2006 Assembly of Delegates:
Southwest Regional Director

2006 Sigma Xi Annual Meeting and Student Research Conference

November 2-5, 2006
Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center
Detroit, Michigan

Name: W. R. (Bill) Klemm

Present Position: Professor of Neuroscience
Organization: Texas A&M University

Address: Dept. Veterinary Integrative Biosciences
4458, TAMU
Texas A&M University
College Station, TX 77843-4458
USA

Telephone: 979-845-4201
FAX: 979-847-8981
E-mail: wklemm@cvm.tamu.edu
Web: www.cvm.tamu.edu/wklemm, thankyoubrain.com

Chapter Affiliation: Texas A&M University

Candidate's Statement: Membership in Sigma Xi should be more than a bullet on the resume, an annual banquet, and a few lectures. Chapter revitalization is a special problem for our Society. Sigma Xi needs special programs that appeal to members at chapter institutions. When I was President of my local chapter, I put in place several initiatives and operational procedures that helped us to revitalize, stay active, and to develop a continuous stream of new leaders (we have been repeatedly recognized with "Chapter of Excellence" awards). I led two local chapter initiatives that have become institutionalized: 1) an annual research workshop on different themes each year, and 2) a program that promotes undergraduate research. I am currently leading an effort to institutionalize a program that will engage the university more fully in K-12 outreach and partnerships. At the national level, my first term as SW Regional Director expired in 2000. At that time, I became a Board member pioneer in the reorganization initiative that led to restructuring of the Board and to the creation of constituency groups. I chose not to run for re-election as Southwest Regional Director so that I could help the Research and Doctoral Constituency get organized.

My current efforts on behalf of Sigma Xi are focused on identifying ways that chapters can re-vitalize, and I am giving a scheduled presentation as well as posters at the Detroit meeting to share what I have learned. (I hope you can attend my presentation at this annual meeting and see my posters.) If elected to Director, I will be responsive to member needs and desires and intend to provide effective leadership to further the aims of Sigma Xi and chapters in our region. Another thing I would work for is to increase the opportunities for Associate Directors to serve Sigma Xi. Currently, there is not much they are authorized to do. As President of AAAS Southwestern and Rocky Mountain Division, I will also have the opportunity to build some bridges with AAAS and learn from that organization's experiences. Though not chapter based, AAAS also has regional organization and has some good regional meetings.

Sigma Xi and Other Activities: National Sigma Xi: Regional Director, Southwest Region (1997-2000); SW Region Nominating Committee (1993-1995, Chairman, 2004-2006), Sigma Xi Committee on Meetings (2004); Sigma Xi Program Committee (1999-2001); Associate Director, RDU Constituency (1999-2002; re-elected, 2003-2006); RDU Constituency Nominating Committee (1999-2001); Texas A&M Chapter of Sigma Xi: President (1990-91); Vice President (1989-1990); Treasurer (1985-1989); creator of the annual interdisciplinary workshop (1991-present); Undergraduate Research Taskforce Chairman (1999-2000); Chairman, Committee on Educational Outreach and Partnerships (2006- ), "Distinguished Service Award" (2001); "Science Communicator Award" (1994); Executive Committee (1994-present); "Distinguished Scientist Award" (1971).

Biographical Information: My research at the University of Notre Dame, Iowa State University and Texas A&M University has focused on brain research. I have has published 10 books and over 400 research papers. My latest book is on what science reveals about how to improve everyday memory (see http://thankyoubrain.com), and I have a book in review on the biology of armadillos. Funding sponsors of my research have included the U. S. Air Force, several of the National Institutes of Health and the U. S. Department of Agriculture. Recognition includes serving on the Editorial Boards of six scientific journals, five educational technology journals, and a university press. I received the Distinguished Achievement Award in Research from Texas A&M University and the Distinguished Scientist Award from the A&M chapter of Sigma Xi. The research for which I am best known deals with brainstem mechanisms of immobility behavior, animal electroencephalography, and membrane mechanisms of action of alcohol. I have also had experience in Research and Development Planning for the U.S. Air Force Reserves, serving in the rank of Colonel. Currently, I am Co-PI and Project Director on two federal grants (NIH, NSF) aimed at creating multi-media science curricula for middle schools.

Name: Martha A. Mann

Present Position: Associate Professor and Graduate Advisor, Psychology; Campus Director, LSAMP Program
Organization: University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas

Address: Department of Psychology
UT Arlington
Box 19528
Arlington, TX 76019
USA

Telephone: 817-272-3239
FAX: 817-272-2364
E-mail: mann@uta.edu

Chapter Affiliation: University of Texas, Arlington

Candidate's Statement: I would enjoy serving as the Director of the Southwest region and would work hard to improve our national voice and membership numbers, processes that require periodic review and re-vitalization. As campus director of the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) program, an NSF initiative to recruit and retain historically under-represented persons in STEM fields, I have learned many lessons about the challenges we face as a nation and as a scientific society in attracting students to science and engineering careers. Lately, I have been educating myself about the many crises in education we face, particularly in the critical and creative thinking fields of science and engineering. I hope that every member of Sigma Xi will read books such as Hersh and Merrow's Declining by Degrees to inform themselves better about the risks associated with inertia and inaction in education at this critical time.

