June 2009
Sigma Xi Member Newsletter
Welcome to your Member eBlast. This communiqué depends on your news and views. So e-mail us now at development@sigmaxi.org. We always welcome your contributions.
N.B.: Dates in parenthesis after Members' names denotes their year of induction into Sigma Xi.
IN THIS ISSUE
FIRST EVER BRIEF MEMBER TELEPH0NE SURVEY IN JUNE
In April, the Board of Directors approved a telephone survey of select Sigma Xi members to be conducted by Board members and Sigma Xi staff during June 2009 to seek member opinions about three future initiatives being considered. All survey calling will be done on weekdays, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. We encourage each member that receives a call to participate in the 3-4 minute opinion collecting exercise. Thank you for your continuing support of the Society!
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AN INTERVIEW WITH HAROLD VARMUS
American Scientist associate editor CATHERINE CLABBY spoke with HAROLD VARMUS about lessons he has learned and about some pressing scientific policy issues. Varmus and J. MICHAEL BISHOP (1993) won the 1989 Nobel Prize in Medicine for unlocking secrets about the genetic origins of cancer with their studies of retroviruses. In the 1990s, he ran the National Institutes of Health. Today Varmus is president of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and co-chair of President Obama's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. Read the interview here:
http://www.americanscientist.org/bookshelf/pub/an-interview-with-harold-varmus
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JOIN THE WORLD SCIENCE FORUM
On May 29, The World Science Podcast launched a new feature: Online discussions hosted by scientists and experts. The first topic is decision making-- how you do it (or don't), and what goes on in your brain when you choose. Science writer JONAH LEHRER, author of the book "How We Decide," was online over the course of several days to offer his insights into the neuroscience of deciding. Come join the conversation through June 5. And if you miss this round, don't worry...it's the first of many such lively discussions to be found at http://www.theworld.org/science
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LISTEN TO THE WORLD SCIENCE PODCAST
Every Friday, The World Science Podcast brings you the best science news from around the globe. This new program is part of an NSF-funded collaboration between Public Radio International and Sigma Xi. As part of the show, Sigma Xi's ELSA YOUNGSTEADT (2009) chats with host DAVID KOHN about the week's top headlines from our daily Science in the News e-newsletter, now in its 11th year. To listen in, visit: http://www.theworld.org/rss/science.xm
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JOIN JUNE 11 CONVERSATION WITH THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Join fellow Sigma Xi members Thursday, June 11, in an online discussion with Executive Director Jerry Baker. Topics include the Annual Meeting's name change, promotion of the poster session and Sigma Xi's involvement with Geico, Bank of America, Hertz and other companies. To participate, you must register by creating an account with our Web-based service provider WiZiQ. It's simple and free. For more information, visit: http://www.sigmaxi.org/member/membersonly/conversations.shtml
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NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES ELECTS 34 SIGMA XI MEMBERS
This spring the National Academy of Sciences elected 34 Sigma Xi members among 72 new members and 18 foreign associates in recognition of their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research. The NAS is a private advisory organization established by Congress in 1863. For details, visit: http://sigmaxi.org/about/news/2009NAS.shtml
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SIGMA XI'S YEAR OF ENERGY 2009
From the development and implementation of alternative and renewable energy sources, to increased energy efficiency and reduced carbon emissions, science and engineering have enormous roles to play in solving the world's energy crisis. And Sigma Xi is in a unique position to inform and guide government and industry in the development and promotion of affordable, reliable and sustainable energy. Our plans include white papers, blogs, science cafes, a student film competition and a themed Annual Meeting in Houston, Texas, November 12-15. Visit our energy site for more information: http://energy.sigmaxi.org
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CALL FOR WHITE PAPERS ON ENERGY
Share your expertise by submitting a white paper of no more than 2,500 words that argues for a specific approach or solution to some aspect of the energy crisis. Possible topics include technologies to reduce energy demand, ecosystem impacts of renewable energy and basic science underlying energy conservation and energy technology. At the end of the year, Sigma Xi members will vote for the top papers, which we will deliver and promote to relevant policy-makers. White papers must be received by September 18. For author guidelines, visit: http://energy.sigmaxi.org/?page_id=245
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DID SCIENCE FICTION HAVE AN IMPACT ON YOU?
