Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society
http://www.sigmaxi.org/
Sigma
Xi was founded in 1886 by a small group of students and faculty who believed
the time had come to establish an honor society specifically for scientists,
mathematicians and engineers. The
purpose was to honor excellence in
research, promote interdisciplinary
research and dialogue, and to encourage
a sense of companionship and cooperation among scientists of all fields.
Members are elected by their peers on the basis of the excellence of their
research. Associate members are elected based on demonstrated potential. The
Society's mission was expanded in 1986 to establish new ways to encourage
scientific research, promote the public understanding of science, increase the
scientific literacy of all citizens, and increase the quantity and quality of
scientists, mathematicians and engineers.
Sigma Xi has a special niche among
scientific societies, due to its interdisciplinary
membership and its grass-roots
structure, which encourages activities at the local level. Members are affiliated with one of more than
500 Chapters across North America, a National Chapter at Large, or the
International Chapter. Chapters plan
and conduct their own programs, and also have the option of participating in a
number of activities that are administered through the National
Headquarters. The Mathematics/Science
Teacher Award presented annually to an outstanding local K-12 teacher is one
such program. Members receive award-winning American Scientist magazine (http://www.americanscientist.org/template/OnlineFeaturesLanding),
Sigma Xi awards hundreds of grants (http://www.sigmaxi.org/programs/giar/index.shtml)
annually to promising student researchers and sponsors a variety of
programs that support research ethics, science and engineering education, the
public understanding of science, international research networking and the
overall health of the research enterprise.
Whitman
College/Walla Walla College Chapter #519
http://www.sigmaxi.org/chapters/web/index.php?chapter_id=112
This area is represented by the Whitman College-Walla Walla College Chapter
#519 of Sigma Xi. Our chapter was
founded in 1962. In addition to activities at the national and international
level, the Whitman College/Walla Walla College Chapter is engaged in the
following activities:
Annual
awards to recognize outstanding local K-12 teachers
Annual
dinner to recognize new members, present awards, and provide an opportunity for
collegial interactions among members from the local colleges
Host
outstanding speakers identified and funded through Sigma Xi's National Lecturer
Program, and organize a presentation to the general public as well as to
classes
Organizes a
virtual Science Book Club (if you would like to belong, contact Sue Weiler, weiler@whitman.edu)
Maintains a
distribution list of area teachers interested in science, and posts science
news, opportunities and other announcements of interest to students and teachers.
Organize
seminars by speakers nominated by Sigma Xi members
Recommendations to Sigma Xi for the development of national policy, such as a
policy concerning the use of animals for research
Member
presentations s to local schools
Source of
information about science issues
Provide
delegates to Sigma Xi National meetings
. These delegates vote for Society officers and on issues at the National
level.
May serve on
National Committees and the Board of Directors
Members
are elected to the Society, after having demonstrated research capability,
usually through peer-reviewed publication of their research. Associate members
are elected at the beginning of their careers in recognition of their potential
as research scientists. Our local Chapter identifies and elects students to
associate membership based on outstanding performance of an independently
conducted research project.