Sigma Xi and Other Activities: Sigma Xi, UT Arlington Chapter, Treasurer, 1996-2002; Vice-President, 2002-2005, President, 2005-present; Sigma Xi, International Liaison, Southwest Region, Member, Research and Doctoral Universities Constituency Group, 1998-2004; Papers presented: Mann, M. A. Improving the process to issue visas: A synopsis of the American Council on Education proposals. A report to the Assembly of Delegates from Research and Doctoral Universities, Sigma Xi Annual Meeting, Raleigh, NC, October, 2001; Mann, M. A. Networking Luncheon Workshop: How to be your own best mentor in graduate school. Sigma Xi Annual Meeting and Student Research Conference, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, November, 2004. Other memberships: Behavior Genetics Association, International Society for Developmental Psychobiology, Society for Behavioral Neuroendocrinology.

Biographical Information: MARTHA A. MANN. BA (Biology and Chemistry majors; Physics and Psychology minors) Anna Maria College, 1975; MA (Psychology) Anna Maria College, 1977; PhD (Biopsychology) State University of New York at Albany, 1983. As part of the Neuroscience and Animal Behavior faculties of Psychology and Biology, I have taught courses of a survey nature such as Foundations of Science as well as more focused content such as Behavior Genetics and Developmental Psychobiology. My research interests (past and present) include: hormonal and genetic influences on aggression and parental care in mice; the behavior and ecology of sea turtles; and evolutionary interpretations of jealousy in men and women. I am currently developing a curriculum in community service learning that will pair undergraduates who have completed research methods courses with high school students who are working on science projects.

Name: Richard Edward Miller

Present Position: Director, Federal Compliance and Policy Administration
Organization: TEES Engineering Experiment Station - Texas A&M University System
Position as of October 1, 2006: Associate Vice Chancellor for Research
Organization: University of California, Merced

Address: 4304 Hyde Park Lane
Bryan, TX 77802
USA

Telephone: 979-862-6313
FAX: 979-862-7553
E-mail: rich-miller@tamu.edu

Chapter Affiliation: Texas A&M University

Candidate's Statement: There is a continuing emphasis on research activity. The statistics confirm that research funding is increasing. There is a number of professional organizations that react and respond to the changing landscapes. Sigma Xi must position itself to find a niche in all of this activity and represent the interests of the research enterprise. Our partners should be AAAS, COGR, FDP, NCURA, SRA at the national/international levels. There are comparable opportunities that exist on each campus. Sigma Xi must put forth some effort to support the research enterprise. In addition, Sigma Xi has been established as an organization that embraces multi disciplinary and interdisciplinary research. It is becoming fashionable to deviate from the traditional lines of research. We need to exploit our position and step up to support and strengthen interdisciplinary efforts.

Sigma Xi and Other Activities: I have functioned as Vice President and President of the TAMU chapter on two occasions. I have represented the TAMU chapter at three annual conventions. My current responsibility is as Executive Director of the chapter. In this latter responsibility I attempt to relieve the Chapter officers of the day-to-day tasks of operating a chapter.

Biographical Information: I attended Stevens Institute of Technology and obtained a bachelor's degree in engineering in 1959. After undergraduate training I accepted a position at The Boeing Company in Seattle Washington, missile division. I attended the University of Washington and earned the PHD in Physical Chemistry in 1966. I had postdoctoral experiences at Princeton, MIT and Penn. State University. I assumed administrative positions Michigan State University and The Ohio State University. Currently I am at Texas A&M University, where I have been employed in a variety of research positions for 22 years. While at TAMU I earned an MBA (1987). I was a consultant to SpectraPhysics Corporation in California. Professional organizations include SRA, NCURA, COGR, PLU (the Chemistry Honorary where I was National Treasurer).

Name: Marshall David Sundberg

Present Position: Professor
Organization: Emporia State University

Address: 1200 Commercial Street
Emporia, KS 66801
USA

Telephone: 620-341-5605
FAX: 620-341-5607
E-mail: msundber@emporia.edu

Chapter Affiliation: Emporia State University

Candidate's Statement: I was elected by a liberal arts college chapter and served as a chapter officer at two regional comprehensive universities and a major research university with additional membership from local industries. While the mission of Sigma Xi is universal, the challenges for chapters to meet these goals vary considerably depending on the nature and resources of the institution. However, regardless of size and make-up of the chapter, I have found that two things are common to chapter success. First, because student-active science education is the best way to foster an understanding of science, local chapters can advance our cause by promoting scientific inquiry at k-16 and beyond. Second, it is easier to recruit and retain members if the chapter is clearly visible in the host institution and in the community. As director I will proactively work with regional chapters to invigorate their programs and recognize new members through initiation into the Society.