Earlier this year we asked you about the impact of "science fiction" on you personally, and more than 100 responses came in with the widest assortment of stories, author and book recommendations, and suggestions on how to inspire future scientists and engineers. The majority of responses were brief, while a good number were lengthy reflections. Most respondents were from our emeritus membership ranks, but the demographic was remarkably wide (i.e., students to retired-the oldest being 85, women and men, and from almost every discipline). Some of you are published authors of science fiction as well as peer-reviewed scientific articles and books (our own Asimov), and others write just for your own enjoyment. We appreciate those of you who were willing to send us your picture. Our goal is to make your responses available online in July, but we wanted to give the membership one more opportunity, if you have not yet submitted one, respond by June 5 to be included in the cumulative posting. So, DID SCIENCE FICTION HAVE AN IMPACT ON YOU? If you have a recent picture please attach it to your response (.jpg or .tif) though this is not a requirement. Send your response to: development@sigmaxi.org
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SIGMA XI MEMBERS' SCIENCE BLOGS AND WEB SITES
We've posted the first round of science blogs. These diverse sites cover a wide range of topics, from learning and memory to evolution, microbes, physics, skepticism and science in Texas. Visit them at: http://www.sigmaxi.org/member/blogs/index.shtml. If you have a blog about science or technology that you'd like to include, send a brief summary (50 words) describing it and a link to it to: aporter@sigmaxi.org
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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES & SIGMAXILEADERSHIP.ORG
Do you know of volunteer opportunities in your area? Let us know! We'll pass along the information in future eBlasts. Would you like to offer your experience and expertise to address the decline in science and mathematics proficiencies in North American students? One of Sigma Xi's three pillar initiatives is "Transformational Science Education" - which includes thriving partnerships with the National Science Teacher Association (serving the U.S. and Canada), the Pete Conrad Foundation's Spirit of Innovation Awards Competition and the Shodor Education Foundation to promote student achievement and vocational exploration. Volunteers are needed for a variety of science competition judging opportunities, tutorial and coaching openings, and even guest speaker spots all around the nation. Specific Leadership Opportunities listed by our national partners will be updated on the Web site starting June 15 on a monthly basis. Because of short term deadlines, other regional and local opportunities to serve will be matched to the profile you create and sent to you when your availability and interests meet the need of the requesting group. We invite you register your willingness to volunteer your time and expert, please register at http://sigmaxileadership.org. If you have a need for volunteers, you may also submit that request using http://sigmaxileadership.org/feedback form.
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ENGINEER-IN-TRAINING FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Pass it on. Sigma Xi and the Shodor Education Foundation are offering a week-long summer course, June 22-26, at the Sigma Xi Center in Research Triangle Park, N.C., for rising 9th through 12th grade students to explore engineering concepts, design process and vocations. The cost is $350 per high school student (financial assistance available upon request), and the registration deadline is June 18, 2009. For details:
http://sigmaxi.org/programs/education/partner.shodor.shtml
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WEALTH PRESERVATION AND PHILANTHROPIC PLANNING
For the most up-to-date wealth preservation and philanthropic planning information and news, go to http://sigmaxi.giftlegacy.com and click on "Finance News."
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LOOKING FOR PICTURES OF DR. LEROY E. RECORD (1902-2000)
The largest estate gift ever made to Sigma Xi was from the late Dr. Leroy E. Record, a University of Kansas graduate, whose career took him from Schenectady, New York, with General Electric to Hughes Aircraft in Los Angeles to Tektronics in Oregon. The Board of Directors has approved the creation of Sigma Xi's first planned giving recognition society to be named The Leroy Record Society. It will be launched this summer. Sadly, we have never been able to locate a picture of Dr. Record and are hoping for any remembrances of him or pictures that you would be willing to share. Please send them to: pcates@sigmaxi.org.
