SIGMA XI, THE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH SOCIETY
New Orleans Chapter
P.O. Box 19687
New Orleans, LA 70179

CALL FOR MEMBERSHIP NOMINATIONS
The 2004-2005 membership drive is now in progress. Please survey your friends and colleagues and identify prospective new members. Nomination forms are available from the secretary, Carol Carter-Wientjes (SRRC, 286-4322). Please return completed nomination forms to the Membership Committee Chair, Hurley Shepherd (SRRC, 286-4376).

Note that FULL membership requires that the nominee has demonstrated noteworthy achievement in research that is documented by at least one publication, patent, written report, or thesis/ dissertation. ASSOCIATE membership requires demonstration of research aptitude in the form of independent investigation that has resulted in a written report that can be made available to the Admissions Committee upon request.

NOMINATIONS FOR AWARDS
Three awards will be given at our Gold Medal Award dinner in May. Our Chapter's Gold Medal award dinner was held on May 4, 2004 at a local restaurant, Wolfe's of New Orleans. Our invited speaker, Dr. Stephen A. Nelson, Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences, Tulane University New Orleans, presented an informative seminar on "Why Did the Sky Fall in Uptown New Orleans? The Story of the New Orleans Meteorite." If you wish to make nominations for these awards, please contact our Awards Committee chairpersons by March 31, 2005:

Gold Medal Award: For outstanding Undergraduate Research Award for a student from the Greater New Orleans Area. Contact Deepak Bhatnagar (SRRC, 286-4388). In 2004 the Gold medal Award was presented to Xavier University, New Orleans, Student Dorian Flowers. A close runner-up was Jason Bono of University of New Orleans, who was awarded a certificate of recognition.

Research Support Award: Awarded for meritorious service to persons associated with scientific endeavors in non-scientific positions. Contact Bruce Ingber (SRRC, 286-4236). In 2004 the award went to the Information Technology Department of CUBE Corporation at Southern Regional Research Center, USDA, New Orleans.

Pre-College Science/Math Educator Award: For noteworthy pre-college science or math educators. Previous nominators are encouraged to update their nomination packets for reconsideration for the current year's award. Contact Sarah Lingle Phone: 504-286 4488.

CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP UPDATE
As of July, 2004, our chapter has 97 active members and 66 inactive members. Last year we added three new members to the chapter. There is a link on this page that can also connect you to the National home page. Many chapter activities can now be conducted electronically.

This newsletter is currently sent to all active and a portion of inactive members of our chapter. If you no longer wish to receive our mailings, please contact the chapter secretary, Carol Carter-Wientjes. Please note that at this time we will not remove anyone from the list without notification and that it is not necessary to contact the secretary to remain on the list.

I look forward to an exciting and productive year. Please let us know how we can improve our activities, and interact with the local scientific community at large in the Greater New Orleans Area. We welcome your research and financial support so that we can continue our dynamic interaction with local schools, colleges, universities and research centers.

Carol Carter-Wientjes
Secretary, New Orleans Chapter
504-286-4322
ccarter@srrc.ars.usda.gov