News
Robotics visit for local children
A group of pupils from Essex's only school for physically
and neurologically impaired children visited the Department of Computer
Science in March to learn about human-centred robotics research.
The 11 youngsters, from Southview School in Witham, learnt about
hands-free control of an intelligent wheelchair, brain-computer interfaces
for robotic control and had a chance to use joystick control technology
for a simulated wheelchair.
It is hoped the visit will pave the way for the Department's Human
centred Robotics group to work closely with children with disabilities, to
understand their needs and develop advanced technologies to improve their
quality of life.
Some of the pupils who took part in the visit
New York launch for firstsite campaign
Members of the University community joined regional
dignitaries and art experts in New York for the US launch of a £3 million
international development campaign for firstsite:newsite.
The campaign, which will be launched in the UK at the House of Lords in
May, aims to generate financial support for Colchester’s new contemporary
visual arts gallery from both sides of the Atlantic.
The Right Honourable Tessa Jowell MP, Secretary of State for Culture,
Media and Sport applauded the project in her keynote speech: ‘As a
state-of-the-art contemporary visual arts space, firstsite:newsite will
become a landmark visitor attraction in the East of England, generating
substantial inward investment into the region and into the UK.’
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Ivor Crewe, and Professors Dawn Ades
and Valerie Fraser of the Department of Art History and Theory were among
the guests.
(left to right) Mary Emerson of the Frick Collection, New York,
Kath Wood, Director of firstsite:newsite, Professor Sir Ivor Crewe,
and Professor Valerie Fraser.
Photo courtesy of firstsite. Photographer: Lola Flash
Accommodation's silver awards
The University’s Residential Services Department has been
awarded two Silver awards in the International Students Barometer (ISB).
The ISB is a survey of 40,000 students
across 40 UK institutions. The awards presented to Essex were for First
Night and Accommodation Office service and covered such areas as arriving
at accommodation, accommodation quality, cost, security and levels of
service. In both categories Essex topped the table for 1994 group
universities.
Darren Baker, Customer Services and Marketing Manager said: ‘We always
strive to provide the best possible service. We pride ourselves on our
ability to exceed students’ expectations and provide a good quality
residential service that enhances the student experience at Essex. Our
housekeeping staff play a pivotal role in student life; offering support,
advice and a friendly ear to many on a daily basis.’
Residential services staff with the awards. (left to right) Brian Woods,
Angie Hogg, Michaela Illingworth, Tony Smith, Mandy Keller, Darren Baker,
Sara French and Lisa Olive
Sociologist meets Essex’s Hong Kong alumni
Dr Rob Stones, Head of the Department of Sociology
Department has recently returned from Hong Kong where he has been
fostering links with Essex alumni and the University of Hong Kong.
He hosted an Alumni Dinner, delivered lectures and seminars, and set up
an exchange agreement around the MA Sociology and Criminology programme
with the University of Hong Kong.
The Alumni Dinner attracted former students from various departments
and was organised by Dr Maggy Lee of Sociology who is currently working at
the University of Hong Kong as an Associate Professor.
Dr Stones’ trip was followed by a visit from Tim Gutsell, of the
International Office, who discussed with Dr Lee ways in which the goodwill
of Essex’s Hong Kong alumni could be channelled for the mutual benefit of
themselves and the University.
Dr Rob Stones with the Essex graduates who attended
the event in Hong Kong
Also in the printed April edition of Wyvern:
- Talent spotting for 2012
- Government's reputation reinforced
- Acting students take to the stage