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CHAPTER NEWS
The University of Toledo Chapter of Sigma Xi is pleased to announce that SALEH JABARIN, professor of chemical and environmental engineering, has won the 2009 Dion D. Raftopoulos/Sigma Xi Award for Outstanding Research, which carries a $1,500 cash award. SURYA NAULI, assistant professor of pharmacology, has received the 2009 Young Faculty Award, which honors a tenure-track faculty member who shows extraordinary promise in their research field. The recipient will receive a $200 award and a certificate.
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SIGMA XI MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
TONY WAGNER (2008) in Austin, Texas, chief technical consultant at Clean Technology International Corporation, writes: "As a member, I wanted to bring you up to date on our cancer treatment development. CTIC has developed a carbon nanoparticle that heats to 700F in 12 seconds in deep penetrating microwaves. Cancer tumors have killed in 10 seconds treatment times. More cellular damage was done by the deep penetrating far IF generated by the nanos than 10 minutes of ionizing radiating. This is important as the fast treatment times do no other tissue damage. The size of the nanos allows them to travel through capillaries, so melanoma can also be treated. For more information, visit: http://www.cleantechnano.com
LAURIE A. STENBERG-NICKOLS (1998) has been named provost and vice president for academic affairs at South Dakota State University.
Life member DIGVIR S. JAYAS (1990) has been appointed vice president of research at the University of Manitoba.
TODD R. KLAENHAMMER (1981), a professor of food bioprocessing and nutrition sciences at North Carolina State University, received the university system's O. Max Gardner Award, which honors a faculty member's body of work and carries a $20,000 cash prize. Klaenhammer has worked at NCSU for 31 years. His research centers on probiotic bacteria, the "good bacteria" found in yogurt and other dairy that boosts immunity. His work has, among other things, led to a new way to deliver the Anthrax vaccine in mice and has helped improve the food-processing industry, making it safer and more productive.
URBANO FRA PALEO (1998), a geography professor at the University of Santiago de Compostela, has received the Sustainable Actions in Social Entrepreneurship Award from the university and the Jaime Vera Foundation, Spain, in recognition of his social commitment and contribution to the transference and generation of knowledge through the INITIA Program. INITIA is designed to initiate underprivileged secondary school students in research that has been implemented by the Iberian Sigma Xi Chapter. He will disseminate this experience and expertise through the Network of Social Entrepreneurship.
Honorary member DAVID PERLMAN (1989), science editor at the San Francisco Chronicle, was recently profiled by the New York Times. His tenure at the Chronicle began in 1940 when was hired as a copy boy. He still works full-time in his cubicle in the corner of the paper's city room.
KRISTI M. TANOUYE (2008) of New Lenox, Illinois, has received the Harriet K. Switzer Leadership Award from Washington University in St. Louis recognizing her significant contributions to the university.
For more news items about Sigma Xi members, visit: http://sigmaxi.org/about/news/mitn.shtml
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SIGMA XI AFFINITY PROGRAMS
Your Society offers a number of affinity programs that include stimulating opportunities for travel and reduced rates on auto insurance and car rentals, among other benefits. For more information, visit: http://www.sigmaxi.org/member/membersonly/index.shtml
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AUTOMATIC ANNUAL DUES RENEWAL
Many Sigma Xi members are opting for the convenience of automatic membership renewal. You can now have your annual dues paid automatically every year via credit card or bank draft. An e-mail notification of the dues deduction will be sent to you after your credit card or bank account has been charged. For more information, visit: http://www.sigmaxi.org/member/dues/autopay.shtml
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WHAT'S YOUR NEWS?
Let us hear from you! We always welcome your contributions to our eBlasts. development@sigmaxi.org
Interim Editor: Charles Blackburn
cblackburn@sigmaxi.org
919-547-5212, or 800-243-6534, ext. 212
Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society
PO Box 13975
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
www.sigmaxi.org
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