HOWARD S. MATIS

Present Position

Affiliate Staff Scientist Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Chapter Affiliation

Member-at-Large

Background Information

CV
Biography

Statement

Sigma Xi represents both students who are beginning their career in science and scientists who are actively contributing. This function is unique and important for science. If elected, I will strongly support this purpose.

Last year, I was on the organizing committee for the Sigma Xi San Francisco annual meeting and one of the judges of the student poster session. I was very impressed with the quality of the talks both from the professionals and the students. What is distinctive of Sigma Xi is that it allows students early in their career to present their research to a national audience. This exposure gives them a glimpse of what a future career in science will be and allows them to experience the frontiers of science. This experience is important. Shortly, I will be working with the Sigma Xi on this year’s meeting, and look forward to those endeavors.

Sigma Xi provides exceptional guidance to student scientists early in their career and this effort must be sustained. Sigma Xi must be a national voice for them so they can continue in science throughout their education. Sigma Xi is one organization that can provide a voice at a national level as they do research.

It is important that Sigma Xi continue in its mission to encourage young people to learn the basis of science and then to find a satisfactory career. The only way science can continue to thrive is for us to encourage all of individuals, no matter what the economic background, ethnicity, or gender.  Simply, we must allow the very brightest and best to thrive without any significant impediments.  If elected to this position, I will do whatever I can to make sure that science in the United States is freely open to anyone who wishes to participate.

Throughout my career, I have been passionate about bringing the current knowledge of science to students of all levels and to the general public. By being elected as a regional director, I will be able to take this passion and assist Sigma Xi with its educational mission. It is important that the public be exposed to the latest scientific discoveries. Unfortunately, during this time there are a handful of groups pushing anti- science agendas. Sigma Xi is a voice for science and that effort needs to be strongly supported.  It is absolutely necessary for maintaining a strong voice for the truth.