This is the 12th in the second series of informal profiles of UNCA's many noted faculty scholars. Written by John Stevens, chief research officer, each of the weekly profiles will highlight the scholarly accomplishments and interests of faculty colleagues. We hope that you will find these profiles of interest as we celebrate the intellectual vigor that is at work on our campus.

Dr. Lothar A. Dohse

Lothar A. Dohse
Lothar (Till) Dohse is Professor of Mathematics and past Chair of the Department. Till has a background in Ecology and Mathematics and has published articles in both disciplines. His expertise is mathematical modeling and his present interests focus on the visualization and applications of information technology to communication and education. More recently he has developed a distance learning introductory statistics course for use on the Internet. He also prepares the annual  "Community Progress Report," a statistical summary of the social health of the county, that is published in the Asheville Citizen-Times in May of each year. Being German, Till periodically travels back to Europe during the summer months. Before coming to UNCA Till had spent a couple of years at the Universite Laval in Quebec and also worked as a software engineer for IBM.

-- John G. Stevens

THIS WEEK

Monday, December 8
Finals begin

Biology Club Coffee and Bake Sale, 7:30 a.m.-noon, Rhoades-Robinson Lobby

Exam Program: Free chair massages, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Dining Hall, Ramsey Library and Zageir Hall Lobby

Art Exhibition Opening Reception: "Stratosphere," ceramics by B.F.A. candidate Kelsey Wheeler, 6-8 p.m., University Gallery, first floor of Owen Hall

Late Night Exam Breakfast, 8:15-10:45 p.m., Dining Hall

Tuesday, December 9
Biology Club Coffee and Bake Sale, 7:30 a.m.-noon, Rhoades-Robinson Lobby

Exam Cram: Free hot chocolate, coffee and chair massages, 8 p.m.-midnight, Ramsey Library

Wednesday, December 10
Chancellor's Holiday Open House, 3-8 p.m., Chancellor's Residence, 62 Macon Ave. (see Coming Up)

Faculty Meeting, 4 p.m., Humanities Lecture Hall

Exam Program: Relax and play with dogs, 6-8 p.m., 242 Dining Hall

Exam Jam: Study break and music jam, 8-10 p.m., Dining Hall

Thursday, December 11
Exam Wham: Jousting, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Reed Plaza

Friday, December 12
Finals end

Saturday, December 13
December Graduation Ceremony and Reception, 2 p.m., Lipinsky Auditorium

Sunday, December 14
Men's basketball vs. Furman, 2 p.m., Justice Center, $6

Monday, December 15
Annual Employees' Holiday Luncheon, 11:30 a.m., Dining Hall

CSAC Meeting, 2 p.m., 242 Dining Hall

COMING UP

Chancellor's Holiday Open House
Chancellor and Mari Mullen will host a holiday open house from 3-8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, at the Chancellor's Residence, 62 Macon Ave. Because parking is very limited at the residence, faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to use the shuttle vans, which will make round trips from the Dining Hall to the residence. Please call 232-5112 to RSVP. Questions? Call the Chancellor's Office at 251-6500. 

Annual Holiday Luncheon
The annual UNCA Holiday Luncheon will be held at 11:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 15, in the Dining Hall. A free traditional holiday meal will be served to UNCA employees; a $5 fee will be applied to each guest. A highlight of the program will be the announcement of the 2003 Distinguished Staff Member of the Year. Please plan to bring new unwrapped mittens, hats and scarves to donate to Hearts with Hands Koats 4 Kids program. RSVP to Human Resources, CPO 1450 by Friday, Dec. 5.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Summer Science Program in England
UNCA will conduct a summer comparative science education program in England from June 30-July 27, 2004. The program is held in cooperation with the University of Bath Department of Education. Anyone who is or has been involved with K-12 science education is eligible. The $2,500 fee covers tuition, ground transportation and private housing on the University of Bath campus. Registration will remain open until the course is filled, but participants are encouraged to register prior to February 1, 2004. For more information or to enroll, contact Dr. Gary Miller at 232-5184.

WNC Weather Calendar Available for Reduced Rate
The 2004 WNC Weather Calendar, produced by the Atmospheric Sciences Department, is available to faculty and staff for the reduced rate of $3. To purchase a copy, stop by 236B Rhoades-Robinson Hall or mail your check made payable to "weather calendar" to Dr. Alex Huang, ATMS, CPO 2450.

Headwaters Seeking Submissions
Headwaters, UNCA's creative arts magazine, is accepting submissions of creative writing, art and music from faculty and staff until December 12. Submission forms are available online.

Employment Opportunities
Click on the Human Resources job opportunities Web site for complete employment information. Questions? Call Joy Thurman at 251-6605.

Processing Assistant IV Office Manager in Auxiliary Services, Bookstore
Starting salary: $19,626-$24,000
Closing date: December 8

University Residence Administrator I in Housing & Residence Life
Starting salary: $22,037-$23,108
Closing date: 12/10/03

Administrative Secretary III in Facilities Management & Planning
Starting salary: $22,037-$25,000
Closing date: 12/11/03

Energy Tip
Inspect your home's weather-stripping and caulking. If it is cracked or deteriorated, replace or repair it. Questions? Call Lisa Belcher at 232-5031.

Safety Tip
When purchasing an artificial Christmas tree, look for one marked "fire resistant." Although this does not mean that the tree will not catch on fire, it does indicate that the tree will resist burning and should extinguish quickly. Questions? Call Reggie Goble at 251-6038.

ART EXHIBITIONS

On view December 8-18 at University Gallery, first floor of Owen Hall: "Stratosphere," ceramic vessels by B.F.A. candidate Kelsey Wheeler

On view December 12-23 at the Center for Craft, Creativity & Design: 2004 public art proposals for the Perry N. Rudnick Nature Trail

On view through December 31 at Adorn Salon & Boutique: "Angels and Insects," photographs by UNCA seniors Luke Withrow and Jacob Levinson

On view through January 30 at Blowers Gallery, main floor of Ramsey Library: "Visualism," mixed media paintings by UNCA alumnus Mark McDiarmid