2008 Assembly of Delegates:
Northeast Geographic Regional Representative to the Committee on Nominations

2008 Sigma Xi Annual Meeting and Student Research Conference

November 20-23, 2008
Marriott Renaissance Hotel
Washington, D.C.

Name: Sat Bhattacharya

Present Position: President & CEO
Organization: Harlem Children Society

Address: 536 East 82nd Street, Suite # 5F
New York, NY 10028
United States

Telephone: 646-643-8543
E-mail: bhattacs@harlemchildrensociety.org

Chapter Affiliation: Rockefeller University Chapter

Candidate's Statement: It is an honor to be considered for the Sigma Xi’s Committee on Nominations. I’ve had the honor and privilege of spearheading the Rockefeller University Chapter of Sigma Xi, for which I serve as its president since 2004. Not only were we able to re-vitalize the chapter, but also raise its profile in the camaraderie within the society as a leader – implementing scores of programs especially in education and furthering sciences – leading to the chapter getting innumerable awards: Chapter of Excellence, Outstanding Diversity, and Honorary mention for Outstanding Performance. Establishing and creating strategic partnerships, like Harlem Children Society and 100 other organizations to achieve our goals and mission to enhance science education had been a centerpiece of our programs.

Sigma Xi and Other Activities: As the president of the Rockefeller Chapter, we have created one of the best and largest outreach programs in science education – not only locally but also, across the country and globally (creating the next generation of scientists, engineers, doctors and other professionals). This year alone We have over 700 under-resourced and under-served high school and under-graduate students from over 150 schools mentoring with over 100 leading professionals in over 150 institutions, all getting an scholarship of 800-1700$. We have created one of the most innovative programs, which serve as a paradigm for science education across the country and worldwide.

Biographical Information: Dr. Sat Bhattacharya is a Molecular Geneticist and Cancer Research at 'Memorial Sloan Kettering Center'. He also is the Founder, President & CEO of Harlem Children Society. A Fellow at the Royal Microscopic Society at Oxford University in UK, he also holds positions in numerous national and international scientific associations and including as the president of the Rockefeller University Chapter of Sigma Xi, the International Committee of Sigma Xi, panelist on committees of NSF, NSB, and others. He serves on several committees and panels on New York City Mayor’s task force on science education and education reform, and serves as a visiting professor at several universities and institutions world-wide. He also is an advisor to several heads of state and governments on science education policy for several countries across the globe. He is a recipient of several awards and recognition in research, such as the 'Outstanding Young Investigator Award,' the Archie Lacey Award, a Civil Liberties National Honor, accorded by The New York Academy of Sciences. His work and has been featured on local, national and international TV, press and media. The New York Daily News, in their special Thanksgiving week tribute, featured him as one of "50 Unsung New York Heroes." The "Southern Poverty Law Center" has honored him on the 'The Wall of Tolerance' of the ""National Campaign of Tolerance." He is also cited in "Outstanding Intellectuals of the 21st Century" by the International Biographical Center in Cambridge, UK, among others. Among other unique activities he organizes several unique global events - the 'Global Harlem Science Street Fairs and Festivals' – to promote science awareness and seed development of the masses, in a unique celebration of science and culture worldwide. He provides the leadership and dynamic force behind the establishment, evolution and success of science education programs, which serve as a paradigm for science education across the country and worldwide. He hopes to better humanity through education, kindred spirit, and develop a keen sense of discipline to strive towards our goals of common betterment and entrepreneurial spirit to bring peace and prosperity worldwide. He harbors a unique worldview encompassing the virtues of science education for the masses especially the under-resourced and under-served, implementing various sustainable developmental entrepreneurial venture ships at a Glocal scale.

Name: Pamela Katherine Kerrigan

Present Position: Associate Professor
Organization: College of Mount Saint Vincent

Address: 6301 Riverdale Ave
Division of Science
College of Mount Saint Vincent
Riverdale, NY 10471
United States

Telephone: 718-405-3402
E-mail: pamela.kerrigan@mountsaintvincent.edu

Chapter Affiliation: Manhattan College Chapter

Candidate's Statement: I have been a member of Sigma Xi for 14 years. Only recently have I begun to know what resources the society has to offer to its members. By attending the annual meetings I have been exposed to some of what the society offers its members. I feel we should be nominating people that will lead the Society in this new age of technology and should represent various areas of research. We need to get more involvement from the underrepresented members of our organization by nominating them to positions of leadership. Only then will we have more diversity in our leadership to better relate to the nation at large and give greater exposure to the Society.

Sigma Xi and Other Activities: Associate Director of Northeast region (2007-2010), Committee on Nominations (2005-2008), American Chemical Society (20 years), Secretary, NY section (1999-2003), Alternate Councilor, NY section, Task Force for Undergraduate Programs; National Science Teachers Association; Executive President Elect - Gamma Sigma Epsilon, National Chemistry Honor Society; Director of the Summer Advanced Placement Institute at Manhattan College.

Biographical Information: BA - Lakeland College (Chemistry/Biology) 1981; MS - University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 1986; Ph.D. - Arizona State University, 1993. Taught at University of Wis.-La Crosse, 1987-1989, Mary Washington College, Fredericksburg, VA, 1993-1994. Current Position: Associate Professor(1994-present), College of Mount Saint Vincent, Dept. of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Division of Science, Riverdale, NY 10471

Name: Richard B. Peterson

Present Position: Full Scientist
Organization: The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station

Address: Department of Biochemistry and Genetics
The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station
New Haven, CT 06473
United States

Telephone: 203 974-8463
E-mail: Richard.Peterson@po.state.ct.us

Chapter Affiliation: Quinnipiac Chapter

Candidate's Statement: Sigma Xi faces some tough challenges. Our survival as a union of 'companions in science' is on the line. We have a loyal and competent Headquarters staff, a membership that is broad in terms of geographic distribution and discipline, and a proud tradition of mentorship. We continue to depend on bold and creative leadership at the highest levels of the Society to ensure that Sigma Xi’s service to society can continue. I therefore take the responsibility of membership on the Committee on Nominations very seriously and would be honored to participate in this important service.

Sigma Xi and Other Activities: I have been a member of the Quinnipiac Chapter of Sigma Xi for over ten years. As a member and Vice President of the Quinnipiac Chapter I have helped bring about a series of services and accomplishments that make this Chapter one of the most successful in the Society. I have had the privilege of participating seven times as Chapter delegate to the annual meeting and have served two terms of the Northeast Region Committee on Nominations. I was appointed to a term on the national Committee on Resolutions.

Biographical Information: B.A. in biology 1971 from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Ph.D. in biochemistry 1976 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Postdoctoral appointments at Michigan State University and C.F. Kettering Research Laboratory 1976-1979. Currently Full Scientist in the Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, CT, USA. Member of Sigma Xi since 1995.