at UANews.org:

UA Surgeons Implant Southern Arizona’s First HVAD Pump

Graciela Uribe (below, right) this year became the first patient in Southern Arizona to receive a HeartWare HVAD Pump, a new-generation, smaller ventricular-assist device used as a bridge to transplant. The tiny device pumps blood for her heart as she awaits a heart transplant. The pump was implanted by the cardiothoracic surgery team led by Dr. Zain Khalpey, an associate professor in the University of Arizona Department of Surgery Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery.

150 Feet Below: Into the San Xavier Mining Laboratory

As you leave the Tucson sunshine and walk down into the shadowy depths of the San Xavier Mining Laboratory, an education and research project under the Lowell Institute for Mineral Resources, it’s hard to believe you’re entering one of the most unique learning labs in the nation. But here amid the dust and stone and heavy machinery, tomorrow’s top mining engineers are literally drilling deep into their field.

UA Research Determines Feasibility of Newborn Screening in Tucson

Research by UA medical student Lucy Han finds that implementing recommended pulse oximetry screening guidelines is feasible at Tucson’s elevation. A recent simple pulse oximetry test revealed a potentially life-threatening critical congenital heart defect in a newborn that was surgically repaired at The University of Arizona Medical Center-University Campus.

UA One of Only Eight Institutions Selected for Nationwide STEM Initiative

The Association of American Universities has named the UA as one of only eight U.S. institutions funded under a nation-wide initiative designed to improve STEM education. Under the initiative, the UA has established the UA AAU STEM Project, a comprehensive, interdisciplinary effort that significantly will expand STEM-related collaborative enterprises, curricula and funding opportunities.

Alumnus Wants to Mass Produce Indestructible Smartphone Case

You've got to see this – UA alumnus Kurt Ludwigsen climbs into a Dodge Ram, then proceeds to drive over a smartphone protected by a case he and his colleagues are developing. All the while, the phone records video. The sound of a squeaky, rubbery squish, coupled with the striking camera image as the two right tires roll over the phone, is astonishing. As the truck rolls by, the camera keeps rolling, with no disruption or distortion.

Brigetta Barrett Named Pac-12 Woman of the Year

Brigetta Barrett is now the Pac-12's candidate for the NCAA Woman of the Year, presented annually to graduating student-athletes who have distinguished themselves throughout their collegiate careers in the areas of academic achievement, athletics excellence, community service and leadership.

Astronomers Gear Up to Discover Earth-Like Planets

As part of an international team of exoplanets hunters, astronomers at the UA are developing a technique to detect faint dust clouds around other stars, many of which might hide Earth-like planets.

(Image: ESA, NASA and L. Calcada/ESO for STScI)

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