houston public radio

Wednesday, November 19, 2008
by: Marisa Ramirez

"Research" may have a scholarly sound to it, but undergraduates at the University of Houston can dip their toe into it as part of the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship. One student's path led to a treasure trove of Houston history. Hear about it in today's UH Moment.

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Ronnie Turner is a sports fan and a sportswriter, and this year he discovered he also is a researcher. Turner participated in the University of Houston Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF), an intensive, full-time, 10-week summer program designed to cultivate research skills. He started with a love of history. He ended up with a passion for it.

"You've heard of Jesse Jones? He's known as 'Mr. Houston,'" Turner said. "If you ask 10 people who Quentin Mease is you'll be lucky if one knows. He's the Other Mr. Houston."

Turner was paired with faculty mentor Professor Orson Cook, who guided Turner's research process and fueled his research passion.

Mease is a living part of Houston's history. He played a critical role in desegregating Houston. Turner found him in his Third Ward home, and the research began. He told Ronnie of his role in negotiating African American support that led to the Astrodome's construction, and of his South Central YMCA, critically important during desegregation.

"He did a lot of things to push desegregation and to bring together important people in the white community and important people in the black community by using his YMCA to do that."

As part of the SURF requirements, Turner had to visually compile his information for a special display of undergraduate research. But Turner says his research won't stop there because he's found so much more to tell.

The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship is part of what's happening at the University of Houston.

Telling the stories of the University of Houston, this UH Moment is brought to you by KUHF, listener supported radio from the University of Houston.

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UH Moment is a weekly feature heard Wednesdays at 7:49 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Each week, you'll hear students, faculty and administrators telling stories of the innovative research, programs and successes that make up the story of the University of Houston.

UH Moment is written by the staff of University Communication and voiced by Marisa Ramirez, a UH alum. The program is produced by Paul Franklin, audio specialist for KUHF.

The music that introduces the segment is the original work of Brad Sayles, composer and KUHF Senior Recording Engineer. Brad is the 2003 and 2007 first laureate of the Louisa Stude Sarofim Composition Competition for his chamber suite New England Journey and his dramatic voice and chamber ensemble piece The Lily. He's also a UH alum.

UH Moment: "Blaffer Gallery, the Art Museum of the University of Houston"

November 12, 2008
by: Marisa Ramirez

Tiny and tucked away on the campus of the University of Houston, the Blaffer Gallery has hosted artists big and small; famous and infamous. Hear about it in the UH Moment.
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UH Moment: "President Renu Khator and the Tier One Status"

Wednesday, November 5, 2008
by: Marisa Ramirez

The University of Houston System may be preparing to officially install Dr. Renu Khator as its Chancellor and UH President, but the work towards an ambitious goal for UH has already begun. Listen for more in this week's UH Moment.
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UH Moment: "UH Center for Public History"

Wednesday, October 29, 2008
by: Marisa Ramirez

Each Houston creates another page of history. With every headline we hear, another chapter is written. The University of Houston Center for Public History has been a steward of that history — chronicling, researching and teaching. Hear about it in today's UH Moment.
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UH Moment: "Heart Research"

Wednesday, October 22, 2008
by: Marisa Ramirez

Patients on transplant lists to receive donor hearts can spend the rest of their lives waiting. Research at the University of Houston, in partnership with the Texas Medical Center, could yield a life-saving bridge to such a transplant. Find out more in today's UH Moment. Pictured left: UH Professors Matthew Franchek and Ralph Metcalfe hold a device similar to the less costly, smaller, pulse-less, artificial heart they are teaming with area medical experts to create. (photo credit Tom Shea)
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UH Moment: "Earthquake Fault Lines"

Wednesday, October 15, 2008
by: Marisa Ramirez

You may feel steady on your feet, but research from a UH geology professor found more than 300 fault lines around the Bayou City. Hear about it in UH Moment.
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UH Moment: "Veterans History Project"

Wednesday, October 8, 2008
by: Marisa Ramirez

You may not know their names, but UH Veterans Services Office believes you should be familiar with their stories. The group is collecting the stories of war veterans as part of the Veterans History Project. Hear about it in UH Moment.
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UH Moment: "Virtual Reality"

Wednesday, October 1, 2008
by: Marisa Ramirez

Virtual reality isn't just for video games. Researchers at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work are using the technology to asses and treat those with addictions and phobias. Hear about it on UH Moment.
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