RICHARD F. BRADLEY
Present Position
Scientist/Senior Research Engineer and Director, Space Electronics Laboratory (NRAO); Research Professor of Astronomy and Visiting Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering (University of Virginia)
Chapter Affiliation
University of Virginia Chapter
Background Information
CV
Biography
Statement
When our society is faced with many challenges, we look to our leaders for guidance. As members of Sigma Xi, we are all leaders in our chosen fields, in many cases, working quietly in our university laboratories or at field sites, carefully and methodically unraveling the layers of confusing information to contribute a bit of knowledge in the hope that someday we, collectively, will arrive at the truth. It takes a special kind of person to be successful at research – the required attributes will never be found at the surface of any individual, but lie deep within one’s psychological nature. It is incumbent upon us to seek and nurture this special quality within our students, providing opportunities, encouragement, and advice, so they may continue the long held tradition of zealous research that we all cherish. This process is at the core of a healthy, university-based research program and forms the cornerstone of Sigma Xi.
To inform my decision to run for Associate Director of the Research and Doctoral University Constituency, I reached out to the current Director and we had a wonderful conversation about how I could assist her, not only with the functional duties of Sigma Xi, but also with developing effective activities that address issues facing university-based research - crafting pilot programs and gauging their effectiveness. One particular idea stood out – how might we introduce and excite more underrepresented K-12 students in the U.S. about scientific research while simultaneously engaging our Sigma Xi members?
One approach to identifying those students with research potential while advancing inclusion and diversity is to enhance opportunities for more young students to experience the true art of scientific research. For over twenty years, I’ve served as a judge for both regional and state Science and Engineering Fairs in the commonwealth of Virginia. These fairs, the origin of which date back to the 1950’s, provide a unique opportunity for middle and high school students to experience the scientific process first hand, from conceptual design of an experiment to data acquisition and analysis, all of which culminates in both oral and poster presentations at a public forum. While all participating students benefit from the activity, those with experienced mentors always outperform the others. However, this imbalance can be offset through a virtual mentoring program, where Sigma Xi members who are willing to volunteer their time and expertise, are paired with students from disadvantaged areas who are enthusiastic about science but need some guidance with their projects. Such a program is mutually beneficial for our members and students, while providing a pathway for improving diversity among our future researchers. Connections made here could assist students for many years to come.
Since my induction into Sigma Xi in 1988, I’ve served two terms as the Associate Director for the Mid-Atlantic region and then on the Committee on Nominations from 2018-2020, chairing the Committee in 2020. Today, I’m asking you for the opportunity to assist our constituency director in developing such programs that engage our community of science and engineering professionals dedicated to research excellence, promote public engagement with science, and foster the next generation of researchers—activities that fully embrace the value of Sigma Xi membership.