Sigma Xi: The Scientific Research Society: Chapter Web Site

The Virginia Tech Chapter of Sigma Xi, with support from the Virginia Tech Office of Research, gives awards to current undergraduate, master’s level, and doctoral level students for the conduct of research. Recipients are selected on the basis of their academic history, research accomplishments, a brief research proposal, and a letter of support from the student’s research advisor or mentor. All awardees must be full time students at the time of the award and for the duration of the award period. For each recipient, a sponsored program account will be established for the amount of the award, with the respective mentor listed as the principal investigator. The award can be used for the student’s tuition, research materials and related expenses, professional travel, books, and other education and related expenses. Items purchased are expected to follow University purchasing guidelines. Selections will be made by the Awards Committee of the Virginia Tech Chapter of Sigma Xi. Awards issued in 2010 can be used during the period of May 1, 2010 – April 30, 2011.

Please note the selection criteria for awards have changed from previous years. The three award categories are:

1. The Sigma Xi Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Research

a. Candidates are expected to have demonstrated academic excellence, as defined by a 3.0 or above Grade Point Average.

b. Eligible candidates must be actively conducting research during the award period and submit a 1-page statement detailing the nature of the proposed research.

c. Recipients will receive a letter of the award at the annual banquet of Sigma Xi. This letter will indicate the amount of the award and information about access to the award monies. Usual amount of the Undergraduate Research Award will be $1,000.

d. Recipients will also receive a certificate noting their achievements, a one-year membership in the Society, and a ticket to the annual banquet.

2. The Sigma Xi Graduate Award for Master’s Degree Candidates

a. Candidates must have demonstrated above average scholarship as students. A QCA of 3.3 or above is required. They must also be pursuing a Master’s degree as a full time student.

b. Eligible candidates must be actively conducting research during the award period and submit a 1-page statement detailing the nature of the research project.

d. Recipients will also a certificate outlining their achievement, a one-year membership in the Society, and a ticket to the annual banquet.

3. The Sigma Xi Research Award for Ph.D. Degree Candidates

a. Candidates are expected to have exhibited superior academic scholarship and performance in coursework. A QCA of 3.6 or above is required.

b. Eligible candidates must be actively conducting research during the award period and submit a 1-page statement detailing the nature of the research project.

d. Recipients will also receive a certificate outlining their accomplishments, a one-year membership in the Society, and a ticket to the annual banquet.

All nominations should be submitted using the following format. Nominations not following this format will be returned for revision if time permits such revisions to be made. If time does not permit revisions to be made, these nominations will be rejected. Nominations should be submitted electronically.

VT Sigma Xi Research Award Nomination

1. Name of candidate:

2. Type of Award:

3. Department:

4. QCA:

5. Projected date (mo/yr) of graduation:

6. Major Professor/Advisor/Mentor:

7. A brief 1-2 page Resume/CV

8. Title of research proposal along with a 1 page, single-spaced, abstract of the research

9. One page letter of recommendation from Major Professor/Advisor/Mentor

Nominations for all awards are due Dec. 10, 2009. Please check the Events Page for exact deadline. Send nominations to:

Dr. Thomas H. Ollendick, Department of Psychology

Awards Committee Chair, VT Chapter of Sigma Xi

E-mail: tho@vt.edu; Phone: 231-6451

Please visit the Virginia Tech Sigma Xi website for more details about the Society: http://www.sigmaxi.org/chapters/web/index.php?chapter_id=139