Sigma Xi and Other Activities: Active since election, 1974 (Carleton College Chapter); currently serving on nominating committee of Southwest region and Past- President, Emporia State University (ESU) Chapter (founding Chapter President, 1998); previous service includes Secretary and Vice-President (ESU, Louisiana State University [LSU], and University of Wisconsin Eau Claire/Stout Chapters), and President (LSU and ESU Chapter); represented all three Chapters at National Meetings.

Biographical Information: Professor of Botany, Emporia State University. BA, Carleton College (1971); MA, PhD, University of Minnesota (1973, 1978). Faculty member, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (1987-85), Louisiana State University (1985-1997), Emporia State University (1997-present). Fellow, Linnean Society of London; American Institute of Biological Sciences, Council member (1992-5) Education Committee Member (1994-95. 1997-2002); Editorial Board, Cell Biology Education (2001-present); Botanical Society of America, Centennial Award (2006), Charles H. Bessey Award (1992), Editor, Plant Science Bulletin (2000-present), Chairperson, Membership and Appraisal Committee(1997-8), Education Committee (1991-3, 2000-present), Teaching Section (1983-4); National Science Teachers Association, Review Panel, Journal of College Science Teaching (1998-2001).

Name: Stanley A. White

Present Position: Independent Consultant

Address: 433 East Avenida Cordoba
San Clemente, CA 92672
USA

Telephone: 949-498-5519
FAX: 949-498-6129
E-mail: sawhite@aol.com

Chapter Affiliation: Orange County

Candidate's Statement: Sigma Xi is losing members, recognition and prestige because it is an "invisible" organization in spite of all that it does and the achievements of its membership. This is the organization's most pressing problem. Fix that and other solutions will fall in line. Headquarters and chapters have their work cut out for them. We have to become "salesmen for science," otherwise we'll just quietly slip away.

Sigma Xi and Other Activities: Sigma Xi - I was inducted into Sigma Xi at Purdue University in 1965 and into the Autonetics Club of RESA at North American Aviation, Anaheim, CA in 1966. When Sigma Xi and RESA were merged in the early 70's', I served as Treasurer of the merged Autonetics Club 1974-1980. When the Autonetics Club was threatened with dissolution (so was the company) in 1987, I established a benevolent dictatorship to gather up the homeless Sigma Xi current and former members throughout the County, embraced the orphaned students and faculty of California State University at Fullerton as their Sigma Xi Club disintegrated and launched in 1988 the Orange County Club. I conducted a successful campaign (realized in 1991) to get us moved to Chapter status, and served as President 1988-2000 and 2005 'till now. I've been a delegate to the national meeting more times than I could count. My proudest claim: successful matching of many unemployed OC aerospace workers among the Sigma Xi ranks with job openings in various areas.

Other: I'm a Fellow of the AAAS, NYAS, IEEE (institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics), and IAE (Institute for the Advancement of Engineering). I was awarded the IEEE Centennial Medal, Third Millennium Medal, Circuits & Systems Society Technical Achievement Award and Golden Jubilee Medal; the Vladimir Karapetoff Award for outstanding achievements in Navigation and Flight Control; and the Leonardo da Vinci Medallion (Rockwell International's highest award for technical and scientific achievement for (a) Spacecraft Systems Project Engineer for navigation, guidance and control of the Viking Mars Lander, (b) design of the digital flight control system of the B-1A bomber and (c) for development of PDAP, the programmable digital autopilot for tactical missiles.) Served on DoD, NSF, Electronics Industries Association (EIA) and other engineering committees; chaired 6 major international signal-processing conferences.

Biographical Information: b. 9/25/31, Providence RI; father was a Civil Engineer/War Department Agent, so I grew up everyplace east of the Mississippi, attended 8 elementary schools in 7 states and graduated from Indianapolis' Shortridge HS in 1949, served 2 years in the US Army infantry (radio operator) and 4 in the US Air Force Strategic Air Command (SHORAN field station commander). Hit the Purdue Campus in 1955 in West Lafayette, IN with wife and kids; held every kind of campus job imaginable and worked in the Aircraft Engineering Dept. of Allison Div. of General Motors in Indianapolis to make ends meet until I had my BSEE, MSEE and Ph.D (joint EE and aero & engineering sciences major) with commendations. I enjoyed a glorious career at North American Aviation (remember those great warbirds?)/North American Rockwell (Apollo)/Rockwell International (Space Shuttle & B-1A), retired as division Chief Scientist in 1990, served as President of Signal Processing and Controls Engineering (SPACE) Corp until 2000; as Scientific Advisor to Rockwell International/Boeing North American/Boeing and Consultant to both Honeywell Defense & Space Systems Div and Scientific Drilling International until 2003. Served as Lecturer in Aerospace Engineering at UCLA and Adjunct Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at UCI from 1959 'till 1994. Authored over 100 research articles in the open literature and coauthored 3 engineering texts; hold 82 US and many foreign patents an guidance, navigation, control and communications technologies. Founded the Orange County Chapters of the IEEE Signal Processing Society and Aerospace & Electronics Systems Society.